1.Optimizing blood-brain barrier permeability in KRAS inhibitors: A structure-constrained molecular generation approach.
Xia SHENG ; Yike GUI ; Jie YU ; Yitian WANG ; Zhenghao LI ; Xiaoya ZHANG ; Yuxin XING ; Yuqing WANG ; Zhaojun LI ; Mingyue ZHENG ; Liquan YANG ; Xutong LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101337-101337
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) protein inhibitors are a promising class of therapeutics, but research on molecules that effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains limited, which is crucial for treating central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. Although molecular generation models have recently advanced drug discovery, they often overlook the complexity of biological and chemical factors, leaving room for improvement. In this study, we present a structure-constrained molecular generation workflow designed to optimize lead compounds for both drug efficacy and drug absorption properties. Our approach utilizes a variational autoencoder (VAE) generative model integrated with reinforcement learning for multi-objective optimization. This method specifically aims to enhance BBB permeability (BBBp) while maintaining high-affinity substructures of KRAS inhibitors. To support this, we incorporate a specialized KRAS BBB predictor based on active learning and an affinity predictor employing comparative learning models. Additionally, we introduce two novel metrics, the knowledge-integrated reproduction score (KIRS) and the composite diversity score (CDS), to assess structural performance and biological relevance. Retrospective validation with KRAS inhibitors, AMG510 and MRTX849, demonstrates the framework's effectiveness in optimizing BBBp and highlights its potential for real-world drug development applications. This study provides a robust framework for accelerating the structural enhancement of lead compounds, advancing the drug development process across diverse targets.
2.Uniaxial endoscopic intervertebral fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation in treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases
Long TANG ; Jiazhuang ZHENG ; Fandong WANG ; Yuanbin LIU ; Zhaojun SONG ; Zhi ZHANG ; Miao WANG ; Yong ZHOU ; Huiyi LIU ; Yu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(24):3873-3878
BACKGROUND:With the rapid development of minimally invasive spinal surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery,endoscopic intervertebral fusion techniques have gradually emerged and been widely used in clinical practice in recent years. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the early clinical efficacy of uniaxial spinal endoscopic intervertebral fusion combined with posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. METHODS:135 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases treated by uniaxial spinal endoscopic intervertebral fusion combined with posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the Suining Central Hospital from October 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study.There were 59 males and 76 females,aged 47-79 years.The lower limb and lumbar pain was evaluated by visual analog scale and lumbar function was assessed by Oswestry disability index before the operation,1 week,1,and 6 months after the operation,and at the end of follow-up.The overall pain recovery of patients was evaluated by the scoring criteria for low back pain surgery of Spine Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association and the lumbar physiological curvature and intervertebral fusion were evaluated on lumbar lateral X-ray preoperatively and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The 135 patients were followed up for(17.8±3.0)months after surgery.There was 1 case of endplate injury,1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage,1 case of nerve root injury,1 case of intervertebral cage subsidence and displacement,1 case of chronic infection,and 1 case of pedicle screw rupture.The complication rate was 5.2%.(2)The lumbar visual analog scale score and Oswestry disability index significantly decreased in the waist and lower limbs at various time points postoperatively compared with those preoperatively in 135 patients(P<0.05).The scoring criteria for low back pain surgery of the Spine Group of the Chinese Orthopedic Association were significantly better at the last follow-up than that preoperatively in 135 patients(P<0.05).(3)At the last follow-up,there was no significant difference in physiological curvature of lumbar vertebra as compared with that preoperatively in 135 patients(P>0.05),with a fusion rate of 95.8%.(4)It is concluded that uniaxial spinal endoscopic intervertebral fusion combined with posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases has shown satisfactory early clinical results and is a highly safe minimally invasive spinal surgery mode.
3.The predictive values of lung ultrasound score and Downes score for respiratory support strategies in newborns
Lei LI ; Tingting ZHANG ; Yu MA ; Jinhui HU ; Zhaojun PAN ; Rong WU
Chinese Journal of Neonatology 2024;39(2):90-94
Objective:To study the predictive values of lung ultrasound (LUS) score and Downes score in selecting respiratory support strategies for newborns with dyspnea.Methods:From September 2021 to July 2022, newborns admitted to our hospital with dyspnea were selected and assigned into the non-invasive respiratory support (N) group, invasive respiratory support (I) group and control (C) group based on the respiratory support strategies on admission. LUS scores and Downes scores at 6, 24, and 48 h after birth were recorded. ROC curves were drawn to determine the predictive values of LUS and Downes scores for respiratory support strategies.Results:A total of 263 cases were enrolled, including 105 cases in N group, 56 cases in I group and 102 cases in C group. The differences of LUS and Downes scores between the three groups at the same timepoint were statistically significant with I group had the highest scores, N group second and C group lowest ( P<0.05). LUS and Downes scores within each group at different timepoints were significantly different ( P<0.05).In all three groups, LUS and Downes scores were decreased with longer duration of treatment. LUS score, Downes score and PaO 2/FiO 2 were positively correlated with each other ( P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of LUS score and Downes score predicting non-invasive respiratory support within 6 h after birth were 0.900 (95% CI 0.861-0.940, P<0.05) and 0.889 (95% CI 0.847-0.931, P<0.05), respectively, with the same cutoff of 2.5. The AUC of the combination of LUS and Downes scores predicting non-invasive respiratory support was 0.944 (95% CI 0.915-0.973, P<0.05). The AUC of LUS score and Downes score predicting invasive respiratory support were 0.979 (95% CI 0.963-0.995, P<0.05) and 0.831 (95% CI 0.760-0.902, P<0.05), respectively, with the same cutoff of 5.5. The AUC of the combination of LUS and Downes scores predicting invasive respiratory support was 0.985 (95% CI 0.972-0.998, P<0.05). Conclusions:Both LUS score and Downes score have certain predictive values for respiratory support strategies in newborns with dyspnea.
4.Anti-scarring effects of triamcinolone acetonide-loaded hydrogel sustained-release sheeting on stab incision glaucoma surgery in rabbit
Yu HE ; Zhaojun ZENG ; Songjie LU ; Junqiao LIU ; Hanying FAN ; Lin JING ; Suzhen WANG ; Man YAO ; Jing SHU ; Liuzhi ZENG
International Eye Science 2024;24(6):848-856
AIM:To observe the anti-scarring effects and safety of triamcinolone acetonide(TA)-loaded hydrogel sustained-release sheeting on stab incision glaucoma surgery(SIGS)with “one-step tunnel method” in rabbit eyes.METHODS:A total of 48 healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups(12 rabbits in each group), trabeculectomy(Trab)group, SIGS group, polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel(PVAH)sheeting was implanted under the conjunctiva flap during SIGS(PVAH group), and hydrogel sustained-release sheeting loaded with TA was implanted under the conjunctiva flap during SIGS(TA/PVAH group). On the 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after surgery, the intraocular pressure, filtering bubble morphology, anterior chamber reaction, and other complications were observed and recorded in each group. Then animals were euthanized, and the surgery area tissues of right eye were taken for pathological tissue paraffin section. Masson staining, picric acid-Sirius rose red staining, as well as α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)immunohistochemistry staining was performed on every section. The infiltration of inflammatory cells, proliferation of fibroblasts and synthesis of type I and type III collagen fibers in local tissues were observed. The average positive area ratio of α-SMA and FGF2 antibody immunohistochemical staining in each group was calculated and compared.RESULTS: The TA/PVAH group maintained diffuse and elevated functional filtering blebs, while flat filtering blebs appeared in Trab, SIGS and PVAH groups at 2 wk after surgery. Functional filtering blebs were present in 1 eye(33%), 2 eyes(67%)in the PVAH and TA/PVAH group at 4 wk after surgery, respectively, while the other filtering blebs were flattened. Masson staining showed that the hydrogels in PVAH and TA/PVAH groups did not degrade at 4 wk after surgery. Compared with the Trab and SIGS groups, the filtration passages were more obvious, with less collagen fiber proliferation. Sirius red staining showed that the expression of type I collagen and type III collagen in the TA/PVAH group was less than that in the Trab group, SIGS group and PVAH group at 4 wk after surgery. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the α-SMA expression in the TA/PVAH group was significantly lower than that in the Trab and SIGS groups at 1 wk after surgery(P<0.01). The α-SMA expression was the highest in the Trab and SIGS groups at 2 wk after surgery, while the α-SMA expression in the PHAP and TA/PVAH groups was significantly lower than that in the first two groups(P<0.01). Compared with the Trab group, the expression of FGF2 in the PVAH and TA/PVAH group was significantly increased at 1, 2, 3 and 4 wk after surgery(P<0.05). Compared with the SIGS group, FGF2 expression in the TA/PVAH group was significantly increased at 4 wk after surgery(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In SIGS surgery of rabbit eyes, implanting hydrogel sustained-release sheeting loaded with TA under conjunctival flap can effectively inhibit the scarring of the filtering bleb, which may be the interaction of the anti-scar effect of TA and the stent function of hydrogel.
5.Genetic stability analysis of two recombinant rotaviruses harboring foreign gene insertions within the NSP3 region
Shan LI ; Xiafei LIU ; Junjie YU ; Dandi LI ; Zhaojun DUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2024;38(1):1-6
Objective:To analyze the genetic stability of two recombinant rotaviruses (rLLR/NSP3 NLuc) and (rLLR/NSP3 CoV2/RBD) that are inserted and express exogenous genes for continuous passage and proliferation on MA104 cells.Methods:After measuring the titers of two recombinant rotavirus strains, they were transferred to the P2 generation according to MOI0.01. Subsequently, the previous generation of virus lysate was diluted and activated at 1∶100, and MA104 cells were continuously infected for 18 generations (P20). The virus titers of the P1, P5, P10, P15, and P20 generation of cell lysate were measured using indirect immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR identification and dsRNA PAGE silver staining were performed. The luciferase activity of rLLR/NSP3-NLUc was also detected.Results:No inserted fragment loss was found in the recombinant rotavirus rLLR/NSP3 NLuc within 20 generations, with recombinant virus titers ranging from 3.85~5.16 × 10 6 FFU/ml, with strong luciferase signals in each generation. The recombinant rotavirus rLLR/NSP3 CoV2/RBD showed loss of inserted fragments in the 6th generation, with infectivity titers ranging from 2.6 to 3.36 in the first 5 generations of the recombinant virus × 10 6 FFU/ml. Conclusions:The recombinant rotavirus with 582 bp NLuc inserted at the end of the NSP3 gene has good genetic stability, while the recombinant rotavirus with 885 bp RBD inserted at the end of the NSP3 gene was only stable in the first 5 generations, indicating that foreign genes can be inserted at the end of the NSP3 gene of the recombinant rotavirus, and the insert can express, but its stability requires more in-depth research.
6.Somatic CDKN2A copy number variations are associated with the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell dysplasia
Zhiyuan FAN ; Jing ZHOU ; Yuan TIAN ; Yu QIN ; Zhaojun LIU ; Liankun GU ; M. Sanford DAWSEY ; Wenqiang WEI ; Dajun DENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(8):980-989
Background::Somatic copy number variations (SCNVs) in the CDKN2A gene are among the most frequent events in the dysplasia-carcinoma sequence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, whether CDKN2A SCNVs are useful biomarkers for the risk stratification and management of patients with esophageal squamous cell dysplasia (ESCdys) is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognostic value of CDKN2A SCNVs in patients with mild or moderate (m/M) ESCdys. Methods::This study conducted a prospective multicenter study of 205 patients with a baseline diagnosis of m/M ESCdys in five high-risk regions of China (Ci County, Hebei Province; Yanting, Sichuan Province; Linzhou, Henan Province; Yangzhong, Jiangsu Province; and Feicheng, Shandong Province) from 2005 to 2019. Genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin biopsy samples and paired peripheral white blood cells from patients, and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, P16-Light, was used to detect CDKN2A copy number. The cumulative regression and progression rates of ESCdys were evaluated using competing risk models. Results::A total of 205 patients with baseline m/M ESCdys were enrolled. The proportion of ESCdys regression was significantly lower in the CDKN2A deletion cohort than in the diploid and amplification cohorts (18.8% [13/69] vs. 35.0% [28/80] vs. 51.8% [29/56], P <0.001). In the univariable competing risk analysis, the cumulative regression rate was statistically significantly lower ( P = 0.008), while the cumulative progression rate was higher ( P = 0.017) in ESCdys patients with CDKN2A deletion than in those without CDKN2A deletion. CDKN2A deletion was also an independent predictor of prognosis in ESCdys ( P = 0.004) in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion::The results indicated that CDKN2A SCNVs are associated with the prognosis of ESCdys and may serve as potential biomarkers for risk stratification.
7.Endovascular isolation of proximal aortic intimal rupture for the treatment of type A aortic intramural hematoma with pericardial effusion:observation of short-term efficacy
Shengkang ZHANG ; Xiaoqing YIN ; Zhaojun XU ; Zhaoli WANG ; Jin YANG ; Yu CHENG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(8):839-843
Objective To explore the short-term efficacy of endovascular isolation treatment for type A aortic intramural hematoma(AIH)with pericardial effusion,and to discuss the endovascular isolation treatment strategy for type A AIH with pericardial effusion.Methods A total of 12 patients with type A AIH complicated by pericardial effusion,who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China between February 2018 and November 2021,were enrolled in this study.Before surgery,the intima of the ascending aorta was intact in all patients,but a rupture at the proximal intima of the aortic arch or the thoracic descending aorta was detected.All patients received endovascular isolation treatment.Among them,4 patients received endovascular isolation treatment within one week after the onset of disease,and 8 patients received selective operation after receiving conservative treatment for one week.The patients were followed up for one year.Results Among the patients who received endovascular isolation treatment within one week after the onset of disease,one patient recovered smoothly,two patients developed type A dissection within 3 months after surgery,and one died early after surgery.All the 8 patients,who received selective operation after receiving conservative treatment for one week,recovered smoothly.Conclusion For patients with type A AIH complicated by mild to moderate pericardial effusion,selective endovascular isolation treatment after receiving the conservative treatment to alleviate the ascending aortic hematoma can achieve ideal therapeutic effect.
8.An animal research on the application of drag-and-bond anastomosis in the anastomosis between bladder and intestine
Xiangda XU ; Shuaiyun XIAO ; Jianbiao HUANG ; Zhaojun YU ; Haichao CHAO ; Tao ZENG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2023;44(5):376-380
Objective:To explore the feasibility of anastomosis between bladder and intestine of experimental rabbit by drag anastomosis.Methods:In this study 40 Japanese big-eared rabbits were randomly divided into two groups through random number table, the experimental group and the control group, each group with 20 rabbits. In the experimental group, the bladder neck was fixed to the catheter and then the catheter was drawn outward. With the traction of the catheter, the bladder neck was anastomosed with the distal intestinal tube by means of suture free. The control group was anastomosed by regular interrupted suture of bladder and intestine. The operation time, anastomosis time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative urinary leakage rate and postoperative anastomotic healing of rabbits in the two groups were compared.Results:The operation time of the experimental group was shorter than that of the traditional interrupted suture anastomosis group [(33.26±2.79)min vs. (35.25±1.83)min, P=0.014]. The anastomosis time of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the traditional interrupted suture anastomosis group[(7.55±1.2)min vs. (8.65±1.03 min), P=0.005]. The intraoperative blood loss in the experimental group was similar to that in the control group[(6.47±2.41) ml vs. (6.75±1.83) ml, P=0.691]. The event of contrast media extravasation occurred in 2 of the 10 experimental rabbits after receiving cystography in the experimental group, and the urinary leakage rate was 20%(2/10). In the control group, contrast media extravasation occurred in 1 of the 9 experimental rabbits after receiving cystography, and the urinary leakage rate was 11.1%(1/9), and the difference of the two groups was not statistically significant ( P=0.348). Anastomotic healing score was (2.0±0.7) in the experimental group, and (2.1±0.74) in the control group ( P=0.767). Conclusions:The bladder-intestine drag-and-bond anastomosis technique, with significantly shorter anastomosis time, was feasible, easy and convenient. Our research provides an experimental and theoretical basis for the clinical application of drag-and-bond anastomosis technique in clinic.
9.miR-497 inhibits the growth and metastasis of SGC-7901 human gastric cancer anoikis resistant cells via blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Li YU ; Ying XU ; Jingrui YANG ; Liu GAO ; Haixiang LI ; Zihan WANG ; Zhaojun ZHANG ; Yunzhi LING
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2023;39(7):617-625
Objective To investigate the effects of microRNA497 (miR-497) on the metastasis of gastric cancer and its possible molecular mechanism. Methods SGC-7901 gastric cancer parent cells were cultured in an ultra-low adhesion environment, and the anoikis resistance model of SGC-7901 cells was created after re-adhesion. Clone formation assay, flow cytometry, TranswellTM test and scratch healing test were used to detect the differences of biological behavior compared with their parent cells. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-497. Western blot analysis was used to detect the changes of key proteins of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) related proteins such as vimentin and E-cadherin. Parent cells and anoikis resistant SGC-7901 cells were transfected with miR-497 inhibitor or miR-497 mimic, and CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation activity. TranswellTM invasion assay was performed to detect the invasion ability of cells. TranswellTM migration test and scratch healing assay was used to determine the migration ability. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, vimentin and E-cadherin. By transfecting miR-497 mimic into the anoikis resistance SGC-7901 cells and inoculating them subcutaneously in nude mice, the changes in the volume and mass of tumor tissues were measured and recorded. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, vimentin and E-cadherin of tumor tissues. Results Compared with the parent cells, the anoikis resistance SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells had faster proliferation rate, stronger colony formation, lower apoptosis rate, stronger invasion and migration ability. The expression of miR-497 was significantly decreased. After down-regulation of miR-497, the proliferation ability, invasion and migration ability were significantly enhanced. The expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin and vimentin increased significantly, while E-cadherin decreased notably. The results of up-regulation miR-497 were the opposite. The tumor growth rate, tumor volume and mass of miR-497 overexpression group were significantly lower than those of control group. The expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin and vimentin decreased significantly, while the expression of E-cadherin increased significantly. Conclusion The expression of miR-497 is low in the anoikis resistance SGC-7901 cells. miR-497 can inhibit the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT.
Animals
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Mice
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Humans
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beta Catenin/metabolism*
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Vimentin/metabolism*
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Stomach Neoplasms/pathology*
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Anoikis/genetics*
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Wnt Signaling Pathway/genetics*
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Mice, Nude
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Cell Proliferation/genetics*
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Cadherins/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics*
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Cell Movement/genetics*
10.Analysis of genetic evolution of parechovirus in neonates from Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital in 2021
Xiaohua MA ; Leyun XIE ; Sasa CHAI ; Shenghui GAO ; Aimin ZHANG ; Tian YU ; Guisen ZHENG ; Lili LI ; Saizhen ZENG ; Zhaojun DUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2023;37(2):184-188
Objective:To understand the prevalence of human parechovirus (HPeV) in neonates of Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, and analyze genetic evolutionary characteristics.Methods:From June to September 2021, fecal samples of inpatient neonates were collected in Hunan Provincial People′s Hospital. TaqMan real-time qPCR and RT-PCR were used for HPeV screening and genotyping. High-throughput sequencing and PCR were used to obtain whole genomes. Phylogenetic analysis was performed after sequencing.Results:A total of 123 fecal samples of neonates were collected, of which 22 were HPeV positive, with 17.89% positive rate. All the strains belonged to the HPeV-1 genotype. One full-length genomic sequence of 7 269 bp were obtained, and provisionally named Hunan/HPeV/2021, which has the highest nucleotide identity with known HPeV-1 genotype, with 86.6%-91.9% nucleotide identity. The nucleotide and amino acid identity of open reading frame (ORF) with known similar sequences were 90.3%-92.6% and 97.3%-98.3%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Hunan/HPeV/2021 belongs to the HPeV-1 genotype, which is clustered into the same clade as the popular HPeV-1 strains in China.Conclusions:HPeV has a high prevalence in inpatient neonates of Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital and belong to the HPeV-1 genotype.

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