1.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
2.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
3.Phenotypic plasticity and secretory heterogeneity in subpopulations derived from single cancer cell.
Zhun LIN ; Siping LIANG ; Zhe PU ; Zhengyu ZOU ; Luxuan HE ; Christopher J LYON ; Yuanqing ZHANG ; Tony Y HU ; Minhao WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2723-2735
Single-cell analysis of phenotypic plasticity could improve the development of more effective therapeutics. Still, the development of tools to measure single-cell heterogeneity has lagged due to difficulties in manipulating and culturing single cells. Here, we describe a single-cell culture and phenotyping platform that employs a starburst microfluidic network and automatic liquid handling system to capture single cells for long-term culture and multi-dimensional analysis and quantify their clonal properties via their surface biomarker and secreted cytokine/growth factor profiles. Studies performed on this platform found that cells derived from single-cell cultures maintained phenotypic equilibria similar to their parental populations. Single-cell cultures exposed to chemotherapeutic drugs stochastically disrupted this balance to favor stem-like cells. They had enhanced expression of mRNAs and secreted factors associated with cell signaling, survival, and differentiation. This single-cell analysis approach can be extended to analyze more complex phenotypes and screen responses to therapeutic targets.
4.The mechanism of miR-10b targeting TGFBR1/SMAD3 pathway on chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy in idiopathic short stature
Na HU ; Zhengyu LI ; Chunfeng YE ; Ying WU ; Qing YAO ; Shixiang HUANG ; Wen LI ; Haiqin ZHU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(2):124-128
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of microRNA-10b(miR-10b)on idiopathic short stature(ISS).Methods A total of 54 children with ISS and 54 healthy children were collected.The serum expression of miR-10b was detected by RT-qPCR,and the relationship between serum miR-10b expression and clinical data of children with ISS was analyzed.miR-10b inhibitor,si-TGFBR1 and their negative control transfection C28/I2 cells were used.CCK-8 experimental detection was used to detect C28/I2 cell proliferation.Western blot assay was used to detect gnome related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),collagen type X alpha 1 chain(COL10A1),transforming growth factor beta receptor 1(TGFBR1),SMAD3 and pSMAD3 protein expression.The target of miR-10b was screened in StarBase database,and the targeting relationship between miR-10b and TGFBR1 was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.Results The serum expression of miR-10b was higher in the ISS group than that of the healthy control group,and the higher the miR-10b expression,the more obvious the decrease of child height,IGF-1 and alkaline phosphatase(P<0.05).Compared with the NC group,the cell proliferation ability and RUNX2,COL10A1,TGFBR1,and pSMAD3 protein expression were up-regulated in the miR-10b inhibitor group(P<0.05).StarBase database suggested that miR-10b had a binding site of TGFBR1,and dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that TGFBR1 interacted with miR-10b(P<0.05).Compared with the si-NC group,the expression of TGFBR1 was down-regulated and the cell proliferation ability was decreased in the si-TGFBR1 group(P<0.05).Conclusion miR-10b inhibits chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy in idiopathic short stature by targeting TGFBR1/SMAD3 pathway.
5.Effect of lycopene on blood-brain barrier and nerve damage in rats with cerebral small vessel disease by regulating JAK2/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway
Chuanfen LIU ; Zhengyu SONG ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Jin HU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(11):2343-2349
Objective:To investigate the effect of lycopene on blood-brain barrier and nerve damage in rats with cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD)by regulating Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/vascular endo-thelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway.Methods:Fifty CSVD rat models were prepared by in vitro injection of the same germ-line microemboli,and were randomly grouped into model group,low-dose lycopene(65 mg/kg)group,high-dose lycopene(85 mg/kg)group,AG490(JAK2 inhibitor,3.5 mg/kg)group,and high-dose lycopene(85 mg/kg)+AG490(3.5 mg/kg)group,with 10 cases in each group,another 10 SD rats were regarded as sham operation group.After grouping with lycopene and AG490,cognitive ability of rats was detected by Morris water maze test and dark avoidance test;permeability of blood-brain barrier in rats was detected by Evans blue method;the number of rat hippocampal neurons was detected by Nissl staining;levels of inflammatory factors prostaglandin E2(PGE2),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and oxidative stress factors catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialde-hyde(MDA)in rats brain tissue were detected by kits;expressions of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2,MMP9,tight junction-related proteins(ZO-1,Occludin)and JAK2/STAT3/VEGF pathway-related proteins in rats brain were detected by Western blotting.Results:Compared with sham operation group,the times of rats crossing the platform,the time of staying in the target quadrant,step through latency,the number of hippocampal neurons,levels of CAT and SOD in brain tissue,protein expressions of ZO-1,Occludin and VEGF,and p-JAK2/JAK2,p-STAT3/STAT3 were obviously decreased in model group(P<0.05),while the error times,Evans blue content,levels of brain tissue PGE2,TNF-α and MDA,and protein expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 were obviously increased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the times of rats crossing the platform,the time of staying in the target quadrant,step through la-tency,the number of hippocampal neurons,levels of CAT and SOD in brain tissue,protein expressions of ZO-1,Occludin and VEGF,and p-JAK2/JAK2,p-STAT3/STAT3 were all increased in low-dose lycopene group and high-dose lycopene group(P<0.05),while the error times,Evans blue content,levels of brain tissue PGE2,TNF-α and MDA,and protein expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 were all decreased(P<0.05),and high dose lycopene was more effective;the change trend of each index in AG490 group was opposite to that in lycopene groups,and AG490 could reverse the effect of lycopene.Conclusion:Lycopene can inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress in CSVD rats by activating JAK2/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway,thereby reducing the blood-brain barrier and nerve damage,and improving their cognitive ability.
6.Effect and mechanism of wogonin on cognitive function and neuroinflammation in vascular dementia rats
Zhengyu SONG ; Jin HU ; Lingling WANG ; Kexin SHI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2024;26(11):1349-1353
Objective To explore the effects of wogonin on cognitive function and neuroinflamma-tion in VaD rats by regulating AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.Methods 90 VaD rats were randomly di-vided into model group,low-,medium-and high-dose wogonin groups(50,100,200 mg/kg),and high dose+AMPK inhibitor(20 mg/kg)group,18 animals per group.Another 18 normal rats served as sham operation group.ELISA was utilized to measure the contents of IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6 in hippocampal tissues.Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of Iba-1,p-AMPK,AMPK and SIRT1 in hippocampal tissues.Results Compared with the sham operation group,the model group had longer escape latency,and elevated contents of IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6,number of Iba-1 positive cells and expression level of Iba-1 protein in hippocampal tissue,shorter stay time at original platform,and lower expression of p-AMPK/AMPK and SIRT1 in hippocampal tissues(P<0.05).Treatment of three doses of wogonin,in a dose-dependent man-ner,reduced escape latency,and decreased levels of IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6,number of Iba-1 posi-tive cells and expression of Iba-1 protein in hippocampal tissue,but longer stay time at original platform,and enhanced expression of p-AMPK/AMPK and SIRT1 protein in hippocampal tissue when compared with the model group(P<0.05).The high dose+AMPK inhibitor group showed longer escape latency(47.64±5.39 s vs 26.45±3.27 s),shorter stay time at original platform(21.78±3.51 s vs 35.22±5.02 s),increased levels of IL-1β,TNF-α and IL-6,number of Iba-1 positive cells and expression of Iba-1 protein in hippocampal tissue,and lower expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK and SIRT1 in hippocampal tissue when compared with the high-dose group(P<0.05).Conclusion Wogonin may improve cognitive function and hippocampal tissue patho-logical damage in VaD rats by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway,and inhibit neuroinflammation.
7.Effect of Usnic Acid on Neuronal Necroptosis in Rats with Cerebral Infarction by Regulating the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL Signaling Pathway
Kexin SHI ; Zhengyu SONG ; Chuanfen LIU ; Jin HU
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2023;34(12):1678-1684
Objective To investigate the impact of usnic acid on neuronal necroptosis in rats with cerebral infarction by regulating the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1(RIPK1)/receptor-interacting protein kinase 3(RIPK3)/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein(MLKL)signaling pathway.Methods The rat model of cerebral infarction was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion(MCAO/R).The successfully modeled rats were divided into model group,NEC-1(RIP1 inhibitor)group,low-,medium-,and high-dose of usnic acid groups,with 20 rats in each group.Another 20 rats were selected as a sham-operation group.After 3 days of drug intervention,the modified Neurological Severity Scale(mNSS)was applied to evaluate the degree of neurological damage of rats in each group.TTC staining was applied to detect the volume of cerebral infarction.HE staining was selected to observe pathological damage in brain tissue.PI/NeuN staining was selected to observe neuronal necrosis.RT-qPCR was used to detect mRNA levels of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL in rat ischemic brain tissue.Western Blot was used to determine the expressions of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway related proteins in rat ischemic brain tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the neural cells in the model group showed structural damage,cell disrupted,deformation,and nuclear pyknosis,furthermore,the mNSS score,the cerebral infarction volume,proportion of PI-positive neurons were significantly increased(P<0.05).The mRNA levels of RIPK1,RIPK3,MLKL in brain tissue,ratio of p-RIPK1/RIPK1,and the levels of RIPK3 and MLKL proteins were obviously increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the damage degree of neurocyte morphology in the low-,medium-,and high-dose of usnic acid groups was gradually alleviated,the nuclear membrane was gradually became clear,and the cell body was gradually returned to normal.The neurocyte morphology in the NEC-1 group was basically intact,and the nuclear membrane was basically clear.The mNSS score,cerebral infarction volume and proportion of PI-positive neurons in NEC-1 group and usnic acid groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The mRNA levels of RIPK1,RIPK3,MLKL,ratio of p-RIPK1/RIPK1,and levels of RIPK3 and MLKL proteins in brain tissue were obviously reduced in usnic acid groups and NEC-1 group.Also,there was dose-dependent decrease in usnic acid groups(P<0.05).No statistically obvious difference was found between the high-dose usnic acid group and the NEC-1 group(P>0.05).Conclusion Usnic acid inhibits neuronal necroptosis in rats with cerebral infarction by inhibiting the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway,thereby alleviating brain injury in rats with cerebral infarction.
8.Establishment and validation of population pharmacokinetic model of docetaxel in malignant tumor patients
Junping WANG ; Zhengyu WU ; Zhixia LOU ; Yuan YAO ; Tingting WU ; Zongtao HU
China Pharmacy 2022;33(18):2261-2265
OBJECTIVE To establis h and validate a population pharmacokinetic model of docetaxel in malignant tumor patients. METHODS The clinical data of malignant tumor patients treated with chemotherapy regimen containing docetaxel in our hospital from June 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected . According to the results of blood concentration detection , based on the three -compartment model the nonlinear mixed effect model (NONMEM)was used ;covariates(age,weight,height, body surface area ,Karnofsky performance scale ,total protein ,albumin,total bilirubin ,aspartate aminotransferase ,alanine aminotransferase and serum creatinine )affecting clearance (CL)were screened by “forward inclusion and backward exclusion ”; the population pharmacokinetic model of docetaxel was established . The model was tested for goodness -of-fit diagnosis and internal validation by Bootstrap . RESULTS A total of 264 measured blood concentrations of 132 patients with malignant tumors during chemotherapy were included . The covariates that had significant effect on CL of docetaxel were serum creatinine and total bilirubin (P<0.01). The results of Bootstrap analysis (parameter median values and 95% confidence intervals )were close to predict results of the established model ;the final model estimated that the population typical value of docetaxel CL was 37.82 L/h. CONCLUSIONS The population pharmacokinetic model of docetaxel in malignant tumor patients is established successfully , which can be used for the formulation and optimization of clinical individualized regimen .
9.Expert Consensus for Thermal Ablation of Pulmonary Subsolid Nodules (2021 Edition).
Xin YE ; Weijun FAN ; Zhongmin WANG ; Junjie WANG ; Hui WANG ; Jun WANG ; Chuntang WANG ; Lizhi NIU ; Yong FANG ; Shanzhi GU ; Hui TIAN ; Baodong LIU ; Lou ZHONG ; Yiping ZHUANG ; Jiachang CHI ; Xichao SUN ; Nuo YANG ; Zhigang WEI ; Xiao LI ; Xiaoguang LI ; Yuliang LI ; Chunhai LI ; Yan LI ; Xia YANG ; Wuwei YANG ; Po YANG ; Zhengqiang YANG ; Yueyong XIAO ; Xiaoming SONG ; Kaixian ZHANG ; Shilin CHEN ; Weisheng CHEN ; Zhengyu LIN ; Dianjie LIN ; Zhiqiang MENG ; Xiaojing ZHAO ; Kaiwen HU ; Chen LIU ; Cheng LIU ; Chundong GU ; Dong XU ; Yong HUANG ; Guanghui HUANG ; Zhongmin PENG ; Liang DONG ; Lei JIANG ; Yue HAN ; Qingshi ZENG ; Yong JIN ; Guangyan LEI ; Bo ZHAI ; Hailiang LI ; Jie PAN
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2021;24(5):305-322
"The Expert Group on Tumor Ablation Therapy of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, The Tumor Ablation Committee of Chinese College of Interventionalists, The Society of Tumor Ablation Therapy of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and The Ablation Expert Committee of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology" have organized multidisciplinary experts to formulate the consensus for thermal ablation of pulmonary subsolid nodules or ground-glass nodule (GGN). The expert consensus reviews current literatures and provides clinical practices for thermal ablation of GGN. The main contents include: (1) clinical evaluation of GGN, (2) procedures, indications, contraindications, outcomes evaluation and related complications of thermal ablation for GGN and (3) future development directions.
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10.Diagnostic value of 4-dimensional computed tomography in preoperative localization in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
An SONG ; Ou WANG ; Chunxiao LIU ; Man WANG ; He LIU ; Hongli JING ; Ya HU ; Weibo XIA ; Zhuhua ZHANG ; Zhengyu JIN ; Xiaoping XING
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2020;59(10):788-795
Objective:To provide more options for preoperative localization diagnosis in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), the diagnostic efficacy of parathyroid 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) in patients with PHPT was evaluated.Methods:This was a single-center retrospective study including 57 patients with surgical proved PHPT. All of the patients underwent 4D-CT, 99Tc m -sestamibi parathyroid imaging (MIBI), and ultrasonography (US) preoperatively. The reference standard for correct localization was based on operation reports and pathology confirmation. The patients were grouped according to the preoperative serum calcium levels, tumor diameter, or ectopic lesions (yes/no), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and area under the curve (AUC) of 4D-CT, MIBI and US, alone or in combination, were analyzed in total and each subgroup patients. Results:Fifty-seven patients (39 women, 18 men; mean age of 56.5 years) were evaluated, including four cases with multi-gland disease and thirteen cases with ectopic parathyroid lesions. In all the patients, similar diagnostic efficacy was found in 4D-CT (AUC: 0.943) and MIBI (AUC: 0.927), both of which were higher than that of US (AUC: 0.847) ( P = 0.01 for 4D-CT vs. US; P = 0.04 for MIBI vs. US). In a subset analysis for ectopic quadrants, the diagnostic efficacy of 4D-CT was significantly higher than that of MIBI ( P = 0.04) or US ( P = 0.01), with the sensitivity of 100%, 69.2%, and 61.5%, and AUC of 0.989, 0.846, and 0.808 for 4D-CT, MIBI and US, respectively. Conclusions:4D-CT has similar diagnostic efficacy for preoperative localization to MIBI in patients with PHPT, and it is superior to MIBI and US in identifying the ectopic parathyroid gland. 4D-CT can be recommended as an alternative preoperative localization method, especially when parathyroid lesions could not be precisely located by US and MIBI.

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