1.A potentially imported zoonosis:transmission routes and global spreading pattern of Chagas disease(American trypanosomiasis)
Xiao-nen WU ; Bin-bin XIE ; Zhi-ying HOU ; Jun-hu CHEN ; Xiao-nong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):494-500
Chagas disease(American trypanosomiasis)is a zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi,which severely affects public health.Recently,with changes in economic globalization and increased population mobility,this disease has gradually spread from the original Latin American epidemic areas to non-epidemic areas,such as Europe,thus showing a trend of globalization.The main trans-mission routes have changed from transmission via the Triatomine vector to blood transfusion transmission,mother-to-child transmis-sion,oral transmission,and other routes.Consequently,Chagas disease is spreading globally,and more people are increasingly vul-nerable to infection.This article retrospectively reviews research on the transmission routes of Chagas disease,analyzes the changing trends in transmission routes,and provides a scientific basis for the formulation and optimization of Chagas disease prevention and con-trol strategies from a One Health perspective.
2.The effect of different doses of butolphinol on levels of serum prolactin, serotonin and lipid hydrogen peroxide after cesarean section
Yongning ZHU ; Danni XU ; Shuang YANG ; Ning XIE ; Na XIAN ; Zhi JIA
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(6):510-515
Objective:To analyze the effects of different doses of butorphanol on prolactin, serotonin and lipid hydrogen peroxide after cesarean section.Methods:A total of 124 women who underwent cesarean section in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from January 2023 to January 2024 were prospectatively selected as study subjects, and divided into the study group 1 (41 cases), study group 2 (41 cases) and study group 3 (42 cases) according to random number table method. All three groups underwent patient-controlled analgesia after surgery, and 0.2 mg fentanyl was used as analgesic drug. However, the doses of butorphanol were 100 mg/L in the study group 1, 120 mg/L in the study group 2, and 140 mg/L in the study group 3. The level of PRL and first lactation time before and after surgery were compared among the three groups at different time points, serotonin and LHP levels were compared among the three groups at different time points after surgery, Ramsay and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared among the three groups at different time points after surgery, and the occurrence of adverse reactions and satisfaction with analgesic effect were compared among the three groups.Results:At 24, 48 and 72 h after operation, the level of PRL in the study group 3 was higher than that in the study group 2 and study group 1: (383.02 ± 47.57) μg/L vs. (376.39 ± 46.83), (302.88 ± 41.38) μg/L; (412.38 ± 40.22) μg/L vs. (394.82 ± 38.30), (315.09 ± 37.93) μg/L; (434.39 ± 39.39) μg/L vs. (427.48 ± 40.27), (344.39 ± 42.78) μg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The first lactation time in the study group 2 and study group 3 was lower than that in the study group 1: (50.31 ± 6.52), (49.54 ± 6.27) h vs. (53.91 ± 8.42) h, there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). At 2 h (T 1), 12 h (T 2), 24 h (T 3) and 48 h (T 4) after surgery, the levels of serotonin in the study group 3, study group 2 and study group 1 were increased successively, and the levels of LHP were decreased successively, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). At 30 min after surgery (T 0), T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 4, the Ramsay score in the study group 3, study group 2 and study group 1 were increased successively, and the VAS score were decreased successively, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among the three groups ( P>0.05). The total satisfaction of study group 3 was higher than that of study group 2 and study group 1: 92.86%(39/42) vs. 73.17%(30/41), 68.29%(28/41), there was statistical difference ( Z = 2.52, P = 0.008). Conclusions:Butorphanol 140 mg/L has a more significant analgesic effect after cesarean section, and can improve the levels of serum PRL, serotonin and LHP, reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions, and improve the satisfaction of analgesia
3.Establishment and application of ultra-fast real-time PCR for Brucella detection
Zhen-na XU ; Zhi-peng WU ; Wei-bin HONG ; Zhi-shen GUAN ; Qi-ming LIN ; Zuan-lan MO ; Yi-fei YE ; Hai-yan XIE ; Min LI ; Yan-qiu ZHU ; Xiao-jun LI ; Xian-peng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):278-283
This study was aimed at establishing a method of ultra-fast quantitative PCR for Brucella detection.We used an exogenous recombinant plasmid as the internal reference and targeted the T4SS secretion system,an important Brucella viru-lence factor,to design specific primers and probes.The sensitivity,specificity,and repeatability of this method were evaluated,and a standard curve was constructed.The coincidence rate of detection findings with this method versus quantitative PCR was determined.This method markedly decreased the detection time to only 10 minutes.The standard curve demonstrated a good linear relationship(Y=-3.410 7x+38.357,R2=0.998 5)with a low minimum detection limit of 10 copies/μL.The method exhibited good specificity and did not specifically amplify several common clinical bacteria other than Brucella.The de-tection of three concentrations of positive plasmids yielded coefficients of variation(CVs)of 0.20%to 0.91%,thus demonstra-ting the method's excellent repeatability.Furthermore,140 clinical samples were analyzed concurrently with the fluorescence PCR method,which yielded a 100%compliance rate and consistent results.Our findings indicated that the Brucella ultra-fast quantitative PCR was ultrafast;had high sensitivity,high specificity,and good specificity;and can be used for the clinical de-tection of Brucella and emergency investigation of epidemics.Therefore,this method is valuable for the early diagnosis of Bru-cella.
4.Mechanisms and research progress of tanshinone ⅡA in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced heart disease
Yan-ling LI ; Zhi-ling GAO ; Gang WANG ; Ping XIE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2236-2240
Radiation-induced heart disease(RIHD)is a common and severe complication following radiotherapy for thoracic tumors,significantly impacting patients' long-term prognosis and quality of life.Its pathogenesis is complex,primarily involving oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,endothelial dysfunction,and chronic fibrosis.Currently,there is a lack of effective clini-cal prevention and treatment methods,highlighting the urgent need to develop intervention strategies for RIHD.Tanshinone ⅡA,the main active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza,exhibits mul-tiple pharmacological effects,including antioxidant,anti-inflam-matory,anti-fibrotic,and anti-apoptotic properties.Studies have shown that Tanshinone ⅡA can significantly mitigate radiation-induced myocardial injury and fibrosis,as well as improve cardi-ac function,by scavenging reactive oxygen species,inhibiting in-flammatory pathways,and modulating fibrotic signaling path-ways.This article summarizes the pathogenesis of RIHD and the research progress on Tanshinone ⅡA in the prevention and treat-ment of RIHD,providing new theoretical insights for developing effective cardioprotective strategies.
5.Efficacy of Huoxue Zhuanggu recipe combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteo-porotic vertebral compression fracture and its effect on bone metabolism index and bone mineral density
Zhi DENG ; Yisong XIE ; Chuanyun ZOU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(10):1584-1589
Objective To investigate the efficacy of Huoxue Zhuanggu formula in combination with percuta-neous vertebroplasty(PVP)for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCF).Methods A total of 114 patients with OVCFs were randomly assigned to three groups:the percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)group,the PVP group with routine postoperative treatment(55 cases),and the Huoxue Zhuanggu formula combined with additional supportive therapy group(56 cases).All patients received a 4-week course of treatment following surgery and were followed up for 6 months.Results After 6 months of follow-up,the total effective rate in the Huoxue Zhuanggu group was significantly higher than that in the PVP group(P<0.05).At 4 weeks postoperatively,serum levels of N-terminal osteocalcin,total type I collagen amino-terminal telopeptide,and β-collagen degradation prod-uct were lower in the Huoxue Zhuanggu group compared to the PVP group.Additionally,serum bone morphogenetic protein-2 levels were significantly higher in the Huoxue Zhuanggu group than in the PVP group(P<0.05).After 6 months of follow-up,bone mineral density in Ward's triangle,lumbar spine,and femoral neck,as well as anterior vertebral height percentage and neurological function scores,were significantly higher in the Huoxue Zhuanggu group compared to the PVP group(P<0.05).Conversely,the sagittal kyphosis Cobb angle,anterior vertebral height loss rate,and Oswestry Disability Index score were significantly lower in the Huoxue Zhuanggu group than in the PVP group(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of Huoxue Zhuanggu recipe and PVP in the treatment of OVCF can regulate patients'bone metabolism indices,enhance bone mineral density,improve vertebral function as well as nerve and lumbar function,thereby achieving a satisfactory therapeutic effect.
6.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
7.Synergistic Effect and Mechanism of FUT8 Inhibitor 2FF With DOX for Cancer Treatment
Zhi-Dong XIE ; Xiao-Lian ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):478-486
ObjectiveChemotherapy is one of the important therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. However, the emergence of multidrug resistance and side effects significantly limit its application. To address these challenges, chemotherapy is often combined with other drugs or therapies. Among the 13 human fucosyltransferases (FUTs) identified, FUT8 (alpha-(1,6)-fucosyltransferase) is the only enzyme responsible for core fucosylation. Core fucosylation plays an important role in cancer occurrence, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance, making the suppression of FUT8 a potential strategy for reversing multidrug resistance. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of combining the small molecule FUT8 inhibitor 2FF (2-deoxy-2-fluoro-L-fucose) with the clinical chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) for treating malignant tumors. MethodsThe human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and mouse colon cancer cell line CT26 cells were treated with 2FF, DOX or their combination and core fucosylation levels were assessed using Lectin blot. HepG2 and CT26 cells were exposed to 50 μmol/L 2FF for 72 h, followed by treatment with a gradient concentration of DOX for 24 h. Cell viability and IC50 values were determined via the CCK-8 assay. Transwell invasion assays were conducted to evaluate the combined effect of 2FF and DOX on the invasion ability of HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the impact of 2FF, DOX and their combination on membrane PD-L1 expression of HepG2 cells. To assess the in vivo effect, 6- to 8-week-old female BALB/c mice (20-25 g), were subcutaneously injected with 1×106 CT26 cells into the right axilla (four groups, six mice in each group). After the average tumor volume reached 100 mm3, mice were treated with DOX, 2FF, their combination, or saline (mock group) every other day. DOX was administrated intraperitoneally (2 mg/kg), 2FF intravenously (5 mg/kg), and the combination group, received the both treatment. Tumor size was measured every other day using a vernier caliper. ResultsThis study demonstrated that DOX upregulates the core fucosylation levels in HepG2 and CT26 cells,while 2FF effectively inhibits this DOX-induced effect. Furthermone, 2FF enhanced the sensitivity of HepG2 and CT26 cells to DOX. The combination of 2FF and DOX synergistically inhibited the invasion ability of HepG2 cells, and enhanced the anti-tumor efficacy of CT26 subcutaneous tumor model in BALB/c mice. However the combination treatment led to weight loss in mice. In addition, DOX increased the cell surface PD-L1 expression in HepG2 cells, which was effectively suppressed by 2FF. ConclusionThe FUT8 inhibitor 2FF effectively suppresses DOX-induced upregulation of core fucosylation and PD-L1 levels in tumor cells, and 2FF synergistically enhances the anticancer efficacy of DOX.
8.Wogonoside Attenuates Hypertension-Induced Renal Injury Through Modulation of the MAPK Signaling Pathway:A Mechanism Study
Zhi GUO ; Yi XIE ; Hongshu LIU ; Jundan XIAO ; Rongji CHEN ; Meizhu WU ; Jun PENG ; Aling SHEN
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(1):41-50
Objective To investigate the potential therapeutic effects,targets,and pathways of wogonoside in hypertension-induced renal injury using the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and network pharmacology,and to validate the effects of wogonoside intervention on the renal tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR),angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)-stimulated NRK-52E cell apoptosis,and the regulation of relevant pathways through in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods GEO dataset and network pharmacology analyses were performed to investigate the key therapeutic targets of wogonoside for hypertensive nephropathy.The STRING database was used to analyze protein-protein interactions.Biological functions were annotated via Gene Ontology(GO),and the potential signaling pathways were enriched using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).SHR were randomly divided into groups and given low,medium,or high doses of wogonoside(0.075,0.75,and 7.5 mg/kg)via gastric gavage for 10 weeks.Morphological changes in the kidney tissue were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines,including tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1 β,and IL-6,were measured using ELISA.Apoptosis rates were evaluated by TUNEL staining,and Western blot was performed to determine the expression of Bax,Bcl-2,cleaved caspase-3,and caspase-3,and the expression of phosphorylated and total extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERK)and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)proteins.An in vitro model of Ang Ⅱ-stimulated NRK-52E cells was constructed and was treated with wogonoside at different concentrations(25,50,or 100 μmol/L)for 24 h.The apoptosis rates were then assessed by Annexin V staining,and Western blot was performed to validate the expression of apoptosis-related and pathway-associated proteins.Results Analysis of dataset GSE41453 revealed 11673 upregulated and 5902 downregulated genes in the renal tissues of SHR compared to the Wistar Kyoto(WKY)rats,or the WKY control group.Through the analysis of multiple databases,371 potential targets of wogonoside were identified,resulting in 98 overlapping targets.From these,45 core therapeutic targets were identified through further analysis,including TNF,CASP3,etc.GO analysis significantly enriched processes such as the negative regulation of apoptosis.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the apoptosis pathway,IL-17 signaling pathway,and MAPK signaling pathway as being significantly enriched.Wogonoside treatment effectively mitigated pathological damage in SHR kidney tissues and significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines,including TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-6(P<0.05).It also decreased cell apoptosis rates in SHR kidney tissues and Ang Ⅱ-stimulated NRK-52E cells,downregulated the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3,and upregulated Bcl-2 expression(P<0.05).Furthermore,wogonoside treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 MAPK in SHR kidney tissues and Ang Ⅱ-stimulated NRK-52E cells(P<0.05).Conclusion Wogonoside may exert its protective effects against hypertension-induced renal injury by suppressing the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis,potentially through the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.
9.Mechanism of Trifolin in Attenuating Hypertension-Induced Renal Cell Apoptosis via Modulation of the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Meizhu WU ; Zhi GUO ; Yi XIE ; Hongshu LIU ; Hong CHEN ; Xinbiao LIN ; Rongji CHEN ; Aling SHEN ; Jun PENG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(5):1273-1280
Objective To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of trifolin on hypertension-induced renal injury,as well as the key targets and pathways involved.Methods The mRNA transcriptional profiles of peripheral blood clinical samples from hypertensive patients were analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO),a high-throughput gene expression database.The network pharmacology method was employed to screen key targets of trifolin in treating hypertension-induced renal injury.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses were conducted.NRK-52E cells,a rat renal proximal tubular cell line,were used to construct an angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)-stimulated cell model.Flow cytometry was performed to assess cell apoptosis rates and Western blotting was performed to determine the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins,including Bax,Bcl-2,cleaved caspase-3,and caspase-3,and the phosphorylation and total protein levels of the key MAPK pathway proteins,including ERK,p38 MAPK,and JNK.Results Analysis of the dataset GSE75360 revealed that,compared with healthy controls,3 331 genes were upregulated and 3 197 genes were downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of hypertensive patients.According to network pharmacology analysis,472 potential targets of trifolin were identified,including CASP3 and MAPK1.Protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that these targets were closely associated with apoptosis regulatory signaling pathways.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that trifolin was significantly enriched in pathways associated with negative regulation of apoptosis,apoptotic signaling pathways,and the MAPK signaling pathway.The in vitro experiments confirmed that,compared with the Ang Ⅱ group,trifolin intervention inhibited apoptosis in Ang Ⅱ-stimulated NRK-52E cells,suppressed the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3,promoted Bcl-2 expression,and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK,ERK,and JNK(P<0.05).Conclusion Trifolin may exert its protective effect against hypertension-induced renal injury by inhibiting Ang Ⅱ-induced NRK-52E cell apoptosis and regulating the MAPK signaling pathway,representing an important mechanism underlying its therapeutic action.
10.Effect and mechanism of high-glucose environment on osteoblast function and bone quality in mice
Zhi-Kang GUO ; Xue LI ; Rui WANG ; Xi-Xiu XIE ; Tao-Jin FENG ; Yi LI ; Peng-Bin YIN ; Li-Jun XU ; Li-Xia ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(10):1306-1314
Objective To explore the effects of different glucose concentrations on the synthesis and secretion of bone collagen in osteoblasts and the impact of diabetes on bone quality in mice.Methods(1)Primary osteoblasts were extracted from the skulls of neonatal mice via collagenase digestion and cultured in four groups under different glucose concentrations:normal glucose(5.5 mmol/L),moderate glucose(11.5 mmol/L),moderate-high glucose(16.5 mmol/L),and high glucose(25 mmol/L).EdU staining was performed to evaluate cell proliferation,while the Transwell assay was used to assess cell migration.Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were performed to detect and quantitatively analyze the content of type Ⅰ collagen(Col-1).Alizarin red S(ARS)staining and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining were applied to assess the effects of different glucose concentrations on osteogenic differentiation.(2)Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and model group(5 in each group).The model group was fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks followed by streptozotocin(STZ)injection to establish a diabetic mouse model.The osteogenic differentiation capacity of primary osteoblasts from both groups was assessed.(3)Micro-computed tomography(Micro-CT)was employed to analyze femoral bone mineral density(BMD),bone volume/tissue volume(BV/TV),trabecular number(Tb.N),and trabecular separation(Tb.Sp).Three-point bending test was conducted to evaluate mechanical parameters including maximum load,Young's modulus,fracture energy,and stiffness.RT-qPCR was employed to assess the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes(Alp,Opn,Col1a1,and Lox).Masson staining and Mallory staining were used to evaluate Col-1 content in trabecular bone.Results(1)EdU and Transwell assay results demonstrated that with the gradual increase in glucose concentration,the proliferation and migration abilities of osteoblasts were significantly decreased(P<0.001),and the protein expression levels of Col-1 and lysyl oxidase(LOX)were significantly reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.001).ARS and ALP staining revealed that calcium salt deposition and ALP activity in osteoblasts were significantly decreased with increasing glucose concentration(P<0.05 or P<0.001).(2)Compared with control group,mice in model group exhibited typical"three polies and one weight loss"symptoms(polyuria,polydipsia,polyphagia,and weight loss)of diabetes,and ARS and ALP staining showed a significant reduction in osteoblasts(P<0.001).(3)Micro-CT and three-point bending test results indicated that,compared with control group,mice in model group showed microarchitectural deterioration of bone,decreased Tb.N,increased Tb.Sp,and significantly reduced maximum load,Young's modulus,fracture energy,and stiffness(P<0.05).RT-qPCR results showed that the relative mRNA expression levels of osteogenic differentiation genes(Alp,Opn,Col1a1,and Lox)were significantly decreased in model group compared with control group(P<0.01 or P<0.001).Masson and Mallory staining indicated a significant reduction in collagen content in model group compared with control group(P<0.01).Conclusions High-glucose environment inhibits osteoblast proliferation,differentiation,and migration.Diabetic mice exhibit reduced bone quality and increased bone fragility,potentially mediated by decreased lysyl oxidase and collagen levels.

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