1.Proteomic Preparation Techniques for Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples
Ao LU ; Bo MENG ; Jia-Wei ZHAO ; Huan-Yue LIAO ; Zi-Hong YE ; Xiang FANG ; Yang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(1):84-93,中插4-中插8
Twelve pre-processing protocols for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded(FFPE)tissue samples were developed by orthogonal experimental design,incorporating different dewaxing buffers(Triton X-100 and xylene),lysis buffers(TFE and RapiGest),and enzyme digestion methods(iST,SP3,and FASP)to explore the optimal experimental conditions.These protocols were assessed based on protein and peptide identification depth,identification stability,and quantitative levels of protein abundance.The results indicated that Triton X-100 and xylene minimally impacted proteomics identification,whereas the TFE lysis buffer and iST digestion method significantly enhanced the proteomics analysis of FFPE samples.Considering the potential toxicity of xylene,the TTI protocol based on Triton X-100,TFE,and iST was determined to be the optimal choice.This protocol exhibited the best repeatability and stability,and a higher number of proteins associated with significant biological functions were identified.In conclusion,the established TTI protocol offered an efficient and comprehensive approach for proteomic analysis of FFPE samples,significantly enhancing the repeatability and stability of protein identification.
2.Investigation of Proteomic Mechanisms of Luteolin's Inhibition on Growth of Colorectal Cancer SW620 Cells
Jia-Wei ZHAO ; Bo MENG ; Ao LU ; Zi-Xing HAN ; Zi-Hong YE ; Yang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):258-268,中插18-中插19
With the continuous rise in the incidence of colorectal cancer and the trend towards younger patient population,the existing treatment options,while able to prolong survival,are difficult to avoid significant side effects.It is imperative to develop new treatment strategies.Luteolin(LUT),as a natural herbal active ingredient,has been proved to have broad-spectrum anti-tumor effects in studies of multiple cancer types.However,the mechanism of LUT action in colorectal cancer has not been systematically elucidated.In this study,for the first time,the molecular mechanism of LUT on colorectal cancer SW620 cells from the perspective of proteomics-glycoproteomics co-regulation was revealed.Proteomic analysis identified 472 differentially expressed proteins.Functional enrichment analysis showed that down-regulated proteins were mainly involved in oxidative stress response,mRNA processing,RNA splicing,and actin filament organization among key biological processes,involving oxidative phosphorylation and peroxisome pathways.Up-regulated proteins were mainly involved in DNA replication,protein folding,and rRNA metabolism,closely related to DNA replication and protein processing pathways in the endoplasmic reticulum.At the level of glycoproteomics,231 differentially expressed intact N-glycopeptides were identified.Functional enrichment analysis of corresponding glycoproteins indicateed that LUT might exert biological effects by regulating biological processes such as nuclear organization,nuclear membrane organization,and Fc receptor-mediated signaling pathways,as well as endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and N-glycan biosynthesis pathways.Analysis of key interaction networks revealed 5 core target proteins namely RPS15A,WDR43,FBL,UTP18,and UTP11.The loss of these proteins had been confirmed to inhibit the proliferation and migration of various tumor cells.Notably,altered glycosylation modifications of the lysosome-associated membrane proteins LAMP1 and LAMP2 suggested that LUT might affect tumor metastatic potential by regulating organelle dynamics.It was found that LUT could inhibit the malignant phenotype of colon cancer cells through a dual mechanism of specifically regulating protein expression networks and glycosylation modification patterns,providing new molecular targets and theoretical basis for precise treatment of colorectal cancer based on natural products.
3.Application of Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
Yu-Feng ZHANG ; Wei WANG ; Zi-Jun LU ; Jiao-Jiao LÜ ; Yu LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1196-1205
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts patients’ independence and quality of life, imposing a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Although dopaminergic replacement therapies provide temporary relief from various symptoms, their long-term use often leads to motor complications, limiting overall effectiveness. In recent years, non-invasive deep brain stimulation (DBS) techniques have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives for PD, offering a means to modulate deep brain regions with high precision without invasive procedures. These techniques include temporal interference stimulation (TIs), low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (LITFUS), transcranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS), non-invasive optogenetic modulation, and non-invasive magnetoelectric stimulation. They have demonstrated significant potential in alleviating various PD symptoms by modulating neural activity within specific deep brain structures affected by the disease. Among these approaches, TIs and LITFUS have received considerable attention. TIs generate low-frequency interference by applying two slightly different high-frequency electric fields, targeting specific brain areas to alleviate symptoms such as tremors and bradykinesia. LITFUS, on the other hand, uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to non-invasively stimulate deep brain structures, showing promise in improving both motor function and cognition in PD patients. The other three techniques, while still in early research stages, also hold significant promise for deep brain modulation and broader clinical applications, potentially complementing existing treatment strategies. Despite these promising findings, significant challenges remain in translating these techniques into clinical practice. The heterogeneous nature of PD, characterized by variable disease progression and individualized treatment responses, necessitates flexible protocols tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying these treatments is crucial for refining protocols and maximizing their therapeutic potential. Personalized medicine approaches, such as the integration of neuroimaging and biomarkers, will be pivotal in customizing stimulation parameters to optimize efficacy. Furthermore, while early-stage clinical trials have reported improvements in certain symptoms, long-term efficacy and safety data are limited. To validate these techniques, large-scale, multi-center, randomized controlled trials are essential. Parallel advancements in device design, including the development of portable and cost-effective systems, will improve patient access and adherence to treatment protocols. Combining non-invasive DBS with other interventions, such as pharmacological treatments and physical therapy, could also provide a more comprehensive and synergistic approach to managing PD. In conclusion, non-invasive deep brain stimulation techniques represent a promising frontier in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. While they have demonstrated considerable potential in improving symptoms and restoring neural function, further research is needed to refine protocols, validate long-term outcomes, and optimize clinical applications. With ongoing technological and scientific advancements, these methods could offer PD patients safer, more effective, and personalized treatment options, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing the societal burden of the disease.
4.Beyond cancer: The potential application of CD47-based therapy in non-cancer diseases.
Wei-Qing DENG ; Zi-Han YE ; Zhenghai TANG ; Xiao-Lei ZHANG ; Jin-Jian LU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):757-791
CD47 is an immune checkpoint widely regarded as a 'don't eat me' signal. CD47-based anti-cancer therapy has received considerable attention, with a significant number of clinical trials conducted. While anti-cancer therapies based on CD47 remain a focal point of interest among researchers, it is noteworthy that an increasing number of studies have found that CD47-based therapy ameliorated the pathological status of non-cancer diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent progress in comprehending the role of CD47-based therapy in non-cancer diseases, including diseases of the circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system, and so on. Furthermore, we sought to delineate the promising mechanisms of CD47-based therapy in treating non-cancer diseases. Our findings suggest that CD47-based agents may exert their effect by regulating phagocytosis, regulating T cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, and regulating the secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Additionally, we put forward the orientation of further research to bring to light the potential of CD47 and its binding partners as a target in non-cancer diseases.
5.Glutamine signaling specifically activates c-Myc and Mcl-1 to facilitate cancer cell proliferation and survival.
Meng WANG ; Fu-Shen GUO ; Dai-Sen HOU ; Hui-Lu ZHANG ; Xiang-Tian CHEN ; Yan-Xin SHEN ; Zi-Fan GUO ; Zhi-Fang ZHENG ; Yu-Peng HU ; Pei-Zhun DU ; Chen-Ji WANG ; Yan LIN ; Yi-Yuan YUAN ; Shi-Min ZHAO ; Wei XU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):968-984
Glutamine provides carbon and nitrogen to support the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the precise reason why cancer cells are particularly dependent on glutamine remains unclear. In this study, we report that glutamine modulates the tumor suppressor F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBW7) to promote cancer cell proliferation and survival. Specifically, lysine 604 (K604) in the sixth of the 7 substrate-recruiting WD repeats of FBW7 undergoes glutaminylation (Gln-K604) by glutaminyl tRNA synthetase. Gln-K604 inhibits SCFFBW7-mediated degradation of c-Myc and Mcl-1, enhances glutamine utilization, and stimulates nucleotide and DNA biosynthesis through the activation of c-Myc. Additionally, Gln-K604 promotes resistance to apoptosis by activating Mcl-1. In contrast, SIRT1 deglutaminylates Gln-K604, thereby reversing its effects. Cancer cells lacking Gln-K604 exhibit overexpression of c-Myc and Mcl-1 and display resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Silencing both c-MYC and MCL-1 in these cells sensitizes them to chemotherapy. These findings indicate that the glutamine-mediated signal via Gln-K604 is a key driver of cancer progression and suggest potential strategies for targeted cancer therapies based on varying Gln-K604 status.
Glutamine/metabolism*
;
Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Signal Transduction
;
Neoplasms/pathology*
;
F-Box-WD Repeat-Containing Protein 7/genetics*
;
Cell Survival
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Apoptosis
6.A Retrospective Study of Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes in Mothers with Hepatitis C Viremia.
Wen DENG ; Zi Yu ZHANG ; Xin Xin LI ; Ya Qin ZHANG ; Wei Hua CAO ; Shi Yu WANG ; Xin WEI ; Zi Xuan GAO ; Shuo Jie WANG ; Lin Mei YAO ; Lu ZHANG ; Hong Xiao HAO ; Xiao Xue CHEN ; Yuan Jiao GAO ; Wei YI ; Yao XIE ; Ming Hui LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):829-839
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection's effect on gestational liver function, pregnancy and delivery complications, and neonatal development.
METHODS:
A total of 157 HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV[+]) and HCV RNA(+) patients (Group C) and 121 anti-HCV(+) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group B) were included as study participants, while 142 anti-HCV(-) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group A) were the control group. Data on biochemical indices during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, delivery-related information, and neonatal complications were also collected.
RESULTS:
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rates in Group C during early, middle, and late pregnancy were 59.87%, 43.95%, and 42.04%, respectively-significantly higher than Groups B (26.45%, 15.70%, 10.74%) and A (23.94%, 19.01%, 6.34%) ( P < 0.05). Median ALT levels in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B at all pregnancy stages ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in neonatal malformation rates across groups ( P > 0.05). However, neonatal jaundice incidence was significantly greater in Group C (75.16%) compared to Groups A (42.25%) and B (57.02%) ( χ 2 = 33.552, P < 0.001). HCV RNA positivity during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice ( OR = 2.111, 95% CI 1.242-3.588, P = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic HCV infection can affect the liver function of pregnant women, but does not increase the pregnancy or delivery complication risks. HCV RNA(+) is an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Adult
;
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Pregnancy Outcome
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Viremia/virology*
;
Hepatitis C
;
Hepacivirus/physiology*
;
Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology*
;
Young Adult
;
Alanine Transaminase/blood*
7.Association of Body Mass Index with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality in Rural China: 10-Year Follow-up of a Population-Based Multicenter Prospective Study.
Juan Juan HUANG ; Yuan Zhi DI ; Ling Yu SHEN ; Jian Guo LIANG ; Jiang DU ; Xue Fang CAO ; Wei Tao DUAN ; Ai Wei HE ; Jun LIANG ; Li Mei ZHU ; Zi Sen LIU ; Fang LIU ; Shu Min YANG ; Zu Hui XU ; Cheng CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Jiao Xia YAN ; Yan Chun LIANG ; Rong LIU ; Tao ZHU ; Hong Zhi LI ; Fei SHEN ; Bo Xuan FENG ; Yi Jun HE ; Zi Han LI ; Ya Qi ZHAO ; Tong Lei GUO ; Li Qiong BAI ; Wei LU ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; He Nan XIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1179-1193
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study.
METHODS:
A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants.
RESULTS:
Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m 2) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m 2 ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans
;
Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
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Male
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Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
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Aged
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Adult
;
Mortality
;
Cause of Death
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Obesity/mortality*
;
Overweight/mortality*
8.Establishment of quantitative models for effective components in Yishen Xiezhuo Mixture
Zi-fang FENG ; Min-min HU ; Xiao-wei CHEN ; Wen-ming ZHANG ; Li-hong GU ; Ping QIN ; Yi PENG ; Zhen-hua BIAN ; Qing-you YANG ; Tu-lin LU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3177-3184
AIM To establish the quantitative models for gallic acid,mononucleoside,loganin,resveratrol,and rhein in Yishen Xiezhuo Mixture.METHODS HPLC was adopted in the content determination of various effective components,after which the near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)data were collected in 128 batches of samples and pretreatment was conducted,competitive adaptive reweighting sampling(CARS)algorithm was used for screening wavelength,partial least square method(PLS)regression analysis was performed.RESULTS There were no significant differences between the predicted values obtained by PLS models and measured values obtained by HPLC for various effective components(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The quantitative models established by NIRS combined with chemometrics display good predictive performance,which can be used for the rapid determination of effective components in Yishen Xiezhuo Mixture,and provide a reference for the rapid monitoring of other traditional Chinese medicine preparations in production processes.
9.Intermittent hypoxia aggravates asthma inflammation via NLRP3/IL-1β-dependent pyroptosis mediated by HIF-1α signalling pathway.
Ling ZHOU ; Huojun ZHANG ; Lu LIU ; Fengqin ZHANG ; Lingling WANG ; Pengdou ZHENG ; Zhenyu MAO ; Xiaoyan ZHU ; Guisha ZI ; Lixiang CHEN ; Xiaojing CAI ; Huiguo LIU ; Wei LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(14):1714-1729
BACKGROUND:
Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease and intermittent hypoxia is increasingly recognized as a factor that may impact disease progression. The present study investigated whether intermittent hypoxia (IH) could aggravate asthma by promoting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin (IL)-1β-dependent pyroptosis and the inflammatory response and further elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.
METHODS:
A total of 49 patients diagnosed with severe bronchial asthma and diagnosed by polysomnography were enrolled at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 2022 and December 2022, and their general data and induced sputum were collected. BEAS-2B cells were treated with IL-13 and subjected to IH. An ovalbumin (OVA)-treated mouse model was also used to assess the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on asthma. Pyroptosis, the inflammatory response, and related signalling pathways were assessed in vivo and in vitro .
RESULTS:
In this study, as the apnoea and hypopnea index (AHI) increased, the proportion of patients with uncontrolled asthma increased. The proportions of neutrophils and the levels of IL-6, IL-8, HIF-1α and NLRP3 in induced sputum were related to the AHI. NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis, which could be mediated by the HIF-1α signalling pathway, was activated in IL-13 plus IH-treated BEAS-2B cells and in the lungs of OVA/CIH mice. HIF-1α downregulation significantly reduced lung pyroptosis and ameliorated neutrophil inflammation by modulating the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway both in vitro and in vivo . Similarly, pretreatment with LW6, an inhibitor of HIF-1α, effectively blocked the generation of inflammatory cytokines in neutrophils. In addition, administration of the NLRP3 activator nigericin obviously increased lung neutrophil inflammation.
CONCLUSIONS
Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a risk factor for asthma exacerbation. IH aggravates neutrophil inflammation in asthma via NLRP3/IL-1β-dependent pyroptosis mediated by the HIF-1α signalling pathway, which should be considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthma with OSAHS.
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Asthma/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Pyroptosis/physiology*
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Signal Transduction/physiology*
;
Male
;
Hypoxia/metabolism*
;
Female
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Adult
;
Inflammation/metabolism*
;
Middle Aged
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
10.Common characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of airway mucus hypersecretion in lung disease.
Ze-Qiang LIN ; Shi-Man PANG ; Si-Yuan ZHU ; Li-Xia HE ; Wei-Guo KONG ; Wen-Ju LU ; Zi-Li ZHANG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):989-1000
In a healthy human, the airway mucus forms a thin, protective liquid layer covering the surface of the respiratory tract. It comprises a complex blend of mucin, multiple antibacterial proteins, metabolic substances, water, and electrolytes. This mucus plays a pivotal role in the lungs' innate immune system by maintaining airway hydration and capturing airborne particles and pathogens. However, heightened mucus secretion in the airway can compromise ciliary clearance, obstruct the respiratory tract, and increase the risk of pathogen colonization and recurrent infections. Consequently, a thorough exploration of the mechanisms driving excessive airway mucus secretion is crucial for establishing a theoretical foundation for the eventual development of targeted drugs designed to reduce mucus production. Across a range of lung diseases, excessive airway mucus secretion manifests with unique characteristics and regulatory mechanisms, all intricately linked to mucin. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms associated with excessive airway mucus secretion in several prevalent lung diseases.
Humans
;
Mucus/metabolism*
;
Mucins/physiology*
;
Lung Diseases/metabolism*
;
Respiratory Mucosa/metabolism*
;
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology*
;
Asthma/physiopathology*
;
Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology*
;
Mucociliary Clearance/physiology*

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