1.Discovery of selective HDAC6 inhibitors driven by artificial intelligence and molecular dynamics simulation approaches.
Xingang LIU ; Hao YANG ; Xinyu LIU ; Minjie MOU ; Jie LIU ; Wenying YAN ; Tianle NIU ; Ziyang ZHANG ; He SHI ; Xiangdong SU ; Xuedong LI ; Yang ZHANG ; Qingzhong JIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101338-101338
Increasing evidence showed that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) dysfunction is directly associated with the onset and progression of various diseases, especially cancers, making the development of HDAC6-targeted anti-tumor agents a research hotspot. In this study, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and molecular simulation strategies were fully integrated to construct an efficient and precise drug screening pipeline, which combined Voting strategy based on compound-protein interaction (CPI) prediction models, cascade molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The biological potential of the screened compounds was further evaluated through enzymatic and cellular activity assays. Among the identified compounds, Cmpd.18 exhibited more potent HDAC6 enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 = 5.41 nM) than that of tubastatin A (TubA) (IC50 = 15.11 nM), along with a favorable subtype selectivity profile (selectivity index ≈ 117.23 for HDAC1), which was further verified by the Western blot analysis. Additionally, Cmpd.18 induced G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in HCT-116 cells, exerting desirable antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 2.59 μM). Furthermore, based on long-term MD simulation trajectory, the key residues facilitating Cmpd.18's binding were identified by decomposition free energy analysis, thereby elucidating its binding mechanism. Moreover, the representative conformation analysis also indicated that Cmpd.18 could stably bind to the active pocket in an effective conformation, thus demonstrating the potential for in-depth research of the 2-(2-phenoxyethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one scaffold.
2.Discovery of selective HDAC6 inhibitors driven by artificial intelligence and molecular dynamics simulation approaches
Xingang LIU ; Hao YANG ; Xinyu LIU ; Minjie MOU ; Jie LIU ; Wenying YAN ; Tianle NIU ; Ziyang ZHANG ; He SHI ; Xiangdong SU ; Xuedong LI ; Yang ZHANG ; Qingzhong JIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1860-1872
Increasing evidence showed that histone deacetylase 6(HDAC6)dysfunction is directly associated with the onset and progression of various diseases,especially cancers,making the development of HDAC6-targeted anti-tumor agents a research hotspot.In this study,artificial intelligence(AI)technology and molecular simulation strategies were fully integrated to construct an efficient and precise drug screening pipeline,which combined Voting strategy based on compound-protein interaction(CPI)prediction models,cascade molecular docking,and molecular dynamic(MD)simulations.The biological potential of the screened compounds was further evaluated through enzymatic and cellular activity assays.Among the identified compounds,Cmpd.18 exhibited more potent HDAC6 enzyme inhibitory activity(IC50=5.41 nM)than that of tubastatin A(TubA)(IC50=15.11 nM),along with a favorable subtype selectivity profile(selectivity index ≈ 117.23 for HDAC1),which was further verified by the Western blot analysis.Additionally,Cmpd.18 induced G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in HCT-116 cells,exerting desirable antiproliferative activity(IC50=2.59 μM).Furthermore,based on long-term MD simulation trajectory,the key residues facilitating Cmpd.18's binding were identified by decomposition free energy analysis,thereby elucidating its binding mechanism.Moreover,the representative conformation analysis also indicated that Cmpd.18 could stably bind to the active pocket in an effective conformation,thus demonstrating the potential for in-depth research of the 2-(2-phenoxyethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one scaffold.
3.Proton beam range verification algorithm for pixelated prompt gamma-ray imaging detector
Liwang YANG ; Haifeng OU ; Jinlong WANG ; Xiaoguang WU ; Ziyang HE ; Jian'an ZOU ; Yun ZHENG ; Congbo LI ; Shaoxiong GUAN ; Jing SHI ; Jinze LI ; Yunqiu LI ; Rui HONG ; Hao'en CHANG ; Mengting WANG ; Kaijie WEI
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(3):281-287
In proton therapy,prompt gamma-ray imaging is considered as one of the most promising methods for assessing proton beam range.Prompt gamma-ray imaging detector evaluates the proton beam range based on the prompt gamma-ray distribution obtained by the prompt gamma-ray imaging system,which enables high-precision measurement of the proton beam range.Herein a proton beam range verification algorithm is designed for the newly developed prototype of the range verification detector(pixelated prompt gamma-ray imaging detector),which verifies the range estimation accuracy of the prototype for different phantoms and different energies of homogeneous media through Monte Carlo simulation.The results show that the accuracy of the proton beam range verification algorithm is within 0.5 mm of the safety margin error of the Bragg peak,and the measurement accuracy is significantly improved with the increase of the number of protons,indicating that the prototype algorithm is feasible for proton beam range verification.
4.A randomized controlled trial of value orientation brief therapy combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in mild to moderate depression
Ziyang JI ; Lijing SHI ; Yifang FU ; Yixuan ZHANG ; Meiqi SHAO ; Manyu HE ; Jiao DONG ; Fengju YAO ; Huiying WANG ; Changhong WANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(3):193-199
Objective:To evaluate the effect of value orientation brief therapy(VBT)combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs)on clinical symptoms,rumination,decision-making ability,and cognitive func-tion in patients with mild to moderate depression.Methods:Eighty patients meeting the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for mild to moderate depression were randomly assigned to either a medication(SSRIs)group(36 completed)or a VBT combined group(38 completed)for a 6-week intervention.Baseline and post-intervention assessments includ-ed the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxious Scale(HAMA),Ruminative Response Scale-Chi-nese Version(RRS-CV),Iowa Gambling Test(IGT),number of eye fixation(NEF),responsive search score(RSS)in exploratory eye trajectory movement were used to evaluate patients'anxiety and depression symptoms,ru-minative thinking,decision-making function,and cognitive function.Results:The VBT combined group showed sig-nificantly better therapeutic effects than the medication group(P<0.05).Compared to baseline and the medication group,the VBT combined group had significantly lower post-intervention scores in HAMD,HAMA,symptom rumi-nation,introspective reflection,compulsive meditation,and RRS-CV total scores after intervention(Ps<0.05),and significantly higher scores in IGT net profit scores,NEF,and RSS scores(Ps<0.05).Compared with the medica-tion group,the VBT combined group demonstrated a greater reduction in HAMD,HAMA,symptom rumination,in-trospective reflection,compulsive meditation,and RRS-CV total scores before and after intervention(Ps<0.05),and a larger increase in IGT net profit scores,NEF,and RSS scores(Ps<0.05).Conclusion:VBT combined with SSRIs effectively improves the symptoms of depression,anxiety,decision-making ability,rumination thinking,and cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate depression.
5.Proton beam range verification algorithm for pixelated prompt gamma-ray imaging detector
Liwang YANG ; Haifeng OU ; Jinlong WANG ; Xiaoguang WU ; Ziyang HE ; Jian'an ZOU ; Yun ZHENG ; Congbo LI ; Shaoxiong GUAN ; Jing SHI ; Jinze LI ; Yunqiu LI ; Rui HONG ; Hao'en CHANG ; Mengting WANG ; Kaijie WEI
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(3):281-287
In proton therapy,prompt gamma-ray imaging is considered as one of the most promising methods for assessing proton beam range.Prompt gamma-ray imaging detector evaluates the proton beam range based on the prompt gamma-ray distribution obtained by the prompt gamma-ray imaging system,which enables high-precision measurement of the proton beam range.Herein a proton beam range verification algorithm is designed for the newly developed prototype of the range verification detector(pixelated prompt gamma-ray imaging detector),which verifies the range estimation accuracy of the prototype for different phantoms and different energies of homogeneous media through Monte Carlo simulation.The results show that the accuracy of the proton beam range verification algorithm is within 0.5 mm of the safety margin error of the Bragg peak,and the measurement accuracy is significantly improved with the increase of the number of protons,indicating that the prototype algorithm is feasible for proton beam range verification.
6.A randomized controlled trial of value orientation brief therapy combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in mild to moderate depression
Ziyang JI ; Lijing SHI ; Yifang FU ; Yixuan ZHANG ; Meiqi SHAO ; Manyu HE ; Jiao DONG ; Fengju YAO ; Huiying WANG ; Changhong WANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(3):193-199
Objective:To evaluate the effect of value orientation brief therapy(VBT)combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs)on clinical symptoms,rumination,decision-making ability,and cognitive func-tion in patients with mild to moderate depression.Methods:Eighty patients meeting the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for mild to moderate depression were randomly assigned to either a medication(SSRIs)group(36 completed)or a VBT combined group(38 completed)for a 6-week intervention.Baseline and post-intervention assessments includ-ed the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxious Scale(HAMA),Ruminative Response Scale-Chi-nese Version(RRS-CV),Iowa Gambling Test(IGT),number of eye fixation(NEF),responsive search score(RSS)in exploratory eye trajectory movement were used to evaluate patients'anxiety and depression symptoms,ru-minative thinking,decision-making function,and cognitive function.Results:The VBT combined group showed sig-nificantly better therapeutic effects than the medication group(P<0.05).Compared to baseline and the medication group,the VBT combined group had significantly lower post-intervention scores in HAMD,HAMA,symptom rumi-nation,introspective reflection,compulsive meditation,and RRS-CV total scores after intervention(Ps<0.05),and significantly higher scores in IGT net profit scores,NEF,and RSS scores(Ps<0.05).Compared with the medica-tion group,the VBT combined group demonstrated a greater reduction in HAMD,HAMA,symptom rumination,in-trospective reflection,compulsive meditation,and RRS-CV total scores before and after intervention(Ps<0.05),and a larger increase in IGT net profit scores,NEF,and RSS scores(Ps<0.05).Conclusion:VBT combined with SSRIs effectively improves the symptoms of depression,anxiety,decision-making ability,rumination thinking,and cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate depression.
7.Modified Xiaoyaosan Alleviates Depression-like Behaviors by Regulating Activation of Hippocampal Microglia Cells in Rat Model of Juvenile Depression
Jiayi SHI ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Feng QIU ; Chang LEI ; Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Dong YANG ; Yuhong WANG ; Pengxiao GUO ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):46-56
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Baihuan Xiaoyao Decoction (Xiaoyaosan added with Lilii Bulbus and Albiziae Cortex) in alleviating depression-like behaviors of juvenile rats by regulating the polarization of microglia. MethodSixty juvenile SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, fluoxetine, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (5.36, 10.71, 21.42 g·kg-1, respectively) Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction groups. The rat model of juvenile depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The sucrose preference test (SPT) was carried out to examine the sucrose preference of rats. Forced swimming test (FST) was carried out to measure the immobility time of rats. The open field test (OFT) was conducted to measure the total distance, the central distance, the number of horizontal crossings, and the frequency of rearing. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to measure the escape latency and the number of crossing the platform. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, the polarization marker of M1 microglia) and CD206 (the polarization marker of M2 microglia). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of iNOS, CD206, pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the hippocampus. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of iNOS and CD206 in the hippocampus. The levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in the hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultCompared with the normal control group, the model rats showed a reduction in sucrose preference (P<0.05), an increase in immobility time (P<0.05), decreased motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and weakened learning and spatial memory (P<0.05). In addition, the model rats showed up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction increased the sucrose preference value (P<0.05), shortened the immobility time (P<0.01), increased the motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and improved the learning and spatial memory (P<0.01). Furthermore, the decoction down-regulated the positive expression and protein level of iNOS, lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), promoted the positive expression of CD206, and elevated the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.01) in the hippocampus of the high dose group. Moreover, the high-dose Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction group had higher sucrose preference value (P<0.01), shorter immobility time (P<0.01), longer central distance (P<0.01), stronger learning and spatial memory (P<0.01), higher positive expression and protein level of iNOS (P<0.01), lower levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower positive expression and mRNA level of iNOS (P<0.05), and higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the fluoxetine group. ConclusionBaihuan Xiaoyao decoction can improve the depression-like behavior of juvenile rats by inhibiting the M1 polarization and promoting the M2 polarization of microglia in the hippocampus.
8.Clinicopathologic characteristics,gene mutation profile and prognostic analysis of thyroid diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Zhishan DU ; Yue WANG ; Ziyang SHI ; Qing SHI ; Hongmei YI ; Lei DONG ; Li WANG ; Shu CHENG ; Pengpeng XU ; Weili ZHAO
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2024;44(1):64-71
Objective·To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics,gene mutation profile,and prognostic factors of thyroid diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods·From November 2003 to December 2021,a total of 66 patients with thyroid DLBCL[23 cases(34.8%)with primary thyroid DLBCL,and 43 cases(65.2%)with secondary thyroid DLBCL]admitted to Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed for their clinicopathological data,survival and prognostic factors.Gene mutation profiles were evaluated by targeted sequencing(55 lymphoma-related genes)in 40 patients.Results·Compared to primary thyroid DLBCL,secondary thyroid DLBCL had advanced ratio of Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ?Ⅳ(P=0.000),elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)(P=0.043),number of affected extranodal involvement≥2(P=0.000),non-germinal center B cell(non-GCB)(P=0.030),BCL-2/MYC double expression(DE)(P=0.026),and international prognostic index(IPI)3?5-scores(P=0.000).The proportion of patients who underwent thyroid surgery(P=0.012)was lower than that of patients with primary thyroid DLBCL.The complete remission(CR)rate in primary thyroid DLBCL patients was higher than that in secondary thyroid DLBCL patients(P=0.039).Fifty-five patients(83%)received rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone(R-CHOP)-based first-line regimen.The estimated 5-year progression free survival(PFS)rate of primary thyroid DLBCL patients was 95.0%,higher than the 49.7%of the secondary patients(P=0.010).Univariate analysis showed that Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ(HR=4.411,95%CI 1.373?14.170),elevated LDH(HR=5.500,95%CI 1.519?19.911),non-GCB(HR= 5.291,95%CI 1.667?16.788),and DE(HR=6.178,95%CI 1.813?21.058)were adverse prognostic factors of PFS in patients with thyroid DLBCL.Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ(HR=7.088,95%CI 0.827?60.717),elevated LDH(HR=6.982,95%CI 0.809?60.266),and DE(HR=18.079,95%CI 1.837?177.923)were adverse prognostic factors of overall survival(OS).Multivariate analysis showed that Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ(HR=4.693,95%CI 1.218?18.081)and elevated LDH(HR=5.058,95%CI 1.166?21.941)were independent adverse prognostic factors of PFS in patients with thyroid DLBCL.Targeted sequencing data showed mutation frequency>20%in TET2(n=14,35%),KMT2D(n=13,32%),TP53(n=11,28%),GNA13(n=10,25%),KMT2C(n=9,22%),and TP53 were adverse prognostic factors of PFS in patients with thyroid DLBCL(P=0.000).Conclusion·Patients with primary thyroid DLBCL have better PFS and OS than those with secondary thyroid DLBCL.Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ,elevated LDH,non-GCB,and DE(MYC and BCL2)are adverse prognostic factors in thyroid DLBCL.TET2,KMT2D,TP53,GNA13,and KMT2C are commonly highly mutated genes in thyroid DLBCL,and the prognosis of patients with TP53 mutations is poor.
10.Clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic analysis of patients with female genital tract diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Ziyang SHI ; Yue WANG ; Qing SHI ; Shuo WANG ; Muchen ZHANG ; Rong SHEN ; Yang HE ; Huiling QIU ; Hongmei YI ; Lei DONG ; Li WANG ; Shu CHENG ; Pengpeng XU ; Weili ZHAO
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2022;31(9):527-532
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, gene mutation profile, and prognostic factors of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in female genital tract.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinicopathological data of 30 patients with female genital tract DLBCL who were admitted to Rui Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from October 2003 to October 2021. Targeted sequencing was used to detect 55 lymphoma-related genes, and the gene mutation status of patients was evaluated. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and prognostic factors were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model.Results:The median age of 30 female genital tract DLBCL patients at diagnosis was 58 years old (23-77 years old). The initial symptoms mainly included abdominal pain, distension, and masses (8 cases, 32%). Tumors most commonly located in the adnexal region (including ovaries and fallopian tubes) (13 cases, 45%), of which 9 cases were unilateral. Twenty-one cases (70%) had multiple extra-nodal involvements, 22 cases (73%) had Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, 8 cases (27%) had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of ≥2, and 22 cases (73%) had elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 21 cases (70%) had International Prognostic Index (IPI) score of 3-5. Within 30 patients, 11 patients (37%) received surgery, and all patients received R-CHOP regimen-based chemotherapy. All 30 cases were evaluated for efficacy, the complete remission rate was 83% (25/30), the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 69.7%, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 79.6%. Univariate analysis showed that ECOG score ≥2 was associated with worse OS ( P = 0.048). Among the 30 patients, 7 patients (23%) were primary and 23 patients (77%) were secondary. The proportions of patients with Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, IPI score 3-5 and elevated LDH in secondary patients were higher than those in primary patients (all P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in PFS and OS between the two ( P values were 0.261 and 0.671). The targeted sequencing results of 16 patients showed that the mutation rates of PIM1, MYD88, KMT2D, TP53, CARD11, CCND3 and GNA13 were all > 20%, and TP53 mutation was associated with poorer PFS and OS ( P values 0.012 and 0.002). Conclusions:Female genital tract DLBCL is a rare invasive extranodal DLBCL with similar survival prognosis in primary and secondary patients. High-frequency mutations of PIM1, MYD88 and TP53 genes may provide new directions for treatment.

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