1.Biosynthesis of ganoderic acid and its derivatives.
Hong-Yan SONG ; Wan YANG ; Li-Wei LIU ; Xia-Ying CHENG ; Dong-Feng YANG ; Zong-Qi YANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1155-1163
Ganoderic acid is a class of lanostane-type triterpenoids found in Ganoderma species, and is one of the most important pharmacologically active components in G. lucidum, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-neuropsychiatric, anti-tumor, and immune-enhancing properties. The content of ganoderic acid in G. lucidum is very low, and the traditional extraction process is complex, yielding minimal amounts at high cost. The biosynthetic pathway of G. lucidum triterpenoids(GLTs), including the synthesis of different structural forms of ganoderic acid from lanosterol, as well as the molecular regulatory mechanisms involving key regulatory enzyme genes and their functions, are not yet fully understood. With the continuous development of synthetic biology technologies, there has been a deeper understanding of the biosynthesis and metabolic regulation pathways of ganoderic acid and its derivatives at the molecular level. Research has explored the key regulatory enzyme genes related to ganoderic acid biosynthesis and their functions. Moreover, through the optimization of synthetic biology and culture conditions, large-scale production and preparation of GLTs at the cellular level have been achieved. This paper reviews and analyzes the latest research progress on the biosynthesis pathways and metabolic regulation of GLTs, focusing on the configuration of ganoderic acid and its derivatives, the biosynthetic pathways, key enzyme genes, transcription factors related to ganoderic acid biosynthesis, signal transduction mechanisms, and factors affecting triterpenoid biotransformation. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for improving the efficient production of triterpenoid pharmacological components and the exploitation and utilization of G. lucidum resources.
Triterpenes/chemistry*
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Reishi/chemistry*
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Biosynthetic Pathways
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Lanosterol
2.Efficacy-driving Mechanism of Danhong Injection for Stable Angina Pectoris Based on Composition-activity Relationship of Target Modules
Siwei TIAN ; Wenjing ZONG ; Jun LIU ; Wei YANG ; Qikai NIU ; Siqi ZHANG ; Jing'ai WANG ; Huamin ZHANG ; Zhong WANG ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):121-128
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy-driving mechanism of Danhong injection (DHI) in the treatment of stable angina pectoris (SAP) based on the composition-activity relationship of target modules and clarify the pharmacological effects of DHI. MethodAccording to the angina frequency (AF) in the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) that was obtained in the previous clinical trial, the patients before and after DHI treatment were grouped based on efficacy. The transcriptomic data of the patients before treatment and in the best efficacy group 30 days post-treatment were selected as the data source, and then weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct the co-expression network. Relevant modules in the network were identified and associated with clinical features. In addition, the On-modules (Z value below 0) were identified by Zsummary. The topological indicators such as density, centrality, and clustering coefficient were adopted to explore the dynamics of DHI efficacy at the network level and module level, respectively. In addition, the driver genes were screened by the personalized network control (PNC) algorithm. Finally, rat H9C2 cells were used to establish the model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), which was used to confirm the potential therapeutic target of DHI for SAP and provide a scientific basis for revealing the therapeutic mechanism of DHI. ResultWe identified 19 modules in the best efficacy group of DHI for SAP, and the comparison between day 0 and day 30 revealed 12 On-modules. The changes of network topological indicators at the network and module levels confirmed the correlation between the best efficacy of DHI treatment and topological dynamics. Finally, the driver genes, Klotho and fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22), in DHI treatment of SAP were verified by the H9C2 cell model of H/R. ConclusionBased on clinical transcriptome data, this study determined the composition-activity relationship of target modules of DHI for SAP, which provided a scientific basis for deciphering the efficacy-driven mechanism of DHI for SAP.
3.The expression of System Xc-/ GSH / GPX4 ferroptosis pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients and its effect on the secretion of inflammatory factors
Can Liu ; Wukai Ma ; Changming Chen ; Yang An ; Zong Jiang ; Hai Huang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(1):64-70
Objective :
To investigate the expression of genes and proteins in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell ( PBMC) cystine / glutamate antiporter system (System Xc-) / glutathione ( GSH) / glutathione peroxidase 4 ( GPX4) ferroptosis pathway and its influence on inflammatory factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) .
Methods :
30 patients with RA and 30 healthy participants were enrolled.PBMCs were isolated using Ficoll-hypaque density gradient centrifugation.The cells were categorized into the healthy control,RA,ferroptosis inhibitor,ferroptosis in- ducer group.The cell viability was checked using the cell counting kit-8 ( CCK-8) method.Intracellular Fe2 + rela- tive fluorescence intensity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using the FerroOrange and Di- hydroethidium (DHE) fluorescent probes,respectively.Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) de- tected the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 ( Nrf2 ) ,solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) ,GPX4 proteins and mRNA.And the flow cytometry quantified the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) ,Interleukin (IL) -1,and IL-6 in the supernatant of each cell group.
Results :
Compared to the healthy control group,the RA group showed a significantly increased Fe2 + concentration and elevated ROS levels,reduced expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins and mRNA,and increased contents of TNF-α , IL-1 and IL-6 in PBMC supernatant,and the differences were statistically significant.The concentration of Fe2 + and ROS levels in the inhibitor group were lower than those in the RA group,the proteins expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11 and GPX4 increased,the mRNA expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4 increased,the content of IL-6 in the PBMC supernatant decreased but the content of TNF-α increased,and the differences were statistically significant.In contrast,the in- ducer group,when compared to the RA group,displayed increased ROS levels,reduced expression of SLC7A11 protein and mRNA and decreased expression of Nrf2 protein,and the contents of TNF-α and IL-1 in the PBMC su- pernatant increased,but the expression of GPX4 protein increased ,and the differences were statistically signifi- cant.The inducer group,compared to the RA group,showed increased cell viability,and the difference was statis-
tically significant (P<0. 000 1) .
Conclusion
The presence of ferroptosis in PBMC in RA patients,inhibiting or inducing PBMC ferroptosis in RA patients,will inhibit or promote the secretion of inflammatory factors.Inhibition of PBMC ferroptosis in RA patients may be helpful in the treatment of RA.
4.Interpretation of the Guideline for Multi-dimensional and Multi-criteria Comprehensive Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicine:weighting of evaluation indicators
Haili ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Weili WANG ; Wenjie CAO ; Yijiu YANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Ning LIANG ; Huizhen LI ; Qianzi CHE ; Xingyu ZONG ; Zhao CHEN ; Yanping WANG ; Nannan SHI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(7):773-777
OBJECTIVE To provide a detailed report and interpretation of the method and results for determining the weights of the technical indicators from the “multi-dimensional and multi-criteria comprehensive evaluation index system (first edition)” stated in Guideline for Multi-dimensional and Multi-criteria Comprehensive Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicine. METHODS Normalization calculations were performed on the comprehensive weight values calculated by the analytic hierarchy process and expert weighting method to obtain the objective weights of the indicators. RESULTS The weight results of the six primary dimensions in the current comprehensive evaluation indicator system of Chinese patent medicine showed effectiveness dimension> safety dimension>standard dimension>application dimension>scientific dimension>economic dimension, with weight values of 0.281 0, 0.268 5, 0.195 8, 0.107 3, 0.096 1 and 0.051 3 respectively, consistent with the results of most researches currently. CONCLUSIONS The process of weight determination in this indicator system is scientifically reasonable, with clear methods and clear interpretations, and is worthy of further optimization and widespread application.
5.Rapid Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Shenxianshengmai Oral Liquid by UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS
Shiyu ZONG ; Zhibiao DI ; Qiqi LIU ; Zhuangzhuang HUANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Ye LI ; Feng LIU ; Yang LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(1):218-228
Objective To explore the chemical basis of Shenxianshengmai oral liquid.Method UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS technology was used to identify the chemical components of Shenxianshengmai oral liquid.The chromatographic separation was performed on a Thermo Accucore aQ C18 column(150 mm×2.1 mm,2.6 μm)with mobile phase gradient elution of 0.1%formic acid aqueous solution(A)and methanol(B)for 0-13 min,5%-60%B;13-27 min,60%-95%B;27-30 min,95%B,the flow rate was 0.3 mL·min-1,and the column temperature was at 30℃.The mass spectrometry was performed by heating electrospray ionization(H-ESI)with positive and negative ion scanning modes.The scanning range was m/z 120-1800,and the collision energies were 30 eV,50 eV and 70 eV.Result A total of 160 components were identified,including 29 flavonoids,24 organic acids,21 alkaloids,19 terpenoids,15 phenylpropanoids,12 saponins and 40 other components.Six chemical constituents(rutin,psoralenoside,isopsoralenoside,psoralen,isopsoralen and bakuchiol)were confirmed by comparison with reference substances.Conclusion In this study,an UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS method has been established for accurate,rapid and systematic identification of the constituents in Shenxian Shengmai oral liquid,which provides an important basis for clarifying the chemical basis and quality control.
6.Effect of Simo decoction on the regulation of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signal pathway on duodenal microinflammation in rats with functional dyspepsia
Qin LIU ; Xiao-Yuan LIN ; Ling-Feng YANG ; Qian LUO ; Yun-Zong HAN ; Si-Qing CHEN ; Hai-Yue ZHANG ; Shu ZHOU ; Sai-Nan ZHOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(1):67-71
Objective To investigate the effects of Simo decoction on duodenal microinflammation and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1)/gasdermin D(GSDMD)signaling pathway in rats with functional dyspepsia(FD).Methods The FD model was established by multifactorial method.SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group(FD model),positive control group(gavage administration of 0.305 mg·kg-1 mosapride injection)and experimental-H,-M,-L groups(gavage administration of 5.62,2.81,1.40 g·kg-1 Simo decoction).Small intestinal advancement rate and gastric emptying rate was determined;the levels of interleukin(IL)-1 β and IL-18 in serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);the protein expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD in duodenal tissue was detected by Western blotting.Results The gastric emptying rates of normal,model,positive control and experimental-H,-M,-Lgroupswere(58.34±5.72)%,(29.16±8.37)%,(48.77±6.10)%,(48.35±6.04)%,(48.20±3.49)%and(39.24±4.20)%;the small intestinal propulsion rates were(82.01±7.55)%,(41.95±9.53)%,(64.61±10.18)%,(75.04±9.76)%,(60.58±7.13)%and(45.89±7.40)%;serum IL-1 β expression were(12.86±0.88),(43.73±4.60),(18.84±0.86),(24.61±1.57),(19.14±0.77)and(29.04±0.72)pg·mL-1;IL-18 expressions were(95.00±3.74),(170.60±8.78),(108.50±3.05),(118.90±3.45),(99.90±8.70)and(141.00±3.71)pg·mL-1;the relative expression levels of NLRP3 proteins were 0.32±0.02,0.84±0.05,0.42±0.03,0.48±0.02,0.61±0.04 and 0.62±0.05;the relative expression levels of GSDMD proteins were 0.34±0.05,0.93±0.06,0.35±0.03,0.52±0.02,0.53±0.06 and 0.55±0.05,respectively.Compared with the normal group,the above indexes in the model group have statistical significance;compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-H group and the positive control group also have statistical significance(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusion Simo decoction can effectively improve the general condition and duodenal microinflammation in FD rats,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of duodenal NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.
7.Research progress of Fengweiqi from"Qiyao"in Qinling Mountains
Shiyu ZONG ; Yang LIU ; Ye LI ; Shengnan JIANG ; Yuye AN ; Hong ZHANG
China Pharmacist 2024;27(1):171-176
Fengweiqi is the whole plant of Rhodiola dumulosa.It is a kind of natural and precious folk medicinal plant,mainly distributed on hillside rocks and crevasses at the altitude of 1 600-4 100 m.Fengweiqi mainly contains flavonoids,volatile oil,polysaccharides,various amino acids and trace elements.Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Fengweiqi has many significant pharmacological activities,such as anti-oxidation,anti-fatigue,anti-hypoxia and bacteriostasis.In this paper,the textual research,chemical constituents,pharmacological actions and artificial cultivation of Fengweiqi were reviewed in order to provide reference for further research and development of Fengweiqi resources.
8.Early diagnostic value of Presepsin in sepsis: a prospective study on a population with suspected sepsis in fever clinics
Xinxin ZONG ; Yongzhe LIU ; Li GU ; Xi CHEN ; Chunxia YANG
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(4):340-344
Objective:To analyze the early diagnostic value of plasma soluble cluster of differentiation 14 subtype (sCD14-ST, Presepsin) in sepsis in a population with suspected sepsis in fever clinic.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted. The patients admitted to the fever clinic of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from April to December 2022 were enrolled as the study objects. According to sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, the patients were divided into low SOFA score group (SOFA score ≤3) and high SOFA score group (SOFA score > 3). Venous blood was collected at the time of admission. The level of plasma Presepsin was detected by chemiluminescence enzyme-linked immunoassay. The level of plasma procalcitonin (PCT) was detected by enzyme-linked immunofluorescence method. The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was detected by scattering turbidimetry. White blood cell count (WBC) and neutrophil count (NEUT) were measured by automatic blood cell analyzer. For patients with fear of cold or chills, venous blood of upper limbs was taken for blood culture at the time of admission. The differences in inflammatory biomarkers were compared between the two groups. Binary multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the early risk factors of sepsis in fever outpatients with suspected sepsis. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to investigate the early diagnostic value of Presepsin and other inflammatory markers in sepsis, and to analyze the optimal cut-off value.Results:A total of 149 fever outpatients with suspected sepsis were enrolled, including 92 patients with low SOFA score and 57 patients with high SOFA score. Plasma PCT and Presepsin levels in the high SOFA score group were significantly higher than those in the low SOFA score group [PCT (μg/L): 0.77 (0.18, 2.02) vs. 0.22 (0.09, 0.71), Presepsin (ng/L): 1?129.00 (785.50, 1?766.50) vs. 563.00 (460.50, 772.25), both P < 0.01]. There was no significant difference in WBC, NEUT, CRP or positive rate of blood culture between the high and low SOFA score groups [WBC (×10 9/L): 11.32±5.47 vs. 11.14±5.29, NEUT (×10 9/L): 9.88±4.89 vs. 9.60±5.10, CRP (mg/L): 54.05 (15.95, 128.90) vs. 46.11 (19.60, 104.60), blood culture positivity rate: 42.3% (11/26) vs. 29.4% (10/34), all P > 0.05]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Presepsin was an early risk factor for sepsis in suspected sepsis patients in fever clinics [odds ratio ( OR) = 16.96, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 6.35-45.29, P = 0.000]. ROC curve analysis showed that the early diagnostic value of Presepsin in sepsis was significantly better than WBC, NEUT, CRP, PCT, and blood culture [the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and 95% CI: 0.832 (0.771-0.899) vs. 0.522 (0.424-0.619), 0.532 (0.435-0.629), 0.533 (0.435-0.632), 0.664 (0.574-0.753), 0.554 (0.458-0.650)]. When the optimal cut-off value of Presepsin was 646.50 ng/L, its sensitivity and positive predictive value were higher than those of WBC, NEUT, CRP, and PCT (sensitivity: 89.5% vs. 38.6%, 68.4%, 38.6%, 57.9%; positive predictive value: 64.6% vs. 44.9%, 44.3%, 47.8%, 55.9%). Conclusion:Plasma PCT and Presepsin have early diagnostic value for sepsis in suspected sepsis patients in fever clinics, and Presepsin is more sensitive than PCT and can be used as a early marker of sepsis.
9.The mechanism of imatinib on the regulation of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Duanyang LI ; Yaru LIU ; Zhiqing ZHOU ; Hong YANG ; Xiaolong ZONG ; Zhenyu LI
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(8):1104-1109
Objective:To evaluate the effect of imatinib on the endotoxemia-induced acute lung injury in mice.Methods:Sixty SPF male, 8-12 weeks, C57BL/6 mice were randomly (random) divided into 4 groups ( n=15 each): control group (group C), imatinib group (groupⅠ), endotoxemia group (group LPS) and imatinib + endotoxemia group (group I+LPS). The endotoxemia model of acute lung injury was established. After 24 hours, the mice were sacrificed. The pathological changes of lung tissues were evaluated, the lung injury scores were calculated, and the wet/dry ratios of lung tissues were measured. ELISA was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum. Detection kits were used to analyze the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in lung tissues; The expression levels of phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B (p-NF-κB), nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in lung tissues were analyzed by western blotting. Results:Compared with the group C, the wet/dry (W/D) ratio of lungs [(3.47±0.41) vs. (5.58±0.47)], lung injury scores [(1.25±0.89) vs. (10.25±1.75)], and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum increased in the group LPS ( P<0.05). The levels of SOD, CAT, GSH and GSH/GSSG decreased, the level of MDA increased, and the expression of p-NF-κB, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein up-regulated ( P<0.05). Compared with the LPS group, the W/D ratio of lungs [(5.58±0.47) vs.(4.62±0.38)] and lung injury scores [(10.25±1.75) vs. (7.00±1.31)] in the I+LPS group decreased ( P<0.05), and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum decreased ( P<0.05). In lung tissues, the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH and GSH/GSSG increased (all P<0.05), the level of MDA decreased (all P<0.05), the expression of p-NF-κB protein decreased, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein increased ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Imatinib improves sepsis-induced acute lung injury in mice, and the mechanism of actions behind may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress.
10.Current status of pubertal sexual characteristics development of 2 704 girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing
Yaqin ZHANG ; Huahong WU ; Wen SHU ; Yang LI ; Chengdong YU ; Tao LI ; Guimin HUANG ; Dongqing HOU ; Fangfang CHEN ; Junting LIU ; Shaoli LI ; Xinnan ZONG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(5):430-437
Objective:To understand the current status of pubertal sexual characteristics development of girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing and to compare the differences in sexual characteristics development among girls characterized as thin, normal, overweight, and obese.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2 844 girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing from September 2022 to July 2023. The developmental stages of breast and pubic hair were assessed on site, and menarche status was inquired. Weight and height were measured. The girls were subsequently characterized into thin, normal, overweight and obese groups. Basic information (including family and personal history) was obtained through questionnaires. Probit probability unit regression was applied to calculate the age of each Tanner stage of sexual characteristics development and the age of menarche. The χ 2 test was applied to compare the counting data between two or multiple groups. Results:A total of 2 844 girls were surveyed and 2 704 girls met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a valid response rate of 95.1%. Among these girls, 1 105 (40.9%) were aged 6-9 years, 1 053 (38.9%) were aged 10-13 years, and 546 (20.2%) were aged 14-18 years. The of height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and body mass index-for-age Z-score (BAZ) were 0.46(-0.23,1.16), 0.69(-0.16,1.67), and 0.67(-0.27,1.73) respectively. The prevalences of thin, overweight, and obesity were respectively 1.7% (45/2 704), 17.3% (467/2 704), and 19.9% (538/2 704), respectively. There were 45 girls in the thin group, 1 654 girls in the normal weight group, 1 005 girls in the overweight and obesity group. The age of Tanner stage breast 2 (B2), Tanner stage pubic hair 2 (P2), and menarche was 9.0 (95% CI 8.9-9.1), 10.5 (95% CI 10.4-10.6), and 11.4 (95% CI 11.3-1.5) years, respectively. The current status of breast and pubic hair maturity in girls with pubertal development shows that 64.6% (1 211/1 874) of these girls had breast development preceding pubic hair development, 32.4% (607/1 874) had concurrent breast and pubic hair development, and 3.0% (56/1 874) had pubic hairs development preceding breast development. The interval age between B2 and B5 was 4.7 (95% CI 4.6-4.8) years, between P2 and P5 was 4.5 (95% CI 4.4-4.6) years, and between B2 and menarche was 2.4 (95% CI 2.3-2.5) years. The ages of sexual characteristics development in overweight and obese groups were earlier than that in normal and thin groups. The ages of B2 in thin, normal, overweight, and obese groups were 10.0 (95% CI 9.5-10.6), 9.3 (95% CI 9.2-9.4), and 8.6 (95% CI 8.4-8.7) years, respectively. The age of menarche in thin, normal, overweight, and obese groups were 13.1 (95% CI 12.4-13.7), 11.6 (95% CI 11.4-11.7), and 11.1 (95% CI 11.0-11.2) years, respectively. The interval ages between B2 and B5 and between P2 and P5 was 4.5 and 4.1 years, respectively in the overweight and obese groups, and those in normal group and thin group was 4.7 and 4.5 years, 4.6 and 4.7 years, respectively. Conclusions:The ages of sexual characteristics development and menarche tend in Tongzhou District of Beijing to be earlier than that being reported of Beijing's survey 20 years ago. Girls characterized as overweight and obese not only start puberty at an earlier age than girls of normal weight, but also have a shorter developmental process.


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