1.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
2.Color-component correlation and mechanism of component transformation of processed Citri Reticulatae Semen.
Kui-Lin ZHU ; Jin-Lian ZOU ; Xu-Li DENG ; Mao-Xin DENG ; Hai-Ming WANG ; Rui YIN ; Zhang-Xian CHEN ; Yun-Tao ZHANG ; Hong-Ping HE ; Fa-Wu DONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2382-2390
High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the content of three major components in Citri Reticulatae Semen(CRS), including limonin, nomilin, and obacunone. The chromaticity of the CRS sample during salt processing and stir-frying was measured using a color difference meter. Next, the relationship between the color and content of the salt-processed CRS sample was investigated through correlation analysis. By integrating the oil bath technique for processing simulation with HPLC, the changes in the relative content of nomilin and its transformation products were analyzed, with its structural transformation pattern during processing identified. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were induced with lipopolysaccharides(LPSs) to establish an inflammatory model, and the anti-inflammatory activity of nomilin and its transformation product, namely obacunone was evaluated. The results indicated that as processing progressed, E~*ab and L~* values showed a downward trend; a~* values exhibited a slow increase over a certain period, followed by no significant changes, and b~* values remained stable with no significant changes over a certain period and then started to decrease. The limonin content remained barely unchanged; the nomilin content decreased, and the obacunone increased significantly. The changing trends in content and color parameters during salt-processing and stir-frying were basically consistent. The content of nomilin and obacunone was significantly correlated with the colorimetric values(L~*, a~*, b~*, and E~*ab), while limonin content showed no significant correlation with these values. By analyzing HPLC patterns of nomylin at different heating temperatures and time, it was found that under conditions of 200-250 ℃ for heating of 5-60 min, the content of nomilin significantly decreased, while the obacunone content increased pronouncedly. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity results indicated that compared to the model group, the group with a high concentration of nomilin and the groups with varying concentrations of obacunone showed significantly reduced release of nitric oxide(NO)(P<0.01). When both were at the same concentration, obacunone showed better performance in inhibiting NO release. In this study, the obvious correlation between the color and content of major components during the processing of CRS samples was identified, and the dynamic patterns of quality change in CRS samples during processing were revealed. Additionally, the study revealed and confirmed the transformation of nomilin into obacunone during processing, with the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of obacunone significantly greater than that of nomilin. These findings provided a scientific basis for CRS processing optimization, tablet quality control, and its clinical application.
Mice
;
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Limonins/chemistry*
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Citrus/chemistry*
;
Color
;
Benzoxepins/chemistry*
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry*
3.Signatures of proteomics and glycoproteomics revealed liraglutide ameliorates MASLD by regulating specific metabolic homeostasis in mice.
Yuxuan CHEN ; Chendong LIU ; Qian YANG ; Jingtao YANG ; He ZHANG ; Yong ZHANG ; Yanruyu FENG ; Jiaqi LIU ; Lian LI ; Dapeng LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(11):101273-101273
Liraglutide (Lira), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for diabetes and obesity, has shown significant potential in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, its systematic molecular regulation and mechanisms remain underexplored. In this study, a mouse model of MASLD was developed using a high-fat diet (HFD), followed by Lira administration. Proteomics and glycoproteomics were analyzed using label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), while potential molecular target analysis was conducted via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting. Our results revealed that Lira treatment significantly reduced liver weight and serum markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and others, with glycosylation changes playing a more significant role than overall protein expression. The glycoproteome identified 255 independent glycosylation sites, emphasizing the impact of Lira on amino acid, carbohydrate metabolism, and ferroptosis. Simultaneously, proteomic analysis highlighted its effects on lipid metabolism and fibrosis pathways. 21 signature molecules, including 7 proteins and 14 N-glycosylation sites (N-glycosites), were identified as potential targets. A Lira hydrogel formulation (Lira@fibrin (Fib) Gel) was developed to extend drug dosing intervals, offering enhanced therapeutic efficacy in managing chronic metabolic diseases. Our study demonstrated the importance of glycosylation regulation in the therapeutic effects of Lira on MASLD, identifying potential molecular targets and advancing its clinical application for MASLD treatment.
4.Assessment of respiratory protection competency of staff in healthcare facilities
Hui-Xue JIA ; Xi YAO ; Mei-Hua HU ; Bing-Li ZHANG ; Xin-Ying SUN ; Zi-Han LI ; Ming-Zhuo DENG ; Lian-He LU ; Jie LI ; Li-Hong SONG ; Jian-Yu LU ; Xue-Mei SONG ; Hang GAO ; Liu-Yi LI
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):25-31
Objective To understand the respiratory protection competency of staff in hospitals.Methods Staff from six hospitals of different levels and characteristics in Beijing were selected,including doctors,nurses,medical technicians,and servicers,to conduct knowledge assessment on respiratory protection competency.According to exposure risks of respiratory infectious diseases,based on actual cases and daily work scenarios,content of respira-tory protection competency assessment was designed from three aspects:identification of respiratory infectious di-seases,transmission routes and corresponding protection requirements,as well as correct selection and use of masks.The assessment included 6,6,and 8 knowledge points respectively,with 20 knowledge points in total,all of which were choice questions.For multiple-choice questions,full marks,partial marks,and no mark were given respective-ly if all options were correct,partial options were correct and without incorrect options,and partial options were correct but with incorrect options.Difficulty and discrimination analyses on question of each knowledge point was conducted based on classical test theory.Results The respiratory protection competency knowledge assessment for 326 staff members at different risk levels in 6 hospitals showed that concerning the 20 knowledge points,more than 60%participants got full marks for 6 points,while the proportion of full marks for other questions was relatively low.Less than 10%participants got full marks for the following 5 knowledge points:types of airborne diseases,types of droplet-borne diseases,conventional measures for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infec-tion with respiratory infectious diseases,indications for wearing respirators,and indications for wearing medical protective masks.Among the 20 knowledge questions,5,1,and 14 questions were relatively easy,medium,and difficult,respectively;6,1,4,and 9 questions were with discrimination levels of ≥0.4,0.30-0.39,0.20-0.29,and ≤0.19,respectively.Conclusion There is still much room for hospital staff to improve their respiratory protection competency,especially in the recognition of diseases with different transmission routes and the indications for wearing different types of masks.
5.Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided negative pressure suction and minimally invasive rotatory excision technique in the treatment of complex encapsulated lesions
Yi HUANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Lian XUE ; Chuyun ZHENG ; Min ZHAO ; Nan ZHAO ; Zhongqin HE ; Dan SU ; Lei ZUO
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(5):434-440
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous negative pressure suction and minimally invasive rotatory excision technique for the treatment of complex encapsulated lesions.Methods:A total of 48 patients(48 lesions) with complex encapsulated lesions who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous negative pressure suction and minimally invasive rotatory excision technique at Xi′an Chest Hospital from January to October 2023 were retrospectively enrolled, including 39 cases of encapsulated abscess, 7 cases of encapsulated effusion, and 2 cases of encapsulated haematoma; the distribution of the bacterial flora of the abscesses were as follows: 24 cases of tuberculous abscess, 14 cases of bacterial abscess, 1 case of bacterial combined bacterial-fungal abscess, and 7 cases of encapsulated effusion were tuberculous pleurisy, and the clinical data were analysed retrospectively. The maximum upper and lower diameters, right and left diameters, and anterior and posterior diameters of the lesions were measured by ultrasound before and after the operation. The patients′ various biochemical indicators (C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were detected. The intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative outcomes, and postoperative clinical symptoms were recorded.Results:Of the 48 patients, 39 were cured and discharged after negative pressure suction and rotatory excision technique, and 9 patients were cured and discharged after surgical incision and drainage of the lesions. The overall effective rate of negative pressure suction and rotatory excision treatment reached 81.25%, and the average number of days of tube placement was (11.81±7.22) days, and the average number of days of follow-up was (35.77±19.39) days. Compared with preoperative values, the upper and lower diameters, the left and right diameters, and the anterior and posterior diameters of the lesions were all reduced after operation [5.80 (4.95, 7.95)cm vs 8.00 (6.00, 11.82)cm, 4.00 (3.25, 5.00)cm vs 5.85 (4.52, 7.65)cm, 1.80 (1.00, 2.90)cm vs 3.40 (2.50, 6.15)cm, all P<0.01]; and postoperative C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and neutrophil count all decreased (all P<0.05). Before operation there were 31 cases of local swelling, 16 cases of pain, 12 cases of activity limitation, 12 cases of fever, 7 cases of chest tightness, and 6 cases of shortness of breath, and during postoperative follow-up, there were 4 cases of local swelling, 5 cases of pain, and 4 cases of activity limitation. The symptoms of fever, chest tightness, and shortness of breath all disappeared, and there was a statistically significant difference between preoperation and postoperation (all P<0.05). There were no adverse events or complications associated with the intraoperative and postoperative follow-up of negative pressure suction and rotatory excision treatment. Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided percutaneous negative pressure suction and invasive rotatory excision technique for the treatment of complex encapsulated lesions can significantly reduce lesion size, reduce inflammatory response and improve patient symptoms, which is a safe, effective and minimally invasive technique.
6.Alzheimer's disease and motor dysfunction
Fan ZHANG ; Tenghong LIAN ; Mingyue HE ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(5):560-566
Alzheimer's disease(AD)is the most prevalent form of cognitive impairment.Alongside common cognitive deficits, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and compromised daily activities, a growing body of research indicates that AD patients exhibit various forms of motor dysfunction, such as eye movement, upper limb movement, and gait and balance issues, even in the early stages, including the prodromal and preclinical phases of AD.This article introduced the presentation of motor dysfunction, its correlation with cognitive impairment and AD biomarkers, with the aim of aiding in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of AD.
7.Wogonin induces ferroptosis of rat CIA-FLS cells via NRF2/HO-1 sig-naling pathway
Lingfei HE ; Chaofan ZHANG ; Jie LIAN ; Aoxuan SHEN ; Qiannan DONG ; Xiao KANG ; Hao WU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(7):1276-1282
AIM:To investigate the mechanism by which wogonin(WOG)induces ferroptosis in collagen-in-duced arthritis rat fibroblast-like synoviocytes(rat CIA-FLS cells)through the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(NRF2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)signaling pathway.METHODS:Rat CIA-FLS cells were divided into:control group,low,medium,and high dose of(25,50 and 100 μmol/L)WOG group,ferroptosis inhibitor(LIP-1)group,LIP-1+high dose WOG group,HO-1 agonist cobalt protoporphyrin(COPP)group,and COPP+high dose WOG group.CCK-8 assay was used for cell viability.Crystal violet staining was used for for cell morphology.The levels of oxidative stress markers gluta-thione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were measured.DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)content as well as Western blot to detect the protein ex-pression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(KEAP-1),NRF2 and HO-1.RESULTS:Compared with the nor-mal control group,administration of WOG treatment resulted in a significant decrease in CIA-FLS cell viability(P<0.01),a significant increase in the level of oxidative stress(P<0.01),a significant increase in the content of ROS(P<0.01),a significant decrease in the level of expression of NRF2 and HO-1 proteins(P<0.01),and a significant increase in the level of KEAP-1(P<0.01)in the rat.Compared with the WOG group,the LIP-1-treated group showed a significant increase in cell viability(P<0.01),a significant decrease in the level of oxidative stress(P<0.01),and a significant de-crease in the content of ROS(P<0.01).Compared with the WOG group,the addition of COPP resulted in a significant in-crease in the protein expression levels of NRF2 and HO-1(P<0.01)and a significant decrease in KEAP-1 levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:WOG can induce ferroptosis in rat CIA-FLS cells by promoting oxidative stress through the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
8.ZHANG Zhong-De's Experience in Treating Long-Term Symptoms After Novel Coronavirus Infection Using the Method of Harmonizing Five Zang-Organs
Li-Juan TANG ; Wei-Yan HE ; Lian-Shun JIN ; Tong ZHANG ; Zhong-De ZHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2591-2595
The multiple systemic symptoms appearing during the convalescence of novel coronavirus infection(COVID-19)are called long-term symptoms after COVID-19,also named as long COVID.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has unique advantages in the treatment of long COVID.In the view of Professor ZHANG Zhong-De,the novel coronavirus infection belongs to the category of damp-toxin pestilence in TCM.During the convalescence of novel coronavirus infection,the damp-toxin pathogen causes the dysfunction of qi,blood,yin and yang of zang-fu organs,and then results in the consumption of yang qi or the depletion of fluid and blood.Damp-turbidity obstructing qi movement and entering collaterals and then developing into blood stasis is the key pathogenesis of long COVID.Therefore,the therapeutic principle of harmonizing yin,yang,qi and blood of the five zang-organs is proposed,and the methods for transporting and transforming damp-toxin and phlegm-turbidity,regulating qi,activating blood and removing stasis should be adopted.According to the exuberance or decline of qi,blood and body fluid,and yin and yang of the five zang-organs,the Fuzheng Series Formulas(series formulas for supporting healthy qi)were recommended for the specific syndrome types:Fuzheng Shengbai Formula can be used for the syndrome of deficiency of original qi;Fuzheng Yifei Formula can be used for lung-spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome;Fuzheng Anshen Formula can be used for the syndrome of liver qi stagnation and heart-spleen deficiency.During the treatment,Professor ZHANG Zhong-De makes the modification of drugs indicated for the retention sites of damp-toxin and turbid qi,and addresses the importance of spleen and stomach in the whole treatment process by protecting spleen and stomach,so as to promote the rehabilitation of patients after novel coronavirus infection and improve their quality of life.
9.Clinical Observation on Chang'an Juntai Granules in the Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Jia-He ZHANG ; Qiu-Ke HOU ; Chang-Rong ZHANG ; Shui-Lian ZHU ; Xi-Ling YANG ; Wang ZHU ; Feng-Bin LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2679-2686
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Chang'an Juntai Granules(mainly composed of Pseudostellariae Radix,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Poria,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Saposhnikoviae Radix,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Coptidis Rhizoma,and Aucklandiae Radix)in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D)with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome,and to evaluate its safety.Methods A single-center,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled clinical trial was designed.A total of 130 patients with IBS-D of liver depression and spleen deficiency were included.The patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group by random number table method,with 65 cases in each group.The treatment group was treated with Chang'an Juntai Granules,and the control group was treated with Chang'an Juntai Placebo Granules.The course of treatment covered 12 weeks.The changes in the scores of IBS Symptom Severity Scale(IBS-SSS),Bristol Stool Form Scale(BSFS),IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire(IBS-QOL)and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and medication safety in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)During the trial,six cases in the treatment group and eight cases in the control group fell off.Eventually,a total of 116 patients completed the clinical trial,including 59 cases in the treatment group and 57 cases in the control group.(2)After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the treatment group was 88.14%(52/59),and that of the control group was 45.61%(26/57).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the IBS-SSS scores of the two groups and the BSFS and IBS-QOL scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.01),while the scores of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale(HADA)and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression subscale(HADD)in the two groups and the BSFS and IBS-QOL scores in the control group showed no obvious changes(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the decrease of IBS-SSS,BSFS and IBS-QOL scores in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(4)During the trial,no serious adverse reactions or adverse events occurred in the two groups,no drug-related abnormalities of liver and kidney function,blood,and heart function were found,either.Conclusion Chang'an Juntai Granules are effective on improving the clinical symptoms and fecal characteristics of IBS-D patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome,and on enhancing the quality of life of patients.The granules excert definite curative effect and high safety,and has certain value of clinical application.
10.Spatially resolved metabolomics visualizes heterogeneous distribution of metabolites in lung tissue and the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of Prismatomeris connate extract
Jiang HAIYAN ; Zheng BOWEN ; Hu GUANG ; Kuang LIAN ; Zhou TIANYU ; Li SIZHENG ; Chen XINYI ; Li CHUANGJUN ; Zhang DONGMING ; Zhang JINLAN ; Yang ZENGYAN ; He JIUMING ; Jin HONGTAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(9):1330-1346
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is a chronic progressive end-stage lung disease.However,the mechanisms un-derlying the progression of this disease remain elusive.Presently,clinically employed drugs are scarce for the treatment of PF.Hence,there is an urgent need for developing novel drugs to address such diseases.Our study found for the first time that a natural source of Prismatomeris connata Y.Z.Ruan(Huang Gen,HG)ethyl acetate extract(HG-2)had a significant anti-PF effect by inhibiting the expression of the transforming growth factor beta 1/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic(TGF-β1/Smad)pathway.Network pharmacological analysis suggested that HG-2 had effects on tyrosine kinase phosphorylation,cellular response to reactive oxygen species,and extracellular matrix(ECM)disassembly.Moreover,mass spec-trometry imaging(MSI)was used to visualize the heterogeneous distribution of endogenous metabolites in lung tissue and reveal the anti-PF metabolic mechanism of HG-2,which was related to arginine biosyn-thesis and alanine,asparate and glutamate metabolism,the downregulation of arachidonic acid meta-bolism,and the upregulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism.In conclusion,we elaborated on the relationship between metabolite distribution and the progression of PF,constructed the regulatory metabolic network of HG-2,and discovered the multi-target therapeutic effect of HG-2,which might be conducive to the development of new drugs for PF.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail