1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Clinical Observation on Huatan Quyu Formula Improving Cerebral Small Vessel Disease with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blocking Collateral Pattern via Regulating Glymphatic System Circulation
Xiaofeng HUANG ; Ting YU ; Xuan ZHANG ; Daichao MA ; Yongmei YAN ; Hui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):205-211
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Huatan Quyu formula in treating cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern via randomized controlled trial, and explore its mechanism of improving CSVD by regulating glymphatic system (GS) circulation. MethodsSixty-eight CSVD patients with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern in the Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine from April to December 2024 were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (34 cases) and a control group, with 34 cases in each group. Both groups received basic Western medicine treatment, while the experimental group additionally received Huatan Quyu formula. After a course of 12 weeks, the following parameters were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores of phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern. Perivascular space (PVS) in the frontal lobe/basal ganglia and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow parameters in the cerebral aqueduct were evaluated by 3.0T brain MRI, cerebrospinal fluid flow imaging, and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). Then, safety indicators were monitored, and SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. ResultsSixty-four patients completed the study (32 in each group). ①Baseline data: No statistically significant difference was found between the two group. ②Efficacy indicators: After treatment, the experimental group exhibited significantly improved total POMA, SCOPA-AUT, and TCM syndrome scores (P<0.01), outperforming the control group (P<0.05). No significant change was observed in MoCA scores between the two groups. ③Imaging indicators: The experimental group showed a reduced PVS area alongside significantly increased CSF flow parameters (including downward flow during the systolic period, and upward flow during the diastolic period) (P<0.01), which were superior to the control group (P<0.01). ④Safety: The laboratory indicators were normal in both groups, with no drug-related adverse reactions. ConclusionFor CSVD patients with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern, Huatan Quyu formula can safely and effectively improve motor function, autonomic nerve function, and TCM syndromes, with potential mechanisms related to pulsatile CSF flow enhancement and GS circulation efficiency improvement.
3.Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Delaying Brain Aging in Aging Mice by Regulating Tryptophan Metabolism
De-Man ZHANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1362-1372
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of aerobic exercise to improve hippocampal neuronal degeneration by regulating tryptophan metabolic pathway. Methods60 SPF-grade C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a young group (2 months old, n=30) and a senile group (12 months old, n=30), and each group was further divided into a control group (C/A group, n=15) and an exercise group (CE/AE group, n=15). An aerobic exercise program was used for 8 weeks. Learning memory ability was assessed by Y-maze, and anxiety-depression-like behavior was detected by absent field experiment. Hippocampal Trp levels were measured by GC-MS. Nissl staining was used to observe the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons, and electron microscopy was used to detect synaptic ultrastructure. ELISA was used to detect the levels of hippocampal Trp,5-HT, Kyn, KATs, KYNA, KMO, and QUIN; Western blot was used to analyze the activities of TPH2, IDO1, and TDO enzymes. ResultsGroup A mice showed significant decrease in learning and memory ability (P<0.05) and increase in anxiety and depressive behaviors (P<0.05); all of AE group showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Hippocampal Trp levels decreased in group A (P<0.05) and increased in AE group (P<0.05). Nidus vesicles were reduced and synaptic structures were degraded in group A (P<0.05), and both were significantly improved in group AE (P<0.05). The levels of Trp, 5-HT, KATs, and KYNA were decreased (P<0.05) and the levels of Kyn, KMO, and QUIN were increased (P<0.05) in group A. The activity of TPH2 was decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of IDO1 and TDO were increased (P<0.05). The AE group showed the opposite trend. ConclusionThe aging process significantly reduces the learning memory ability and increases the anxiety-depression-like behavior of mice, and leads to the reduction of the number of nidus vesicles and degenerative changes of synaptic structure in the hippocampus, whereas aerobic exercise not only effectively enhances the spatial learning memory ability and alleviates the anxiety-depression-like behavior of aging mice, but also improves the morphology and structure of neurons in hippocampal area, which may be achieved by the mechanism of regulating the tryptophan metabolic pathway.
4.Molecular mechanisms and prospects for disease treatment of ciliogenesis and autophagy
Hao-liang HU ; Jin WANG ; Jia-yan LIU ; Shi-fang HUANG ; Yu-ting LI ; Zhe CHEN ; Lin-xi CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):631-637
Cilia,as cellular sensory organelles,actively partici-pate in and regulate cellular processes such as autophagy and metabolic breakdown during their generation and transportation.Autophagy,on the other hand,is a cell self-protection mecha-nism that maintains cellular homeostasis by clearing aggregates and damaged organelles.Combining recent research findings,this review comprehensively elucidates the bidirectional crosstalk between primary cilia and autophagy.Specifically,it highlights the crucial role of cilia-dependent signaling pathways in activa-ting cellular autophagy and how autophagy regulates cilia genera-tion and length by degrading specific ciliary proteins.Moreover,the dysregulation of primary cilia and autophagy is closely asso-ciated with the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of vari-ous ciliopathy-related diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and tuberous sclerosis.In terms of pharmacotherapy,this review provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of small mole-cule inhibitors targeting ciliogenesis,including cytoskeletal drugs and Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors.Despite the current limitations in clinical use,these drugs lay the groundw-ork for developing highly specific targeted small molecule inhibi-tors of ciliogenesis and for the treatment of ciliopathies and canc-ers.By systematically discussing ciliogenesis,autophagy,disea-ses and drugs,this review offers new insights for further elucida-ting the crosstalk between ciliogenesis and autophagy,exploring their pathological mechanisms in disease development,and de-veloping therapeutic strategies in the future.
5.Leptin promotes breast cancer cell MCF-7 migration and invasion through inhibiting ACSL5
Tao ZENG ; Lan WEI ; Yong-zhu XU ; Shi-yu YANG ; Hao-li SUN ; Ting-ting DANG ; Yi-qing YOU ; Jia-feng TANG ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):654-660
Aim To explore the possible regulatory effect of leptin on acyl-CoA synthetase long chain fami-ly member ACSL5 and their effect on migration and in-vasion of breast cancer cell,and to explore the underly-ing mechanism.Methods The expression of leptin receptor was detected by immunofluorescence assay.The migration and invasion ability of MCF-7 cells were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay respectively.The downstream target gene of leptin was analyzed by PCR microarray data.The expression of ACSL5 in breast cancer and its correlation with the staging and prognosis of breast cancer patients were as-sessed uing bioinformatics methods.The expression of ACSL5 in MCF-7 cells treated with different concentra-tions of leptin was detected using real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Overexpressing ACSL5 was constructed by lentiviral transfection;the expressions of EMT related proteins,AMPK-α and p-AMPK-α were detected by Western blot.Results Leptin promoted breast cancer cell mi-gration and invasion and EMT.ACSL5 was significant-ly low expressed in breast cancer and related to progno-sis.Leptin downregulated the expression of ACSL5 through OBR.Leptin activated AMPK pathway to downregulate ACSL5 and promote migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer cells.Conclusions Leptin may promote the migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer by downregulating ACSL5 through activating AMPK pathway.
6.Quality consistency evaluation of Tongmai preparations
Jia-hui XU ; Yu-hong LIU ; Zhi-fang HUANG ; Yun-hua LIU ; Yan CHEN ; Ting-ting XU ; Jin-hai YI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(3):709-716
AIM To evaluate the quality consistency of Tongmai Granules,Tongmai Tablets,Tongmai Capsules and Tongmai Oral Liquid.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of danshensu,protocatechuic aldehyde,3'-hydroxy puerarin,puerarin,puerarin apioside,daidzin,ferulic acid,salvianolic acid B and salvianolic acid A were determined,and cluster analysis and principal component analysis were adopted in the quality analysis from the perspective of daily intake.RESULTS There were 21 common peaks in the fingerprints for 39 batches of samples with the similarities of 0.765-0.997.Various batches of samples were clustered into 5 categories,2 principal components demonstrated the accumulative variance contribution rate of 83.53% .The daily intakes of various constituents in different dosage forms exhibited obvious differences,especially for that of salvianolic acid B,which were low in tablets and capsules,and their heterogeneities existed among the same dosage forms.CONCLUSION This simple and accurate method can provide a reference for the quality evaluation of Tongmai preparations from different manufacturers.
7.Significance of basophil levels in prognostic evaluation of intra-abdominal infection
Ming-min PANG ; Shao-hua FAN ; Mei-chen YAN ; Bao LIU ; Ju YANG ; Ya-nan LI ; Shi-han ZHANG ; Ting-yu MENG ; Tao GAO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):367-372
Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.
8.The role and research progress of m6A modification in sepsis and its induced multi-organ dysfunction disease
Lu-lu ZHANG ; Rui GONG ; Jin-yi ZHAO ; Fei MU ; Yan-ping YIN ; Wang-ting LI ; Ling-ling ZHENG ; Yu-ping TANG ; Jing-wen WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):421-427
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction disease caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.It has com-plex pathophysiological changes,and in severe cases,it can rap-idly develop into septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction or multiple organ failure.At present,the pathological mechanism of sepsis and its induced organ dysfunction is complex and the in-fluencing factors are numerous.So far,there is still a lack of specific and effective treatment strategies.RNA modify-N6-methyladenosine(m6 A)is one of the most common post-tran-scriptional modifications on eukaryotic RNAs.It is involved in the regulation of the occurrence and development of a variety of inflammatory diseases,including sepsis,and even multiple organ dysfunction induced by sepsis by affecting the metabolism of RNAs.It includes cardiac dysfunction,acute lung injury(ALI)and acute kidney injury(AKI).Therefore,this article will dis-cuss the effect of m6A modification on the function of immune cells,and its important role in sepsis and its induced multiple or-gan dysfunction diseases by regulating inflammatory signals,py-roptosis,mitochondrial damage and ferroptosis.This will provide new therapeutic targets and strategies for the clinical prevention and treatment of sepsis and its induced multiple organ dysfunc-tion diseases.
9.Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fetal hypoplastic left heart syndrome with left ventricular enlargement:a case report
Chen ZHU ; Fan-gui ZHAO ; Ying-liu YAN ; Cai-xia LEI ; Ting YU ; Chen-yan ZHAO ; Ru LIN ; Yun-yun REN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(1):143-146
The pregnant woman was 30 years old,G2P0.This singleton pregnancy at 22 weeks of gestation was screened for second-trimester ultrasound malformations,suggesting fetal aortic valve atresia,aortic stenosis with reverse blood flow,mitral valve atresia,and markedly enlarged left ventricle,which was considered for the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome(HLHS).The pregnancy was terminated at our hospital and subsequently underwent genetic testing with results of heterozygous variants in the NOTCH1 gene,which can cause aortic valve disease type 1.The findings of the fetal autopsy were aortic valve atresia,mitral valve widening and thickening,and left ventricular enlargement with myocardial infarction.This report focuses on the ultrasound characteristics of HLHS with left ventricular enlargement and its hemodynamic changes in order to improve clinicians'understanding of the progressive changes in the disease phenotype of HLHS.
10.Predictive model for contrast-induced acute kidney injury after PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Yu YAN ; Qi-bo SHUAI ; Ting LI
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):611-617
Objective:To establish a model for predicting the occurrence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury(CI-AKI)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Meth-ods:A total of 767 AMI patients who underwent PCI in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between January 2019 and December 2023 were retrospectively included.According to presence of CI-AKI,pa-tients were divided into CI-AKI group(n=62)and non-CI-AKI group(n=705).The risk factors of CI-AKI in AMI patients undergoing PCI were analyzed using multivariant Logistic regression,and a prediction model was es-tablished.The model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve and clini-cal decision curve analysis(DCA).Results:Multivariant Logistic regression analysis showed that extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction(OR=1.520,95%CI:1.140~2.028,P=0.004),Killip class≥Ⅲ(OR=1.982,95%CI:1.406~2.793,P<0.001),chronic renal insufficiency(OR=1.397,95%CI:1.025-1.903,P=0.034),ACEF(age,creatinine,ejection fraction)score(OR=1.702,95%CI:1.246~2.327,P<0.001)and systemic im-mune-inflammation index(SII,OR=1.419,95%CI:1.090~1.847,P=0.009)were independent risk factors for CI-AKI after PCI in AMI patients.A prediction model of CI-AKI after PCI in AMI patients was established:Logit(P)=-1.667+0.334 ×(chronic renal insufficiency)+0.419 ×(extensive anterior wall myocardial infarc-tion)+0.684 ×(Killip class ≥Ⅲ)+0.350 × SII+0.532 ×(ACEF score).The ROC curve showed that the AUC of the model predicting CI-AKI was 0.868(95%CI:0.823-0.912,P<0.001).The calibration curve showed a good fit of the predicted results to the actual curves(x2=0.421,P=0.506),and DCA showed net benefit when the high-risk threshold was between 5%and 70%.Conclusion:The prediction model for CI-AKI after PCI in AMI patients included extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction,Killip class,chronic renal insufficiency,ACEF score and SII,which had a good predictive performance for CI-AKI.

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