1.Discovery of FAM3 A-targeting Small Molecule Agents Using Integrated Virtual Screening and SPR Technology
Zi-Shuo XU ; Chao SHI ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Zhe-Yong XUE ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(11):1711-1718
Family with sequence similarity 3 member A(FAM3A),a novel mitochondrial protein,plays a pivotal role in hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism by enhancing ATP synthesis and secretion and mod-ulating the ATP-P2 receptor-Akt signaling pathway.Dysregulation of FAM3A is closely associated with the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).In this study,targeting FAM3A as a therapeutic candidate,we conducted virtual screening to identify 47 small-molecule compounds with potential binding activity.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR)analysis re-vealed three compounds exhibiting high binding affinity to FAM3 A.Further structural characterization of the FAM3A-compound complexes,combined with intermolecular interaction analysis,elucidated the binding mode of the lead compound Index 2(taxifolin)to FAM3A at atomic resolution.These findings provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying ligand-FAM3A interactions and deliver valuable chemical scaffolds for the development of therapeutics targeting NAFLD and T2DM.This work establishes a foundation for advancing drug discovery efforts focused on FAM3A-mediated metabolic disor-ders.
2.Relationship between non-renin-dependent aldosterone and left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertension
Guili CHANG ; Changyuan LIU ; Mingchun LI ; Zhe HU ; Jing CHEN ; Qun'an CAO ; Shaoli CHU ; Xin CHEN
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(10):1372-1377
Objective·To analyze the influencing factors of left ventricular mass index(LVMI)in patients with essential hypertension,and explore the relationship between aldosterone levels and left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH).Methods·A total of 155 patients with essential hypertension,hospitalized in the Hypertension Department of the Northern Campus of Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2013 to December 2019,and excluded from primary aldosteronism by saline load test(post-saline suppression plasma aldosterone<60 pg/mL),were enrolled.General clinical data(age,gender,smoking status,duration of hypertension,etc.),physical examination data(blood pressure and body mass index),blood biochemistry(renal function,electrolytes,fasting blood glucose,and lipids),urinary sodium,and relevant hormones(basal and activated aldosterone,basal and activated renin,urinary aldosterone,post-saline suppression aldosterone,etc.)were collected.LVMI was evaluated by echocardiography.Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the linear association between LVMI and each variable.Binary Logistic regression models were applied to screen independent risk factors for LVH.Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the impact of variables on LVMI.Results·The mean age of the 155 patients was(46.85±11.08)years,with 51.6%being male.Pearson correlation analysis showed that LVMI was significantly positively correlated with post-saline suppression aldosterone(r=0.334,P<0.001),age(r=0.184,P=0.032),duration of hypertension(r=0.241,P=0.005),systolic blood pressure(r=0.280,P=0.001),and pulse pressure(r=0.339,P<0.001).No significant correlations were found with diastolic blood pressure,body mass index,fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,urinary sodium,basal aldosterone,activated aldosterone,or urinary aldosterone.After adjusting for confounders,including gender,smoking history,age,duration of hypertension,body mass index,pulse pressure,systolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,and total cholesterol,binary Logistic regression showed that each 1 pg/mL increase in post-saline suppression aldosterone was associated with a 5.1%increased risk of LVH(OR=1.051,95%CI 1.016?1.088,P=0.004).Multiple linear regression identified suppressed aldosterone(β=0.359,P<0.001),duration of hypertension(β=0.168,P=0.046),and pulse pressure(β=0.226,P=0.008)as independent influencing factors for LVMI.Conclusion·Suppressed aldosterone is an independent influencing factor for LVH in patients with essential hypertension.
3.Research progress on role of necroptosis in chronic kidney disease
Ping QIU ; Shuo HUANG ; Qi-han LUO ; Qing MA ; Fu-zhe CHEN ; Zi-yi SHAN ; Yi-ming LIU ; Chang-yu LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):816-820
Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is a chronic disease characterized by renal structural damage and dysfunction.At present,there is still a lack of effective therapeutic drugs and prevention and treatment methods for CKD in clinical practice.More and more studies have shown that necroptosis,as a new type of programmed cell death,plays a vital role in the onset and progression of CKD.Targeting key molecules in the necroptosis pathway,such as RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL,the development of small molecule inhibitors has become an emerging strategy for the treatment of CKD,and has shown significant potential to pro-tect the kidneys and alleviate renal fibrosis in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models.Therefore,this article summarizes the re-search progress of the mechanism of necroptosis in recent years,and focuses on the potential role of necroptosis in the pathogene-sis of CKD and the therapeutic potential of targeting this path-way,providing a new perspective and research direction for the prevention and treatment of CKD in the future.
4.Research progress of intraarticular injection of nano-microspheres in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Zebin WANG ; Yizhou GE ; Yaokan ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Chen YU ; Jungang LI ; Yongli XU ; Peng ZHANG ; Zhe YANG ; Feng CHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(6):387-392
This article reviews the benifits and challenges of nano-microspheres (NPs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a degenerative disease associated with aging, trauma, and excessive loading, with treatment strategies including basic therapy, drug therapy, reparative therapy, and reconstructive surgery. As emerging nanomaterials, NPs offer unique advantages in promoting cartilage repair due to their high surface area, excellent drug-loading capacity, and good biocompatibility. These advantages include facilitating chondrocyte generation through magnetic-mechanical control of mesenchymal stem cell microspheres and enhancing antioxidant levels using biomimetic liposomal NPs combined with glucosamine. Additionally, NPs can effectively modulate inflammatory responses, such as by inhibiting the formation of M1 macrophages and promoting their polarization to the M2 type to alleviate inflammation. Some NPs also enhance joint lubrication and relieve pain, such as hyaluronic acid-based NPs modified with choline phosphate groups. However, the application of NPs faces challenges such as high production costs, poor biocompatibility for certain types, and unknown long-term safety. Despite these challenges, with advancements in nanotechnology and a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms of OA, NPs are expected to provide new therapeutic approaches and more comprehensive and effective treatment options for OA patients in the future.
5.Research progress of intraarticular injection of nano-microspheres in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Zebin WANG ; Yizhou GE ; Yaokan ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Chen YU ; Jungang LI ; Yongli XU ; Peng ZHANG ; Zhe YANG ; Feng CHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(6):387-392
This article reviews the benifits and challenges of nano-microspheres (NPs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a degenerative disease associated with aging, trauma, and excessive loading, with treatment strategies including basic therapy, drug therapy, reparative therapy, and reconstructive surgery. As emerging nanomaterials, NPs offer unique advantages in promoting cartilage repair due to their high surface area, excellent drug-loading capacity, and good biocompatibility. These advantages include facilitating chondrocyte generation through magnetic-mechanical control of mesenchymal stem cell microspheres and enhancing antioxidant levels using biomimetic liposomal NPs combined with glucosamine. Additionally, NPs can effectively modulate inflammatory responses, such as by inhibiting the formation of M1 macrophages and promoting their polarization to the M2 type to alleviate inflammation. Some NPs also enhance joint lubrication and relieve pain, such as hyaluronic acid-based NPs modified with choline phosphate groups. However, the application of NPs faces challenges such as high production costs, poor biocompatibility for certain types, and unknown long-term safety. Despite these challenges, with advancements in nanotechnology and a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms of OA, NPs are expected to provide new therapeutic approaches and more comprehensive and effective treatment options for OA patients in the future.
6.Relationship between non-renin-dependent aldosterone and left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertension
Guili CHANG ; Changyuan LIU ; Mingchun LI ; Zhe HU ; Jing CHEN ; Qun'an CAO ; Shaoli CHU ; Xin CHEN
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(10):1372-1377
Objective·To analyze the influencing factors of left ventricular mass index(LVMI)in patients with essential hypertension,and explore the relationship between aldosterone levels and left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH).Methods·A total of 155 patients with essential hypertension,hospitalized in the Hypertension Department of the Northern Campus of Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2013 to December 2019,and excluded from primary aldosteronism by saline load test(post-saline suppression plasma aldosterone<60 pg/mL),were enrolled.General clinical data(age,gender,smoking status,duration of hypertension,etc.),physical examination data(blood pressure and body mass index),blood biochemistry(renal function,electrolytes,fasting blood glucose,and lipids),urinary sodium,and relevant hormones(basal and activated aldosterone,basal and activated renin,urinary aldosterone,post-saline suppression aldosterone,etc.)were collected.LVMI was evaluated by echocardiography.Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the linear association between LVMI and each variable.Binary Logistic regression models were applied to screen independent risk factors for LVH.Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the impact of variables on LVMI.Results·The mean age of the 155 patients was(46.85±11.08)years,with 51.6%being male.Pearson correlation analysis showed that LVMI was significantly positively correlated with post-saline suppression aldosterone(r=0.334,P<0.001),age(r=0.184,P=0.032),duration of hypertension(r=0.241,P=0.005),systolic blood pressure(r=0.280,P=0.001),and pulse pressure(r=0.339,P<0.001).No significant correlations were found with diastolic blood pressure,body mass index,fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,urinary sodium,basal aldosterone,activated aldosterone,or urinary aldosterone.After adjusting for confounders,including gender,smoking history,age,duration of hypertension,body mass index,pulse pressure,systolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,and total cholesterol,binary Logistic regression showed that each 1 pg/mL increase in post-saline suppression aldosterone was associated with a 5.1%increased risk of LVH(OR=1.051,95%CI 1.016?1.088,P=0.004).Multiple linear regression identified suppressed aldosterone(β=0.359,P<0.001),duration of hypertension(β=0.168,P=0.046),and pulse pressure(β=0.226,P=0.008)as independent influencing factors for LVMI.Conclusion·Suppressed aldosterone is an independent influencing factor for LVH in patients with essential hypertension.
7.Research progress on role of necroptosis in chronic kidney disease
Ping QIU ; Shuo HUANG ; Qi-han LUO ; Qing MA ; Fu-zhe CHEN ; Zi-yi SHAN ; Yi-ming LIU ; Chang-yu LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):816-820
Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is a chronic disease characterized by renal structural damage and dysfunction.At present,there is still a lack of effective therapeutic drugs and prevention and treatment methods for CKD in clinical practice.More and more studies have shown that necroptosis,as a new type of programmed cell death,plays a vital role in the onset and progression of CKD.Targeting key molecules in the necroptosis pathway,such as RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL,the development of small molecule inhibitors has become an emerging strategy for the treatment of CKD,and has shown significant potential to pro-tect the kidneys and alleviate renal fibrosis in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models.Therefore,this article summarizes the re-search progress of the mechanism of necroptosis in recent years,and focuses on the potential role of necroptosis in the pathogene-sis of CKD and the therapeutic potential of targeting this path-way,providing a new perspective and research direction for the prevention and treatment of CKD in the future.
8.Is flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy combined with flexible negative-pressure sheath an appropriate treatment option for patients with 3-4 cm renal calculi?
Xiangyu CHEN ; Chancan LI ; Zhe ZHU ; Chang LU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(9):739-743
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy(FURL)combined with flexible negative-pressure sheath in treating patients with 3-4 cm renal calculi with CT value<1100 Hu,and to identify a safe and effective treatment option for patients with such calculi.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 95 patients undergoing surgical treatment at the Department of Urology,the Second People's Hospital of Anhui Province during Jun.2022 and May 2024.The patients were divided into two groups,including 42 in the FURL with flexible negative-pressure sheath group(FURL group),and 53 in the percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)group.General data,perioperative indicators,and complication rates were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the FURL group and PCNL group in stone-free rate(SFR)3 days postoperatively(83.3%vs.88.7%),1 month postoperatively(95.2%vs.92.5%),and 3 months postoperatively(97.6%vs.94.3%),as well as operation time[(77.65±9.05)min vs.(79.10±8.14)min](P>0.05).The FURL group had shorter hospital stay[(5.98±1.12)days vs.(9.38±1.57)days],lower decrease in hemoglobin level[(3.17±0.85)g/L vs.(4.98±1.72)g/L],lower visual analog scale(V AS)score on postoperative day 1[(2.60±0.63)vs.(3.77±1.09)]and day 3[(2.29±0.99)vs.(2.70±0.89)],lower postoperative white blood cell count[(7.05±1.66)× 109 cells/L vs.(11.24±2.90)× 109 cells/L],lower C-reactive protein level[(25.73±7.57)ng/L vs.(31.14±5.53)ng/L],lower blood urea nitrogen level[(6.12±1.43)mmol/L vs.(9.85±3.07)mmol/L],and lower serum creatinine level[(84.48±11.57)μmol/L vs.(114.43±21.48)μmol/L](all P<0.001).The total incidence of complications was also lower in the FURL group(4.8%vs.18.9%,P<0.05).Conclusion FURL combined with flexible negative-pressure sheath can achieve comparable SFR as PCNL without extending operation time,and it can shorten hospital stay,reduce intraoperative blood loss,have little impact on renal function,reduce inflammatory response and decrease the incidence of complications.
9.Is flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy combined with flexible negative-pressure sheath an appropriate treatment option for patients with 3-4 cm renal calculi?
Xiangyu CHEN ; Chancan LI ; Zhe ZHU ; Chang LU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(9):739-743
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy(FURL)combined with flexible negative-pressure sheath in treating patients with 3-4 cm renal calculi with CT value<1100 Hu,and to identify a safe and effective treatment option for patients with such calculi.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 95 patients undergoing surgical treatment at the Department of Urology,the Second People's Hospital of Anhui Province during Jun.2022 and May 2024.The patients were divided into two groups,including 42 in the FURL with flexible negative-pressure sheath group(FURL group),and 53 in the percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)group.General data,perioperative indicators,and complication rates were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the FURL group and PCNL group in stone-free rate(SFR)3 days postoperatively(83.3%vs.88.7%),1 month postoperatively(95.2%vs.92.5%),and 3 months postoperatively(97.6%vs.94.3%),as well as operation time[(77.65±9.05)min vs.(79.10±8.14)min](P>0.05).The FURL group had shorter hospital stay[(5.98±1.12)days vs.(9.38±1.57)days],lower decrease in hemoglobin level[(3.17±0.85)g/L vs.(4.98±1.72)g/L],lower visual analog scale(V AS)score on postoperative day 1[(2.60±0.63)vs.(3.77±1.09)]and day 3[(2.29±0.99)vs.(2.70±0.89)],lower postoperative white blood cell count[(7.05±1.66)× 109 cells/L vs.(11.24±2.90)× 109 cells/L],lower C-reactive protein level[(25.73±7.57)ng/L vs.(31.14±5.53)ng/L],lower blood urea nitrogen level[(6.12±1.43)mmol/L vs.(9.85±3.07)mmol/L],and lower serum creatinine level[(84.48±11.57)μmol/L vs.(114.43±21.48)μmol/L](all P<0.001).The total incidence of complications was also lower in the FURL group(4.8%vs.18.9%,P<0.05).Conclusion FURL combined with flexible negative-pressure sheath can achieve comparable SFR as PCNL without extending operation time,and it can shorten hospital stay,reduce intraoperative blood loss,have little impact on renal function,reduce inflammatory response and decrease the incidence of complications.
10.Discovery of FAM3 A-targeting Small Molecule Agents Using Integrated Virtual Screening and SPR Technology
Zi-Shuo XU ; Chao SHI ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Zhe-Yong XUE ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(11):1711-1718
Family with sequence similarity 3 member A(FAM3A),a novel mitochondrial protein,plays a pivotal role in hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism by enhancing ATP synthesis and secretion and mod-ulating the ATP-P2 receptor-Akt signaling pathway.Dysregulation of FAM3A is closely associated with the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).In this study,targeting FAM3A as a therapeutic candidate,we conducted virtual screening to identify 47 small-molecule compounds with potential binding activity.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR)analysis re-vealed three compounds exhibiting high binding affinity to FAM3 A.Further structural characterization of the FAM3A-compound complexes,combined with intermolecular interaction analysis,elucidated the binding mode of the lead compound Index 2(taxifolin)to FAM3A at atomic resolution.These findings provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying ligand-FAM3A interactions and deliver valuable chemical scaffolds for the development of therapeutics targeting NAFLD and T2DM.This work establishes a foundation for advancing drug discovery efforts focused on FAM3A-mediated metabolic disor-ders.

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