1.Research progress on strategies to target intestinal microbiota to improve drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy
Hui-ling LI ; Bi-qing LIU ; Ying-nan FENG ; Xin HU ; Lan ZHANG ; Xian-zhe DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):260-268
A growing body of research points out that gut microbiota plays a key role in tumor immunotherapy. By optimizing the composition of intestinal microbiota, it is possible to effectively improve immunotherapy resistance and enhance its therapeutic effect. This article comprehensively analyzes the mechanism of intestinal microbiota influencing tumor immunotherapy resistance, expounds the current strategies for targeted regulation of intestinal microbiota, such as traditional Chinese medicine and plant components, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics and dietary therapy, and explores the potential mechanisms of these strategies to improve patients' resistance to tumor immunotherapy. At the same time, the article also briefly discusses the prospects and challenges of targeting intestinal microbiota to improve tumor immunotherapy resistance, which provides a reference for related research to help the strategy research of reversing tumor immunotherapy resistance.
2.Chemical consitituents and hypoglycemic activity of Qinhuai No. 1 Rehmannia glutinosa
Meng YANG ; Zhi-you HAO ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Chao-yuan XIAO ; Jun-yang ZHANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Xiao-ke ZHENG ; Wei-sheng FENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):205-210
Eight compounds were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate part of 70% acetone extract of
3.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
4.Effects of imperatorin on malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer cells by regulating ThPOK expression
Lan CHEN ; Lingli XIA ; Ying CHEN ; Gang ZHANG ; Feng WEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):191-196
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of imperatorin (IMP-SD) on malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating zinc finger and BTB domain 7B (ThPOK). METHODS Human GC cells MKN-7 were used as the research object and then divided into control group (no treatment), IMP-SD low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (40, 80 and 160 μmol/L IMP-SD), si-ThPOK and si-NC group [treated with 160 μmol/L IMP-SD and then transfected with ThPOK small interfering RNA (si-ThPOK) or its negative control (si-NC)]. After treatment, cell clone formation, migration and invasion abilities and apoptosis of MKN-7 cells were detected; the killing activity of NK cells, T cells classification, the protein expressions of ThPOK, programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) were all determined. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the number of cell clones, migration number, invasion number, and the protein expressions of PD-1 and PD-L1 were decreased or down-regulated significantly in IMP-SD groups, while the cell apoptotic rate, NK cell killing activity, CD4+ T proportion, the ratio of CD4+ T proportion and CD8+ T proportion (CD4+ T/CD8+ T), and the protein expression of ThPOK were increased or up-regulated significantly, in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compared with IMP-SD high-concentration group and si-NC group, the number of cell clones, migration number, invasion number, and the protein expressions of PD-1 and PD-L1 were increased or up-regulated significantly in si-ThPOK group, while the cell apoptotic rate, NK cell killing activity, CD4+ T proportion, CD4+ T/CD8+ T, and the protein expression of ThPOK were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS IMP-SD may reduce the clonal formation, migration and invasion abilities of GC cells, promote their apoptosis and inhibit their immune escape by promoting ThPOK expression.
5.Effects of imperatorin on malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer cells by regulating ThPOK expression
Lan CHEN ; Lingli XIA ; Ying CHEN ; Gang ZHANG ; Feng WEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):191-196
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of imperatorin (IMP-SD) on malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating zinc finger and BTB domain 7B (ThPOK). METHODS Human GC cells MKN-7 were used as the research object and then divided into control group (no treatment), IMP-SD low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (40, 80 and 160 μmol/L IMP-SD), si-ThPOK and si-NC group [treated with 160 μmol/L IMP-SD and then transfected with ThPOK small interfering RNA (si-ThPOK) or its negative control (si-NC)]. After treatment, cell clone formation, migration and invasion abilities and apoptosis of MKN-7 cells were detected; the killing activity of NK cells, T cells classification, the protein expressions of ThPOK, programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) were all determined. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the number of cell clones, migration number, invasion number, and the protein expressions of PD-1 and PD-L1 were decreased or down-regulated significantly in IMP-SD groups, while the cell apoptotic rate, NK cell killing activity, CD4+ T proportion, the ratio of CD4+ T proportion and CD8+ T proportion (CD4+ T/CD8+ T), and the protein expression of ThPOK were increased or up-regulated significantly, in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compared with IMP-SD high-concentration group and si-NC group, the number of cell clones, migration number, invasion number, and the protein expressions of PD-1 and PD-L1 were increased or up-regulated significantly in si-ThPOK group, while the cell apoptotic rate, NK cell killing activity, CD4+ T proportion, CD4+ T/CD8+ T, and the protein expression of ThPOK were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS IMP-SD may reduce the clonal formation, migration and invasion abilities of GC cells, promote their apoptosis and inhibit their immune escape by promoting ThPOK expression.
6.Relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and handgrip strength in middle-aged and elderly people in five cities of Western China
Ting JING ; Hua JIANG ; Ting LI ; Qianqian SHEN ; Lan YE ; Yindan ZENG ; Wenxin LIANG ; Gang FENG ; Szeto Man-Yau IGNATIUS ; Yumei ZHANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(3):448-455
Objective:To explore the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]and handgrip strength in middle-aged and elderly people in 5 cities of Western China.Methods:Based on the data of a cross-sectional survey conducted in the 5 cities of Western China from February to July 2023,the relevant demographic characteristics of people were collected by questionnaire,handgrip strength was collected by physical examination,and serum 25(OH)D was detected by HPLC-MS/MS.The association between the serum 25(OH)D and handgrip strength was analyzed using Logistic regres-sion and Chi-square test for between-group comparisons models.Results:The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency among the middle-aged and elderly people in the 5 cities of Western China was 52.9%and 34.5%,respectively.The people who were older,female,and sampled in winter had lower serum 25(OH)D levels(P<0.05).The prevalence of loss of handgrip strength among the mid-dle-aged and elderly people was 25.3%.The prevalence of handgrip strength loss was higher in the aged 65-80 participants with 25(OH)D deficiency(45.0%)than in those with 25(OH)D insufficiency(32.6%)and 25(OH)D sufficiency(20.6%).The highest prevalence of loss of handgrip strength was found in the aged 75-80 participants with 25(OH)D deficiency(62.1%),followed by the 25(OH)D insufficient group(11.1%,P<0.05).The study found that middle-aged and elderly people with 25(OH)D deficiency had a 1.4-fold increased risk of handgrip strength loss compared with those with 25(OH)D sufficiency(OR=2.403,95%CI:1.202-4.804,P=0.013).No significant association was found between 25(OH)D insufficiency and handgrip strength status in the middle-aged and elderly people.For every 5 μg/L increase in total serum 25(OH)D,the risk of handgrip strength loss reduced by 13.1%(OR=0.869,95%CI:0.768-0.982,P=0.025).For every 5 μg/L increase in serum 25(OH)D2,the risk of handgrip strength loss reduced by 24.1%(OR=0.759,95%CI:0.582-0.990,P=0.042).No significant association was found between serum 25(OH)D3 levels and the risk of hand-grip strength loss.The risk of handgrip strength loss in middle-aged and elderly people was reduced by 25.2%for each incremental increase in the total serum 25(OH)D levels(deficient,insufficient and suf-ficient)(OR=0.748,95%CI:0.598-0.936,P=0.011).The risk of handgrip loss was reduced by 40.0%for each incremental increase in serum 25(OH)D levels in the aged 65-80 and aged 65-69 participants,and by 80.0%for each incremental increase in 25(OH)D levels in the aged 75-80 parti-cipants.Conclusion:Serum total 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D2 levels are associated with handgrip strength status in middle-aged and elderly people in the 5 cities of Western China.
7.Expression of Ppp3cb and Ppm1g in the hippocampus of NHE1 gene knockout rats based on proteomics
Pengfei MA ; Pan YANG ; Qian ZHENG ; Xiangming ZHANG ; Qiuxia TU ; Chunlin ZHANG ; Lan YE ; Zhanhui FENG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(11):1244-1253
Objective To investigate and validate the expression profiles of Ppp3cb and Ppm1g through differential proteomic analysis of hippocampal tissue in NHE1 gene knockout mice with proteomic analysis.Method ① Six 2-week-old NHE1 knockout mice were selected as the model group,and 6 wild-type mice of the same age served as the control group,and their genotypes were detected by agar-gel electrophoresis.Open field test and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the behaviors of mice in the model group and control group,and epileptic seizure was graded according to Racine scoring.② Tandem mass spectrometry was employed to screen the differential proteins in the hippocampus tissues from the model group and the control group.Then the obtained differential proteins were annotated and enriched in the Gene Ontology(GO)database.Search tool for the retrieval of interesting genes(STRING)database was used to analyze protein-protein interaction(PPI)among different proteins.③ The transcriptional and translational levels of Ppp3cb and Ppm1g were detected by qPCR and Western blotting,respectively,and their expression levels in the tissues were observed with immunohistochemistry.Results ① NHE1 was not expressed in the model group.The mice of the model group had shorter total movement distance(P=0.007 3)and less crossing cells(P<0.000 1)in open field test,and longer period of immobility in forced swimming test(P<0.000 1)when compared with those from the control group.② When fold change ≥1.2 times and P<0.05 were set as the significant threshold for differential expression,845 differentially expressed protein sites were detected in the hippocampus,among which 9 proteins(including Ppm1g)were up-regulated and 7 ones(including Ppp3cb)were down-regulated.Gene Ontology(GO)functional analysis showed that after NHE1 knockout,the most significant differences were observed in the concentration of molecular function(MF)related to protein serine/threonine phosphatase activity,concentration of cellular component(CC)related to the plasma membrane,and concentration of biological process(BP)related to negative regulation of biological processes and immune system processes.STRING analysis indicated that the differential proteins Ppp3cb and Slc9a1 directly acted,Ppm1g indirectly acted through Ppp3cb and Slc9a1,and Ppp3cb and Ppm1g interacted.③The transcriptional and translational levels of Ppp3cb were decreased,and its expression level was reduced in the tissues,while those of Ppm1g were increased,and its expression was elevated in the tissues(P<0.05).Conclusion In the hippocampus of NHE1 gene knockout mice,the expression of differential protein Ppp3cb is down-regulated and that of Ppm1g is up-regulated,which provide a basis for further study on their involvement in the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
8.Exploration on the pathological mechanism of central fatigue from the correlation between liver stagnation and spleen deficiency and mitophagy
Yifei ZHANG ; Qingqian YU ; Qinghuan SHI ; Bijuan LAN ; Zehan ZHANG ; Feng LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(12):1661-1667
Central fatigue refers to the central nervous system disease caused by excessive mental pressure or excessive physical activity, which shows a series of fatigue symptoms. The pathological mechanism of central fatigue remains unclear, and the mitochondrial quality control pathway represented by mitophagy is closely related to the occurrence and development of central fatigue. Traditional Chinese medicine considers liver stagnation and spleen deficiency as the key pathogenesis of central fatigue. This paper suggests that oxidative stress may be an important basis for the occurrence of central fatigue, energy metabolism disorders are specific manifestations of liver′s failure of conveyance and dispersion and spleen′s failure of healthy transportation, and the abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen can be regarded as pathological products of central fatigue. Therefore, based on oxidative stress and energy metabolism, the pathologic mechanism of liver′s failure of conveyance and dispersion and spleen′s failure of healthy transportation in central fatigue from the perspective of mitophagy has a rich theoretical connotation, and provides a theoretical reference for the clinical treatment of central fatigue.
9.Exploring the mechanism of IgA vasculitis pathogenesis through the interaction of thrombin and inflammatory factors using urinary proteomics
Meng-Meng LIU ; Gai-Ling HOU ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Qiu-Shuang ZHANG ; Xiao-Feng MEI ; Ying DING ; Lan SONG ; Yan-Jie HUANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(7):683-689
Objective To explore the evidence,urinary biomarkers,and partial mechanisms of hypercoagulability in the pathogenesis of IgA vasculitis(IgAV).Methods Differential expression of proteins in the urine of 10 healthy children and 10 children with IgAV was screened using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,followed by Reactome pathway analysis.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis was conducted using STRING and Cytoscape software.In the validation cohort,15 healthy children and 25 children with IgAV were included,and the expression levels of differential urinary proteins were verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results A total of 772 differential proteins were identified between the IgAV group and the control group,with 768 upregulated and 4 downregulated.Reactome pathway enrichment results showed that neutrophil degranulation,platelet activation,and hemostasis pathways were involved in the pathogenesis of IgAV.Among the differential proteins,macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)played a significant role in neutrophil degranulation and hemostasis,while thrombin was a key protein in platelet activation and hemostasis pathways.PPI analysis indicated that thrombin directly interacted with several proteins involved in inflammatory responses,and these interactions involved MIF.Validation results showed that compared to healthy children,children with IgAV had significantly higher urine thrombin/creatinine and urine MIF/creatinine levels(P<0.05).Conclusions Thrombin contributes to the pathogenesis of IgAV through interactions with inflammatory factors.Urinary thrombin and MIF can serve as biomarkers reflecting the hypercoagulable and inflammatory states in children with IgAV.
10.Exploring the effect and mechanism of action of secukinumab on calcific aortic valve disease based on the IL-23/Th17 inflammatory pathway
Xinxin LI ; Ning ZHANG ; Guangling FENG ; Zhenzhen LAN ; Jiao GUO ; Xincan LIU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(8):78-86
Objective To observe whether the IL-23/Th17 inflammatory pathway is involved in the development of calcific aortic valve disease,and whether secukinumab can delay the progression of calcific aortic valve disease by inhibiting this pathway.Methods Forty-seven mice were divided into a blank control group,model group,and secukinumab group according to the random number table method.The blank control group was fed normal chow,while the model group and secukinumab group were fed pro-calcification chow for 16 weeks to establish a calcific aortic valve disease model.After intervention with secukinumab for 4 weeks,peak flow velocity changes in the aortic valves were detected under Doppler ultrasonography in all mice.Relevant indexes were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining,Von Kossa staining,immunohistochemical staining,ELISA,and qPCR.Results Compared with the model group,the secukinumab group showed significantly reduced peak flow velocity(P<0.05)and serum IL-6,IL-17,and IL-23 levels(P<0.05)in the aortic valve.Compared with the secukinumab group,the model group's leaflet thickness was significantly increased,and there were more calcium deposits.Immunohistochemical result showed that macrophage infiltration(P<0.05),IL-17A(P<0.05)and IL-23(P>0.05)levels in the valve leaflets were reduced in the secukinumab group compared with the model group.PCR result suggested that the expression of STAT3,BMP-2,and α-SMA mRNA was significantly lower in the secukinumab group than the model group(P<0.05).Conclusions The IL-23/Th17 inflammatory pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve disease.The inflammation,fibrosis,osteogenic differentiation,and calcification of mouse valves were alleviated after intervention with secukinumab,which may delay disease progression by inhibiting the IL-23/Th17 inflammatory pathway.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail