1.Effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway
Qinwen TAN ; Jingjing HUANG ; Ruixi ZHONG ; Yuanqin DU ; Jian XU ; Jinli NONG ; Yujiao PENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):300-306
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the proliferation, migration, and aerobic glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using cell experiments, as well as related mechanisms. MethodsHuman liver cancer cell line Huh7 was selected, and Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank serum group, inhibitor group, and high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups. Rat serum containing the drug was prepared for the incubation of Huh7 cells. CCK8 assay and scratch assay were used to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells; glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes and metabolites were measured to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on aerobic glycolysis of liver cancer cells; RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the mRNA expression, related proteins, and phosphorylation of the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test or the Dunnett’s T3 test were used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank serum group, the Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in OD value, migration rate during different periods of time, glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase), and glycolytic metabolites (pyruvate, lactic acid, ATP) (all P<0.05). RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the blank serum group, the high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of mTOR, and the high- and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of AKT (all P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the blank serum group, the high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in the expression levels of mTOR-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins, and the high- and middle-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in the expression levels of AKT-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins (all P<0.05). ConclusionThis study preliminarily verifies that the serum containing Bijia Decoction Pill can inhibit the aerobic glycolysis of human hepatoma Huh7 cells, thereby inhibiting their proliferation and migration, possibly by inhibiting the expression of the proteins related to the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Impact of Antibody Immune Response and Immune Cells on Osteoporosis and Fractures
Kangkang OU ; Jiarui CHEN ; Jichong ZHU ; Weiming TAN ; Cheng WEI ; Guiyu LI ; Yingying QIN ; Chong LIU
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):530-545
Background:
The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved.
Results:
Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.
3.Impact of Antibody Immune Response and Immune Cells on Osteoporosis and Fractures
Kangkang OU ; Jiarui CHEN ; Jichong ZHU ; Weiming TAN ; Cheng WEI ; Guiyu LI ; Yingying QIN ; Chong LIU
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):530-545
Background:
The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved.
Results:
Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.
4.Impact of Antibody Immune Response and Immune Cells on Osteoporosis and Fractures
Kangkang OU ; Jiarui CHEN ; Jichong ZHU ; Weiming TAN ; Cheng WEI ; Guiyu LI ; Yingying QIN ; Chong LIU
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):530-545
Background:
The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved.
Results:
Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.
5.Impact of Antibody Immune Response and Immune Cells on Osteoporosis and Fractures
Kangkang OU ; Jiarui CHEN ; Jichong ZHU ; Weiming TAN ; Cheng WEI ; Guiyu LI ; Yingying QIN ; Chong LIU
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):530-545
Background:
The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved.
Results:
Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.
6.Polygonatum Sibiricum Polysaccharides Improve Colonic Injury in a Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism in the Colon
Wanrong LI ; Mengting TAO ; Yuanfeng ZOU ; Dan HE ; Nengyuan TANG ; Xin TAN ; Lixia LI ; Dandan CHEN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):431-443
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Polygonatum neutral polysaccharides from sibiricum (PSP-NP) on colon injury in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a COPD model group, and a PSP-NP group. The COPD model was established using smoke exposure combined with intranasal LPS administration. The PSP-NP group was simultaneously treated daily with 200 mg/kg of PSP-NP via intragastric gavage, while the other groups received an equal volume of saline. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the colon. ELISA was employed to detect the levels of LPS in serum and the expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, IL-6, and TNF-α in colon tissue. UPLC-MS was used to detect the types and contents of bile acids in colonic content, and to screen for differential bile acids. Differential microbial flora were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and correlation analysis was conducted with differential bile acids. PSP-NP was combined with the differential bile acids cholic acid (CA), and deoxycholic acid (DCA) in vitro to analyze the binding capacity of PSP-NP for CA and DCA. PSP-NP was applied to NCM460 normal colonic epithelial cells cultured in CA and DCA. Cell migration ability was assessed using the scratch assay, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB were measured by RT-qPCR. ResultsPSP-NP effectively improved colonic damage in COPD model mice, enhanced mechanical barrier function, alleviated inflammatory response, and regulated abnormal changes in colonic flora and bile acid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed that PSP-NP regulated colonic bile acid metabolism and reduced the redundancy of secondary bile acids by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia, while decreasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Notably, in vitro binding assays demonstrated that PSP-NP bound to differential bile acids DCA and CA, with the strongest binding capacity for DCA at 58.2%. In cellular functional studies, DCA inhibited the migration ability of colonic epithelial cells NCM460 and significantly increased the relative mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB. Importantly, co-treatment with PSP-NP significantly ameliorated the impact of DCA on NCM460 cells. ConclusionsPSP-NP may significantly improve colonic damage in COPD model mice. The mechanism may involve the regulation of colonic bile acid metabolism and bile acid profiles through both microbial modulation and direct binding, thereby reducing the damage caused by secondary bile acids such as DCA to colonic epithelial cells.
7.Mechanism of action of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene in the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and related targeted therapies
Zhaoquan PAN ; Xudong LIU ; Weiqiang TAN ; Xiaoke RAN ; Yuan YUAN ; Xinfeng LOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1167-1173
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease with the pathological feature of lipid accumulation in the liver, and it is closely associated with liver metabolic disorders. The latest research has shown that the pathogenesis of MAFLD is associated with the abnormal expression of specific genes, especially the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene. The abnormal activity of the FTO gene may lead to an imbalance in liver lipid metabolism, which manifests as the increase in fatty acid synthesis and the reduction in fatty acid oxidation, thereby promoting liver fat deposition and inflammatory response. Therefore, regulating the expression or activity of the FTO gene is considered one of the potential strategies for the treatment of MAFLD. At present, drug research targeting the function of the FTO gene has achieved preliminary results, and inhibition of the activity of the FTO gene can help to regulate liver lipid metabolism and alleviate liver inflammatory injury. This article reviews the mechanism of action of the FTO gene in the development and progression of MAFLD, summarizes the advances in drug research on the FTO gene and related metabolic pathways in recent years, and analyzes their application prospect in research and treatment.
8.Transzonal Projections and Follicular Development Abnormalities in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Di CHENG ; Yu-Hua CHEN ; Xia-Ping JIANG ; Lan-Yu LI ; Yi TAN ; Ming LI ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2499-2511
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.
9.Analysis of in vivo components and metabolism pathway in rats after intragastric administration of aqueous extract from Abrus cantoniensis
Kuikui CHEN ; Yuxin NONG ; Zhonghui GUO ; Yong TAN ; Hongting HUANG ; Jinman LI ; Jinrui WEI ; Zhiying WEI ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(13):1576-1581
OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical components that were the absorbed in blood and liver tissue of rats after intragastric administration of aqueous extract from Abrus cantoniensis, and to speculate its possible metabolic pathways, providing reference for basic analysis of pharmacological substance in A. cantoniensis. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into A. cantoniensis group (0.63 g/kg, calculated by crude drug) and blank group; they were given relevant drug solution/ultrapure water intragastrically. After a single dose, plasma and liver samples of rats in each group were collected. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology was used to identify chemical components that were absorbed in the blood and liver tissue of rats. RESULTS Totally, 30 chemical constituents were identified from the water extracts of A. cantoniensis, including alkaloids, flavonoids, organic acids, iridoids (such as L-abrine, schaftoside, isoshaftoside). Ten prototype components and nine metabolites (such as decarboxylation and sulfation metabolites of protocatechuic acid, reduced sulfated metabolites of p-hydroxybenzoic acid) were identified from plasma samples; six prototype components and five metabolites (such as sulfated metabolites of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, decarboxylation and sulfation metabolites of p-hydroxybenzoic acid) were identified from liver samples. The main metabolic pathways included hydroxylation, demethylation, methylation, sulfation, glucuronidation, etc. CONCLUSIONS Alkaloids, flavonoids and organic acids are the main components of the aqueous extract from A. cantoniensis that are absorbed into the blood and liver, their metabolism mainly involves hydroxylation,demethylation, and sulfation.
10.Analysis of the working model of pharmacy consultation in medical institutions in China:a scoping review
Pengxiang ZHOU ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Xiaofei LI ; Xiaomin XING ; Sitao TAN ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(16):1946-1950
OBJECTIVE To systematically summarize the working model of pharmacy consultation in medical institutions in China, and to provide reference for the normalization of process, standardization of content and homogenization of services of pharmacy consultation. METHODS A systematic search of Chinese and English literature databases was conducted to incorporate the literature on the working model of pharmacy consultation published by medical institutions in China. Two researchers screened and extracted the key information, and ultimately conducted qualitative summary and descriptive analysis. RESULTS Based on the included 11 articles, the pharmacy consultation working models were explored by clinical pharmacists in China. The contents of consultation mainly involved anti-infection, parenteral nutrition, cancer pain, etc. The general concept of pharmacy consultation should refer to the constructed flowchart, specific consultation problems could refer to the pathway, mind map, or decision tree and other framework guidance to carry out the work. Finally, consultation opinions could be written according to the consultation system or specialty consultation templates, and the adoption of a new working model (such as pharmacist active consultation) could also promote the number and acceptance rate of pharmacy consultation. CONCLUSIONS A series of working models of pharmacy consultation have been initially explored in medical institutions in China. However, it is not yet perfect and lacks a unified quality control and evaluation system for pharmacy consultation, which should be the focus of future research and practice.

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