1.Overview of epigenetic degraders based on PROTAC, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging technologies.
Xiaopeng PENG ; Zhihao HU ; Limei ZENG ; Meizhu ZHANG ; Congcong XU ; Benyan LU ; Chengpeng TAO ; Weiming CHEN ; Wen HOU ; Kui CHENG ; Huichang BI ; Wanyi PAN ; Jianjun CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):533-578
Epigenetic pathways play a critical role in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the development of targeted epigenetic modulators (e.g., inhibitors). However, epigenetic inhibitors have faced multiple challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, toxicities, lack of subtype selectivity, and drug resistance. As a result, the design of new epigenetic modulators (e.g., degraders) such as PROTACs, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging (HyT) degraders has garnered significant attention from both academia and pharmaceutical industry, and numerous epigenetic degraders have been discovered in the past decade. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth illustration of new degrading strategies (2017-2023) targeting epigenetic proteins for cancer therapy, focusing on the rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical status, and crystal structure information of these degraders. Importantly, we also provide deep insights into the potential challenges and corresponding remedies of this approach to drug design and development. Overall, we hope this review will offer a better mechanistic understanding and serve as a useful guide for the development of emerging epigenetic-targeting degraders.
2.Airborne PM2.5 and Parkinson's disease: An updated meta-analysis
Yixian WANG ; Jianjun WU ; Rui HU ; Jingjuan JU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(2):168-174
Background An association between atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and Parkinson's disease (PD) has been suggested by previous studies, but the results of current epidemiological studies are still inconclusive. Objective To systematically evaluate the relationship between exposure to ambient PM2.5 and the risk of PD, as well as to explore potential influencing factors, aiming to provide scientific evidence for formulating early prevention strategies for PD. Methods Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, China National Know-ledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database were queried. The search terms included Parkinson's disease, particulate matter 2.5, and PM2.5 in both Chinese and English. Cohort studies examining the association between atmospheric PM2.5 exposure and the risk of PD were collected and searched from the inception of each database to June 26, 2023. The identified literature was screened, and the basic information of the included studies and their research subjects, outcome indicators, quantitative results of each study, as well as the information required by bias risk assessment were extracted. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was employed to assess the risk of literature bias. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis were conducted in Stata 15.0 software. Results Twelve cohort studies were identified. A total of 17443136 participants with follow-up periods ranging from 3.5 to 22 years were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis, utilizing a random-effects model, revealed that PD risk was elevated by 6% after exposure to PM2.5 [HR=1.06 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.11), P=0.006]. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that exposure to PM2.5 increased PD risk by 6% in North America [HR=1.06 (95%CI: 1.00, 1.12), P=0.033] and by 17% in East Asia [HR=1.17 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.33), P=0.020]. However, the effect was not statistically significant in Europe. PD risk exhibited a 7% rise [HR=1.07 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.14), P=0.011] in individuals aged 60 years and older, which was different from that in individuals younger than 60 years. Exposure to various concentrations of PM2.5 was observed to associate with an elevated risk of PD. The inclusion of adjustments for PD-related comorbidities did not alter the conclusion that ambient PM2.5 exposure might elevate the risk of PD. The studies with a follow-up duration exceeding 5 years and reporting more than 1000 PD cases suggested a significant increase in the risk of PD due to ambient PM2.5 exposure [HR=1.06 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.12), P=0.012; HR=1.06 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.11), P=0.027, respectively]. Conversely, no significant association was identified between ambient PM2.5 exposure and the risk of PD within the cohorts with a follow-up duration of less than 5 years and reporting fewer than 1000 PD cases [HR=1.09 (95%CI: 0.95, 1.26), P=0.214; HR=1.12 (95%CI: 0.98, 1.02), P=0.092, respectively]. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were stable. The publication bias analysis and the combined trim-and-fill method showed that the results were robust. Conclusion The risk of PD could be increased by ambient PM2.5 exposure and influenced by age and area. The research results might be affected by the duration of follow-up and the quantity of PD cases reported.
3.Effect of Tongluo Juanbi Granules on Inflammatory Injury and Apoptosis of Osteoarthritis Based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qi QI ; Liang OU ; Weichen HUANG ; Zehua CHEN ; Daoqing XU ; Weiwei HU ; Jingjing LI ; Jianjun KUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):29-36
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Tongluo Juanbi granules on chondrocyte apoptosis and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway of rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and study the mechanism of Tongluo Juanbi granules in the prevention and treatment of KOA. MethodThirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to the following five groups (n=6): sham group, model group, low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules (4.1 and 8.2 g·kg-1·d-1), and celecoxib group (10.9 mg·kg-1·d-1). The KOA model was established by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) for six weeks. Six weeks after the modeling, the drug was given once a day for eight weeks. The pathological changes of cartilago articularis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to detect chondrocyte apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in synovial fluid. The mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultCompared with the sham group, the cartilago articularis of the model group significantly degenerated. Mankin's score was increased (P<0.01), and the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial fluid were increased (P<0.01). The number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, chondrocyte degeneration in both low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules was improved, and Mankin's score was decreased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.01), and the number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were down-regulated (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were up-regulated (P<0.01). In addition, in the above observation indicators, the high-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules was significantly superior to the low-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules. ConclusionTongluo Juanbi granules could inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits with KOA and improve cartilage degeneration, which may be related to inhibiting inflammatory responses mediated by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.Efficacy of metoprolol versus ivabradine in treatment of POTS in elderly patients after COVID-19 infection
Xiaonan GUAN ; Wenting LIU ; Wen HUANG ; Guiling MA ; Mei HU ; Dan QI ; Min ZONG ; Hua ZHAO ; Fei'ou LI ; Jianjun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2024;26(3):280-283
Objective To explore the difference in efficacy of metoprolol versus ivabradine in the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome(POTS)in the elderly after COVID-19 infection.Methods A total of 110 patients diagnosed with POTS at our department from Decem-ber 1,2022 to January 31,2023 were included.According to their drug regimen,they were divided into metoprolol group(62 patients)and ivabradine group(48 patients).On the 28th day of out-patient follow-up,the resting heart rate,heart rate of 10 min of standing,symptom disappearance rate,hospitalization rate,and mortality rate were compared between the two groups.Results On the 28th day of treatment,the resting heart rate and postural heart rate for 10 min were decreased in both groups when compared with the levels at initial diagnosis(P<0.01).And there were no significant differences in the two types of heart rate between the two groups on the 28th day(71.0±7.0 vs 72.1±7.0,P=0.401;76.5±7.2 vs 77.4±7.6,P=0.573).No obvious differences were observed between the two groups in symptom disappearance rate,hospitalization rate,or mortality rate(88.7%vs 89.6%,3.2%vs2.1%,0%vs 0%,P>0.05).Conclusion Metoprolol and ivabradine can effectively treat POTS in the elderly patients after COVID-19 infection.
5.Current status and thinking of data management of human genetic resources
Na LI ; Yang LU ; Ting HU ; Miao KUANG ; Jianjun FAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2024;37(1):7-13
Objective:To analysis the laws and regulations related to human genetic resources, this study analyzed the current management status and trends at home and abroad, explored the related issues of human genetic resources data management, and provided reference for further promoting and standardizing the management of human genetic resources data in my country.Methods:This article analyzed the current management status of human genetic resources data from three levels: relevant policies, management frameworks, data platforms and sample databases through literature review and expert consultation and policy research.Results:Countries paid more and more attention to human genetic resources, and the construction of my country′s human genetic resources management system is constantly advancing and improving. In the data era, the management of human genetic resources was facing new problems and challenges, requiring further strengthening the research and management of relevant data.Conclusions:At present, the management of human genetic resource data in my country needs to be strengthened. On the one hand, it is necessary to promote the implementation and coordinated management of specific systems on human genetic resources data. On the other hand, it is necessary to strengthen the effective protection and sharing of human genetic resource data.
6.Associations of genetic variants in GLP-1R with blood pressure responses to dietary sodium and potassium interventions
Mingke CHANG ; Chao CHU ; Mingfei DU ; Hao JIA ; Yue SUN ; Guilin HU ; Xi ZHANG ; Dan WANG ; Wenjing LUO ; Yu YAN ; Ziyue MAN ; Yang WANG ; Jianjun MU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(2):212-218
【Objective】 To investigate the association between genetic variations in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) gene and BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 A total of 514 subjects from 124 families were recruited in Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, in 2004, resulting in the establishment of a "salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort" . The subjects followed a dietary regimen which involved a normal diet for 3 days, a low-salt diet for 7 days, a high-salt diet for 7 days, and a high-salt potassium-supplemented diet for 7 days. BP measurement was conducted at different intervention periods, and peripheral blood samples were collected. Additionally, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GLP-1R gene were genotyped using the MassARRAY detection platform. 【Results】 The GLP-1R gene SNP rs9462472 exhibited a significant association with systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure response to high-salt intervention. Similarly, SNP rs2268637 showed a significant association with systolic BP response to high-salt intervention. Furthermore, SNP rs2268637 was significantly associated with systolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses to high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. 【Conclusion】 Our findings indicate a significant association of genetic variations in the GLP-1R gene with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. This suggests that the GLP-1R gene plays a role in the regulation of BP salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.
7.Application prospect of machine learning in field of anesthesiology
Xiaoyi HU ; Di WANG ; Muhuo JI ; Jianjun YANG
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(6):634-638
Machine learning(ML)technology has been gradually applied in clinical anesthesia,and the application and research in the perioperative period are increasing.ML can warn occurrence of high-risk events,assist the diagnosis of difficult airway and ultrasound imaging in the perioperative period.Intrao-peratively,ML can predict hypotension,hypoxemia,cardiac arrest,and depth of anesthesia to help achieve precise and safe control of anesthesia.Postoperatively,ML can predict anesthesia-related adverse outcomes.This article summarizes the ML models commonly used in the field of anesthesiology,and reviews the rele-vant studies of ML application in all stages of the perioperative period.The application of ML can improve the perioperative anesthesia management,help to warn the occurrence of high-risk events and reduce anes-thesia-related risks.
8.Perioperative anesthetic management for patients with multimorbidity:challenges and opportunities
Muhuo JI ; Xiaoyi HU ; Jianjun YANG
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(11):1125-1129
The intensifying aging of the population has led to a growing severity of multimorbidity,significantly impacting patients'quality of life.Current anesthetic management approaches primarily target individual diseases,which struggle to effectively address the complexity of multimorbidity.This article re-views the concept and research status of multimorbidity,analyzes the interconnections among aging,multi-morbidity,and frailty,and discusses the influence of multimorbidity on perioperative risks.For patients with multimorbidity,the article proposes perioperative management strategies encompassing preoperative assess-ment,multidisciplinary collaboration,personalized anesthesia plans,intraoperative monitoring,and postop-erative care.Furthermore,the article underscores the shift from single-disease assessments to comprehensive multimorbidity assessment frameworks,and explores novel management models utilizing big data and artificial intelligence to enhance surgical safety and improve patient prognosis.
9.Advances in research on the application of pharmaceutical excipients in traditional Chinese medicine preparations
Yan MIAO ; Liqin HU ; Ke ZHANG ; Shuai QIAN ; Yuan GAO ; Jianjun ZHANG ; Yuanfeng WEI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(6):734-741
Pharmaceutical excipients, as an indispensable part of drug preparation, play crucial roles as drug carriers, improving drug release, ensuring drug stability, and enhancing patient compliance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) boasts a rich developmental history. With the modernization of technology, the deep integration of pharmacy, chemistry, and materials science has provided broader opportunities for innovative research in TCM. Simultaneously, the demand for high-quality excipients has become increasingly critical.This paper aims to review current research and applications of excipients in TCM preparations, including pre-mixed and co-processed excipients, modified excipients, and the unification of drugs and excipients, such as flavoring agents, fillers, penetration enhancers, and delivery systems. A meticulous synthesis and analysis of existing research aims to provide a reference for selecting excipients in TCM preparations, stimulate innovation in excipient development for TCM, and advocate for the development of personalized excipients.
10.Research Progress on the Role of HMGB1 in Regulating the Function of Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes
Xin QI ; Xiaogang ZHANG ; Haiyang YU ; Xin CHEN ; Wenbo AN ; Zhipeng WANG ; Duoxian WANG ; Pengfei LUO ; Yixin CHEN ; Jiaojiao MA ; Wei QI ; Ziyang HU ; Jianjun LIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(1):141-146
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease whose main characteristic is the destruction of articular cartilage, causing pain and disability in patients and seriously affecting their quality of life. OA can be induced by a variety of causes, and pathological changes in articular cartilage are considered to be one of the key driving factors for the occurrence of OA. High mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), as a non-histone protein in eukaryotic cells, can participate in regulating the inflammation and apoptosis process of OA chondrocytes, thus leading to the occurrence of OA. This article reviews the research on the mechanism of HMGB1 in OA chondrocytes, with a view to providing new ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of OA.

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