1.Technology optimization and in vitro anti-tumor effect evaluation of reactive oxygen species-responsive metho-trexate-modified paclitaxel/icariin micelles
Naijian ZOU ; Liang KONG ; Lei CHANG ; Pengbo WAN ; Xiaolin JIANG ; Mingdian YUAN ; Yingqiang LU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):285-292
OBJECTIVE To prepare reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive methotrexate (MTX)-modified paclitaxel (PTX)/icariin (ICA) micelles (MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA), and perform technology optimization and in vitro anti-tumor effect evaluation. METHODS Synergistic toxicity concentration range of PTX and ICA was screened by synergistic toxicity test. The micelles were prepared by thin film hydration method, and their technology was optimized by response surface methodology. The fundamental characteristics of the micelles prepared by the optimal technology were evaluated. The micelles’ cytotoxicity, targeting ability to renal carcinoma RENCA cells of mice, and their inhibitory effects on invasion and migration were assessed. RESULTS Results of synergistic toxicity experiments demonstrated that the strongest synergistic effect occurred when PTX concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 10 μmol/L and ICA concentrations ranged from 5 to 15 μmol/L. The optimal technology of MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ ICA was determined to include 80 mg Soluplus®, Soluplus® and TPGS1000 mass ratio of 4∶1 (mg/mg), 2 mg DSPE-PEG2000-TK- PEG5000, 2 mg DSPE-PEG2000-MTX, 1 mg PTX, and 1.5 mg ICA, with a hydration temperature of 35 ℃ and a formulation volume of 5 mL. Under the optimal conditions, average encapsulation efficiency of PTX and ICA in 3 batches of MTX-oxi- Ms@PTX/ICA reached 92.75%, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was 0.007 9 mg/mL, the particle size was (62.09±1.68) nm, the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.046±0.032, and the Zeta potential was (-2.47±0.15) mV. Within 30 days of placement, there was no significant change E-mail:yingqiang_1126@163.com in particle size and polydispersity index of micelle. In vitro release experiments showed that MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA released drugs more rapidly in oxidative environments. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA against RENCA cells was (5.170±0.036) μmol/L. In vitro cellular uptake experiments indicated that compared with unmodified micelles, MTX modified micelles had stronger targeting effects on cancer cells, and also significantly enhanced the inhibitory ability of invasion and migration of RENCA cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA micelles are successfully prepared, which exhibit high encapsulation efficiency, low critical micelle concentration, and good stability. These micelles demonstrate significant cytotoxicity against RENCA cells and effectively inhibit cancer cell invasion and migration.
2.The mechanism of SAP overexpression in alleviating periodontitis in mice
HUANG Yinyin ; LIANG Dongliang ; ZOU Yaokun ; HAN Jingru ; GE Qing ; LIU Xueyan ; GUO Yadong ; HUANG Xinli ; YANG Lan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(8):619-630
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism by which serum amyloid P component (SAP) alleviates periodontitis in mice, providing an experimental basis to establish SAP as a novel therapeutic agent for periodontitis.
Methods:
Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Periodontitis models were established in wild-type (WT) mice and SAP-transgenic (SAP-Tg) mice, divided into four groups: WT control (WT group), WT periodontitis (WT+P group), SAP-Tg control (Tg group), and SAP-Tg periodontitis (Tg+P group). On day 7, the mice were euthanized, and periodontal tissues, teeth, and alveolar bone were collected. SAP protein expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Micro-CT and HE staining were used to measure alveolar bone resorption (distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed to assess osteoclast number, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to evaluate macrophage infiltration. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by qRT-PCR. Oral microorganism composition was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. Additionally, macrophages from WT and SAP-Tg mice were isolated to establish an in vitro inflammation model, divided into WT+LPS and Tg+LPS groups. The expression of macrophage polarization-related genes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD86, CD163, and CD206) were assessed by qRT-PCR. After the induction of osteoclast differentiation, TRAP staining was performed.
Results:
ELISA results demonstrated that periodontal tissues from Tg+P group mice exhibited higher levels of SAP expression compared to the WT+P group. Micro-CT and HE staining analyses revealed that the Tg+P group showed reduced alveolar bone resorption, indicated by a shorter distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest, compared to the WT+P group. Furthermore, TRAP staining results indicated a decrease in osteoclast numbers in the Tg+P group compared to the WT+P group. IHC and qRT-PCR results indicated reduced macrophage infiltration and decreased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the Tg+P group. Oral microorganism sequencing showed no significant difference in periodontitis-associated pathogenic bacteria between WT+P and Tg+P groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that compared to the WT+LPS group, the Tg+LPS group exhibited downregulated M1 macrophage markers (iNOS and CD86) and upregulated M2 macrophage markers (CD163 and CD206). TRAP staining confirmed fewer osteoclasts in the Tg+LPS group.
Conclusion
SAP overexpression effectively alleviates periodontitis severity in mice by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation, thereby attenuating alveolar bone resorption.
3.Clinical features of recompensation in autoimmune hepatitis-related decompensated cirrhosis and related predictive factors
Xiaolong LU ; Lin HAN ; Huan XIE ; Lilong YAN ; Xuemei MA ; Dongyan LIU ; Xun LI ; Qingsheng LIANG ; Zhengsheng ZOU ; Caizhe GU ; Ying SUN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1808-1817
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features and outcomes of recompensation in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-related decompensated cirrhosis, to identify independent predictive factors, and to construct a nomogram prediction model for the probability of recompensation. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among the adult patients with AIH-related decompensated cirrhosis who were admitted to The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2015 to August 2023 (n=211). The primary endpoint was achievement of recompensation, and the secondary endpoint was liver-related death or liver transplantation. According to the outcome of the patients at the end of the follow-up, the patients were divided into the recompensation group (n=16) and the persistent decompensation group(n=150).The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data with homogeneity of variance, and the Mann-Whitney U rank sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data with heterogeneity of variance; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis; the Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to identify independent predictive factors, and a nomogram model was constructed and validated. ResultsA total of 211 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 55.0 years and a median follow-up time of 44.0 months, and female patients accounted for 87.2%. Among the 211 patients, 61 (with a cumulative proportion of 35.5%) achieved recompensation. Compared with the persistent decompensation group, the recompensation group had significantly higher white blood cell count, platelet count (PLT), total bilirubin (TBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bile acid, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio (INR), SMA positive rate, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child-Pugh score, and rate of use of glucocorticoids (all P0.05), as well as significantly lower age at baseline, number of complications, and death/liver transplantation rate (all P0.05). At 3 and 12 months after treatment, the recompensation group had continuous improvements in AST, TBil, INR, IgG, MELD score, and Child-Pugh score, which were significantly lower than the values in the persistent decompensation group (all P0.05), alongside with continuous increases in PLT and albumin, which were significantly higher than the values in the persistent decompensation group (P0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that baseline ALT (hazard ratio [HR]=1.067, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010 — 1.127, P=0.021), IgG (HR=0.463,95%CI:0.258 — 0.833, P=0.010), SMA positivity (HR=3.122,95%CI:1.768 — 5.515, P0.001), and glucocorticoid therapy (HR=20.651,95%CI:8.744 — 48.770, P0.001) were independent predictive factors for recompensation, and the nomogram model based on these predictive factors showed excellent predictive performance (C-index=0.87,95%CI:0.84 — 0.90). ConclusionAchieving recompensation significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with AIH-related decompensated cirrhosis. Baseline SMA positivity, a high level of ALT, a low level of IgG, and corticosteroid therapy are independent predictive factors for recompensation. The predictive model constructed based on these factors can provide a basis for decision-making in individualized clinical management.
4.Factors affecting hospitalization costs among stroke patients in Nanshan District
ZOU Quan ; ZHAO Xinxing ; CHEN Hong' ; en ; WU Lanlan ; LIANG Xiaofeng ; WU Jing ; WANG Changyi
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(4):328-332,337
Objective:
To analyze the influencing factors for hospitalization costs among stroke patients with different subtypes, so as to provide the reference for reducing the economic burden of patients.
Methods:
Data of patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke who were discharged from hospitals in Nanshan District, Shenzhen City from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021 were collected through Hospital Information System. Hospitalization costs were analyzed between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients, and factors affecting hospitalization costs among stroke patients with different subtypes were identified using a structural equation model.
Results:
A total of 10 298 patients with stroke were recruited, including 2 820 patients with hemorrhagic stroke (27.38%) and 7 478 patients with ischemic stroke (72.62%). The patients with hemorrhagic stroke had a median duration of hospital stay of 19.00 (interquartile range, 18.00) d, and a median hospitalization cost of 26 759.48 (interquartile range, 51 000.87) Yuan. The patients with ischemic stroke had a median duration of hospital stay of 12.00 (interquartile range, 10.00) d, and a median hospitalization cost of 12 199.87 (interquartile range, 13 290.20) Yuan. Structural equation model analysis showed that department of hospitalization, discharge status, ways of leaving hospital, surgery and hypertension had direct effects on hospitalization costs and indirect effects on hospitalization costs through duration of hospital stay among hemorrhagic stroke patients, and duration of hospital stay had the highest total effect (0.684), followed by surgery (0.632). Employment status, admission route, department of hospitalization, ways of leaving hospital, payment mode, surgery and dyslipidemia had direct effects on hospitalization costs and indirect effects on hospitalization costs through duration of hospital stay among ischemic stroke patients, and duration of hospital stay (0.746), surgery (0.424) and department of hospitalization (0.151) ranked the top three in total effects.
Conclusion
The hospitalization cost is relatively high among stroke patients in Nanshan District, and duration of hospital stay and surgery have great influence on hospitalization costs among stroke patients with different subtypes.
5.Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase: Possible Functions and Mechanisms
Xin-Rong LU ; Yong-Liang TONG ; Wei-Li KONG ; Lin ZOU ; Dan-Feng SHEN ; Shao-Xian LÜ ; Rui-Jie LIU ; Shao-Xing ZHANG ; Yu-Xin ZHANG ; Lin-Lin HOU ; Gui-Qin SUN ; Li CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):985-999
Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) is widely distributed in various organisms. The first reported ENGase activity was detected in Diplococcus pneumoniae in 1971. The protein (Endo D) was purified and its peptide sequence was determined in 1974. Three ENGases (Endo F1-F3) were discovered in Flavobacterium meningosepticum from 1982 to 1993. After that, the activity was detected from different species of bacteria, yeast, fungal, plant, mice, human, etc. Multiple ENGases were detected in some species, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Trichoderma atroviride. The first preliminary crystallographic analysis of ENGase was conducted in 1994. But to date, only a few ENGases structures have been obtained, and the structure of human ENGase is still missing. The currently identified ENGases were distributed in the GH18 or GH85 families in Carbohydrate-Active enZyme (CAZy) database. GH18 ENGase only has hydrolytic activity, but GH85 ENGase has both hydrolytic and transglycosylation activity. Although ENGases of the two families have similar (β/α)8-TIM barrel structures, the active sites are slightly different. ENGase is an effective tool for glycan detection andglycan editing. Biochemically, ENGase can specifically hydrolyze β‑1,4 glycosidic bond between the twoN-acetylglucosamines (GlcNAc) on core pentasaccharide presented on glycopeptides and/or glycoproteins. Different ENGases may have different substrate specificity. The hydrolysis products are oligosaccharide chains and a GlcNAc or glycopeptides or glycoproteins with a GlcNAc. Conditionally, it can use the two products to produce a new glycopeptides or glycoprotein. Although ENGase is a common presentation in cell, its biological function remains unclear. Accumulated evidences demonstrated that ENGase is a none essential gene for living and a key regulator for differentiation. No ENGase gene was detected in the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and three other yeast species. Its expression was extremely low in lung. As glycoproteins are not produced by prokaryotic cells, a role for nutrition and/or microbial-host interaction was predicted for bacterium produced enzymes. In the embryonic lethality phenotype of the Ngly1-deficient mice can be partially rescued by Engase knockout, suggesting down regulation of Engase might be a solution for stress induced adaptation. Potential impacts of ENGase regulation on health and disease were presented. Rabeprazole, a drug used for stomach pain as a proton inhibitor, was identified as an inhibitor for ENGase. ENGases have been applied in vitro to produce antibodies with a designated glycan. The two step reactions were achieved by a pair of ENGase dominated for hydrolysis of substrate glycoprotein and synthesis of new glycoprotein with a free glycan of designed structure, respectively. In addition, ENGase was also been used in cell surface glycan editing. New application scenarios and new detection methods for glycobiological engineering are quickly opened up by the two functions of ENGase, especially in antibody remodeling and antibody drug conjugates. The discovery, distribution, structure property, enzymatic characteristics and recent researches in topical model organisms of ENGase were reviewed in this paper. Possible biological functions and mechanisms of ENGase, including differentiation, digestion of glycoproteins for nutrition and stress responding were hypothesised. In addition, the role of ENGase in glycan editing and synthetic biology was discussed. We hope this paper may provide insights for ENGase research and lay a solid foundation for applied and translational glycomics.
6.Pharmacy practice of clinical pharmacists involved in the treatment of a case of bullous pemphigoid and pulmonary aspergillosis combined with disseminated Nocardia farcinica infection
Tiying DENG ; Min LIN ; Zhimin HU ; Liang ZOU ; Zhihong WU ; Jianmin LIU ; Lei HUANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(16):2038-2043
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for the adjustment of antibacterial drug regimens, identification of adverse reactions, and personalized pharmaceutical care for patients with bullous pemphigoid and pulmonary aspergillosis combined with disseminated Nocardia farcinica infection. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the entire treatment process of a patient with bullous pemphigoid and pulmonary aspergillosis combined with disseminated N. farcinica infection. Evidence-based medicine was used to assist in the selection of an initial combined drug regimen against nocardiosis, and timely communication with the microbiology laboratory to provide early antimicrobial susceptibility data. When the patient exhibited epilepsy, the suspected drugs were identified, and it was reminded that imipenem-cilastatin sodium could affect the efficacy of valproic acid. It was suggested to replace valproic acid with levetiracetam for anti-epileptic treatment and to discontinue imipenem-cilastatin sodium. During treatment, it was recommended to monitor the blood concentrations of voriconazole and linezolid, and assist in adjusting the dosage promptly based on the monitoring results. RESULTS The physicians accepted the recommendations of the clinical pharmacists. The patient’s condition improved, and they were discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS Based on evidence-based medical evidence, antimicrobial susceptibility test results, and blood concentration monitoring data, clinical pharmacists assist clinicians in selecting a sensitive anti-infective regimen for the patient, identifying adverse reactions, adjusting the treatment regimen and providing full-course medication monitoring to ensure the safety and efficacy of clinical drug therapy.
7.Effects of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of senile macular degeneration and the research progress of its ocular new drug delivery preparations
Yadi ZHU ; Wei LI ; Shuyao LI ; Hanmei LI ; Liang ZOU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(19):2432-2437
Senile macular degeneration(SMD) is a degenerative disease of the macular region of the eye that causes visual impairment in older people worldwide. It is the focus and difficulty of the treatment of ophthalmic diseases at home and abroad. This paper reviewed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) active ingredients for the treatment and prevention of SMD, and its new ocular delivery preparations. Studies have shown that many active ingredients of TCM can inhibit the progression of SMD through various ways such as anti-oxidation, solid lipid nanoparticles, microemulsions/nanoemulsions, in-situ gel, etc. However, due to the low solubility, chemical instability and difficulty in overcoming the eye barrier of most TCM active ingredients, their clinical application in the treatment of SMD is seriously hindered. New preparations, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, microemulsion/nanoemulsion, in situ gels, have good application prospects in ocular drug delivery.
8.Hewei Anshe Formula (和胃安神方) for Stress-induced Insomnia in Male Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial of 52 Cases
Chujiao TIAN ; Liang WANG ; Shuo WANG ; Tao ZOU ; Zihan LIU ; Shaodan LI ; Qi CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2326-2331
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Hewei Anshen Formula (和胃安神方) for stress-induced insomnia. MethodsA total of 104 male patients with stress-induced insomnia were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 52 cases in each group. The treatment group was given Hewei Anshen Formula once a day, while the control group was given zolpidem tartrate tablets 10 mg per time and once a day, and both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was applied to evaluate sleep quality before and after treatment, Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST) was used to evaluate insomnia susceptibility, MOS 36-tem Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) [which includes the domains of Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Health Component Summary (MCS), with the PCS including the General Health (GH), Physical Functioning (PF), Role Physical (RP), and Body Pain (BP), and the MCS including Role Emotional (RE), Social Functioning (SF), Vitality (VT), Mental Health (MH)] was used to evaluate the quality of life, and Fatigue Scale 14 (FS-14) [including somatic fatigue and brain fatigue scores] to evaluate the degree of fatigue, and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores using a self-developed TCM syndrome survey for insomnia. Clinical effectiveness and TCM syndrome improvement were determined after treatment. The occurrence of adverse events and adverse reactions was recorded during treatment. ResultsThe total effective rate of clinical effectiveness was 90.38% (41/52) in the treatment group and 80.77% (42/52) in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The total effective rate of TCM syndrome effectiveness in the treatment group was 80.77% (42/52), which was higher than 44.23% (23/52) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The TCM syndrome score, FIRST score, brain fatigue scores, brain fatigue score and total score of FS-14 score all reduced after treatment in both groups, and all scores were lower in the treatment group than those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). All transformed scores of SF-36 scores were higher in both groups after treatment than before treatment in this group, and they were better than the control group in the four dimensions of PF, RP, VT, and MH (P<0.05). There were no adverse events and adverse reactions in the two groups. ConclusionHewei Anshen Formula can improve patients' sleep quality, effectively relieve clinical symptoms such as fatigue and pain, alleviate TCM syndromes, enhance the quality of life, reduce the susceptibility to insomnia, and shows good safety.
9.Cardiovascular health status in Chinese school aged children
WANG Xijie, ZOU Zhiyong, DONG Yanhui, DONG Bin, MA Jun, LIANG Wannian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(1):30-35
Objective:
The American Heart Association released the Life s Essential 8 (LE 8) for the overall evaluation of cardiovascular health (CVH) on individual level. The present study aimed to describe the overall CVH in Chinese school aged children using LE 8 metrics.
Methods:
Data of the present analysis came from a national representative multicentered cross sectional study conducted in 7 provinces of China in 2013. The original study used a multistage cluster sampling method. A total of 10 326 children aged 5 to 19 years with complete data of health behaviors and health outcomes were included in the study. Children s health behavior indicators included diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure and sleep health. Health outcome factors included body mass index, fast blood glucose, lipid profile and blood pressure.
Results:
The median CVH score was 73.3 ( IQR =14.4) in boys and 73.4 ( IQR = 13.5) in girls. Compared to children aged ≤9 years, the health behavior scores were lowest in the 13-15 age group, with boys scoring 7.73 lower (95% CI =-8.35--7.12, P <0.01) and girls scoring 9.15 (95% CI =-9.83--8.48, P <0.01) lower. The ≥16 age group had the lowest health outcome scores, with boys scoring 7.85 (95% CI =-9.07--6.63, P <0.01) lower and girls scoring 6.11 (95% CI =-7.12--5.09, P <0.01) lower.
Conclusions
Chinese school aged children are generally at a moderate level of cardiovascular health. Specific LE 8 components vary substantially between groups and therefore require targeted intervention strategies.
10.Application of deep learning image reconstruction combined with computer-aided diagnosis in CT screening of pulmonary nodules
Jing LU ; Tao LI ; Bimiao WEI ; Hang CHEN ; Da ZOU ; Hongfeng LIANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(1):135-139
Objective To analyze the effects of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)and adaptive statistical iterative recon-struction V(ASIR-V)on the imaging quality of chest CT in patient with pulmonary nodules,and to evaluate the differences based on different image reconstruction techniques in the detection of efficiency of computer-aided diagnosis(CAD)for pulmonary nodules.Methods The image data of pulmonary nodules of eighty patients with chest CT screening were reconstructed with ASIR-V 80%,DLIR-low(DLIR-L),DLIR-medium(DLIR-M)and DLIR-high(DLIR-H)images,respectively.The objective image quality and sub-jective image quality of the four groups were compared and analyzed.Objective image quality includes CT value of region of interest(ROI),noise,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)and image average gradient.The diagnostic efficacy of CAD in detecting pulmonary nodules of reconstructed images among four groups were further evaluated.Results There were no signifi-cant difference in CT value of ROI of reconstructed images among the four groups(P>0.05).The noise,SNR and CNR of DLIR-H images were similar to those of ASIR-V 80%(P>0.05),but significantly better than those of DLIR-L and DLIR-M(P<0.05).The average gradient of DLIR-L,DLIR-M and DLIR-H images were significantly higher than those of ASIR-V 80%(P<0.05).The subjective image quality scores of DLIR-L,DLIR-M and DLIR-H images were significantly higher than those of ASIR-V 80%(P<0.05),and the subjective image quality score of DLIR-H image was the highest.CAD showed the highest true positive rate in DLIR-H images for detecting pulmonary nodules(P<0.05),and CAD showed the highest false positives per capita in ASIR-V 80%images for detecting pulmonary nodules(P<0.05).Conclusion The noise,SNR and CNR of DLIR-H images are similar to those of ASIR-V 80%,with the significantly higher image clarity and subjective image quality scores.DLIR-H has advantages in CAD detection of pulmonary nodules,which is an ideal image reconstruction technology for chest CT pulmonary nodule screening.


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