1.Key Genes in Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway of Lonicera macranthoides Based on Transcriptome and Metabolome Conjoint Analysis
Jiawei HE ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Juan ZENG ; Jiayuan ZHU ; Simin ZHOU ; Meiling QU ; Ribao ZHOU ; Xiangdan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):167-175
ObjectiveBased on the conjoint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome, the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of Lonicera macranthoides were explored, which provided a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoid compounds in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides. MethodsThe stem, leaves, and three flowering flowers of "Xianglei" L. macranthoides were selected as experimental materials to construct transcriptome and metabolome. The transcriptome and metabolomics were conjointly analyzed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of L. macranthoides were explored. ResultsIn this study, 77 differential phenylpropanoids and 315 differential genes were found. Through the joint analysis of transcription and metabolism, nine key differential metabolites and four key genes related to them were finally discovered. Among them, cinnamic acid, 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid,sinapyl alcohol, and chlorogenic acid were higher in flowers, and the content of the iconic effective component, namely chlorogenic acid,decreased sharply during the withering period. Caffeic acid,ferulic acid, 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde,p-coumaryl alcohol, and syringin were higher in leaves. These four key genes belong to the cinnamic alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) family, 4-coumaric acid: Coenzyme A (4CL) family, hydroxycinnamyl transferase (HCT) family, and L-phenylalanine ammonlyase (PAL) family genes. ConclusionAmong the four key genes excavated from L. macranthoides, TRINITY_DN42767_c0_g6 is related to the synthesis of p-coumaryl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol. TRINITY_DN43525_c4_g1 uses caffeic acid,ferulic acid,and cinnamic acid as substrates to catalyze the next reaction. TRINITY_DN47958_c3_g4 correlates with the synthesis of 3-p-coumaroyl quinic acid and caffeoyl-CoA, and TRINITY_DN52595_c1_g2 correlates with cinnamic acid synthesis. These findings provide a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoids in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides.
2.Protective Effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on Mitochondrial Damage in AD Model of Caenorhabditis Elegans
Jinfeng ZHANG ; Yuliang TONG ; Jiapeng WANG ; Ting SU ; Deping ZHAO ; Hao YU ; Kun ZUO ; Ziyue ZHU ; Meiling JIN ; Ning ZHANG ; Xia LEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):18-25
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of the extract of Liuwei Dihuangwan (LW) on mitochondrial damage in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). MethodC. elegans transfected with human β-amyloid protein (Aβ) 1-42 gene was used as an AD model. The rats were divided into blank group, model group, metformin group (50 mmol·L-1), and low, medium, and high dose (1.04, 2.08, 4.16 g·kg-1) LW groups. Behavioral methods were used to observe the sensitivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in nematodes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Aβ in nematodes. Total ATP content in nematodes was detected by the adenine nucleoside triphosphate (ATP) kit, and mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by the JC-1 method. In addition, the mRNA expression of Aβ expression gene (Amy-1), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), mitochondrial transcription factor A homologous gene-5 (HMG-5), mitochondrial power-associated protein 1 (DRP1), and mitochondrial mitoprotein 1 (FIS1) was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ResultThe extract of LW could reduce the hypersensitivity of the AD model of nematodes to exogenous 5-HT (P<0.05) and delay the AD-like pathological characteristics of hypersensitivity to exogenous 5-HT caused by toxicity from overexpression of Aβ in neurons of the AD model of nematodes. Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the mRNA expression of Aβ protein and Amy-1 increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA expression of SOD-1 and HMG-5 decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of DRP1 and FIS1 increased (P<0.01), and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential decreased (P<0.05). The content of ATP decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the positive medicine group and medium and high dose LW groups, the mRNA expression of Aβ protein and Amy-1 decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the mRNA expression of SOD-1 and HMG-5 increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of DRP1 decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), and that of FIS1 decreased (P<0.01). The level of mitochondrial membrane potential increased (P<0.01), and the content of ATP increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe extract of LW may enhance the antioxidant ability of mitochondria, protect mitochondrial DNA, reduce the fragmentation of mitochondrial division, repair the damaged mitochondria, adjust the mitochondrial membrane potential, restore the level of neuronal ATP, and reduce the neuronal damage caused by Aβ deposition.
3.Progress of research on quantitative techniques for trace amount of crystals in solid state drugs
Tiantian DING ; Meiling SU ; Shuai QIAN ; Jianjun ZHANG ; Yuan GAO ; Yuanfeng WEI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(2):181-193
Abstract: It is well-known that crystal form of a drug is a key factor impacting the physicochemical properties of the drug, which in turn affects its in vivo efficacy, safety and stability. The study on crystal forms of solid-state drugs is crucial for drug quality control, selection of production process and evaluation of clinical efficacy. The combination of chemometric and analytical techniques exhibited its great ability to analyze a large amount of multidimensional data, providing the possibility for quantification of trace amount of crystals (< 1%). Meanwhile, using the process analytical technology (PAT) to monitor the crystal content real-time during prescription preparation process can further realize the control on formulation quality and serve as a core technology to support the patent protection of crystalline forms. In this review, the combined application of crystal analytical techniques and chemometric methods for the quantitative analysis of trace crystals were summarized, aiming to provide guidance for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical preparations and their quality control.
4.Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative sore throat in patients un-dergoing double-lumen endobronchial intubation
Huan LIU ; Chenxi ZHANG ; Rui YUAN ; Hongxing MIN ; Meiling HAO
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(1):42-45
Objective To investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)on postoperative sore throat(POST)in patients undergoing double-lumen bronchial intubation based on general anesthesia.Methods A total of 103 patients,45 males and 58 females,aged 18-64 years,BMI 18-28 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ,who received selective operation of double-lumen bronchial intubation under general anesthesia were selected.The patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method:TEAS group(n = 51)and control group(n = 52).In the TEAS group,TEAS on Tiantu acupoint and bilateral Hegu acupoints started 30 minutes before anesthesia induction,and the stimulation lasted until the patients were sent to the recovery room.In the control group,electrodes were placed on the same acupoints without electrical stimulation.The Mallampati grade,number of tracheal intu-bation attempts,compression of cricoid cartilage,resistance during intubation,and double-lumen endobron-chial tube(DLT)retention time were recorded.The incidence and severity of POST,VAS pain scores of sore throat,and the incidence of hoarseness 1 hour,6,and 24 hours after extubation were recorded.Results Compared with the control group,the incidence of POST,the incidence of POST level 1,and VAS pain scores of sore throat were significantly decreased 1 hour,6,and 24 hours after extubation(P<0.05),the incidence of POST level 2 was significantly decreased 6 hours after extubation in the TEAS group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the situations related to tracheal intubation,and the inci-dence of hoarseness 1 hour,6,and 24 hours after extubation between the two groups.Conclusion The transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on Tiantu acupoint and bilateral Hegu acupoints can signifi-cantly reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat,and VAS pain scores of sore throat in patients undergoing double-lumen bronchial intubation.
5.Application of whole exome sequencing in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Ke CHEN ; Jing SHI ; Lijuan HU ; Li ZHANG ; Minlu CAO ; Wei GUO ; Meiling JIN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2024;31(6):1006-1010
A 29-year-old man visited Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University in December 2021. The patient presented with recurrent coughing, sputum, and wheezing, high level of serum total IgE, positive aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE and extremely severe mixed ventilatory dysfunction. These features and thoracic CT results scan showed bronchiectasis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. In consideration of his clinical characteristics, including low levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and nasal nitric oxide (nNO), persistent cough after birth, consanguineous marriage of his parents, etc. we ratiocinated a possibility of hereditary diseases, especially primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). From this perspective, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed and the diagnosis of PCD was ultimately confirmed.
6.Ocular surface changes in keratoconus after long-term wearing of rigid gas permeable contact lens
Nana ZHANG ; Meiling QIAN ; Liyuan YANG ; Jun YANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(7):1127-1131
AIM: To analyze changes in the ocular surface parameters of keratoconus after long-term wearing of rigid gas permeable contact lens(RGPCL).METHODS:Prospective case study. A total of 113 keratoconus patients(213 eyes)fitted with RGPCL in the optometry center of Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022 were included. They were divided into three groups according to the severity of keratoconus, including 42 cases(80 eyes)in mild keratoconus group, 54 cases(102 eyes)in moderate keratoconus group and 17 cases(31 eyes)in severe keratoconus group. Furthermore, the non-invasive tear break-up time(NIBUT), non-invasive tear meniscus height(NITMH), red eye index, lipid layer thickness, fluorescent corneal staining, meibomian gland secretory function, Schirmer I test and ocular surface disease index(OSDI)scores were observed by Keratograph analyzer before and after wearing RGPCL for 1 wk, 1, 3, 6, 12 mo, respectively.RESULTS: There were no statistical significance in the age, NIBUT, NITMH, lipid layer thickness, meibomian gland secretory function and Schirmer I test among the three groups(P>0.05), while there were statistical significance in the sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), non-contact intraocular pressure(IOPNCT), anterior, posterior corneal surface Kmax, corneal surface thickness at the thinnest point, eye redness index, fluorescent corneal staining, and OSDI(P<0.05). In the mild keratoconus group, NIBUT had statistical differences at 3, 6 and 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05), NITMH had statistical differences in 6 and 12 mo(P<0.05), the eye redness index, fluorescent corneal staining and OSDI scores had statistical differences in 1 wk and 1 mo(P<0.05), and lipid layer thickness and meibomian gland secretory function had statistical differences in 12 mo(P<0.05). In the moderate keratoconus group, there were statistical differences in NIBUT at 6 and 12 mo after wearing lenses(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the NITMH, lipid layer thickness and meibomian secretory function at 12 mo after wearing lens(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the eye redness index at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the fluorescent corneal staining at 1 wk after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the OSDI at 1 wk and 1 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05). In the severe keratoconus group, there were statistical differences in the NIBUT, NITMH and eye redness index at 1 wk, 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the lipid layer thickness at 6,12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the fluorescent corneal staining and OSDI scores at 1 wk, 6 and 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the meibomian secretory function at 6 and 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); and there were statistical differences in the Schirmer I test at 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Long-term wearing of RGPCL can affect the ocular surface microcirculation in keratoconus patients, thus making differences in patients subjective. However, it has no significant impact on the visual quality of patients. Therefore, long-term wearing of RGPCL is safely to control the progression of keratoconus.
7.Development of an Integrated Disposable Device for SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Extraction and Detection
Ma JING ; Hao YANZHE ; Hou MEILING ; Zhang XIAOSHAN ; Liu JINGDUAN ; Meng HAODI ; Chang JIANGBO ; Ma XUEJUN ; Liu JIHUA ; Ying QINGJIE ; Wang XIANHUA ; Li HONGXIA ; Cao YUXI ; Zhang XIAOGUANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(6):639-646
Objective To develop a highly sensitive and rapid nucleic acid detection method for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2). Methods We designed,developed,and manufactured an integrated disposable device for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction and detection.The precision of the liquid transfer and temperature control was tested.A comparison between our device and a commercial kit for SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction was performed using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The entire process,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification,was evaluated. Results The precision of the syringe transfer volume was 19.2±1.9 μL(set value was 20),32.2±1.6(set value was 30),and 57.2±3.5(set value was 60).Temperature control in the amplification tube was measured at 60.0±0.0 ℃(set value was 60)and 95.1±0.2 ℃(set value was 95)respectively.SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acid extraction yield through the device was 7.10×106 copies/mL,while a commercial kit yielded 2.98×106 copies/mL.The mean time to complete the entire assay,from SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extraction to amplification detection,was 36 min and 45 s.The detection limit for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was 250 copies/mL. Conclusion The integrated disposable devices may be used for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care test(POCT).
8.Relationship between responsive caregiving for infants and young children and parenting confidence among caregivers
Panting LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Qin HONG ; Xia CHI ; Meiling TONG ; Jun QIAN
Chinese Journal of Child Health Care 2024;32(2):133-137
【Objective】 To investigate the current state of infant responsive caregiving and to analyze its correlation with caregiver parenting confidence, in order to provide theoretical basis for improving the level of responsive care for infants and young children. 【Methods】 A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 to select 1 028 infants and young children under 3 years old who underwent health examinations in the Department of Child Healthcare. Participants completed a general data questionnaire, the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale, and the Infant Responsive Caregiving Scale. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the related influencing factors of infant responsive care and to analyze the relationship between caregiver parenting confidence and responsive caregiving. 【Results】 The level of responsive caregiving was found to be associated with various factors such as infant age(χ2=21.196), mode of pregnancy(Z=-2.072), history of pregnancy protection during pregnancy(Z=-4.713), history of pregnancy complications (Z=-4.504), gestational week at birth(χ2=41.358), small for term infants(Z=-3.497), neonatal intracranial hemorrhage(Z=-5.425), neonatal hyperbilirubinemia(Z=-2.184), maternal education level(χ2=9.419), family income(χ2=11.211) as well as type of family (χ2=15.360)(P < 0.05). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between parenting confidence and responsive caregiving(r=0.421,P<0.001). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that caregiver parenting confidence had a significant positive effect on the level of responsive caregiving (B=0.623, P<0.05), even after controlling for the effect of demographic factors. 【Conclusion】 The level of infant responsive caregiving is influenced by caregiver parenting confidence, and increasing caregiver parenting confidence can effectively improve the quality of responsive caregiving for infants and young children.
9.Development and test of reliability and validity of the Visual Cognitive Ability Assessment Scale for Preschool Children
Na WANG ; Shuqing ZHOU ; Xiaojie GUO ; Xin ZHANG ; Xia CHI ; Xiling LI ; Meiling TONG
Chinese Journal of Child Health Care 2024;32(2):138-141
【Objective】 To develop the Visual Cognitive Ability Assessment Scale for Preschool Children and to evaluate its reliability and validity, in order to provide reference for clinical evaluation of visual cognitive ability of preschool children. 【Methods】 1) From November 2021 to February 2022, construct the dimension framework was constructed and the pool of scale items was compiled according to the theory. 2) In March to June 2022, items were screened preliminarily through group discussion and Delphi method. In August 2022, the entries was revised by a pre-survey in a small sample (n=50). 3) Parents of children aged 4 - 7 from 8 kindergartens in 4 main urban areas of Nanjing were investigated by stratified cluster random sampling method in September to December 2022. The valid sample of the first survey (n=344) was analyzed to conduct item analysis and re-test reliability analysis, the valid sample of the second survey (n=695) was tested for reliability and confirmatory factor analysis, then the scale was finally compiled and evaluated. 【Results】 1) The scale contained 19 items in 4 dimensions:visual memory, discerning vision, spatial vision and visual integration. All items passed the project analysis test. 2) The Cronbach′s α coefficient of each dimension ranged from 0.604 to 0.886, and the Cronbach′s α coefficient of the whole scale was 0.917. During the two surveys, the scores of each item were correlated, and the average retest reliability coefficient was 0.601 (P< 0.05). 3) Content validity index (S-CVI) at scale level was 0.91, and item level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.8 to 1.0. After several rounds of model modification, the confirmatory factor model fit well. 【Conclusion】 The reliability and validity of the Visual Cognitive Ability Assessment Scale for Preschool Children are acceptable and meet the requirements of the scale, which provides a practical tool for clinical screening of visual and cognitive disorders.
10.Mechanism of cinobufagin regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to reverse cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer A2780/DDP cells
Meiling SHU ; Yue WU ; Yingquan YE ; Shuangshuang ZHANG ; Mei ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(4):671-677,741
Objective To investigate the reversal effect and mechanism of cinobufagin(CBG)on cisplatin resist-ance in human ovarian cancer cells.Methods A2780 cell line and its cisplatin-resistant cell line A2780/DDP are common ovarian cancer cells in clinic,so these two cell lines were selected as the research objects.The cell viabil-ity was detected by cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay,and the cell proliferation ability was detected by plate clo-ning and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)assay.Hoechst staining was used to observe cell apoptosis.Cell scratch test and Transwell test were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion ability.Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR)were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinosi-tol 3-kinase/protein kinase(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).Re-sults Compared with A2780 cells,the drug resistance indexes of A2780/DDP cells were 5.636,5.864,5.695,respectively.After treatment of A2780/DDP cells with CBG(2,4,6 mg/ml),the reversal resistance indexes were 1.617,2.570,3.461,respectively.CBG treatment significantly increased the level of apoptosis and inhibi-ted the proliferation,migration and invasion of the cells in a concentration-dependent manner(P<0.05).Western blot results showed that compared with A2780 cells,the relative ratio of P-PI3K/PI3K and P-AKT/AKT protein levels,as well as the protein expression of N-cadherin,Vimentin,and Snail were higher in the control group(A2780/DDP)cells,while the protein expression of E-cadherin was lower(tP-PI3K/PI3K=8.115,tP-AKT/AKT=17.62,tN-cadherin=6.126,tVimentin=4.001,tSnail=17.333,tE-cadherin=4.620,P<0.01);As the dose of CBG increased,the protein expression levels of P-PI3K,P-AKT,N-cadherin,Vimentin,and Snail in drug-resistant cells de-creased,while the protein expression level of E-cadherin increased(FP-PI3K=268.5,FP-AKT=190.5,FN-cadherin=24.02,FVimentin=57.65,FSnail=87.24,FE-cadherin=135.8,P<0.05).qRT-PCR results showed that with the in-crease of CBG concentration,the mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,N-cadherin,Vimentin and Snail de-creased,while the mRNA expression level of E-cadherin gradually increased(FPI3K=101.1,FAKT=558.3,FN-cadherin=86.97,FVimentin=105.9,FSnail=85.71,FE-cadherin=80.96,P<0.01).Conclusion CBG can reverse cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer A2780/DDP cell line,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibition of EMT by CBG.


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