1.Preparation and evaluation of quality,targeting and cytotoxicity of triptolide-loaded targeting nanoparticles
Moli YIN ; Wenbin LUO ; Jingzhe XU ; Zebo TANG ; Ni GUO ; Youxing LAO ; Huiyan WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1457-1462
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To prepare nanoparticle-based targeting preparation loaded with triptolide (TP), and evaluate its quality, targeting ability and cytotoxic effects. METHODS Polymer nanoparticles carrying TP-targeted folic acid (FA) receptor (TP@PLGA-PEG-FA) were fabricated using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)/polyethylene glycol/FA (PLGA-PEG-FA) as the carrier by emulsion and volatilization technique. The morphology and distribution were observed, and their particle size, Zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were measured. Their stability, blood compatibility, in vitro drug release, uptake by RAW264.7 cells (localization with fluorescent dye Cy3.5), and in vitro cytotoxicity were evaluated. RESULTS TP@PLGA-PEG-FA exhibited spherical shape and uniform distribution, with particle size of (122.60±0.02) nm, Zeta potential of (-17.6±0.6)mV, and PDI of 0.26±0.02; drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of TP were measured to be (7.78±0.05)% and (68.62±0.03)%, respectively. The hemolysis rates of 100, 200, 300, 400 µg/mL TP@PLGA- PEG-FA were 0.77%, 0.92%, 1.34% and 1.63%, respectively. There were no significant changes in particle size, PDI and Zeta potential when TP@PLGA-PEG-FA were placed in 4 ℃ water for 14 days and in DMEM culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum at 37 ℃ for 12 h. The cumulative release rate of TP@PLGA-PEG-FA was (84.83±0.29)% in phosphate buffer at pH5.5 for 72 h, which was significantly higher than the cumulative release rates in phosphate buffer solutions at pH7.4 and 6.5 for 72 h ([ 42.37±0.35)% and (63.83±0.29)% , respectively] (P<0.05). Activated RAW264.7 cells took up significantly more Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG-FA than they took up Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG-FA+free FA and Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG. When the mass concentration of TP was≥15.63 ng/mL, the survival rates of activated cells in the TP@PLGA-PEG-FA groups were significantly lower than those of the same mass concentration of free TP groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prepared TP@PLGA-PEG-FA has high stability, good blood compatibility, active targeting and cytotoxicity to inflammatory cells.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.ZIP4 promotes glycolysis in cholangiocarcinoma cells by enhancing H3K4me3 modification and activating MYCN transcription
Jiwen WANG ; Cheng ZHANG ; Dexiang ZHANG ; Xiaoling NI ; Kun FAN ; Houbao LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):410-420
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore the mechanism by which zinc-regulated transporters, iron-regulated transporter-likeprotein 4 (ZIP4) regulates glycolysis and its impact on tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of CCA. Methods ZIP4 expression in CCA was analyzed using the GEPIA database. Immuno-histochemistry (IHC) was used to detect ZIP4 expression in 20 paired CCA and adjacent non-tumor tissues. Stable ZIP4-overexpressing CCA cell lines (ZIP4-OE) were established. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes and pathways in ZIP-OE CCA cells. ZIP4, N-myc proto-oncogene protein (MYCN), and histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2E (KMT2E) were knocked down using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The expression of glycolysis-related gene (glucose transporter 1 [Glut1], hexokinase 2 [HK2], and lactate dehydrogenase A [LDHA]) was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Glycolytic activity was assessed by measuring the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Cell proliferation was evaluated using colony formation assays, and cell migration was assessed using Transwell assays. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to examine CCA tumor growth. Protein levels of ZIP4, KMT2E, H3K4me3 (tri-methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3), and MYCN were detected by Western blotting. Results GEPIA database analysis and IHC results confirmed significantly higher ZIP4 expression levels in CCA tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the ZIP4-OE group exhibited a significantly increased ECAR, along with significantly enhanced proliferation and migration abilities (P<0.01). Conversely, knockdown of ZIP4 suppressed CCA cells proliferation and migration. GEPIA analysis indicated that ZIP4 upregulates the transcription of oncogene MYCN, as well as glycolysis-related genes. Knockdown of MYCN abolished the ZIP4 overexpression-induced upregulation of Glut1, HK2, and LDHA gene transcription, reduced glycolysis, and significantly inhibited CCA cell proliferation and migration (P<0.05). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ZIP4 increases H3K4me3 level via KMT2E, leading to MYCN transcription. Knockdown of KMT2E in CCA cells suppressed the ZIP4 overexpression-induced enhancement in H3K4me3 modification, resulting in MYCN downregulation and significantly reduced CCA cells proliferation and migration (P<0.05). Conclusions ZIP4 upregulates H3K4me3 modification through KMT2E, which recruits transcription factors to activate the transcription of MYCN. This subsequently enhances cellular glycolysis and promotes the proliferation and migration of CCA cells.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Mining molecular biomarkers regulating the occurrence of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma based on bioinformatics methods
Feng GUO ; Chenyu WANG ; Zhenfeng SHI ; Jianhua ZHAO ; Wenlong FAN ; Kadeer AIHEMAITI ; Zecheng NI
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(3):215-222
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective: To identify biomolecular markers closely related to the occurrence of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and verify their expression levels in clinical samples. Methods: Stage Ⅰ KIRC mRNA sequencing data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for dimensionality reduction to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs),which then underwent GO and KEGG analyses.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen genes significantly related to KIRC,and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen hub genes.The diagnostic value of hub genes was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve,and their prognostic value was analyzed using survival curve plots.The correlation between the mRNA expressions of hub genes and the pathological stages of KIRC was analyzed.Clinical samples of 20 patients with stage Ⅰ KIRC treated in our hospital were included,and the expressions of the hub genes in cancerous and adjacent tissues were detected with reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR),Western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: A total of 8223 DEGs were screened out,including 4092 up-regulated ones and 4131 down-regulated ones.GO analysis showed that DEGs were related to bioadhesion,plasma membrane composition,and transporter activity.KEGG analysis showed that DEGs were related to pathways such as cell adhesion molecules,cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions,and interactions between viral proteins and cytokines and cytokine receptors.WGCNA analysis obtained 171 genes that were significantly related to stage Ⅰ KIRC.The hub gene,lymphocyte cytosolic protein 2 (LCP2),screened out by the PPI network,was significantly related to stage Ⅰ KIRC.The area under the ROC curve was 0.96.The expression level was negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of patients.The expression of LCP2 was related to the stage and lymph node metastasis.Clinical verification showed that the mRNA and protein relative expressions of LCP2 in KIRC tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues (P<0.000 1). Conclusion: LCP2 is significantly up-regulated in stage Ⅰ KIRC tissues and can be used as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis and treatment of KIRC.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Network structure characteristics of trait aggression in children and adolescents based on psychometric network analysis
WANG Xu, LIU Yanling, WEI Mingchen, ZHU Ni, GENG Yibo, LIU Weijun, CHEN Shuai
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):975-979
		                        		
		                        			Objective:
		                        			To explore the core features of trait aggression in children and adolescents, so as to provide a theoretical basis for behavioral interventions targeting the central psychological characteristics of aggression in children and adolescents.
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			From March to May 2020, a simple random convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 39 165 students from grades 4 to 12 in Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Shandong. Data were collected via online questionnaires, with all participants completing the Chinese Version of the Aggression Questionnaire. Psychometric network analysis was utilized for data processing.
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			Trait aggression among Chinese children and adolescents was at a moderately low level. The core nodes of the network structure included physical aggression [if someone intentionally causes trouble for me, I will hit them severely (AGG6); if someone hits me, I will retaliate (AGG11)] and self aggression [When I am very irritable, I think of hurting myself (AGG5); when I am in a bad mood, I engage in behaviors that harm my health, such as overeating (AGG25)]. Across grade levels, core nodes primarily originated from the anger dimension [When I m angry, I feel like a powder magazine that could explode at any moment (AGG13); I can t control my temper (AGG18); I am prone to getting angry when I see things that are not pleasing to the eye (AGG23); I will get angry for no reason (AGG27)]. Except for grades 7 and 9, core nodes in other grades included the verbal aggression dimension [I am prone to arguments with people (AGG22)]. Before grade 8, core nodes incorporated the self aggression dimension (AGG 5, AGG 25); after grade 8, core nodes included the physical aggression dimension [AGG 6, AGG 11, I fight slightly more than others (AGG16), and if people around me make things difficult for me to a certain extent, I will fight with them (AGG26)]. No statistically significant differences were found in the trait aggression network structures across grades, genders, or within gender comparisons of different grades.
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			These findings broaden our understanding of aggression in children and adolescents, suggesting that behavioral interventions can effectively reduce aggressive behaviors in this population.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Astragali Radix in Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure from PANoptosis: A Review
Songlin NI ; Mengyue WANG ; Mo SUN ; Qian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):276-284
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Heart failure (HF), as the terminal stage of most cardiovascular diseases, manifests with primary symptoms including dyspnea, fatigue, edema, and palpitations. With recurrent episodes and a protracted clinical course, HF imposes a substantial global disease burden. PANoptosis represents a distinctive form of programmed cell death (PCD) that integrates features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, yet cannot be fully attributed to any single pathway among these three PCD modalities. Recent studies demonstrate significant dysregulation of PANoptosis-related genes during HF progression, positioning PANoptosis as both an emerging mechanism mediating HF pathogenesis and a novel therapeutic target. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained substantial recognition for its therapeutic potential in HF management, offering advantages such as flexible compatibility, multi-target effects, and minimal adverse reactions. Astragali Radix, a representative Qi-invigorating and blood-activating herbal medicine, has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment for various HF subtypes. Research reveals that its major bioactive components—including astragaloside Ⅳ, polysaccharide, quercetin, and calycosin—exhibit significant associations with the regulation of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis pathways. This review systematically explores the therapeutic feasibility of Astragali Radix in the prevention and treatment of HF through the lens of PANoptosis mechanisms. By synthesizing recent advances in the mechanisms of Astragali Radix-derived bioactive compounds and Astragali Radix-containing compound prescriptions in modulating PANoptosis, this paper aim to provide critical insights for advancing the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of HF. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Astragali Radix in Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure from PANoptosis: A Review
Songlin NI ; Mengyue WANG ; Mo SUN ; Qian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):276-284
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Heart failure (HF), as the terminal stage of most cardiovascular diseases, manifests with primary symptoms including dyspnea, fatigue, edema, and palpitations. With recurrent episodes and a protracted clinical course, HF imposes a substantial global disease burden. PANoptosis represents a distinctive form of programmed cell death (PCD) that integrates features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, yet cannot be fully attributed to any single pathway among these three PCD modalities. Recent studies demonstrate significant dysregulation of PANoptosis-related genes during HF progression, positioning PANoptosis as both an emerging mechanism mediating HF pathogenesis and a novel therapeutic target. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained substantial recognition for its therapeutic potential in HF management, offering advantages such as flexible compatibility, multi-target effects, and minimal adverse reactions. Astragali Radix, a representative Qi-invigorating and blood-activating herbal medicine, has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment for various HF subtypes. Research reveals that its major bioactive components—including astragaloside Ⅳ, polysaccharide, quercetin, and calycosin—exhibit significant associations with the regulation of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis pathways. This review systematically explores the therapeutic feasibility of Astragali Radix in the prevention and treatment of HF through the lens of PANoptosis mechanisms. By synthesizing recent advances in the mechanisms of Astragali Radix-derived bioactive compounds and Astragali Radix-containing compound prescriptions in modulating PANoptosis, this paper aim to provide critical insights for advancing the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of HF. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Cost-effectiveness analysis between sodium valproate and levetiracetam in the treatment of childhood epilepsy
Wei SHAO ; Ni YUAN ; Ye LIU ; Fei YU ; Ying LIU ; Feng WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(8):410-413
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To compare the cost-effectiveness between sodium valproate and levetiracetam in the treatment of childhood epilepsy and provide an economic basis for clinical medication choices. Methods A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using a decision tree model to compare the effectiveness and drug costs of sodium valproate and levetiracetam in treating childhood epilepsy. Single-factor sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used to assess the impact of parameter variations on the study results. Results The treatment cost of levetiracetam was significantly higher than that of sodium valproate. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of levetiracetam compared to sodium valproate was ¥8 628.43. Sensitivity analysis results were consistent with the base-case analysis. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that, over a 6-month treatment period, levetiracetam became a more cost-effective option when the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was ¥9,000 or higher. One-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the price of levetiracetam was the most influential factor affecting the ICER. Conclusion When the WTP per effective pediatric epilepsy case is ¥9,000 or higher, levetiracetam demonstrates a cost-effectiveness advantage.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Correlation between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1125-1129
		                        		
		                        			Objective:
		                        			To explore the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students, providing empirical evidence for improving their sleep quality. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			From December 2024 to January 2025, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 3 974 college students from four universities in Anhui Province. The Beverage Addiction Scale for College Students (BASCS) was used to assess beverage dependence, and the Self rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS) was used to evaluate sleep quality. A multivariate Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality, and a restricted cubic spline model was used to examine the dose response relationship between the two. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			The positive rate of beverage dependence symptoms among college students was 7.6%, with positive rates of 9.6%, 13.8%, and 7.4% for the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions, respectively. The detection rate of sleep disorders was 23.6%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for covariates such as grade, gender, and body mass index, compared with the no beverage dependence group, students with positive beverage dependence symptoms had a higher risk of sleep disorders( OR =3.71, 95% CI =2.87-4.80, P <0.01). The  OR (95% CI ) for sleep disorders among students with positive symptoms in the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions were 2.80(2.22-3.53), 2.38(1.95-2.91), and 2.45(1.89-3.18)(all  P <0.01). Further analysis using a restricted cubic spline model revealed that the overall beverage dependence score and its three dimensional scores were approximately linearly related to the risk of sleep disorders among college students (all nonlinear  P >0.05). 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusions
		                        			Beverage dependence is associated with sleep quality among college students. Schools should take multiple approaches, such as health education on beverage awareness, to improve students  sleep quality.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Association of outdoor activity level and myopia among children and adolescents in Shanghai
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):18-23
		                        		
		                        			Objective:
		                        			To analyze the status of outdoor activities on weekends among children and adolescents of different educational stages in Shanghai and their impact on myopia, so as to provide a basis for formulating more specific prevention and control protocol of myopia.
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			From September to October 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 84 schools (27 kindergartens, 21 primary schools, 15 junior high schools and 21 high schools) across Shanghai, enrolling a total of 28 654 children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 for the study. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted to ascertain the prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was administered to collect data on outdoor activity duration and associated factors. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was utilized to investigate the associated factors of outdoor activity levels on weekends.
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			The overall myopia detection rate among children and adolescents was 58.4%, with a higher rate observed in girls (59.2%) compared to boys (57.6%). The myopia detection rates for children and adolescents with an average daily outdoor activity duration of ≥2 h and <2 h on weekends were 54.6% and 68.8%, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=8.12,460.89,  P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis revealed that girls ( OR =0.80), those with a myopic parent ( OR =0.68), schools from urban districts ( OR =0.72), higher education stages (primary school:  OR =0.65, junior high school:  OR =0.24, high school:  OR =0.14) and spending≥2 h/d on homework during weekends ( OR =0.57) among children and adolescents were less likely to engage in outdoor activities for ≥2 h on weekends ( P <0.01). After incorporating gender, parental myopia status, educational stage, school location, average daily duration on weekends for spending on homework, electronic product usage and outdoor activities as dependent variables in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis, the results showed that children and adolescents with an average outdoor activity duration for ≥2 h on weekends had a lower risk of myopia ( OR =0.86,  P < 0.01).
		                        		
		                        			Conclusions
		                        			The level of outdoor activity among children and adolescents on weekends needs to be improved. Outdoor activities on weekends is an associated factor for myopia among children and adolescents. Particularly, girls, those with myopic parents, schools from urban districts, and spending long hours on homework during weekends among children and adolescents require increased attention.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            

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