1.Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin in alleviating uremic cardiomyopathy and related mechanism
Shi CHENG ; Yeqing XIE ; Wei LU ; Jiarui XU ; Yong YU ; Ruizhen CHEN ; Bo SHEN ; Xiaoqiang DING
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(2):248-258
Objective To investigate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (empagliflozin, EMPA) on myocardial remodeling in a mouse uremic cardiomyopathy (UCM) model induced by 5/6 nephrectomy, through the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT)/p65 signaling pathway. Methods The animals were divided into three groups: Sham group (n=6), UCM group (n=8), and UCM+EMPA group (n=8). A UCM model was established in C57BL/6N mice using the 5/6 nephrectomy. Starting from 5 weeks post-surgery, EMPA or a placebo was administered. After 16 weeks, blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, 24-hour urine glucose and urine sodium were measured. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson trichrome staining were used to observe pathological changes in the heart and kidneys. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate myocardial hypertrophy. The real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of myocardial hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related mRNAs. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K, AKT and p65 in myocardial tissues. Results After 16 weeks, UCM group exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen than sham group (P<0.01); UCM+EMPA group exhibited lower blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and higher 24 h urine sodium and glucose than UCM group (P<0.05). Echocardiographic results showed ventricular remodeling in the UCM group, evidenced by left ventricular wall thickening, left ventricular enlargement, increased left ventricular mass, and decreased systolic function (P<0.05); ventricular remodeling was alleviated (P<0.05), though there was no significant improvement in systolic function in UCM+EMPA group. HE and Masson stainings revealed myocardial degeneration, necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis in UCM group (P<0.01); the myocardial pathology improved with reduced collagen deposition in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.01). WGA staining confirmed myocardial hypertrophy in UCM group (P<0.01), while myocardial hypertrophy was alleviated in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.01). RT-qPCR results showed myocardial hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related genes (NPPA, NPPB, MYH7, COL1A1, COL3A1, TGF-β1) were upregulated in UCM group (P<0.05), but downregulated in UCM+EMPA group. Western blotting showed PI3K, p-AKT/AKT ratio, and p-p65/p65 ratio were increased in UCM group, but decreased in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.05). Conclusion EMPA can improve myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in the UCM mouse model, and it may play the role through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/p65 signaling pathway.
2.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.Association between the ratio of dietary vitamin A to body weight and hypertension in children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(2):267-272
Objective:
To explore the relationship between the ratio of dietary vitamin A (VitA) to body weight and hypertension among children, so as to provide a reference for blood pressure control through dietary nutritional interventions and childhood hypertension prevention.
Methods:
Utilizing the baseline survey and followup sample data from the Healthy Children Cohort established in urban and rural areas of Chongqing from 2014 to 2019, structured quantitative dietary questionnaire and selfdesigned questionnaire were used to investigate the information of dietary intake and socioeconomic characteristics of 15 279 children, as well as blood pressure, height, weight measurement. The ratio of dietary VitA to body weight was divided into four groups based on quartiles [≤P25(Q1), >P25~P50(Q2), >P50~P75(Q3), >P75(Q4)]. Generalized linear regression models and Logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation between ratio of dietary VitA to body weight with blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension.
Results:
The results of the 2014 baseline survey indicated that, after adjusting for confounding factors such as demographic indicators and nutritional intake, significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) among different groups categorized by the ratio of dietary VitA to body weight (F=157.57, 44.71, 95.92, P<0.01). The baseline ratio of dietary VitA to body weight in children exhibited a negative correlation with DBP, SBP and MAP at baseline and in 2019[baseline: β(95%CI)=-0.65(-0.89--0.42), -0.22(-0.42--0.01), -0.36(-0.56--0.16); 2019: β(95%CI)=-0.77(-1.34--0.19), -0.62(-1.21--0.02), -0.77(-1.34--0.19), P<0.05]. Compared to Q1 group, the risk of hypertension decreased among children in Q4 at baseline and followup in 2019 [OR(95%CI)=0.63(0.49-0.81), 0.18(0.08-0.42), P<0.01].
Conclusions
The ratio of dietary VitA to body weight is significantly negatively correlated with blood pressure levels among children, and dietary VitA deficiency is an independent risk factor for hypertension among children. Measures should be taken to actively adjust childrens dietary nutrition and reduce the risk of childhood hypertension.
5.Analysis of clinicopathological features, therapeutic efficacy, prognosis and mutation in 11 patients with cardiac diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Na ZHAO ; Qing SHI ; Shu CHENG ; Li WANG ; Pengpeng XU ; Weili ZHAO
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2024;33(2):97-103
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features, mutation, therapeutic efficacy and the factors influencing the prognosis of patients with cardiac diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed. The clinical data of 11 cardiac DLBCL patients in Ruijin Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2016 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. NovaSeq sequencing platform was used to detect gene mutations in 5 patients, and bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data was conducted through public database to identify the mutation sites of pathogenic genes. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall survival (OS). Univariate Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the influencing factors of prognosis.Results:Among 11 patients with cardiac DLBCL, 5 were male and 6 were female. The age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] was 61 years (45 years, 70 years). All 11 patients were non-germinal center B-cell (non-GCB) type. There were 2 primary cases and 9 secondary cases; 9 cases with Ann Arbor stage of Ⅲ-Ⅳ, 10 cases with increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and 9 cases with international prognostic index (IPI) score equal to or higher than 3 scores. Among 11 patients, 9 cases received a first-line treatment based on the R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, epirubicin/doxorubicin hydrochloride liposomes, vincristine and prednisone) regimen, of which 8 patients achieved complete remission (CR), and 1 patient achieved stable disease (SD); 1 patient received IR2 (ibrutinib + rituximab + lenalidomide) treatment regimen and achieved SD, and 1 patient received supportive treatment only and achieved progression of the disease. The follow-up time was 39.9 months (25.6 months, 57.3 months). The 3-year PFS rate and 3-year OS rate of 11 patients was 54.5%, 77.9 %, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that gender, B symptoms, Ann Arbor stage, LDH level, number of extranodal lesions, IPI score were not correlated with PFS and OS of patients (all P > 0.05). Among 5 cases undergoing gene detection, KMT2D mutations and PIM1 mutations were detected in 2 cases,respectively. Interestingly, KMT2D mutations were only found in secondary cardiac DLBCL patients (2/3), while PIM1 mutations were only detected in primary cardiac DLBCL patients (2/2). Conclusions:Most cardiac DLBCL patients are non-GCB type and have advanced clinical stage, while may benefit from R-CHOP treatment regimen. PIM1 and KMT2D are the commonly mutated genes in cardiac DLBCL.
6.Clinicopathologic characteristics,gene mutation profile and prognostic analysis of thyroid diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Zhishan DU ; Yue WANG ; Ziyang SHI ; Qing SHI ; Hongmei YI ; Lei DONG ; Li WANG ; Shu CHENG ; Pengpeng XU ; Weili ZHAO
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2024;44(1):64-71
Objective·To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics,gene mutation profile,and prognostic factors of thyroid diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods·From November 2003 to December 2021,a total of 66 patients with thyroid DLBCL[23 cases(34.8%)with primary thyroid DLBCL,and 43 cases(65.2%)with secondary thyroid DLBCL]admitted to Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed for their clinicopathological data,survival and prognostic factors.Gene mutation profiles were evaluated by targeted sequencing(55 lymphoma-related genes)in 40 patients.Results·Compared to primary thyroid DLBCL,secondary thyroid DLBCL had advanced ratio of Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ?Ⅳ(P=0.000),elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)(P=0.043),number of affected extranodal involvement≥2(P=0.000),non-germinal center B cell(non-GCB)(P=0.030),BCL-2/MYC double expression(DE)(P=0.026),and international prognostic index(IPI)3?5-scores(P=0.000).The proportion of patients who underwent thyroid surgery(P=0.012)was lower than that of patients with primary thyroid DLBCL.The complete remission(CR)rate in primary thyroid DLBCL patients was higher than that in secondary thyroid DLBCL patients(P=0.039).Fifty-five patients(83%)received rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone(R-CHOP)-based first-line regimen.The estimated 5-year progression free survival(PFS)rate of primary thyroid DLBCL patients was 95.0%,higher than the 49.7%of the secondary patients(P=0.010).Univariate analysis showed that Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ(HR=4.411,95%CI 1.373?14.170),elevated LDH(HR=5.500,95%CI 1.519?19.911),non-GCB(HR= 5.291,95%CI 1.667?16.788),and DE(HR=6.178,95%CI 1.813?21.058)were adverse prognostic factors of PFS in patients with thyroid DLBCL.Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ(HR=7.088,95%CI 0.827?60.717),elevated LDH(HR=6.982,95%CI 0.809?60.266),and DE(HR=18.079,95%CI 1.837?177.923)were adverse prognostic factors of overall survival(OS).Multivariate analysis showed that Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ(HR=4.693,95%CI 1.218?18.081)and elevated LDH(HR=5.058,95%CI 1.166?21.941)were independent adverse prognostic factors of PFS in patients with thyroid DLBCL.Targeted sequencing data showed mutation frequency>20%in TET2(n=14,35%),KMT2D(n=13,32%),TP53(n=11,28%),GNA13(n=10,25%),KMT2C(n=9,22%),and TP53 were adverse prognostic factors of PFS in patients with thyroid DLBCL(P=0.000).Conclusion·Patients with primary thyroid DLBCL have better PFS and OS than those with secondary thyroid DLBCL.Ann Arbor Ⅲ?Ⅳ,elevated LDH,non-GCB,and DE(MYC and BCL2)are adverse prognostic factors in thyroid DLBCL.TET2,KMT2D,TP53,GNA13,and KMT2C are commonly highly mutated genes in thyroid DLBCL,and the prognosis of patients with TP53 mutations is poor.
7.Key Issues,Innovative Paradigms and Realization Paths of Modernized Performance Management in Public Hospitals under the Perspective of Benchmarking Theory
Peiwen WANG ; Mengyun SUI ; Xiaohua JIANG ; Minna CHENG ; Yan SHI ; Chen FU ; Su XU
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(7):66-68,85
Objective:Based on the benchmarking theory,to elaborate the key issues,paradigm innovations and realization paths of modernized performance management in China's public hospitals,and to provide policy recommendations for the government and hospitals.Methods:Literature/document collection,expert consultation and prototyping were used as methodological support.Results:Hospital performance management lacks management standards,multivariate dynamic indicator systems and realization tools;the digital governance model of"digital technology+management system"has not been established;and horizontal and vertical comparisons among geographic regions,hospitals,departments,and disease types based on standards have not been realized.Innovative paradigms include the establishment of a standard paradigm based on the smallest functional units such as disease types,indexes,bed days,operators,doctors,etc.;the construction of a dynamic index library,the mining of different combinations of indexes and their internal relationships,and the establishment of an evaluation paradigm;the establishment of a longitudinal evaluation of disease types,the evaluation of"specialties,hospitals,and industries",and the positioning of internal functions of hospitals,resource efficiency and the application of healthcare quality evaluation.It creates a multivariate,multidimensional,dynamic evaluation method and visualized evaluation tool and realization path based on big data.Conclusion:It is needed to emancipate the mind to further enhance the cognitive level of digital governance,innovate the paradigm to accelerate the construction of modernized performance management system in public hospitals,and build a platform to promote the application of modernized performance management system in public hospitals.
8.Application Study of Enzyme Inhibitors and Their Conformational Optimization in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Chao-Yang CHU ; Biao XIAO ; Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Kai XIE ; Shu-Jun XU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1510-1529
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment, and there is a lack of effective drugs to treat AD clinically. Existing medications for the treatment of AD, such as Tacrine, Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Aducanumab, only serve to delay symptoms and but not cure disease. To add insult to injury, these medications are associated with very serious adverse effects. Therefore, it is urgent to explore effective therapeutic drugs for AD. Recently, studies have shown that a variety of enzyme inhibitors, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, monoamine oxidase (MAO)inhibitors, secretase inhibitors, can ameliorate cholinergic system dysfunction, Aβ production and deposition, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress damage, and the decline of synaptic plasticity, thereby improving AD symptoms and cognitive function. Some plant extracts from natural sources, such as Umbelliferone, Aaptamine, Medha Plus, have the ability to inhibit cholinesterase activity and act to improve learning and cognition. Isochromanone derivatives incorporating the donepezil pharmacophore bind to the catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) sites of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which can inhibit AChE activity and ameliorate cholinergic system disorders. A compound called Rosmarinic acid which is found in the Lamiaceae can inhibit monoamine oxidase, increase monoamine levels in the brain, and reduce Aβ deposition. Compounds obtained by hybridization of coumarin derivatives and hydroxypyridinones can inhibit MAO-B activity and attenuate oxidative stress damage. Quinoline derivatives which inhibit the activation of AChE and MAO-B can reduce Aβ burden and promote learning and memory of mice. The compound derived from the combination of propargyl and tacrine retains the inhibitory capacity of tacrine towards cholinesterase, and also inhibits the activity of MAO by binding to the FAD cofactor of monoamine oxidase. A series of hybrids, obtained by an amide linker of chromone in combine with the benzylpiperidine moieties of donepezil, have a favorable safety profile of both cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity. Single domain antibodies (such as AAV-VHH) targeted the inhibition of BACE1 can reduce Aβ production and deposition as well as the levels of inflammatory cells, which ultimately improve synaptic plasticity. 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid from the extract of Ligustrum lucidum can specifically inhibit the activity of γ-secretase, thereby rescuing the long-term potentiation and enhancing synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice. Inhibiting γ-secretase activity which leads to the decline of inflammatory factors (such as IFN-γ, IL-8) not only directly improves the pathology of AD, but also reduces Aβ production. Melatonin reduces the transcriptional expression of GSK-3β mRNA, thereby decreasing the levels of GSK-3β and reducing the phosphorylation induced by GSK-3β. Hydrogen sulfide can inhibitGSK-3β activity via sulfhydration of the Cys218 site of GSK-3β, resulting in the suppression of Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, which ameliorate the motor deficits and cognitive impairment in mice with AD. This article reviews enzyme inhibitors and conformational optimization of enzyme inhibitors targeting the regulation of cholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, secretase, and GSK-3β. We are hoping to provide a comprehensive overview of drug development in the enzyme inhibitors, which may be useful in treating AD.
9.Study on therapeutic material basis and mechanism of Ganke Formula based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS
Xue ZHANG ; Qaing-Hua YUAN ; Cheng-Shi HE ; Na XU ; Xiao-Rui CHEN ; Min ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(3):413-418
Objective To explore the therapeutic material basis and antitussive mechanism of Ganke Formula.Methods Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)technology was used to analyze and identify the components of Ganke Formula in serum.30 rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,experimental-L group,experimental-M group and experimental-H group,6 rats per group.Acute bronchitis rat model was established by smoke inhalation and cold stimulus.The experimental-L,-M,-H groups were respectively given 1.86,4.66,9.32 g·kg-1(crude drug/weight)dose of Ganke Formula per day by intragastric administration for 7 days.The control group and model group were given the equal amount of normal saline.The contents of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in rat lung tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)and phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt)in lung were detected by Western blotting.Results Twenty-six absorbed components have been identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS.The contents of IL-1β in control group,model group,experimental-M,-H group were(57.80±7.67),(186.48±8.50),(166.05±9.90)and(143.19±6.31)pg·mL-1;TNF-α contents were(47.14±8.55),(316.22±9.49),(68.93±7.94)and(65.93±7.10)pg·mL-1;the relative expression levels of PI3K in lung tissues were 0.38±0.05,0.97±0.10,0.68±0.15 and 0.56±0.10;the relative expression levels of p-Akt were 0.34±0.14,0.93±0.05,0.63±0.16 and 0.49±0.14,respectively.Compared with the model group,the above indicators in the experimental-H group and control group were statistically different(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusion Ganke Formula can intervene in the expression of inflammatory and immune regulatory factors by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,improve airway inflammation,and thus exert cough relieving effects.
10.Effectiveness of Histopathological Examination of Ultrasound-guided Puncture Biopsy Samples for Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Fei Wen GU ; Xia SHI ; Xin MA ; Lei Jun YU ; Chuan Jin XU ; Cheng Cheng QIAN ; Dong Zhi HU ; Hui ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(2):170-177
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of histopathological examination of ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy samples in extrapulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB). Methods This study was conducted at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.A total of 115 patients underwent ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy,followed by MGIT 960 culture(culture),smear,GeneXpert MTB/RIF(Xpert),and histopathological examination.These assays were performed to evaluate their effectiveness in diagnosing EPTB in comparison to two different diagnostic criteria:liquid culture and composite reference standard(CRS). Results When CRS was used as the reference standard,the sensitivity and specificity of culture,smear,Xpert,and histopathological examination were(44.83%,89.29%),(51.72%,89.29%),(70.11%,96.43%),and(85.06%,82.14%),respectively.Based on liquid culture tests,the sensitivity and specificity of smear,Xpert,and pathological examination were(66.67%,72.60%),(83.33%,63.01%),and(92.86%,45.21%),respectively.Histopathological examination showed the highest sensitivity but lowest specificity.Further,we found that the combination of Xpert and histopathological examination showed a sensitivity of 90.80%and a specificity of 89.29%. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided puncture sampling is safe and effective for the diagnosis of EPTB.Compared with culture,smear,and Xpert,histopathological examination showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity.The combination of histopathology with Xpert showed the best performance characteristics.


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