1.The Relationship of Transcription Factor BRF1 Expression to Tumor and Cardiomyopathy
Li-Ling ZHENG ; Yong-Luan LIN ; Mei-Ling CHEN ; Zheng-Yan ZHONG ; Shuping ZHONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2241-2251
TFIIB-related factor 1 (BRF1) is an important transcription factor. It specifically regulates the transcription of RNA polymerase III-dependent genes (RNA Pol III genes). The products of these genes are some small non-coding RNAs, including transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 5S ribosomal RNAs (5S rRNA). The transcription levels of tRNAs and 5S rRNA vary with changes in intracellular BRF1 amounts. tRNAs and 5S rRNA play a crucial role in determining protein synthesis. Studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of tRNAs and 5S rRNA is closely related to cell growth, proliferation, transformation, and even tumorigenesis. BRF1 is a key factor determining the generation of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Increasing BRF1 expression enhances cell proliferation and transformation, promoting tumor development. In contrast, repressing BRF1 activity decreases the rates of cell proliferation and transformation, and inhibits tumor growth. High levels of BRF1 are found in the samples of patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, gastric carcinoma, lung cancer, prostate carcinoma, and other cancers. It indicates that high levels of BRF1 are closely related to the occurrence of human cancer and may be a common landmark of tumors. But there is discrepancy in the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways of BRF1 overexpression in different cancers. In general, high levels of BRF1 in patients suffering from cancer show short survival period and poor prognosis. However, there is one exception, namely breast cancer. Approximate 80% of cases of breast cancer are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and 20% are ER-. The cases with high levels of BRF1 reveal longer survival period and better prognosis after they accepted the hormone treatment by Tamoxifen (Tam), compared to the cases with low level BRF1. It seems like a contradiction. Most of the cases with high levels of BRF1 belong to ER+ status. Tam has been used to treat ER+ cases of breast cancer after diagnosis and surgery. Thus, hormone therapy, such as Tam, is more effective on these patients. This is because, on one hand, that Tam competes with E2 (17β-estradiol) to bind to estrogen receptor α (ERα), but does not dissociate to occupy the receptors, blocking E2 binding to this receptor and inhibiting its biological effects. On other hand, Tam can inhibit the expression of BRF1, leading to a decline of intracellular BRF1 levels. Therefore, the actual levels of BRF1 are lower in the patients with ER+ breast cancer. It appears the prognosis of the high BRF1 expression cases better than that of the low BRF1 expression cases. Myocardial hypertrophy manifests magnification of cardiomyocyte volume rather than number increasing in the postnatal heart. Myocardial hypertrophy is a critical risk factor underlying cardiovascular diseases. No matter how myocardial hypertrophy occur, it will ultimately lead to myocardial dysfunction and heart failure. Hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes requires a large amount of protein synthesis to meet its needs of cardiomyocyte growth. Animal models and cell experiments have shown that myocardial hypertrophy stimulates a significant increase in BRF1 expression and transcription of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Interestingly, elevated levels of BRF1 are found in the myocardium tissues of patients with myocardial hypertrophy. These studies demonstrate that BRF1 indeed plays a critical role in myocardial hypertrophy. In summary, high levels of BRF1 are found in patients suffering from different cancers and myocardial hypertrophy. It implies that BRF1 is a promising biological target of cancer and cardiomyopathy. BRF1 is expected to become a common biomarker for early diagnosis and prognostic observation of different human cancers. It is also an important biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy. BRF1 not only holds an important position in the field of basic medical research but also has great prospects for translational medicine. In the present article, we summarize the progress on studies of BRF1 expressions in cancer and cardiomyopathy, proposes future research directions. It is a new research area. Here, we emphasize the significancy of BRF overexpression in the two huge diseases of human, cancer and cardiomyopathy to raise people's attention to this field.
2.Equivalence of SYN008 versus omalizumab in patients with refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled phase III study.
Jingyi LI ; Yunsheng LIANG ; Wenli FENG ; Liehua DENG ; Hong FANG ; Chao JI ; Youkun LIN ; Furen ZHANG ; Rushan XIA ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Shuping GUO ; Mao LIN ; Yanling LI ; Shoumin ZHANG ; Xiaojing KANG ; Liuqing CHEN ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Xu YAO ; Chengxin LI ; Xiuping HAN ; Guoxiang GUO ; Qing GUO ; Xinsuo DUAN ; Jie LI ; Juan SU ; Shanshan LI ; Qing SUN ; Juan TAO ; Yangfeng DING ; Danqi DENG ; Fuqiu LI ; Haiyun SUO ; Shunquan WU ; Jingbo QIU ; Hongmei LUO ; Linfeng LI ; Ruoyu LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):2040-2042
3.Anti-vitiligo mechanism of blood-absorbed components of Carum carvi L. based on network pharmacology
Yueyue TAN ; Abdullaa RAHIMA ; Deng ZANG ; Shuping LI ; Abulimiti XIAYIDAN ; Xuelei XIN ; Fei HE
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(5):613-623
To investigate the pharmacological substances basis and anti-vitiligo mechanism of Carum carvi L. (caraway) fruits, chemical and blood-absorbed components were identified using mass spectrometry combined with literature study and database analysis. A “blood-absorbed components–target genes–pathways” network was constructed through network pharmacology. The pharmacological effects of Carum carvi L. extract and its key blood-absorbed component, acacetin, were validated in vitro. 72 chemical components were identified in the extract, with 11 prototype blood-absorbed components and 26 metabolites being detected in the plasma of SD rats. 14 key active components and 24 key targets were predicted. In vitro experiments demonstrated that acacetin at 10 μmol/L exhibited melanogenesis-promoting and tyrosinase-activating effects compared with the positive control, significantly upregulating the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (tyrosinase, TYR). This study comprehensively analyzes the chemical and blood-absorbed components of Carum carvi L. and elucidates its pharmacological substances basis, which provides a theoretical foundation for the anti-vitiligo effects of acacetin.
4.Metformin ameliorates PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts by inhibiting ferroptosis
Shuxian LI ; Shuping YU ; Yaming MU ; Kai WANG ; Yu LIU ; Meihua ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):437-446
Objective To investigate the protective effect of metformin against PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Sixteen pregnant Kunming mice were randomly assigned into two groups(n=8)for intratracheal instillation of PBS or PM2.5 suspension at 1.5,7.5,and 12.5 days of gestation.The pregnancy outcome of the mice was observed,and placental zonal structure and vascular density of the labyrinth area were examined with HE staining,followed by detection of ferroptosis-related indexes in the placenta.In cultured human trophoblasts(HTR8/SVneo cells),the effects of PM2.5 exposure and treatment with metformin on cell viability,proliferation,migration,invasion,and tube formation ability were evaluated using CCK8 assay,EDU staining,wound healing assay,Transwell experiment,and tube formation experiment;the cellular expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins were analyzed using ELISA and Western blotting.Results M2.5 exposure of the mice during pregnancy resulted in significantly decreased weight and number of the fetuses and increased fetal mortality with a reduced placental weight(all P<0.001).PM2.5 exposure also caused obvious impairment of the placental structure and trophoblast ferroptosis.In cultured HTR8/SVneo cells,PM2.5 significantly inhibited proliferation,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis of the cells by causing ferroptosis.Metformin treatment obviously attenuated PM2.5-induced inhibition of proliferation,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis of the cells,and effectively reversed PM2.5-induced ferroptosis in the trophoblasts as shown by significantly increased intracellular GSH level and SOD activity,reduced MDA and Fe2+ levels,and upregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein expression(P<0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy causes adverse pregnancy outcomes and ferroptosis and functional impairment of placental trophoblasts in mice,and metformin can effectively alleviate PM2.5-induced trophoblast impairment.
5.Risk factors and adverse outcomes of initial non-invasive ventilation failure in very low birth weight infants: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Jing ZHU ; Shushu LI ; Yan GAO ; Shuping HAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(12):1176-1183
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of initial non-invasive ventilation(NIV) failure and its association with adverse outcomes in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting clinical data of 2 102 VLBWI who received NIV within 30 minutes after birth, admitted to 18 NICU of Suxinyun Neonatal Perinatal Collaboration Network (SNPN) from January 1 st, 2019 to December 31 st, 2022. According to the outcome of NIV within the first 72 hours, the study cohort was divided into success group and failure group. Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for NIV failure and its association with adverse outcome. Results:A total of 2 102 VLBWI were included, consisting of 1 078 males (51.3%). The gestational age was 29 (28, 31) weeks, and the birth weight was 1 250 (1 090, 1 380) g. The initial NIV failure rate was 15.3%(321/2 102). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that smaller gestational age ( OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.61-0.74, P<0.001), maternal hypertensive disorders during pregnancy ( OR=10.31, 95% CI 7.48-14.21, P<0.001), Apgar score at the first minute ≤7 ( OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.93, P=0.042), grade 3-4 respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)( OR=2.85, 95% CI 1.69-4.81, P<0.001), ≥2 times pulmonary surfactant (PS) treatment ( OR=3.78, 95% CI 2.09-6.83, P<0.001), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2)>0.30 ( OR=2.21, 95% CI 1.64-2.98, P<0.001) were all independent risk factors for initial NIV failure. The failure group had higher risks of mortality ( OR=10.19, 95% CI 6.50-15.97, P<0.001), pneumothorax ( OR=4.33, 95% CI 1.59-11.79, P=0.004), neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage ( OR=8.48, 95% CI 4.08-17.64, P<0.001), moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)( OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.19-2.56, P=0.004), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) ≥grade Ⅲ ( OR=2.18, 95% CI 1.27-3.73, P=0.004) compared to the success group. Conclusions:Small gestational age, maternal hyertensive disorders during pregnancy, Apgar score at the first minute ≤7, grade 3-4 RDS, PS treatment ≥2 times and FiO 2 >0.30 are risk factors for initial NIV failure in VLBWI. Initial NIV failure is associated with increased risk of mortality, pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, moderate to severe BPD, and IVH ≥grade Ⅲ.
6.Metformin ameliorates PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts by inhibiting ferroptosis
Shuxian LI ; Shuping YU ; Yaming MU ; Kai WANG ; Yu LIU ; Meihua ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):437-446
Objective To investigate the protective effect of metformin against PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Sixteen pregnant Kunming mice were randomly assigned into two groups(n=8)for intratracheal instillation of PBS or PM2.5 suspension at 1.5,7.5,and 12.5 days of gestation.The pregnancy outcome of the mice was observed,and placental zonal structure and vascular density of the labyrinth area were examined with HE staining,followed by detection of ferroptosis-related indexes in the placenta.In cultured human trophoblasts(HTR8/SVneo cells),the effects of PM2.5 exposure and treatment with metformin on cell viability,proliferation,migration,invasion,and tube formation ability were evaluated using CCK8 assay,EDU staining,wound healing assay,Transwell experiment,and tube formation experiment;the cellular expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins were analyzed using ELISA and Western blotting.Results M2.5 exposure of the mice during pregnancy resulted in significantly decreased weight and number of the fetuses and increased fetal mortality with a reduced placental weight(all P<0.001).PM2.5 exposure also caused obvious impairment of the placental structure and trophoblast ferroptosis.In cultured HTR8/SVneo cells,PM2.5 significantly inhibited proliferation,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis of the cells by causing ferroptosis.Metformin treatment obviously attenuated PM2.5-induced inhibition of proliferation,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis of the cells,and effectively reversed PM2.5-induced ferroptosis in the trophoblasts as shown by significantly increased intracellular GSH level and SOD activity,reduced MDA and Fe2+ levels,and upregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein expression(P<0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy causes adverse pregnancy outcomes and ferroptosis and functional impairment of placental trophoblasts in mice,and metformin can effectively alleviate PM2.5-induced trophoblast impairment.
7.Tildrakizumab for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Chinese patients: A 12-week randomized placebo-controlled phase III trial with long-term extension
Chen YU ; Songmei GENG ; Bin YANG ; Yunhua DENG ; Fuqiu LI ; Xiaojing KANG ; Mingye BI ; Furen ZHANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Weili PAN ; Zhongwei TIAN ; Jinhua XU ; Zhenghua ZHANG ; Nan YU ; Xinsuo DUAN ; Shuping GUO ; Qing SUN ; Weiquan LI ; Juan TAO ; Zhijun LIU ; Yuanyuan YIN ; Gang WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(10):1190-1198
Background::There is a need for effective and safe therapies for psoriasis that provide sustained benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab, an anti-interleukin-23p19 monoclonal antibody, for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Chinese patients.Methods::In this multi-center, double-blind, phase III trial, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive subcutaneous tildrakizumab 100 mg or placebo at weeks 0 and 4. Patients initially assigned to placebo were switched to receive tildrakizumab at weeks 12, 16, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Patients in the tildrakizumab group continued with tildrakizumab at week 16, and every 12 weeks until week 52. The primary endpoint was the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) response rate at week 12.Results::At week 12, tildrakizumab demonstrated significantly higher PASI 75 response rates (66.4% [73/110] vs. 12.7% [14/110]; difference, 51.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 40.72, 62.13]; P <0.001) and Physician’s Global Assessment (60.9% [67/110] vs. 10.0% [11/110]; difference, 49.1% [95% CI, 38.64, 59.62]; P <0.001) compared to placebo. PASI 75 response continued to improve over time in both tildrakizumab and placebo-switching to tildrakizumab groups, reaching maximal efficacy after 28 weeks (86.8% [92/106] vs. 82.4% [89/108]) and maintained up to 52 weeks (91.3% [95/104] vs. 87.4% [90/103]). Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild and not related to tildrakizumab. Conclusion::Tildrakizumab demonstrated durable efficacy through week 52 and was well tolerated in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.Trial registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05108766.
8.Clinical effects of parallel combined flow-through perforator flaps in the treatment of circular hot crush injuries in limbs with blood supply disorder
Shuping ZHOU ; Shimin LI ; Yingguang SHI ; Liwu ZHENG ; Chaonan CHANG ; Junjie CHEN ; Huanpeng WANG ; Ke SUN ; Xiuhuan WANG ; Linbo LIU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2024;40(7):665-672
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of parallel combined flow-through perforator flaps in the treatment of circular hot crush injuries in limbs with blood supply disorder.Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study. From April 2016 to December 2022, 4 cases with circular hot crush injuries in limbs with blood supply disorder were admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the 988 th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, including 3 males and 1 female, aged from 24 to 48 years. Among them, 2 cases were injured in the calf and 2 cases were injured in the forearm. After emergency debridement, the area of skin and soft tissue defects was from 20 cm×20 cm to 44 cm×20 cm. The patients had defects in tibialis anterior and posterior tibial arteries with a length of 13 to 18 cm, and in ulnar and radial arteries with a length of 9 to 12 cm. Flaps were designed and cut, including a flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap with area of 20 cm×9 cm to 24 cm×21 cm carrying the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the accompanying veins of 8 to 18 cm in length; and a flow-through posterior tibial artery perforator flap with area of 21 cm×13 cm and 20 cm×14 cm carrying the posterior tibial artery, the accompanying veins with a length of 14 and 17 cm respectively, and the great saphenous vein with a length of 22 and 21 cm. The circular hot crush injury wounds in the calf with blood supply disorder were repaired by a parallel combination of flow-through posterior tibial artery perforator flap and flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap, and the circular hot crush injury wounds in the forearm with blood supply disorder were repaired by a parallel combination of bilateral flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap, and the injured main vessels were reconstructed. The donor site wounds of flap were closed directly or treated with split-thickness skin grafts from abdomen. After surgery, the blood supply and survival of the flap and distal affected limb, the healing of wounds in the donor and recipient sites, the survival of the skin graft in the flap donor site were observed. During follow-up, the condition of flaps, the appearance, blood supply, and function of affected limbs were observed. At the last follow-up, the foot and ankle functions were evaluated according to the scoring standards of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association, and the wrist and hand function was evaluated according to the trial standard of replantation of amputated upper limb function assessment of the Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association. Results:The flaps and distal affected limbs of 4 patients had good blood circulation and successfully survived after surgery. The wounds of 3 cases successfully healed, while one patient with circular hot crush injury in the forearm experienced exudation in the recipient site in the later stage, and the wound healed after re-expansion and suturing. The donor site wounds healed smoothly, and the skin grafts successfully survived. During follow-up of 12 to 24 months after surgery, the flaps were slightly swollen, the limbs had good appearance, normal blood circulation, and fine functional recovery. At the last follow-up, the foot and ankle function of 2 patients with circular hot crush injuries in the calf was evaluated as good in 1 case and commonly in 1 case; the wrist and hand function of 2 patients with circular hot crush injuries in the forearm was evaluated as excellent in 1 case and good in 1 case.Conclusions:The parallel combined flow-through perforator flap can reconstruct the damaged main blood vessels and repair the wound at the same time. It can not only effectively save the limb, but also restore part of the function of the affected limb. It is one of the effective methods to treat the circular hot crush injuries in limbs with blood supply disorder.
9.Health Resources Supporting High-quality Development of Urban Industrial Economy:Situation Analysis and Countermeasure Suggestions
Qi LI ; Lu LI ; Huiwen LI ; Chaofan LI ; Shuping WANG
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(7):47-51
Industry serves as the main body and driving force of national economy.The high quality of the urban industrial economy depends on the role of health resources in maintaining the health of the workforce population.It analyzes the allocation of health resources in typical cities ranked within the top 10 in terms of industrial added value,identifies prevailing the new situation facing the allocation of health resources,and puts forward suggestions.It is found that health resources supporting high-quality development of urban industrial economy is currently facing the main situations of population increase and decrease differentiation within the city,more frequent cross-regional medical treatment,and accelerated aging trend of labor force.
10.Health Resources Supporting High-quality Development of Urban Industrial Economy:Situation Analysis and Countermeasure Suggestions
Qi LI ; Lu LI ; Huiwen LI ; Chaofan LI ; Shuping WANG
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(7):47-51
Industry serves as the main body and driving force of national economy.The high quality of the urban industrial economy depends on the role of health resources in maintaining the health of the workforce population.It analyzes the allocation of health resources in typical cities ranked within the top 10 in terms of industrial added value,identifies prevailing the new situation facing the allocation of health resources,and puts forward suggestions.It is found that health resources supporting high-quality development of urban industrial economy is currently facing the main situations of population increase and decrease differentiation within the city,more frequent cross-regional medical treatment,and accelerated aging trend of labor force.

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