1.Research progress on the role and mechanism of Wnt signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of myopia
Ze WANG ; Ruiping XIE ; Xue LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):99-103
Myopia is an increasingly prevalent public health concern globally, with a complex pathogenesis involving the interplay of multiple signaling pathways and genes. The Wnt signaling pathway plays a crucial role in biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling, and its role in myopia development has garnered significant attention in recent years. Studies have demonstrated that the Wnt signaling pathway influences the occurrence and progression of myopia by regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of retinal cells(including RPE cells and ipRGCs), as well as the proliferation of scleral fibroblasts and the expression of extracellular matrix components(such as type I collagen), thereby affecting scleral remodeling and axial length elongation. This paper summarizes the roles of the Wnt signaling pathway in myopia development within different ocular tissues(retina and sclera)and explores potential myopia prevention and treatment strategies based on this pathway, providing insights for further research and clinical management of myopia.
2.Varieties and Prescription Characteristics of Chinese Patent Medicines for Stroke in China
Jingdan ZHANG ; Wanping SUN ; Xiaoxia LIN ; Shuo ZHANG ; Xue ZHANG ; Jiahui YAO ; Yiming LIU ; Ming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):270-274
ObjectiveTo explore the listed varieties and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for stroke in China, explore the medication rules of Chinese medicine for stroke, and provide guidance for further clinical research and development of Chinese patent medicines. MethodsExcel 2021 and the Ancient and Modern Medical Record Cloud Platform (V2.3.5) were used to systematically mine and analyze the varieties and prescriptions of Chinese patent medicines for stroke in China. ResultsA total of 244 Chinese patent medicines (two for different dosage forms of the same prescription), 1 736 approval documents for Chinese patent medicines, 792 manufacturers, and 83 varieties of protected Chinese patent medicines were finally included in the database. The top three dosage forms were capsules (75), pills (53), and tablets (42). There were 28 Chinese patent medicines for stroke in the National Essential Drug Catalogue (2018), 129 in the National Essential Medical Insurance, Industrial Injury Insurance and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue (2023), and 4 in the National Non-prescription Drug Catalogue. Among the 138 prescriptions screened out, Chinese patent medicines mainly treated stroke patients with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The top three most frequent medicinal herbs were Chuanxiong Rhizoma (63), Pheretima (47), and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (47). The medicinal herbs used were mainly warm, pungent, with the meridian tropism to the liver meridian. The correlation analysis showed that the herb pair with the highest support was Astragali Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and that with the highest confidence was Carthami Flos-Chuanxiong Rhizoma. Five herb combinations were identified based on the cluster analysis. ConclusionThe Chinese patent medicines for stroke mainly treat patients with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The medicinal herbs used in the prescriptions mainly have the functions of activating blood and resolving stasis, extinguishing wind and stopping convulsions. Drug compatibility usually focuses on activating blood and resolving stasis, as well as expelling phlegm and opening orifices. This review of the varieties and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for stroke helps optimize clinical decision-making, guide drug research and development, promote medical research and scientific progress, and provide more effective support and guarantee for the treatment of stroke patients.
3.A Fitting Method for Photoacoustic Pump-probe Imaging Based on Phase Correction
Zhuo-Jun XIE ; Hong-Wen ZHONG ; Run-Xiang LIU ; Bo WANG ; Ping XUE ; Bin HE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):525-532
ObjectivePhotoacoustic pump-probe imaging can effectively eliminate the interference of blood background signal in traditional photoacoustic imaging, and realize the imaging of weak phosphorescence molecules and their triplet lifetimes in deep tissues. However, background differential noise in photoacoustic pump-probe imaging often leads to large fitting results of phosphorescent molecule concentration and triplet lifetime. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel triplet lifetime fitting method for photoacoustic pump-probe imaging. By extracting the phase of the triplet differential signal and the background noise, the fitting bias caused by the background noise can be effectively corrected. MethodsThe advantages and feasibility of the proposed algorithm are verified by numerical simulation, phantom and in vivo experiments, respectively. ResultsIn the numerical simulation, under the condition of noise intensity being 10% of the signal amplitude, the new method can optimize the fitting deviation from 48.5% to about 5%, and has a higher exclusion coefficient (0.88>0.79), which greatly improves the fitting accuracy. The high specificity imaging ability of photoacoustic pump imaging for phosphorescent molecules has been demonstrated by phantom experiments. In vivo experiments have verified the feasibility of the new fitting method proposed in this paper for fitting phosphoometric lifetime to monitor oxygen partial pressure content during photodynamic therapy of tumors in nude mice. ConclusionThis work will play an important role in promoting the application of photoacoustic pump-probe imaging in biomedicine.
4.Molecular epidemiological characterization of influenza A(H3N2) virus in Fengxian District, Shanghai, in the surveillance year of 2023
Hongwei ZHAO ; Lixin TAO ; Xiaohong XIE ; Yi HU ; Xue ZHAO ; Meihua LIU ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Lijie LU ; Chen’an LIU ; Mei WU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):18-22
ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological distribution and gene evolutionary variation of influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Fengxian District, Shanghai, in the surveillance year of 2023, and to provide a reference basis for influenza prevention and control. MethodsThe prevalence of influenza virus in Fengxian District in the 2023 influenza surveillance year (April 2023‒March 2024) was analyzed. The hemagglutinin (HA) gene, neuraminidase (NA) gene, and amino acid sequences of 75 strains of H3N2 influenza viruses were compared with the vaccine reference strain for similarity matching and phylogenetic evolutionary analysis, in addition to an analysis of gene characterization and variation. ResultsIn Fengxian District, there was a mixed epidemic of H3N2 and H1N1 in the spring of 2023, with H3N2 being the predominant subtype in the second half of the year, and Victoria B becoming the predominant subtype in the spring of 2024. A total of 75 influenza strains of H3N2 with HA and NA genes were distributed in the 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.2a.3a.1 and B.4 branches, with overall similarity to the reference strain of the 2024 vaccine higher than that of the reference strain of the 2022 and 2023 vaccine. Compared with the 2023 vaccine reference strain, three antigenic sites and one receptor binding site were changed in HA, with three glycosylation sites reduced and two glycosylation sites added; where as in NA seven antigenic sites and the 222nd resistance site changed with two glycosylation sites reduced. ConclusionThe risk of antigenic variation and drug resistance of H3N2 in this region is high, and it is necessary to strengthen the publicity and education on the 2024 influenza vaccine and long-term monitoring of influenza virus prevalence and variation levels.
5.Mechanisms of different yin nourishing and kidney tonifying methods on osteoclastysis pathway in ovariectomized rats
Xiaobin HUANG ; Jirong GE ; Shengqiang LI ; Lihua XIE ; Jingwen HUANG ; Yanyan HE ; Lipeng XUE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1214-1219
BACKGROUND:Liuwei Dihuang Wan takes"three tonifying and three reducing effects"as its compatibility feature to nourish yin and tonify the kidneys,while Zuogui Wan takes"seeking yin in yang"as its compatibility feature to nourish yin and tonify the kidneys by promoting yang.Both of them belong to the same method of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys,and have better curative effects at the symptomatic and cellular molecular levels. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and Zuogui Wan in bone metabolism,and to explore their mechanism of action in the osteoprotegerin(OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)osteoblastic pathway. METHODS:Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into model,Liuwei Dihuang Wan,Zuogui Wan,and sham operation group,with eight rats in each group.Osteoporosis models were prepared using removal of both ovaries in the first three groups.Starting at 30 days postoperatively,rats in the Liuwei Dihuang Wan group were gavaged with Liuwei Dihuang Wan 1.125 g/kg/d;rats in the Zuoqui Wan group were gavaged with Zuogui Wan 2.25 g/kg/d;and rats in the sham operation group and the model group were gavaged with saline 10 mL/kg/d.After 12 weeks of gavage,the rat tibia was taken to measure bone mineral density.The serum levels of estrogen,bone alkaline phosphatase,and cAMP/cGMP were measured using ELISA,and the expression of OPG/RANKL in the femur was detected using western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the model group showed a decrease in bone mineral density and levels of estrogen and bone alkaline phosphatase(P<0.05)and an increase in cAMP/cGMP level(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the Liuwei Dihuang Wan group and the Zuogui Wan group significantly increased bone mineral density(P<0.05)and bone alkaline phosphatase levels(P<0.05);the Zuogui Wan group significantly decreased cAMP/cGMP levels(P<0.05)and upregulated OPG expression(P<0.05);the Liuwei Dihuang Wan group upregulated OPG expression and downregulated RANKL expression(P<0.05);and both groups were unable to significantly increase estrogen levels(P>0.05).To conclude,Zuogui Wan,which seeks yin from yang,can effectively increase the expression of OPG but cannot downregulate the expression of RANKL.However,Liuwei Dihuang Wan,which has three tonifying and three reducing effects,can bidirectionally regulate the expression of OPG and RANKL.This result suggests that Liuwei Dihuang Wan can significantly inhibit osteoclastic function compared with Zuogui Wan,and further research is needed to verify this conclusion.
6.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
7.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
8.Value of ocular parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes for predicting diabetic retinopathy
Yuanjian WEI ; Shengding XUE ; Guangdong ZHU ; Tangshou XIE
International Eye Science 2025;25(11):1876-1881
AIM: To investigate the correlation and diagnostic performance between baseline ocular parameters and the occurrence of retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)without retinopathy.METHODS: From May 2020 to May 2021, our hospital admitted a total of 123 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)who had no retinopathy at baseline. Clinical data and ocular parameters at baseline were prospectively collected, followed by at least a 3-year follow-up period. The number of cases of diabetic retinopathy occurred during the follow-up period was statistically analyzed, and a multivariable Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy. ROC curve analysis was performed on the factors identified in the multivariable Logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 49 patients(39.8%)developed diabetic retinopathy. Patients who developed retinopathy were included in the retinopathy group, while the remaining patients were included in the non-retinopathy group(n=74). The fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c), anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness were higher in the retinopathy group than in the non-retinopathy group(all P<0.01), while the axial length and pupil diameter were lower in the retinopathy group than in the non-retinopathy group(all P<0.01). Low fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and central corneal thickness are protective factors against diabetic retinopathy in T2DM patients [OR(95% CI): 0.356(0.130-0.978), 0.213(0.057-0.797), 0.971(0.950-0.992), all P<0.05], while low pupil diameter is a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy in T2DM patients [OR(95% CI): 389.483(20.298-7473.596), P<0.05]. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC was highest when combining fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, central corneal thickness, and pupil diameter, at 0.962(95% CI: 0.934-0.991). The AUC values for the central corneal thickness and pupil diameter were 0.725(95% CI: 0.596-0.814)and 0.711(95% CI: 0.602-0.814), respectively, which were not significantly different from the AUC values of fasting blood glucose 0.709(95% CI: 0.615-0.803)and HbA1c 0.708(95% CI: 0.613-0.804), while the combined diagnosis of central corneal thickness and pupil diameter can increase the AUC to 0.896(95% CI: 0.835-0.976).CONCLUSION: Baseline ocular parameters, including central corneal thickness and pupil diameter, in patients with T2DM can be used to predict the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
9.Effect of Therapeutic Communication on Anxiety and Hope Level of Cervical Cancer Surgery Patients
Caixia ZHENG ; Xue LI ; Shuiying DONG ; Min XIE ; Xuesong CAO ; Pan LEI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;35(4):396-400
The aim is to evaluate the effect of therapeutic communication on cervical cancer patients’ preoperative anxiety and hope level. The convenience sampling method was used to select the inpatients who will receive radical surgery for cervical cancer in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from November 2016 to November 2019 as the research object. 50 patients were grouped by the random number table method: 25 patients were in the intervention group, and 25 patients were in the control group. Patients in the intervention group were given therapeutic communication on the basis of routine nursing, and patients in the control group were given routine nursing. Both groups were investigated with the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Herth Hope Index (HHI) on the first day of admission and the day before surgery. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) . After the intervention, the anxiety level of the intervention group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the hope level was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). It can be seen that therapeutic communication can alleviate preoperative anxiety of cervical cancer patients, improve their hope level, promote patient recovery, and ease tense medical relationship.
10. Effect of alisol A on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury by protecting blood brain barrier and its mechanism
Yun-Fei DENG ; Hui-Hong LI ; Yang-Jie ZHOU ; Wei WEI ; Xie-Hua XUE ; Xie-Hua XUE ; Xie-Hua XUE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):83-90
Aim To investigate whether alisol A (AA) could improve the blood brain barrier (BBB) mediated cortex cerebral ischemia-repeifusion injury (CIRI) by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Methods The global cerebral ischemia- reperfusion (GCI/R) model in mice was established, and the AA was intragastric injected subsequently for seven days. The modified neurological severity scores (mNSS), open field test and Y-maze test were applied to detect neurological function. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to detect relevant neu- rosubstance metabolism in cortex of mice. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was employed to observe the ultrastructure of BBB in cortex. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the MMP-9 level in cortex. The binding possibility of A A and MMP-9 was determined by molecular docking. Results Compared with Sham group, mice in GCI/R group have an increased mNSS score but decreased at total distance and center distance to total distance ratio in open field test as well as alternation rate in Y-maze test (P<0.01). While mice in GCI/R + AA group have a decreased mNSS score but increased at total distance and center distance to total distance ratio in open field test as well as alternation rate in Y-maze test (P<0.01) compared with GCI/R group. MRS results found that in cortex of GCI/R group mice, the level of GABA and NAA significantly decreased while the Cho, mI and Tau level increased (P<0.01). Whereas in GCI/R + AA group mice, the GABA and NAA level increased and the Cho, ml and Tau decreased significantly (P<0.01). By TEM we observed that the basilemma of cerebral microvessels collapsed, the lumen narrowed, the endothelial cells were active and plasma membranes ruffled, gaps between cells were enlarged and tight junctions were damaged and the end feet of astrocytes were swollen in GCI/R group mice. While in GCI/R + AA group mice, the lumen was filled, plasma membranes of endothelial cells were smooth, tight junctions were complete and end feet of astrocytes were in normal condition. Western blot and immunohistochemistry both found that the MMP-9 level increased in GCI/R group mice (P < 0.01) and decreased in GCI/R + AA group mice (P < 0.05). Molecular docking proved the binding between aliso A and MMP9 through TYR-50 and ARG-106, and the binding energy was calculated as -6.24 kcal · mol

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail