1.Molecular Mechanism Mediated by HIF-1α/HO-1 Signaling Pathway of Guizhi Fulingwan in Suppressing Ferroptosis in Endometriosis
Li TANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Lulu WU ; Yingying LIANG ; Wenying GONG ; Quanning TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):1-11
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) inhibits ferroptosis in endometriosis (EMT) through the regulation of the hypoxia inducible factor-1α/heme oxygenase 1 (HIF-1α/HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsMachine learning was employed to identify ferroptosis-related biomarkers associated with EMT. Network pharmacology was utilized to identify the active components of GFW and its potential therapeutic targets against EMT, including core targets. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to explore the biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, and signaling pathways associated with the potential targets. An EMT rat model was established via autologous transplantation. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham-operated, model, positive control (dienogest at 0.2 mg·kg-1), low-dose GFW (2.5 g·kg-1), and high-dose GFW (5 g·kg-1). After modeling, the rats received their respective treatment by oral gavage for 28 consecutive days, while the sham and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water. Serum and ectopic endometrial tissues were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to evaluate morphological alterations in ectopic lesions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were conducted to assess mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, HO-1, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SAT1), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). Tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) were quantified using commercial assay kits. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsFive ferroptosis-related biomarkers in EMT were identified: ALOX12, CHAC1, SAT1, AST1, and HO-1. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 42 active components of GFW and 192 potential therapeutic target genes related to EMT treatment, with FOS, JUN, HO-1 identified as core targets. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the potential targets were primarily involved in oxidative stress response and reactive oxygen species metabolism and were enriched in the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Compared to the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significant increases in both mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, HO-1, and PTGS2, as well as elevated tissue levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA. Conversely, GSH levels and the expression of GPX4 and SAT1 were markedly reduced, and serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all GFW-treated groups showed significant downregulation of HIF-1α and HO-1, reduced Fe²⁺ levels, and downregulated expression of MDA, PTGS2, IL-6, and TGF-β1. Meanwhile, GSH, GPX4, and SAT1 expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), effectively ameliorating iron overload and oxidative stress, thereby demonstrating therapeutic efficacy in EMT, with the high-dose GFW demonstrating the most pronounced therapeutic effects. ConclusionGFW exerts therapeutic effects on endometriosis by regulating the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway to rectify iron metabolism disorders and attenuate free iron-induced oxidative damage. It upregulates the antioxidative defense system to inhibit lipid peroxidation cascades and modulates inflammatory cytokine networks. These effects collectively disrupt the pathological interaction between ferroptosis and chronic inflammation, providing a novel theoretical foundation for the clinical application of GFW in EMT treatment.
2.Efficacy of direct-acting antiviral agents combined regimens for hepatitis C virus with different genotypes in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province from 2022 to 2024
Renhai TANG ; Yidan ZHAO ; Yuecheng YANG ; Runhua YE ; Lifen XIANG ; Xingmei FENG ; Qunbo ZHOU ; Yanfen CAO ; Na HE ; Yingying DING ; Song DUAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):676-681
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) combined regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province from 2022 to 2024, to analyze the characteristics of treatment failure patients, so as to provide a basis for discovering more effective treatment regimens in the future. MethodsData on HCV prevention and treatment in Dehong Prefecture was extracted from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System. A total of 617 patients with HCV antiviral therapy were included, and the differences in variable characteristics among patients with different genotypes were analyzed using comparative statistical tests, including basic socio-demographic characteristics, biochemical testing indicators, and information on previous treatment and current treatment. In addition, the cure rate of HCV patients with diverse characteristics was compared, and the potential causes of treatment failure were explored simultaneously. ResultsThe cure rate of HCV was 96.8%, and statistically significant differences were observed in aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, previous antiviral therapy history and initial treatment regimens among patients with different HCV genotypes (all P<0.05). Among the multi-type combination regimens, the cure rate of sofosbuvir (SOF)-containing regimens was 97.00%, that of velpatasvir (VEL)-containing regimens was 95.45%, and the cure rate of other treatment regimens, including the regimens with ribavirin (RIB) intervention, was 93.10%. Among the patients with treatment failure, 45.00% had genotype 3, 40.00% had abnormal abdominal ultrasound results, and all presented with elevated baseline AST test levels. ConclusionThe clinical treatment of HCV patients should consider the differences in genotype and biochemical test results. DAAs combined regimens for HCV have achieved a high cure rate in Dehong Prefecture and are applicable to HCV patients with diverse clinical characteristics, providing research evidence for wider application.
3.Preparation and identification of monoclonal antibodies against cat allergen Fel d 1.
Linying CAI ; Zichen ZHANG ; Zhuangli BI ; Shiqiang ZHU ; Miao ZHANG ; Yiming FAN ; Jingjie TANG ; Aoxing TANG ; Huiwen LIU ; Yingying DING ; Chen LI ; Yingqi ZHU ; Guijun WANG ; Guangqing LIU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):348-354
Objective Currently, there is no commercially available quantitative detection kit for the main Felis domestic allergen (Fel d 1) in China. To establish a rapid detection method for Fel d 1, this study aims to prepare monoclonal antibodies against Fel d 1 protein. Methods The codon preference of Escherichia coli was utilized to optimize and synthesize the Fel d 1 gene. The prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-28a-Fel d 1 was constructed and used to express and purify the recombinant Fel d 1 protein. Subsequently, the recombinant protein was immunized into BALB/c mice and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared by the hybridoma technique. An indirect ELISA was established using the recombinant Fel d 1 as the coating antigen, and hybridoma cell lines were screened for positive clones. The specificity and antigenic epitopes of the mAbs were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Finally, the selected hybridoma cells were injected into the peritoneal cavities of BALB/c mice for large-scale monoclonal antibody production. Results The recombinant plasmid pET-28a-Fel d 1 was successfully constructed, and soluble Fel d 1 protein was obtained after optimizing the expression conditions. Western blot and antibody titer assays confirmed the successful isolation of two hybridoma cell lines, 7D11 and 5H4, which stably secreted mAbs specific to Fel d 1. Antibody characterization revealed that the 5H4 mAb was of the IgG2a subtype and could recognize the amino acid region 105-163 of Fel d 1, while the 7D11 mAb was the IgG1 subtype and could recognize the amino acid region 1-59. Conclusion The high-purity recombinant Fel d 1 protein produced in this study provides a promising alternative for clinical immunotherapy of cat allergies. Furthermore, the monoclonal antibody prepared in this experiment lays a material foundation for the in-depth study of the biological function of Fel d 1 and the development of ELISA detection.
Animals
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Antibodies, Monoclonal/biosynthesis*
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Cats
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Mice
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Allergens/genetics*
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Glycoproteins/genetics*
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Hybridomas/immunology*
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Recombinant Proteins/genetics*
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Female
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Antibody Specificity
5.Serological detection of anti-Mur and the distribution of the Mur antigen among voluntary blood donors
Qunfeng SHU ; Ji ZHOU ; Huan ZHAO ; Dong LIU ; Dongju PENG ; Zhiping YANG ; Yingying TANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(10):1403-1407
Objective: To analyze the serological characteristics of anti-Mur antibodies and investigate the distribution frequency of the Mur antigen among voluntary blood donors in Shiyan, thereby providing a basis for guiding clinical transfusion and establishing a Mur blood type database. Methods: ABO blood grouping of donors and patients was performed using an automated blood typing analyzer and the gel card method, respectively. Unexpected antibody screening and identification were performed using the saline, tube anti-human globulin, and polybrene methods. The specificity of anti-Mur antibodies was confirmed using Fisher's exact probability test. Plasma treated with 2-mercaptoethanol was used to distinguish IgM and IgG antibodies. IgM and IgG anti-Mur titers were determined by the saline tube method and the anti-human globulin tube method, respectively, at 4℃, room temperature, and 37℃. A total of 1 659 donor red blood cell samples were initially screened for the Mur antigen phenotype using three samples of human-derived anti-Mur plasma by the micro-tube method. Donors who tested positive for Mur antigen were further tested by the direct antiglobulin test (DAT); those with negative results were confirmed for Mur antigen by the gel card and polybrene methods. Results: Three blood samples were identified to contain mixed IgG and IgM anti-Mur antibodies. The titers of both IgM and IgG anti-Mur antibodies were highest at 4℃, intermediate at room temperature, and lowest at 37℃. The positive frequency of the Mur antigen among voluntary blood donors in Shiyan was 1.99% (33/1 659). Conclusion: anti-Mur antibodies were detected in both blood donors and patients in our region. The Mur antigen shows a certain distribution frequency among voluntary blood donors in Shiyan. Screening for the Mur blood type and establishing a corresponding database could enhance transfusion safety.
6.Prevalence of multimorbidity among the HIV-infected individuals receiving anti-viral therapy in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Jin YANG ; Xiaohan LI ; Renhai TANG ; Jie GAO ; Yuecheng YANG ; Zhonghui MA ; Runhua YE ; Yingying DING ; Na HE ; Song DUAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(9):846-853
ObjectiveTo explore the prevalence and influencing factors of multimorbidity among the HIV-infected individuals receiving anti-viral therapy (ART) in Dehong Prefecture of Yunnan Province, so as to provide a reference for the long-term follow-up management of HIV-infected patients and the comprehensive prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the multimorbidity burden among the HIV-infected adults receiving ART in Dehong Prefecture from January to July 2021 and a self-designed questionnaire was used to analyze relevant disease indicators. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors of multimorbidity among the HIV-infected individuals. ResultsA total of 3 946 HIV-infected individuals receiving ART were enrolled in this study, of which 63.7% aged ≤50 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.1∶1. Among the 3 946 cases, 825 of them had ≥2 comorbidities, with a co-prevalence rate of 20.9% (95%CI:19.6%‒22.2%), and the main comorbidities were dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that 40≤ aged <50 years (aOR=1.86, 95%CI: 1.45‒2.40, P<0.001), 50≤ aged ≤85 years (aOR=3.75, 95%CI: 2.93‒4.80, P<0.001), Dai nationality (aOR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.01‒1.47, P=0.043), BMI≥24.0 kg∙m-2 (aOR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.49‒2.14, P<0.001), 10.0≤ with ART duration for <12.5 years (aOR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.05‒2.12, P=0.024), with ART duration for ≥12.5 years (aOR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.05‒2.15, P=0.026), use of second-line HIV therapy (aOR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.19‒1.70, P<0.001) and other therapy options (aOR=3.16, 95%CI: 2.17‒4.61, P<0.001) were positively correlated with multimorbidity. ConclusionThe prevalence of multimorbidity among the HIV-infected individuals receiving ART in Dehong Prefecture is high, which is associated with the advancing age and prolonged treatment time, particularly with a significant burden of dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension. Comprehensive surveillance and targeted management of comorbidities, along with ART follow-up, need to be strengthened in the future.
7.Incidence of diabetes and influencing factors in HIV-infected individuals after antiretroviral therapy in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture
Runhua YE ; Yunqiu ZHANG ; Dongdong CAO ; Yun SHI ; Guifang XIAO ; Pinyin LI ; Yuanwu XU ; Hua WEI ; Jinting SUN ; Yuecheng YANG ; Renhai TANG ; Jibao WANG ; Na HE ; Yingying DING ; Song DUAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(3):358-364
Objective:To understand the incidence of diabetes and influencing factors, the trend of FPG change and risk for mortality in HIV-infected individuals after antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (Dehong).Methods:The HIV/AIDS treatment database was collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in HIV-infected individuals with access to ART in Dehong during 2004-2020.The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the incidence density of diabetes, the influencing factors and risk for mortality in HIV-infected individuals with access to ART, mixed linear effects model was used to analyze the trend of FPG change and predict FPG in those with different glucose metabolic status at baseline survey. Statistical analysis was performed using software SAS 9.4.Results:A total of 8 763 HIV-infected individuals were included, in whom 8 432 (96.2%) had no diabetes, 331 had diabetes. The incidence density of diabetes was 2.31/1 000 person years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that 30- 59 years old, BMI ≥24.0 kg/m 2, Efavirenz (EFV) based initial treatment regimen and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at baseline survey were significantly and positively associated with incidence of diabetes. Mixed effect model revealed that FPG was positively correlated with the duration of ART, age and baseline FPG. Suffering from diabetes was a risk factor for mortality in HIV-infected individuals both at baseline survey and during follow-up. Conclusions:The risk for diabetes increased in HIV-infected individuals who were 30-59 years old, baseline BMI ≥24.0 kg/m 2, received EFV based initial treatment, and IFG in HIV-infected individuals after antiretroviral therapy in Dehong, 2004-2020. It is important to pay close attention to their blood glucose, and patients with high blood glucose should receive treatment as early as possible.
8.Establishment of nomogram model of acute kidney injury risk prediction based on clinical database
Tian TANG ; Ningxin DONG ; Lehao WU ; Dan ZHAO ; Chen YU ; Yingying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2024;40(3):183-192
Objective:To construct the risk prediction nomogram model of acute kidney injury (AKI) with R language and traditional statistical methods based on the large sample clinical database, and verify the accuracy of the model.Methods:It was a a retrospective case control study. The patients who met the diagnostic criteria of AKI in Tongji Hospital of Tongji University from January 1 to December 31, 2021 were screened in the clinical database, and the patients with monitored serum creatinine within 48 hours but without AKI were included as the control group. The demographic data, disease history, surgical history, medication history and laboratory test data were collected to screen the risk factors of AKI in clinic.Firstly, based on multivariate logistic regression analysis and forward stepwise logistic regression analysis, the selected risk factors were included to construct the nomogram model. At the same time, cross validation, bootstrap validation and randomly split sample validation were used for internal verification, and clinical data of patients in the sane hospital after one year (January to December, 2022) were collected for external verification. The receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to determine the discrimination of the model, and calibration curve and decision curve analysis were carried out to evaluate the accuracy and clinical net benefit, respectively.Results:A total of 5 671 patients were enrolled in the study, with 1 884 AKI patients (33.2%) and 3 787 non-AKI patients (66.7%). Compared with non-AKI group, age, and proportions of surgical history, renal replacement therapy, hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular accident,chronic kidney disease, drug use histories and mortality in AKI group were all higher (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent influencing factors of AKI were surgical history, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, diuretics, nitroglycerin, antidiuretic hormones, body temperature, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, D-dimer, myoglobin, hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, brain natriuretic peptide, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triacylglycerol, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, activated partial thromboplastin time, blood uric acid and potassium ion (all P<0.05). Finally, the predictive factors in the nomogram were determined by forward stepwise logistic regression analysis, including chronic kidney disease, hypertension, myoglobin, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and the area under the curve of the prediction nomogram model was 0.926 [95% CI 0.918-0.933, P<0.001]. The calibration curve showed that the calibration effect of nomogram was good ( P>0.05). The decision curve showed that when the risk threshold of nomogram model was more than 0.04, the model construction was useful in clinic. In addition, the area under the curve of receiver-operating characteristic curve predicted by nomograph model in external validation set was 0.876 (95% CI 0.865-0.886), which indicated that nomograph model had a high discrimination degree. Conclusion:A nomogram model for predicting the occurrence of AKI is established successfully, which is helpful for clinicians to find high-risk AKI patients early, intervene in time and improve the prognosis.
9.Deficiency of ASGR1 Alleviates Diet-Induced Systemic Insulin Resistance via Improved Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity
Xiaorui YU ; Jiawang TAO ; Yuhang WU ; Yan CHEN ; Penghui LI ; Fan YANG ; Miaoxiu TANG ; Abdul SAMMAD ; Yu TAO ; Yingying XU ; Yin-Xiong LI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2024;48(4):802-815
Background:
Insulin resistance (IR) is the key pathological basis of many metabolic disorders. Lack of asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) decreased the serum lipid levels and reduced the risk of coronary artery disease. However, whether ASGR1 also participates in the regulatory network of insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism remains unknown.
Methods:
The constructed ASGR1 knockout mice and ASGR1-/- HepG2 cell lines were used to establish the animal model of metabolic syndrome and the IR cell model by high-fat diet (HFD) or drug induction, respectively. Then we evaluated the glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in vivo and in vitro.
Results:
ASGR1 deficiency ameliorated systemic IR in mice fed with HFD, evidenced by improved insulin intolerance, serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of IR index, mainly contributed from increased insulin signaling in the liver, but not in muscle or adipose tissues. Meanwhile, the insulin signal transduction was significantly enhanced in ASGR1-/- HepG2 cells. By transcriptome analyses and comparison, those differentially expressed genes between ASGR1 null and wild type were enriched in the insulin signal pathway, particularly in phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling. Notably, ASGR1 deficiency significantly reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis.
Conclusion
The ASGR1 deficiency was consequentially linked with improved hepatic insulin sensitivity under metabolic stress, hepatic IR was the core factor of systemic IR, and overcoming hepatic IR significantly relieved the systemic IR. It suggests that ASGR1 is a potential intervention target for improving systemic IR in metabolic disorders.
10.Comparison of abnormal cortical inhibition in schizophrenia and major depression disorder
Guanfu WU ; Tianyuan ZHU ; Lihua XU ; Zhenying QIAN ; Jijun WANG ; Yingying TANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2024;50(8):476-482
Objective To compare cortical inhibition(CI)function between patients with schizophrenia and depression,and to explore the correlation between CI function and clinical symptoms.Methods A total of 35 first episode schizophrenia(FES)patients,41 depression patients(21 with first episode depression,20 with recurrent depression),and 35 healthy controls(HC)were recruited.The positive and negative syndrome scale(PANSS)was used to assess symptoms in FES patients,while the 17-item Hamilton depression scale(HAMD-17)and Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)were used to assess symptoms in depression patients.All participants'cortical inhibition and excitation measures were examined using single or paired pulses transcranial magnetic stimulation.Analysis of covariance/generalized linear model was employed to compare cortical inhibition and excitation measures among groups including age,gender,and medication status as covariates.The correlations between cortical inhibition and excitation measures and clinical symptoms were analyzed.Results The cortical silent period(CSP)in FES group was longer than that in control group and depression group[(92.08±35.43)ms vs.(70.27±22.12)ms vs.(70.81±29.29)ms,P<0.05].Depression group was further divided into first episode depression(FED)and recurrent depression(RD)subgroups.The short-interval cortical inhibition(SICI)was weaker in FED group than in the RD group and the control group(0.76±0.44 vs.0.43±0.32 vs.0.45±0.20,P<0.05).In FED group,CSP was negatively correlated with the general symptom score of PANSS(r=-0.544,P<0.001),and SICI was negatively correlated with the negative symptom score of PANSS(r=-0.501,P=0.005).In the FED group,SICI was positively correlated with HAMD-17 score(r=0.605,P=0.028).Conclusion Both FES patients and FED patients exhibit abnormal CI.There are distinct characteristics between FES and FED.FES patients exhibit prolonged CSP,while FED patients exhibit decreased SICI.The abnormal CI in FES and FED are correlated with their clinical symptoms.

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