1.Research advances in the effects of orexin and its receptor-related drugs on depression
Zhaoshu JIANG ; Ming CHENG ; Jie YANG ; Feng CAO ; Zhen ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):496-500
Depression is a psychiatric disorder whose main symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. Orexin, a neuropeptide located in hypothalamic neurons, has a wide range of projections throughout the central nervous system and is involved in various behavioral modulations related to depression. This study systematically reviewed the effects of orexin and its receptor-related drugs on depression and found that orexin could exert complex regulatory effects on multiple brain regions by binding to related receptors, affecting emotions, sleep, anxiety, etc. The abnormal state of expression of plasma orexin in patients with depression was found. Exogenous orexin-A, selective orexin receptor 1 antagonists (SORA1s), selective orexin receptor 2 antagonists (SORA2s), and dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in various animal models of depression. Among them, clinical trials involving exogenous orexin-A are relatively scarce. Drugs related to SORA1s and SORA2s, such as JNJ-61393215 and Setorexant, have made significant progress in the treatment of depression. DORAs, such as Suvorexant, Lemborexant, and Daridorexant, are primarily used to treat insomnia. Notably, Suvorexant has also shown potential in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2.A case analysis of multiple immune-related adverse event induced by toripalimab
Zhen FENG ; Yuzhen ZHANG ; Cheng XIE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):96-100
OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and management measures of multiple immune- related adverse event (irAE) after toripalimab treatment, in order to provide reference for the clinical management of similar cases. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on a post-operative bladder cancer patient who developed various irAEs after toripalimab treatment. The patient’s medical history, laboratory tests, imaging studies, treatment course and outcomes were detailed. The Naranjo scale was used to assess the relationship between the irAEs and toripalimab. RESULTS The patient developed irAEs after receiving toripalimab, such as immune-related myocarditis, liver dysfunction, and myasthenia. According to the Naranjo scale evaluation, it was assessed that these adverse events were related to the administration of toripalimab. After high- dose corticosteroid pulse therapy and immunoglobulin immunomodulation, the patient’s symptoms were effectively relieved, with a improved trend in various physiological indicators and significant improvement in the degree of system/organ damage. CONCLUSIONS Toripalimab may lead to multiple irAEs, including immune-related myocarditis, liver injury, and myasthenia. Early recognition, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of irAE are crucial for improving patient’s prognosis.
3.Role of SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex in Tumor Drug Resistance
Gui-Zhen ZHU ; Qiao YE ; Yuan LUO ; Jie PENG ; Lu WANG ; Zhao-Ting YANG ; Feng-Sen DUAN ; Bing-Qian GUO ; Zhu-Song MEI ; Guang-Yun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):20-31
Tumor drug resistance is an important problem in the failure of chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy, which is a complex process involving chromatin remodeling. SWI/SNF is one of the most studied ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in tumorigenesis, which plays an important role in the coordination of chromatin structural stability, gene expression, and post-translation modification. However, its mechanism in tumor drug resistance has not been systematically combed. SWI/SNF can be divided into 3 types according to its subunit composition: BAF, PBAF, and ncBAF. These 3 subtypes all contain two mutually exclusive ATPase catalytic subunits (SMARCA2 or SMARCA4), core subunits (SMARCC1 and SMARCD1), and regulatory subunits (ARID1A, PBRM1, and ACTB, etc.), which can control gene expression by regulating chromatin structure. The change of SWI/SNF complex subunits is one of the important factors of tumor drug resistance and progress. SMARCA4 and ARID1A are the most widely studied subunits in tumor drug resistance. Low expression of SMARCA4 can lead to the deletion of the transcription inhibitor of the BCL2L1 gene in mantle cell lymphoma, which will result in transcription up-regulation and significant resistance to the combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax. Low expression of SMARCA4 and high expression of SMARCA2 can activate the FGFR1-pERK1/2 signaling pathway in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma cells, which induces the overexpression of anti-apoptosis gene BCL2 and results in carboplatin resistance. SMARCA4 deletion can up-regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating YAP1 gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer. It can also reduce the expression of Ca2+ channel IP3R3 in ovarian and lung cancer, resulting in the transfer of Ca2+ needed to induce apoptosis from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria damage. Thus, these two tumors are resistant to cisplatin. It has been found that verteporfin can overcome the drug resistance induced by SMARCA4 deletion. However, this inhibitor has not been applied in clinical practice. Therefore, it is a promising research direction to develop SWI/SNF ATPase targeted drugs with high oral bioavailability to treat patients with tumor resistance induced by low expression or deletion of SMARCA4. ARID1A deletion can activate the expression of ANXA1 protein in HER2+ breast cancer cells or down-regulate the expression of progesterone receptor B protein in endometrial cancer cells. The drug resistance of these two tumor cells to trastuzumab or progesterone is induced by activating AKT pathway. ARID1A deletion in ovarian cancer can increase the expression of MRP2 protein and make it resistant to carboplatin and paclitaxel. ARID1A deletion also can up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of EGFR, ErbB2, and RAF1 oncogene proteins.The ErbB and VEGF pathway are activated and EMT is increased. As a result, lung adenocarcinoma is resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Although great progress has been made in the research on the mechanism of SWI/SNF complex inducing tumor drug resistance, most of the research is still at the protein level. It is necessary to comprehensively and deeply explore the detailed mechanism of drug resistance from gene, transcription, protein, and metabolite levels by using multi-omics techniques, which can provide sufficient theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of poor tumor prognosis caused by mutation or abnormal expression of SWI/SNF subunits in clinical practice.
4.Polymorphism and Tissue Expression Analysis of TYR and MC1R Genes in Guinea Pigs with Different Coat-Color Phenotypes
Yingen TANG ; Yaxian FENG ; Min ZHONG ; Zhen WEI ; Lie WANG ; Diwen LIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):21-29
Objective To explore the polymorphism of tyrosinase (TYR) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) genes and their mRNA expression levels in relation to coat-color phenotypes in guinea pigs, providing genetic markers for locating dominant traits in guinea pigs. Methods A total of 57 self-bred ordinary-level guinea pigs were selected and divided into three groups based on coat color: white (n=22), variegated (n=22) and black (n=13). The guinea pigs were euthanized with an overdose of pentobarbital sodium via intraperitoneal injection. DNA was then extracted from the dorsal skin tissue. Polymorphism in the coding sequence (CDS) of the exons of the TYR and MC1R genes in each group was detected by cloning and sequencing. The mRNA expression of the two genes in skin tissues was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR to investigate the relationship between these genes and guinea pig coat color. Results A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site was found in the CDS region of TYR exon Ⅰ, where the base A was replaced by G. All white guinea pigs had the G/G genotype for TYR, while no deep-colored (variegated and black) guinea pigs exhibited the G/G genotype for TYR. Most deep-colored guinea pigs had the A/A genotype, and a few had A/G genotype. The A/A genotype frequency in black guinea pigs was higher than in variegated guinea pigs. A 2 760 bp sequence deletion was identified in the exon of the MC1R gene, marked as the - gene, with non-deleted samples marked as N gene. Most white guinea pigs had the -/- genotype for MC1R, variegated guinea pigs mainly had the -/N genotype, and black guinea pigs mainly had the N/N genotype, with a few showing the -/N. The TYR gene expression level was higher in white guinea pigs, lower in variegated guinea pigs, and intermediate in black guinea pigs, but there was no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). The MC1R gene expression level in white guinea pigs was extremely low, while both variegated and black guinea pigs showed significantly higher levels than white guinea pigs (P<0.01). Black guinea pigs showed significantly higher levels than variegated guinea pigs (P<0.05). ConclusionThe TYR and MC1R genes synergistically regulate coat color of guinea pigs. The G-site mutation in the TYR gene may lead to albinism, and the change of N-site in the MC1R gene affects the depth of the coat color.
5.Three new gallic acid sugaresters from Elaeagnus oxycarpa Schlechtend leaves and their antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities
Feng-zhen CUI ; Jian-hong FU ; Guo-yan XU ; AYEKABAYR·EKBAYR ; Chang-da MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):434-441
Five compounds were isolated and purified from the water extract of
6.A new glycoside from Alstonia mairei Lévl.
Li-ke WANG ; Bing-yan LI ; Zhen-zhu ZHAO ; Yan-zhi WANG ; Xiao-kun LI ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Ying-ying SI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):191-195
Nine compounds were isolated and purified from 90% ethanol extract of
7.Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Demyelination in the Brain of Balb/c Mice Infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Zhen NIU ; Xiaojie WU ; Liang YANG ; Zhixuan MA ; Junxiong YANG ; Ying FENG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):293-300
ObjectiveTo investigate the demyelination induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) infection in the brain of Balb/c mice and analyze the untargeted metabolomic changes in the corpus callosum, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MethodsBalb/c mice were randomly assigned to a control group (n=6) and an infection group (n=6). The infection group was orally administered 30 third-stage larvae of AC, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Body weight, visual function, and behavioral scores were measured on post-infection 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 days to assess neurological alterations. After 21 days, brain tissues were harvested for immunofluorescence staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and transmission electron microscopy to examine morphological changes in brain myelin and retina. Metabolomics analysis was performed, and differential metabolites were identified using volcano plots and heatmaps. The distribution of fold changes and bar charts were used to profile the key metabolites. These differential metabolites were then subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and regulatory network analysis. ResultsOn the 9th day after AC infection, Balb/c mice showed a decline in neurological behavioral scores (P<0.05). By day 15, visual scores decreased (P<0.05), and by day 21, significant weight loss (P<0.001) and mortality were observed. Concurrently, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining revealed significant myelin damage in the corpus callosum and a marked reduction in oligodendrocytes (P<0.001). HE staining showed severe retinal ganglion cell damage. Metabolomic analysis revealed that glycerophospholipids were the most abundant differential metabolites, with steroids and sphingolipids being relatively less abundant. Cholesteryl ester CE (20:2) was significantly upregulated (P<0.001), while phosphatidylmethanol (18:0_18:1) was significantly downregulated (P<0.01). KEGG enrichment and regulatory network analyses demonstrated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways like steroid biosynthesis, bile secretion, and cholesterol metabolism, and were involved in key metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism, neural signal regulation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. ConclusionsAC infection affects the metabolic state of mice via multiple pathways, modifying the levels of metabolites crucial for myelination and myelin stability. Demyelination may be closely linked to the disruption of these key metabolic pathways, particularly the dysregulation of cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism, potentially playing a central role in demyelination onset. Furthermore, alterations in phospholipid metabolism and abnormal nerve signaling regulation may exacerbate myelin damage.
8.Global health degree education in Europe: development, characteristics, and implications
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):712-718
After years of development, Europe has accumulated extensive experience in the discipline development and global health degree education, laying a strong foundation for cultivating professionals with a global perspective and practical competencies. European universities have continuously explored and innovated in curriculum development and resource integration, offering valuable insights into establishing a comprehensive global health degree education system. This study reviews global health degree programs at 13 representative universities (ranked approximately among the top 100 medical schools in the QS World University Rankings) and two university alliances in Europe. The results of analysis reveals several key features of global health degree education in Europe, such as a wide variety of program types with shorter program durations, strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral integration in teaching, resource sharing through university alliances, and extensive internship and employment opportunities. These findings offer the following implications for the development of global health degree education in China: providing diversified degree programs to meet the needs of different groups; strengthening interdisciplinary teaching to enhance the quality of practical education; and establishing platforms for shared teaching resources to promote international exchange and cooperation.
9.Predicting the Risk of Arterial Stiffness in Coal Miners Based on Different Machine Learning Models.
Qian Wei CHEN ; Xue Zan HUANG ; Yu DING ; Feng Ren ZHU ; Jia WANG ; Yuan Jie ZOU ; Yuan Zhen DU ; Ya Jun ZHANG ; Zi Wen HUI ; Feng Lin ZHU ; Min MU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(1):108-111
10.Establishment of a high-throughput screening platform based on drug repurposing targeting alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and discovery of potential weight loss drugs
Feng CHEN ; Cirong YANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xia LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2024;42(3):114-120
Objective Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (ORM) was a new target for the development of weight loss drugs. To search for potential weight loss drugs that could target ORM from the compound library of already marketed drugs based on drug repurposing. Methods The pGL4.20-ORM1 promoter recombinant plasmid was contructed and validated, and then a lentiviral vector was utilized to establish stable AML12 cell lines expressing ORM1 promoter-LUC-PURO. This cell line was employed for high-throughput screening of compounds from the marketed drug library, and the luminescence value of the cells was characterized by enzyme marker. Results Primary screening and secondary screening of 1 470 compounds identified 42 compounds that increased ORM1 promoter expression and could be used for further weight loss effect assessment. Conclusion This study successfully constructed LV-AML12-ORM1 promoter-LUC-PURO stable expression cell lines using lentiviral vectors, laying a foundation for efficient and stable screening of weight loss drugs targeting ORM.

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