1.Cloning and Functional Characterization of Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase Gene in Biosynthesis of Terpenoid Components in Chinese Materia Medica
Yue ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Chaoyue LIU ; Bolin ZHANG ; Jia LIU ; Caixia WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):175-183
ObjectiveThis study aims to enhance of the farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) pool in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by heterologously expressing different farnesyl diphosphate synthases(FPSs) from various plants, thereby increasing the production of terpenoid compounds by the engineered yeast. MethodsRNA from mixed samples of roots, stems, and leaves of seven plants including Arabidopsis thaliana, Rosa rugosa, Artemisia annua, Centella asiatica, Humulus lupulus, Medicago sativa, and Panax ginseng was extracted by column chromatography and reverse transcribed into the first strand of complementary DNA(cDNA), and based on the transcriptome data of the seven species of plants, sequence-specific primers were designed for CaFPS, RrFPS, MsFPS, HiFPS, PgFPS, AtFPS, and AaFPS, the full-length of the genes was cloned, and the genes were analyzed for bioinformatics in order to construct a pESC yeast shuttle vector. These seven plant-derived FPSs were further heterologously expressed in the previous constructed β-elemene-producing yeast, and the yield of β-elemene was indicated for their catalytic acivities. ResultsThe coding sequences of CaFPS, RrFPS, MsFPS, HiFPS, PgFPS, AtFPS, and AaFPS were all of 1 021 bp in length and encoding 301 amino acids, all of which were similarly related to the endogenous FPS-encoding gene(ERG20) in S. cerevisiae. After heterologous expression, RrFPS was identified as the most effective in catalyzing the synthesis of FPP from isopentenyl pyrophosphate(IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate(DMAPP). Compared to the control strains, the RrFPS overexpressed yeast strains YB-1-Rr and YB-3-Rr increased the production of β-elemene by 231.25% and 189.3%, respectively. ConclusionBy comparing the functions of FPS-encoding genes from seven different plant sources, it is determined that the protein encoded by the RrFPS from R. rugosa has the best catalytic ability, which can provide key genetic elements for the construction of engineered yeast strain constructs with high terpenoid production.
2.Extraction and identification of primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells by improved tissue block culture method
Fan Zhang ; Bolin Li ; Ming Chi ; Haiqin Liu ; Yuanyu Tang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):10-14
Objective :
To investigate the brain microvascular tissue block culture method for extracting primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells and identify its effect.
Methods :
Brain tissue from 4-week-old Sprague Dawley rats was screened, pre-digested and solidified to obtain brain microvascular segments. These segments were subsequently placed in a CO2incubator for primary culture. The target cells were identified by cell morphology and immunocytochemical staining for factor Ⅷ-related antigen.
Results :
After a 48-hour culture periodin vitro, the short spindle cells crawled out from around the brain microvascular segments. After 72 hours, island-like cell culsters formed. After 96 hours the clusters fused and the cells formed a typical monolayer, cobble stone-like, and mosaic arrangement. Factor Ⅷ-related antigen immunocytochemical staining showed that the cytoplasm of the cells appeared brown-red, indicating positive expression; DAB stained the nucleus, showing blue-dark.
Conclusion
The brain microvascular tissue block culture method can isolate and culture primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells.
3.Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription Treats Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Excessive Mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Haofeng ZHANG ; Jinye ZHOU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):182-189
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating mitophagy. MethodsThe genes related to mitophagy and UC were retrieved from GeneCards, and then the common genes of mitophagy and UC were analyzed by metascape to identify the genes related to mitophagy in UC. Animal experiments were carried out to decipher the mechanism by which Huazhuo Jiedu prescription treated UC by regulating mitophagy. Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into normal, model, high-, medium-, and low-dose (50, 25, 12.5 g·kg-1, respectively) Huazhuo Jiedu prescription, and mesalazine (0.52 g·kg-1·d-1) groups, with 10 mice in each group. After successful modeling by the dextran sulfate sodium-free drinking method, the colonic mucosal damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the ultracellular structure of colon mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin protein were determined by Western blot. The expression of prohibitin 2 (PHB2), ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15), ubiquitin-specific protease 30 (USP30) in the colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsAll the drug intervention groups showed ameliorated pathological manifestations of the colonic mucosa and improved mitochondrial structures in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated up-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), enhanced average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and weakened average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mesalazine group and the high- and medium-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups showcased down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), decreased average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). The low-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription group showed down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), weakened average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription can attenuate the intestinal mucosal injury and improve the mitochondrial cell ultrastructure in UC mice by regulating the expression of PINK1-Parkin pathway and inhibiting excessive mitophagy.
4.Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription Treats Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Excessive Mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Haofeng ZHANG ; Jinye ZHOU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):182-189
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating mitophagy. MethodsThe genes related to mitophagy and UC were retrieved from GeneCards, and then the common genes of mitophagy and UC were analyzed by metascape to identify the genes related to mitophagy in UC. Animal experiments were carried out to decipher the mechanism by which Huazhuo Jiedu prescription treated UC by regulating mitophagy. Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into normal, model, high-, medium-, and low-dose (50, 25, 12.5 g·kg-1, respectively) Huazhuo Jiedu prescription, and mesalazine (0.52 g·kg-1·d-1) groups, with 10 mice in each group. After successful modeling by the dextran sulfate sodium-free drinking method, the colonic mucosal damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the ultracellular structure of colon mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin protein were determined by Western blot. The expression of prohibitin 2 (PHB2), ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15), ubiquitin-specific protease 30 (USP30) in the colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsAll the drug intervention groups showed ameliorated pathological manifestations of the colonic mucosa and improved mitochondrial structures in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated up-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), enhanced average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and weakened average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mesalazine group and the high- and medium-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups showcased down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), decreased average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). The low-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription group showed down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), weakened average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription can attenuate the intestinal mucosal injury and improve the mitochondrial cell ultrastructure in UC mice by regulating the expression of PINK1-Parkin pathway and inhibiting excessive mitophagy.
5.Analysis of factors influencing insufficient hyperopia reserve and refractive parameters in preschool children in Hefei
ZHANG Bolin, ZHANG Shanshan, WAN Qianqian, TONG Min, L Pingping, WANG Ke, SHI Huijing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):873-877
Objective:
To investigate the current status of refractive errors and insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children aged 3-6 years in Hefei and to analyze influencing factors, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted myopia prevention policies and comprehensive interventions.
Methods:
In May 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 897 preschool children from 8 kindergartens across four districts (Baohe, Yaohai, Shushan, and Economic and Technological Development Zone) in Hefei, and Children’s Visual Health related Behavior Assessment Scale was used to collect personal information and environmental factors. Pre and post cycloplegic refraction tests were conducted to assess insufficient hyperopic reserve and refractive development levels. Group comparisons were conducted using 2 test, t-test or analysis of variance. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify key factors influencing hyperopic reserve, axial length and spherical equivalent in preschool children.
Results:
The detection rates of refractive errors among preschool children were 6.8% for hyperopia, 1.6% for myopia, and 11.1% for astigmatism. Notably, the prevalence of myopia was significantly higher in boys (2.3%) than in girls (0.7%) ( χ 2=3.88, P <0.05). Additionally, 8.8% of the children exhibited insufficient hyperopic reserve. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that preschool children with high myopia in the father, high myopia in the mother, longer daily duration of near work, and longer daily electronic product use time had increased risks of axial growth ( β =0.12, 0.09, 0.15, 0.11), SE reduction ( β =-0.10, -0.07, -0.18, -0.13), and insufficient hyperopic reserve ( OR=1.87, 2.22, 1.40, 1.28) (P <0.05). While, preschool children with longer sleep time and daily outdoor activity duration had lower risks of axial growth ( β =-0.11, -0.10 ), SE reduction ( β =0.39, 0.51), and insufficient hyperopia reserve ( OR =0.54, 0.51) in preschool children ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The rates of refractive errors and insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children in Hefei are relatively low, which are influenced by many factors. Parents, kindergartens and relevant departments should implement early vision monitoring and intervention for preschool children, and cultivate their scientific eye use habits.
6.Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Jinye ZHOU ; Haofeng ZHANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Jie WANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):41-47
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in rats based on the Hedgehog signaling pathway. MethodsThe CAG rat model was established by sodium salicylate, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitroguanidine (MNNG), and irregular feeding. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group (180 mg·L-1), a moradan group (1.4 g·kg-1), and Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription groups with high, medium, and low doses (36, 9, 18 g·kg-1), followed by drug intervention. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphological changes in the gastric mucosa. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of gastric mucosa cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Patched 1 (Ptch1), and Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 in the gastric mucosa. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the protein expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the CAG model group showed a reduction in gastric mucosal intrinsic glands and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells showed nuclear pyknosis, fewer mitochondria, and abnormal mitochondrial structure. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 in the gastric mucosa were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and E-cadherin protein expression was decreased. Compared with the model group, the intervention groups showed varying degrees of improvement in histopathological morphology and cellular ultrastructure. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh, Ptch1, Gli1, and E-cadherin increased to varying degrees. Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription upregulated the expression of key Hedgehog pathway factors and E-cadherin at both the mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). ConclusionXianglian Huazhuo prescription has a therapeutic effect on CAG in rats, and its mechanism may be related to activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
7.Analysis of visual acuity status and difference in children of the same age from different areas of Xi'an City
Ye ZHANG ; Xiaokang HE ; Lu YU ; Yiping ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Jian LI ; Bolin YAN ; Yingyao LIU ; Geqiang YANG ; Zhaojiang DU
International Eye Science 2024;24(5):795-799
AIM: To understand the current status and differences in visual acuity of children of the same age from different regions of Xi'an, and to take an effective basis for the prevention of children's myopia.METHODS: Random stratified sampling was used to select the uncorrected distance visual acuity and computed dioptric data of 41 285 children aged 6-12 from 6 towns, 10 urban and rural areas and 112 country schools screened by Xi'an Central Hospital in December 2022.RESULTS: The myopia detection rate in different regions of Xi'an is 47.16% in towns, 38.59% in urban and rural areas, and 32.29% in the country, and the total myopia rate is 37.50%. The myopia rate of 6-12 years old in towns is higher than that in urban and rural areas, and that of urban and rural areas is higher than that of country; the myopia rate of girls is higher than that of boys; myopia rate increases with age; mild myopia: the myopia rate in towns is significantly higher than that of the urban and rural areas and the country; high myopia: the myopia rate in the country is significantly higher than that of the towns and the urban and rural areas. The total rate of deficient hyperopia reserves in different regions of Xi'an is 92.08% in towns, 93.67% in urban and rural areas, and 90.92% in the country, and the total rate of deficient hyperopia reserves is 92.09%. The rate of deficient hyperopia reserves at the age of 6-12 is higher in the urban and rural areas than in the towns, and higher in the towns than in the country; the total rate of deficient hyperopia reserve is higher in girls than in boys; it is the peak period of the development of hyperopia reserve rate before the age of 8.CONCLUSION: The total myopia rate and the total vision reserve deficiency rate of 6-12 years old in different regions of Xi'an are different, and 8-9 years old is the accelerated period of myopia development, and the peak of deficient hyperopia reserve is before the age of 8 years old. With the growth of age, the myopia rate shows a certain growth trend, and the rate of deficient hyperopia reserve shows a decreasing trend after reaching the peak. The total myopia rate and insufficient acuity reserve rate of girls are higher than those of boys.
8.Clinical study of perceptual eye position and fixation stability in adolescents with low myopia
Yao WANG ; Bolin DENG ; Ying MU ; Xuan LI ; Chenzhu ZHAO ; Ying FANG ; Yufeng HE ; Shasha PANG ; Li ZHANG ; Zhengzheng WU
International Eye Science 2024;24(9):1491-1495
AIM:To test and compare the perceptual eye position and fixation stability of adolescents with emmetropia and adolescents with low myopia, investigating the characteristics of the perceptual eye position and fixation stability of adolescents with low myopia.METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 132 adolescents(264 eyes)who visited in the ophthalmology clinic of our hospital from April to December 2023 were randomly selected as the research subjects. Participants were categorized into normal control group(n=45, 90 eyes), simple low myopia group(n=45, 90 eyes)and low myopia with anisometropia group(n=42, 84 eyes)according to their refractive status and were underwent assessments for perceptual eye position and fixation stability.RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the static and dynamic horizontal perceptual eye position deviation of the simple low myopia group and the low myopia with anisometropia group were significantly increased(P<0.05). Compared with the simple low myopia group, the static and dynamic horizontal perceptual eye position deviation of the low myopia with anisometropia group were significantly increased(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in static and dynamic vertical perceptual eye position deviation among the three groups(P>0.05); compared with the normal control group, the horizontal and vertical fixation stability of the simple low myopia group and the low myopia with anisometropia group were significantly worse(all P<0.01), but there was no differences in the simple low myopia group and the low myopia with anisometropia group(P >0.05).CONCLUSION: Abnormalities are observed in perceptual eye position and fixation stability function in adolescents with low myopia compared with those adolescents with emmetropia, even at best corrected visual acuity. The occurrence of anisometropia could lead to an increased degree of horizontal perceptual eye position displacement.
9.Uptake of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis and related factors in male sex workers
Aodi ZHANG ; Bolin YANG ; Hanlu YIN ; Jing GU ; Jibiao CHEN ; Zhuping XU ; Xiaojun MENG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(8):1158-1163
Objective:To understand the uptake of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and related factors among male sex workers (MSW) and provide references for the promotion of PEP.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling to recruit MSW participants with the help of a community-based organization in October 2023, in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. The sample size was estimated at 340 people. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect their social demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, knowledge, beliefs, and uptake of PEP. A logistic regression model was used to analyze factors associated with the uptake of PEP in MSW. The SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 357 participants were recruited, mainly aged 18-20 (55.7%,199/357), unmarried (94.4%,337/357), and having an education background of junior high school or below (50.1%,179/357). Among 357 participants, 64.4% (230/357) knew about PEP, 51.0% (182/357) believed in the efficacy of PEP, and 13.4% (48/357) had experience of using PEP. Among 68 respondents having high-risk sexual behaviors in the past 3 months, 17.6% (12/68) have had uptake of PEP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that group sex with men in the past 3 months (a OR=7.51, 95% CI: 1.37-41.09), HIV testing in the past 3 months (a OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.16-7.16), the experience of using pre-exposure prophylaxis (a OR=30.18,95% CI: 12.60-72.24) and believing in the efficacy of PEP (a OR=2.94, 95% CI: 1.04-8.29) were the associated factors with the uptake of PEP in MSW. Conclusions:Although the overall uptake rate of PEP in MSW was high, the proportion of using PEP was still low among participants having high-risk sexual behaviors in the past 3 months. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen HIV risk awareness education considering their characteristics and promote timely uptake of PEP to interrupt HIV transmission.
10.Effects of Medial Protrusio Technique of Total Hip Arthroplasty on Acetabular Cup in Adult Patient with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip:A Finite Element Analysis
Xin ZHANG ; Wenjie LIN ; Bin HE ; Bolin FENG ; Haicong CHEN ; Huan ZHONG ; Hanbin OUYANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2024;39(3):421-427
Objective To investigate the biomechanical effects of the medial protrusio technique on the acetabular cup in adult patients with developmental hip(DDH)after total hip arthroplasty.Methods The CT scanning data of bilateral hips from an adult patient with unilateral DDH were obtained further to develop a finite element model of the affected hemipelvis.The medial protrusio technique with various levels of medial protrusio was simulated,and the biomechanical differences between the medial protrusio and non-protrusio groups were evaluated.Results In the simulated pull-out test,the maximum anti-pull-out load strength of the non-protrusio group was 1 166 N.Compared with the non-protrusio group,the anti-pull-out load strength of the 4 mm and 8 mm medial protrusio groups increased by 45.8%and 57.1%,respectively.The peak micromotion at the cup-bone interface for the non-protrusio group was 166.4 μm in the standing phase of the gait cycle,and that of the 4 mm and 8 mm medial protrusio groups was decreased by 46.2%and 62.1%,respectively.Regarding the immediate stress distributions of periacetabular bone tissues following cup implantation,the differences between the groups were not significant.Under the loading condition of the standing phase,the non-protrusio group yielded the lowest average and peak stresses.The average stress increased with the level of medial protrusio,and the highest peak stress was observed in the 4 mm medial protrusio group.Conclusions The medial protrusio technique can improve the initial stability of the acetabular cup,and the initial stability is positively proportional to the protrusio level.However,owing to the concentration of marginal stress at the cup-bone interface,a minor medial protrusio cup with insufficient bone coverage might increase the risk of various prosthesis-related complications.


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