1.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
2.Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin in alleviating uremic cardiomyopathy and related mechanism
Shi CHENG ; Yeqing XIE ; Wei LU ; Jiarui XU ; Yong YU ; Ruizhen CHEN ; Bo SHEN ; Xiaoqiang DING
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(2):248-258
Objective To investigate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (empagliflozin, EMPA) on myocardial remodeling in a mouse uremic cardiomyopathy (UCM) model induced by 5/6 nephrectomy, through the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT)/p65 signaling pathway. Methods The animals were divided into three groups: Sham group (n=6), UCM group (n=8), and UCM+EMPA group (n=8). A UCM model was established in C57BL/6N mice using the 5/6 nephrectomy. Starting from 5 weeks post-surgery, EMPA or a placebo was administered. After 16 weeks, blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, 24-hour urine glucose and urine sodium were measured. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson trichrome staining were used to observe pathological changes in the heart and kidneys. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate myocardial hypertrophy. The real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of myocardial hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related mRNAs. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K, AKT and p65 in myocardial tissues. Results After 16 weeks, UCM group exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen than sham group (P<0.01); UCM+EMPA group exhibited lower blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and higher 24 h urine sodium and glucose than UCM group (P<0.05). Echocardiographic results showed ventricular remodeling in the UCM group, evidenced by left ventricular wall thickening, left ventricular enlargement, increased left ventricular mass, and decreased systolic function (P<0.05); ventricular remodeling was alleviated (P<0.05), though there was no significant improvement in systolic function in UCM+EMPA group. HE and Masson stainings revealed myocardial degeneration, necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis in UCM group (P<0.01); the myocardial pathology improved with reduced collagen deposition in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.01). WGA staining confirmed myocardial hypertrophy in UCM group (P<0.01), while myocardial hypertrophy was alleviated in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.01). RT-qPCR results showed myocardial hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related genes (NPPA, NPPB, MYH7, COL1A1, COL3A1, TGF-β1) were upregulated in UCM group (P<0.05), but downregulated in UCM+EMPA group. Western blotting showed PI3K, p-AKT/AKT ratio, and p-p65/p65 ratio were increased in UCM group, but decreased in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.05). Conclusion EMPA can improve myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in the UCM mouse model, and it may play the role through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/p65 signaling pathway.
3.Application Study of Enzyme Inhibitors and Their Conformational Optimization in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Chao-Yang CHU ; Biao XIAO ; Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Kai XIE ; Shu-Jun XU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1510-1529
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment, and there is a lack of effective drugs to treat AD clinically. Existing medications for the treatment of AD, such as Tacrine, Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Aducanumab, only serve to delay symptoms and but not cure disease. To add insult to injury, these medications are associated with very serious adverse effects. Therefore, it is urgent to explore effective therapeutic drugs for AD. Recently, studies have shown that a variety of enzyme inhibitors, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, monoamine oxidase (MAO)inhibitors, secretase inhibitors, can ameliorate cholinergic system dysfunction, Aβ production and deposition, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress damage, and the decline of synaptic plasticity, thereby improving AD symptoms and cognitive function. Some plant extracts from natural sources, such as Umbelliferone, Aaptamine, Medha Plus, have the ability to inhibit cholinesterase activity and act to improve learning and cognition. Isochromanone derivatives incorporating the donepezil pharmacophore bind to the catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) sites of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which can inhibit AChE activity and ameliorate cholinergic system disorders. A compound called Rosmarinic acid which is found in the Lamiaceae can inhibit monoamine oxidase, increase monoamine levels in the brain, and reduce Aβ deposition. Compounds obtained by hybridization of coumarin derivatives and hydroxypyridinones can inhibit MAO-B activity and attenuate oxidative stress damage. Quinoline derivatives which inhibit the activation of AChE and MAO-B can reduce Aβ burden and promote learning and memory of mice. The compound derived from the combination of propargyl and tacrine retains the inhibitory capacity of tacrine towards cholinesterase, and also inhibits the activity of MAO by binding to the FAD cofactor of monoamine oxidase. A series of hybrids, obtained by an amide linker of chromone in combine with the benzylpiperidine moieties of donepezil, have a favorable safety profile of both cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity. Single domain antibodies (such as AAV-VHH) targeted the inhibition of BACE1 can reduce Aβ production and deposition as well as the levels of inflammatory cells, which ultimately improve synaptic plasticity. 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid from the extract of Ligustrum lucidum can specifically inhibit the activity of γ-secretase, thereby rescuing the long-term potentiation and enhancing synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice. Inhibiting γ-secretase activity which leads to the decline of inflammatory factors (such as IFN-γ, IL-8) not only directly improves the pathology of AD, but also reduces Aβ production. Melatonin reduces the transcriptional expression of GSK-3β mRNA, thereby decreasing the levels of GSK-3β and reducing the phosphorylation induced by GSK-3β. Hydrogen sulfide can inhibitGSK-3β activity via sulfhydration of the Cys218 site of GSK-3β, resulting in the suppression of Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, which ameliorate the motor deficits and cognitive impairment in mice with AD. This article reviews enzyme inhibitors and conformational optimization of enzyme inhibitors targeting the regulation of cholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, secretase, and GSK-3β. We are hoping to provide a comprehensive overview of drug development in the enzyme inhibitors, which may be useful in treating AD.
4.Mechanism of Yitangkang Granule in Promoting Podocyte Autophagy Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Signaling Pathway Mediated by SIRT1 via AGE-RAGE Axis
Yuefeng CHENG ; Jiaxiang YU ; Hanwen ZHANG ; Chao QU ; Yifei HUO ; Xiaorui ZHANG ; Yan SHI ; Wenshun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):113-121
ObjectiveTo explore the underlying mechanism by which the Chinese medicine compound Yitangkang granule(YTK) treats diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by observing its effects on podocyte autophagy through the regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathway mediated by silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) via advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for AGE (RAGE) axis. MethodNinety-six 8-week-old healthy male SPF-grade Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into blank control group (B), model control group, high-dose YTK (40 g·kg-1), medium-dose YTK (20 g·kg-1), low-dose YTK (10 g·kg-1), and Western medicine control (20 mg·kg-1 losartan) groups. The DKD rat model was established by high-fat diet feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After successful modeling, the rats in each group received the corresponding treatments for eight weeks. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were measured according to the instructions of the respective assay kits. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in kidney tissues. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the average optical density values of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), desmin, and nephrin. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression levels of PI3K, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), RAGE, SIRT1, Caspase-3, and FoxO1 proteins in kidney tissues of DKD rats. ResultCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed significantly lower levels of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, and significantly higher levels of MDA (P<0.01). The rats exhibited severe kidney damage. The positive expression of podocyte marker proteins α-SMA, FN, and desmin increased significantly, while nephrin and podocin significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, RAGE, and Caspase-3 proteins were significantly elevated, while SIRT1 and FoxO1 protein levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, rats in the YTK treatment groups showed significantly higher levels of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, and significantly lower levels of MDA in serum (P<0.01). The degree of kidney damage was reduced to varying extents. The average optical density values of podocyte marker proteins α-SMA, FN, and desmin were significantly decreased, while nephrin and podocin significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, RAGE, and Caspase-3 in kidney tissues were significantly reduced, while SIRT1 and FoxO1 expression levels significantly increased (P<0.01). The Chinese medicine groups demonstrated a clear dose-response trend. ConclusionYTK may alleviate kidney pathological damage, reduce proteinuria, and protect kidney function in DKD rats, thereby delaying the progression of DKD by improving podocyte autophagy through the AGE-RAGE axis-mediated SIRT1 regulation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway. Additionally, a dose-response relationship was observed in the Chinese medicine groups.
5.Epidemiological characteristics of a local cluster epidemic caused by the BA.2 evolutionary branch of Omicron variant
Zhaokai HE ; Zhe WANG ; Qingjun KAO ; Shi CHENG ; Shuang FENG ; Tingting ZHAO ; Yanyang TAO ; Xinfen YU ; Zhou SUN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(1):65-70
Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the local cluster of COVID-19 in the logistic park of Yuhang District in Hangzhou in March 2022. The cluster epidemic was detected by a case who actively visited the fever clinic. The epidemic lasted for 8 days, and a total of 58 cases (53 workers, 2 students, 1 farmer, 1 teacher and 1 unemployed) were found, including 40 males and 18 females. The age was (33.29±12.22) years. There cases were mainly in Yuhang District (48 cases, 82.77%) and Shangcheng District (7 cases, 12.07%) of Hangzhou. The real-time regeneration number peaked at 2.31 on March 10 th and decreased to 0.37 on March 15 th. The sequencing result of the indicated case was 100% homologous with the sequence uploaded from South Korea on March 4 th, 2022.
6.Transfusion efficacy and influencing factors of patients transfused with different therapeutic doses of platelets: a comparative analysis
Jianling ZHU ; Tingting CHENG ; Chunya MA ; Lihui FU ; Hongmei SHI ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(12):1383-1387
[Abstract] [Objective] To compare and analyze the efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with different doses, and to analyze the risk factors for platelet transfusion refractoriness. [Methods] A total of 5 827 patients who received platelet transfusion in the PLA General Hospital from May 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the research subjects, among which 4 780 patients were transfused with 1 therapeutic dose of platelets, and 1 047 patients were transfused with 0.5 therapeutic dose of platelets, and the efficacy of platelet transfusion was compared between the two groups. The effects of gender, disease type, white blood cell count before transfusion, fever, number of platelet transfusions, and platelet antibodies on platelet transfusion refractoriness were analyzed using univariate analysis, and the independent risk factors affecting platelet transfusion refractoriness were further analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. [Results] Among 4 780 patients, 3553 (74.3%) were effective and 1 227 (25.7%) were ineffective. Among 1 047 patients, 0.5 platelet infusion was effective in 755 cases (72.1%) and ineffective in 292 cases (27.9%). There was no significant difference in the effective rate of platelet transfusion between the two groups (P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of platelet transfusion was related to age, the number of platelet transfusion, disease type, platelet antibodies and white blood cell count before transfusion (P<0.05), while age, gender, fever and blood type were not related to the therapeutic effect of platelet transfusion (P>0.05). The results of multi-factor analysis showed that age, white blood cell count >50×109/L, platelet transfusion times, disease type and platelet antibody were independent risk factors for ineffective transfusion (P<0.05). [Conclusion] There is no significant difference in the efficacy of platelet infusion with 0.5 therapeutic dose or 1 therapeutic dose. In addition, age, white blood cell count >50×109/L, the number of platelet transfusion, disease type and platelet antibodies were the factors affecting the ineffective platelet transfusion in group 2.
7.The impact of programming optimization for atrioventricular synchrony after Micra AV leadless pacemakers implantation
Ze ZHENG ; Yu-Chen SHI ; Song-Yuan HE ; Shao-Ping WANG ; Shi-Ying LI ; Shu-Juan CHENG ; Jing-Hua LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(2):71-75
Objective To analyze the atrioventricular synchronization rate after implantation of Micra AV leadless pacemaker,and the impact of postoperative programming optimization on atrioventricular synchronization rate.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to select patients with complete atrioventricular block who underwent Micra AV leadless pacemaker implantation at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from August 2022 to June 2023.Programming optimization were performed at 1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively,and atrioventricular synchronization rate,electrical parameters,and echocardiography were recorded.Results A total of 68 patients with complete atrioventricular block implanted with Micra AV were selected,with an average age of(68.2±9.7)years,including 47 males(69.1%).All patients were successfully implanted with Micra AV,and there were no serious postoperative complications;The average threshold,sense,and impedance parameters were stable during 1 week,1 month,and 3 months after the procedure;There was no significant difference in the EF value of postoperative echocardiography(P=0.162);The average atrioventricular synchronization rates at 1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively were(75.2%vs.83.8%vs.91.6%,P=0.001).Conclusions As an mechanical atrial sensing,Micra AV requires personalized adjustment of relevant parameters;Postoperative follow-up programming optimization plays an important role in the atrioventricular synchronization and comfort level in patients with complete atrioventricular block after implantation of Micra AV leadless pacemaker.
8.Setup error analysis of image registration using various regions of interest after individualized nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy immobilization
Panpan CAO ; Weiqing WANG ; Yu CHENG ; Jinyan LEI ; Shi LI ; Xiaolong SHI ; Haiyan PENG ; Fu JIN
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2024;41(2):151-157
Objective To explore the effects of image registration using various regions of interest(ROI)on the setup error for nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)patients who were immobilized individually.Methods Forty-three NPC patients who required radiotherapy were enrolled.The patients were immobilized with customized plastic foam and thermoplastic mask,and CBCT verification was performed once a week.In CBCT images,ROI was divided into the whole ROI(ROIPTV)and 7 local ROI containing different cervical structures(ROIsphenoid sinus,ROIatlantoaxial,ROIneck3,ROIneck4,ROIneck5,ROIneck6,and ROIneck7),which were then used for registrations with localized CT image.The setup errors in superior-inferior(SI),left-right(LR),anterior-posterior(AP),Pitch,Roll,and Yaw directions were recorded.Results In SI direction,the setup errors within 0.3 cm accounted for 89.74%for ROIneck7,and more than 90%for the other ROI.The proportion of setup errors within 0.3 cm gradually increased with the neck upward in LR direction,and they were 76.78%,81.70%,85.26%,and above 90%for ROIneck7,ROIneck6,ROIneck5,and the other ROI,respectively.In AP direction,the proportions of setup errors within 0.3 cm were less than 90%,except for ROIatlantoaxial and ROIneck3.The setup errors of ROIsphenoid sinus,ROIatlantoaxial,ROIneck3,and ROIneck4 were significantly positively correlated with ROIPTV in SI direction,and the correlation coefficients(R)were 0.94,0.95,0.90,and 0.83,respectively.In LR direction,there were positive correlations between the setup errors of ROIatlantoaxial and ROIsphenoid sinus(R=0.95),ROIneck3 and ROIsphenoid sinus(R=0.91),ROIPTV and ROIneck3(R=0.91).The setup errors of ROIPTV in AP direction were positively correlated with ROIatlantoaxial vertebrae and ROIneck3(R=0.88,0.90).The margins of all ROIs ranged from 0.38 cm to 1.01 cm.The extension of ROIneck6 and ROIneck7 in AP direction exceeded 0.9 cm,and the extension of ROIneck7 reached 0.95 cm in SI direction.Conclusion ROIPTV and ROIsphenoid sinus,ROIatlantoaxial,ROIneck3 are significantly correlated in SI,LR,and AP directions.The setup error of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients gradually increases with the neck down.The nasopharyngeal and cervical regions need to be expanded in segments when patients are immobilized individually.
9.Effectiveness of Histopathological Examination of Ultrasound-guided Puncture Biopsy Samples for Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Fei Wen GU ; Xia SHI ; Xin MA ; Lei Jun YU ; Chuan Jin XU ; Cheng Cheng QIAN ; Dong Zhi HU ; Hui ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(2):170-177
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of histopathological examination of ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy samples in extrapulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB). Methods This study was conducted at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.A total of 115 patients underwent ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy,followed by MGIT 960 culture(culture),smear,GeneXpert MTB/RIF(Xpert),and histopathological examination.These assays were performed to evaluate their effectiveness in diagnosing EPTB in comparison to two different diagnostic criteria:liquid culture and composite reference standard(CRS). Results When CRS was used as the reference standard,the sensitivity and specificity of culture,smear,Xpert,and histopathological examination were(44.83%,89.29%),(51.72%,89.29%),(70.11%,96.43%),and(85.06%,82.14%),respectively.Based on liquid culture tests,the sensitivity and specificity of smear,Xpert,and pathological examination were(66.67%,72.60%),(83.33%,63.01%),and(92.86%,45.21%),respectively.Histopathological examination showed the highest sensitivity but lowest specificity.Further,we found that the combination of Xpert and histopathological examination showed a sensitivity of 90.80%and a specificity of 89.29%. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided puncture sampling is safe and effective for the diagnosis of EPTB.Compared with culture,smear,and Xpert,histopathological examination showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity.The combination of histopathology with Xpert showed the best performance characteristics.
10.Atopic Dermatitis Associated Retinal Detachment and Retinal Vasculitis:A Case Report
Cheng SHI-YU ; Wang ZAO-WEN ; Dai RONG-PING
Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2024;39(1):74-78,后插1
Atopic dermatitis is usually associated with various ocular complications.We report a 21-year-old Chinese male who presented to our ophthalmology clinic with bilateral retinal detachment and cataracts.The patient had a clear medical history of atopic dermatitis,which had been diagnosed eight years earlier and had been treated with loratadine and pimecrolimus.Cataract surgery was performed for both eyes,combined with scleral buckling for the right eye and pars plana vitrectomy for the left eye.During postoperative follow-up,fundus fluorescein angiography showed retinal vasculitis in both eyes and macular edema in the left eye,which coincided with an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis.Macular edema improved after four months of regular dupilumab treatment in the dermatology department.The ocular condition remained stable three years postoperatively.

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