1.Wdr63 Deletion Aggravates Ulcerative Colitis Likely by Affecting Th17/Treg Balance and Gut Microbiota
Hao ZHU ; Meng-Yuan ZHU ; Yang-Yang CAO ; Qiu-Bo YANG ; Zhi-Peng FAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):209-222
ObjectiveUlcerative colitis is a prevalent immunoinflammatory disease. Th17/Treg cell imbalance and gut microbiota dysregulation are key factors in ulcerative colitis pathogenesis. The actin cytoskeleton contributes to regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of Th17 and Treg cells. Wdr63, a gene containing the WD repeat domain, participates in the structure and functional modulation of actin cytoskeleton. Recent research indicates that WDR63 may serve as a regulator of cell migration and metastasis via actin polymerization inhibition. This article aims to explore the effect of Wdr63 deletion on Th17/Treg cells and ulcerative colitis. MethodsWe constructed Wdr63-/- mice, induced colitis in mice using dextran sulfate sodium salt, collected colon tissue for histopathological staining, collected mesenteric lymph nodes for flow cytometry analysis, and collected healthy mouse feces for microbial diversity detection. ResultsCompared with wild-type colitis mice, Wdr63-/- colitis mice had a more pronounced shortening of colonic tissue, higher scores on disease activity index and histological damage index, Treg cells decreased and Th17 cells increased in colonic tissue and mesenteric lymph nodes, a lower level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and a higher level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17A. In addition, WDR63 has shown positive effects on maintaining intestinal microbiota homeostasis. It maintains the balance of Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, promoting the formation of beneficial intestinal bacteria linked to immune inflammation. ConclusionWdr63 deletion aggravates ulcerative colitis in mice, WDR63 inhibits colonic inflammation likely by regulating Th17/Treg balance and maintains intestinal microbiota homeostasis.
2.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
3.Study on secondary metabolites of Penicillium expansum GY618 and their tyrosinase inhibitory activities
Fei-yu YIN ; Sheng LIANG ; Qian-heng ZHU ; Feng-hua YUAN ; Hao HUANG ; Hui-ling WEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):427-433
Twelve compounds were isolated from the rice fermentation extracts of
4.Chemical consitituents and hypoglycemic activity of Qinhuai No. 1 Rehmannia glutinosa
Meng YANG ; Zhi-you HAO ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Chao-yuan XIAO ; Jun-yang ZHANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Xiao-ke ZHENG ; Wei-sheng FENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):205-210
Eight compounds were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate part of 70% acetone extract of
5.Cognitive Disorders Awareness and Associated Risk Factors in Xizang Autonomous Region
Yu HAO ; Junshan WANG ; Ma ZHUO ; Quzhen SUOLANG ; Shiyong JI ; Yaxiong HU ; Zhijie DING ; Zhuoga CIDAN ; Jing YUAN ; Yuhua ZHAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):472-478
To investigate the awareness of cognitive impairment disorders among residents of the Xizang Autonomous Region and its influencing factors, thereby providing a basis for targeted prevention and treatment efforts. From April to December 2024, a questionnaire survey was conducted among permanent residents aged ≥18 years (residing in the Xizang Autonomous Region for 180 days or more). The survey was primarily conducted online, supplemented by QR code distribution during community medical outreach by healthcare workers. Demographic information and data on awareness of cognitive disorders were collected, and an ordered Logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing factors in the overall population and stratified by occupation. A total of 327 questionnaires were collected, with 14 excluded (13 for not meeting residency requirements and 1 for self-reported diagnosis of cognitive impairment), leaving 313 valid questionnaires. The average age of respondents was 42.0±11.9 years; 108 (34.5%) were male, and 205 (65.5%) were female. Most respondents were from Lhasa (78.6%, 246/313); 179 (57.2%) were healthcare workers, and 134 (42.8%) were non-healthcare workers. Regarding awareness of cognitive impairment disorders, 7.3% (23/313) were "unaware", 75.7% (237/313) were "partially aware", and 16.9% (53/313) were "well aware".Ordered Logistic regression analysis revealed that education level of high school or below ( Awareness of cognitive impairment disorders among residents of the Xizang Autonomous Region needs improvement. Educational level, occupation, and prior contact with cognitive impairment patients significantly influence disease awareness. Enhancing overall education levels and using vivid clinical case presentations in health education and public outreach are key strategies to improve public awareness of cognitive impairment disorders.
6.Progress in the effects of Ca2+ signaling pathway in conjunctival goblet cells on mucin secretion in dry eye patients
Hang YUAN ; Like XIE ; Xiaofeng HAO ; Pin JU
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):792-796
Dry eye is a chronic ocular surface disease caused by multiple factors. It is caused by the instability of tear film and the imbalance of the microenvironment of ocular surface, and may be accompanied by ocular surface inflammation, damage, and abnormal nerve sensation. The instability of tear film is its core characteristic. Mucin is an important component of the tear film and plays a role in stabilizing the tear film. The reduction of its secretion and the change of its structure lead to the occurrence and development of dry eye. The intracellular Ca2+ signal is the key to controlling the secretion of water and enzymes by exocrine glands. A decrease in the Ca2+ signal can cause dry eye. Conjunctival goblet cells are the main cells that secrete mucin. By activating the intracellular PLC-IP3-Ca2+ pathway, RyRs pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, P2X receptor, BLT1 and ChemR23 receptors, cholinergic receptor, and ALX signaling pathway, the content of Ca2+ can be increased, and the replenishment of mucin granules can be accelerated, thereby relieving the symptoms of dry eye. The Ca2+ signaling pathway may be an important target for the treatment of dry eye. This article reviews the role of mucin in dry eye and the influence of the Ca2+ signal on the secretion of mucin by conjunctival goblet cells.
7.Luteolin improves myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury
Wenwen ZHANG ; Mengru XU ; Yuan TIAN ; Lifei ZHANG ; Shu SHI ; Ning WANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Li WANG ; Haihu HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):38-43
BACKGROUND:Cardiac dysfunction due to spinal cord injury is an important factor of death in patients with spinal cord injury;however,the specific mechanism is still not clear.Therefore,revealing the mechanism of cardiac dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients is of great significance to improve their quality of life and survival rate. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of luteolin in improving serum-induced myocardial cell death in spinal cord injury rats. METHODS:Allen's impact instrument was used to damage the spine T9-T11 of male SD rats to establish a spinal cord injury model meanwhile a sham operation group was set as the control group.The serum of rats of each group was collected.H9c2 cells were divided into a blank control group,a sham operated rat serum group,a spinal cord injury rat serum group and a luteolin pretreatment group.The cells in blank control group were only cultured with ordinary culture medium.The cells in the sham operated rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from sham operated rat.The cells in the spinal cord injury rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from spinal cord injury rat.The cells in the luteolin pretreatment group were precultured with a final concentration of 20 μmol/L luteolin for 4 hours and then changed to a medium containing 10%rat serum from spinal cord injury rat.After 24 hours of culture,the survival rate of each group of H9c2 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of autophagy related protein LC3 and p62 in H9c2 cells in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,there was no significant change in cell survival rate in the sham operated rat serum group(P>0.05).Compared with the sham operated rat serum group,the cell survival rate(P<0.01)and the expression of LC3 protein(P<0.05)in spinal cord injury rat serum group was significantly reduced,and the expression of p62 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the spinal cord injury rat serum group,the survival rate of cells in the luteolin pretreatment group significantly increased(P<0.000 1);the expression of LC3 protein significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression of p62 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results indicate that luteolin may improve myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury by promoting autophagy.
8.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.
9.Mechanism of Huangqi Gegen Decoction in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via Intestinal Mucosal Barrier
Lili PENG ; Miao HAO ; Zhijun YANG ; Yajie LIU ; Hongxia YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):1-9
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huangqi Gegentang (HGT) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through the application of proteomic techniques. MethodsThe rat model of T2DM was established by streptozotocin combined with a high-fat, high-sugar diet. Thirty-two male SD rats were randomized into four groups: blank, model, HGT (8.10 g·kg-1·d-1), and positive control (metformin hydrochloride, 76.5 mg·kg-1·d-1). After 6 weeks of drug intervention, the fasting blood glucose level was measured, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to assess the level of glycated hemoglobin (GHbA1c) in the serum. The limulus amebocyte lysate assay was employed to measure the serum level of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pathological changes in the colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in the colon tissue were quantified via Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Additionally, the protein and mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in the colon tissue were assessed by Western blot and Real-time PCR, respectively. Label-free quantitative proteomics was employed to identify the differentially expressed proteins between the colon tissue samples from the blank, model, and HGT groups. Key proteins identified were subsequently validated by Western blot and Real-time PCR. Finally, bioinformatics analysis was conducted on the differentially expressed proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited increased fasting blood glucose, AUC, and GHbA1c levels (P<0.01), damaged colonic mucosal epithelial structure and inflammatory cell infiltration, up-regulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and an increase in serum LPS content (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in the colon (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the HGT group showed reductions in fasting blood glucose, AUC, and GHbA1c (P<0.01), alleviated damage to the colonic mucosal epithelium, down-regulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon, a reduction in serum LPS content (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in the colon (P<0.05, P<0.01). Proteomics analysis identified 70 differentially expressed proteins that exhibited a downward trend in the model group relative to the blank group and an upward trend in the HGT group relative to the model group. These findings were corroborated by Western blot and Real-time PCR, which confirmed that the protein and mRNA levels of mucin 2 (Muc2) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor 1 (Tgfbr1) in the colon tissue were consistent with the proteomic data. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these 70 differentially expressed proteins identified were significantly enriched in multiple signaling pathways, among which the TGF-β and advanced glycation endproduct (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE) signaling pathways were closely associated with damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. This suggests that HGT may ameliorate intestinal mucosal barrier damage by regulating these pathways. ConclusionHGT potentially exerts anti-T2DM effects by influencing AGE/RAGE and TGF-β signaling pathways, thereby contributing to the restoration of the intestinal mucosal barrier.
10.Comparing the effectiveness of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays and full crowns in the restoration of cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
ZHANG Hao ; TIAN Yuan ; LI Zhuangzhuang ; ZHANG Min ; ZHOU Haolin ; LIU Jianguo
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(8):639-649
Objective:
This study compares the effects of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays and full crowns in restoring cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, providing a reference for the restoration method of cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.
Methods:
This study was approved by the hospital’s medical ethics committee, and all patients signed the informed consent form. Patients with cracked teeth who underwent root canal treatment in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 patients were screened and enrolled, with a total of 60 affected teeth. The patients were divided into the onlay group and full crown group at a ratio of 2:3 using the random number table method. Lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays were used to restore the affected teeth in the onlay group (24 cases), and lithium disilicate glass ceramic full crowns were used to restore the affected teeth in the full crown group (36 cases). At 3, 6, and 12 months after the repair, the restoration effect was evaluated and compared with the modified USPH Standard (the aesthetic, functional, and biological aspects of restorations). According to the biological definition of survival, survival analysis was conducted on the affected teeth in both groups.
Results:
At 3, 6, and 12 months after the repair, 85% of cases in the onlay group achieved grade A, while 80% of cases in the full crown group achieved grade A. There was no statistically significant difference in the restoration effects between the onlay group and the full crown group (P > 0.05). The 12-month survival rate of cracked teeth in the onlay group reached 95.65%, and the 12-month survival rate of cracked teeth in the full crown group reached 94.12%. There was no statistically significant difference in the retention of the affected teeth (P > 0.05). There was no significant effect of age, gender, tooth position, dentition, direction of cracks, the number of marginal ridges associated with cracks, or the type of restoration on the survival status of cracked teeth. (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
For cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, the short-term effect of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays is comparable to that of full crowns, and both have good short-term effects. Onlays are less invasive and are expected to become an alternative restoration method to full crowns.


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