1.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
2.Association between improved erectile function and dietary patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Bin YANG ; Chao WEI ; Yu-Cong ZHANG ; De-Lin MA ; Jian BAI ; Zhuo LIU ; Xia-Ming LIU ; Ji-Hong LIU ; Xiao-Yi YUAN ; Wei-Min YAO
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):239-244
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.
Humans
;
Male
;
Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology*
;
Diet
;
Diet, Fat-Restricted
;
Feeding Behavior
;
Penile Erection/physiology*
;
Diet, Vegetarian
3.Study on the Mechanism of Piperlongumine Inducing Ferroptosis in K562/ADR Cells through the miR-214-3p/GPX4 Pathway.
Ting ZHANG ; Cui-Cui WANG ; Cong ZHU ; Xin-Yu ZHOU ; Xiu-Hong JIA
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(4):1007-1015
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effect of piperlongumine(PL) on the proliferation and ferroptosis of human adriamycin-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia K562/ADR cells, and to explore its possible molecular mechanism.
METHODS:
CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of PL on the survival rate of K562/ADR cells and to screen the appropriate drug concentration. After K562/ADR cells were treated with low, medium and high concentrations of PL(2, 4, and 6 μmol/L), EdU proliferation assay and plate colony formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation and colony formation ability. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of different inhibitors (Fer-1, Z-VAD, Nec-1) combined with PL on cell proliferation. The intracellular Fe2+, ROS, malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathine(GSH) contents were respectively detected by iron ion colorimetry, DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, MDA and GSH kits. RT-qPCR and Western blot were respectively used to detect the expression level of GPX4 mRNA and protein in cells. Bioinformatics websites predicted miRNA that could target and regulate GPX4 . RT-qPCR was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of PL on the expression levels of the predicted miRNA. Dual luciferase gene reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-214-3p and GPX4 . After treating cells with PL or PL+miR-214-3p inhibitor, the Fe2+, ROS, MDA, GSH centents and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were detected.
RESULTS:
PL inhibited K562/ADR cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner(r =0.979). Compared with the blank control group, the survival rate, EdU positive cells rate in low, medium and high concentration PL groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with the PL group alone, the survival rate of cells in the Z-VAD+PL group was increased slightly (P < 0.05). The cell survival rate was significantly increased in medium or high concentration PL+Fer-1 group (P < 0.01). Compared with blank control group, ROS expression level in low concentration PL group was slightly increased (P < 0.05), and GSH content was slightly decreased (P < 0.05). In medium and high concentration PL groups, the contents of Fe2+, ROS and MDA were significantly increased (P < 0.01), while the contents of GSH, expression of GPX4 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased(P < 0.01). Bioinformatics prediction and double luciferase reporter gene experiment confirmed the targeting relationship between GPX4 and miR-214-3p. Compared with the blank control group, the expression level of miR-214-3p in cells of medium and high concentration PL groups was significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with PL group alone, the intracellular Fe2+, ROS and MDA contents in PL+miR-214-3p inhibitor group were all decreased (P < 0.01), while GSH content and GPX4 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Medium and high concentrations of PL can inhibit the proliferation of K562/ADR cells by inducing ferroptosis, which is related to the regulation of miR-214-3p pathway.
Humans
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Dioxolanes/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
K562 Cells
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Reactive Oxygen Species
;
Doxorubicin/pharmacology*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Piperidones
4.Multiple biomarkers risk score for accurately predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Zhi-Yong ZHANG ; Xin-Yu WANG ; Cong-Cong HOU ; Hong-Bin LIU ; Lyu LYU ; Mu-Lei CHEN ; Xiao-Rong XU ; Feng JIANG ; Long LI ; Wei-Ming LI ; Kui-Bao LI ; Juan WANG
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(7):656-667
BACKGROUND:
Biomarkers-based prediction of long-term risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. We aim to develop a risk score integrating clinical routine information (C) and plasma biomarkers (B) for predicting long-term risk of ACS patients.
METHODS:
We included 2729 ACS patients from the OCEA (Observation of cardiovascular events in ACS patients). The earlier admitted 1910 patients were enrolled as development cohort; and the subsequently admitted 819 subjects were treated as validation cohort. We investigated 10-year risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI) and all cause death in these patients. Potential variables contributing to risk of clinical events were assessed using Cox regression models and a score was derived using main part of these variables.
RESULTS:
During 16,110 person-years of follow-up, there were 238 CV death/MI in the development cohort. The 7 most important predictors including in the final model were NT-proBNP, D-dimer, GDF-15, peripheral artery disease (PAD), Fibrinogen, ST-segment elevated MI (STEMI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), termed as CB-ACS score. C-index of the score for predication of cardiovascular events was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76-0.82) in development cohort and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76-0.78) in the validation cohort (5832 person-years of follow-up), which outperformed GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS risk score. The CB-ACS score was also well calibrated in development and validation cohort (Greenwood-Nam-D'Agostino: P = 0.70 and P = 0.07, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
CB-ACS risk score provides a useful tool for long-term prediction of CV events in patients with ACS. This model outperforms GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS ischemic risk score.
6.Glucocorticoid Discontinuation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis under Background of Chinese Medicine: Challenges and Potentials Coexist.
Chuan-Hui YAO ; Chi ZHANG ; Meng-Ge SONG ; Cong-Min XIA ; Tian CHANG ; Xie-Li MA ; Wei-Xiang LIU ; Zi-Xia LIU ; Jia-Meng LIU ; Xiao-Po TANG ; Ying LIU ; Jian LIU ; Jiang-Yun PENG ; Dong-Yi HE ; Qing-Chun HUANG ; Ming-Li GAO ; Jian-Ping YU ; Wei LIU ; Jian-Yong ZHANG ; Yue-Lan ZHU ; Xiu-Juan HOU ; Hai-Dong WANG ; Yong-Fei FANG ; Yue WANG ; Yin SU ; Xin-Ping TIAN ; Ai-Ping LYU ; Xun GONG ; Quan JIANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):581-589
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM).
METHODS:
This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS:
Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
;
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Retrospective Studies
7.Anti-SARS-CoV-2 prodrug ATV006 has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against human and animal coronaviruses.
Tiefeng XU ; Kun LI ; Siyao HUANG ; Konstantin I IVANOV ; Sidi YANG ; Yanxi JI ; Hanwei ZHANG ; Wenbin WU ; Ye HE ; Qiang ZENG ; Feng CONG ; Qifan ZHOU ; Yingjun LI ; Jian PAN ; Jincun ZHAO ; Chunmei LI ; Xumu ZHANG ; Liu CAO ; Deyin GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2498-2510
Coronavirus-related diseases pose a significant challenge to the global health system. Given the diversity of coronaviruses and the unpredictable nature of disease outbreaks, the traditional "one bug, one drug" paradigm struggles to address the growing number of emerging crises. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic agents with broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity. Here, we provide evidence that ATV006, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleoside analog targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), has broad antiviral activity against human and animal coronaviruses. Using mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) as a model, we show that ATV006 has potent prophylactic and therapeutic activity against murine coronavirus infection in vivo. Remarkably, ATV006 successfully inhibits viral replication in mice even when administered 96 h after infection. Due to its oral bioavailability and potency against multiple coronaviruses, ATV006 has the potential to become a useful antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2 and other circulating and emerging coronaviruses in humans and animals.
8.Effect of Selinexor on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Kasumi-1 Cells
Lu-Hui LIN ; Sun-Qiao GAO ; Xu-Qiao MEI ; Da-Yi LIN ; Yi-Feng CHEN ; Su-Dan LIN ; Li-Hong ZHUANG ; Cong-Meng LIN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(4):1085-1090
Objective:To investigate the effects of selinexor,a inhibitor of nuclear export protein 1(XPO1)on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells in acute myeloid leukemia(AML).Methods:MTS method was used to detect the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of selinexor on the proliferation of Kasumi-1 cells at different time points.The apoptosis rate and cell cycle changes after treatment with different concentration of selinexor were detected by flow cytometry.Results:Selinexor inhibited the growth of Kasumi-1 cells at different time points in a concentration-dependent manner(r24 h=0.7592,r48 h=0.9456,and r72 h=0.9425).Selinexor inhibited Kasumi-1 cells growth in a time-dependent manner(r=0.9057 in 2.5 μmol/L group,r=0.9897 in 5 μmol/L group and r=0.9994 in 10 μmol/L group).Selinexor could induce apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner(r=0.9732),and the apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells was more obvious with the increase of drug concentration.The proportion of G0/G1 phase was significantly increased and the proportion of S phase was significantly decreased after the treatment of Kasumi-1 cells by selinexor.With the increase of drug concentration,the proportion of Kasumi-1 cells cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase was increased and the cell synthesis was decreased.Conclusion:Selinexor can promote the death of tumor cells by inhibiting Kasumi-1 cells proliferation,inducing apoptosis and blocking cell cycle.
9.The progress of treatment for brain metastases of triple-negative breast cancer
Xiaoshan CAO ; Beibei YANG ; Binbin CONG ; Hong LIU
China Oncology 2024;34(8):777-784
Breast cancer has been the second most common solid tumor that metastasizes to the central nervous system after lung cancer.Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)has an earlier occurrence and high incidence of brain metastasis with its associated poor prognosis and limited treatment options due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier and lack of targeted drugs.Local treatment,including surgery and radiation therapy,are still the main therapy for brain metastasis.Surgical resection can not only relieve neurologic impairment of brain metastasis patients,but also can clarify the pathological type.Moreover,surgical resection combined with radiotherapy can improve the prognosis of brain metastasis patients compared to surgery or radiotherapy alone.By now,whole-brain radiation therapy(WBRT)is still considered the gold standard for multiple brain metastases,and meningeal metastases,but it will lead to neurocognitive decline,so hippocampal avoidance is essential.For selected patients with oligometastases,stereotactic radiotherapy has replaced WBRT to reduce cognitive toxicity.However,local treatment of TNBC brain metastasis cannot control the progress of brain metastasis and has significant side effects,so systemic therapy is needed.Chemotherapy drugs such as capecitabine and cisplatin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier,but their efficacy is limited.Therefore,the research and development of new targeted drugs and the exploration of new targets are necessary for TNBC brain metastasis.Research has found that patients carrying germline BRCA1/2 mutations have a higher risk of brain metastasis.Currently,the poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase(PARP)inhibitor demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with advanced breast cancer and a germline BRCA1/2 mutation,and it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier.The phase Ⅲ trial EMBRACA reported that the PARP inhibitor talazoparib can prolong the progression-free survival of TNBC patients with brain metastasis.In addition,antibody drug conjugates(ADCs)trastuzumab deruxtecan(T-DXd)can also penetrate the blood-brain barrier.Studies such as DEBBRAH have shown that T-DXd has significant therapeutic effects in HER2 positive brain metastasis patients,while research on HER2 low expression patients has not yet reached the endpoint,and its role in TNBC brain metastasis is worth looking forward to.Sacituzumab govitecan(SG)is also an ADC composed of an antibody targeting the human trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2.The phase Ⅲ ASCENT study showed that in the full population(including 61 patients with brain metastasis),SG could significantly prolong the progression-free survival of advanced TNBC patients compared to the patients who received chemotherapy.ANG1005,a novel taxane derivative,can cross the blood-brain barrier as well.A multicenter,open-label phase Ⅱ study revealed that ANG1005 could prolong overall survival of patients with brain metastasis.In addition,phosphoinositide3-kinase,(PI3K)/protein kinase(AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway inhibitors,fatty acid synthase inhibitors,and the drugs with new delivery systems have become potential treatment options for TNBC brain metastasis patients.Although the Impassion 130 reported that no benefit trend for immunotherapy in TNBC brain metastasis,basic research has shown that radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy has a synergistic effect.Currently,multiple clinical trials(NCT03483012,NCT03449238,etc.)are exploring the efficacy of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in brain metastasis,and the results are promising.This article reviewed the research progress of TNBC brain metastasis treatment.
10.Longitudinal intussusception versus end-to-side vasoepididymostomy:Comparison of their recanalization rates
Lu-Gang ZHAO ; Hong CHEN ; Gui-Hua LIU ; Cong FANG ; Xiao-Yan LIANG ; Jing ZHANG
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(11):1002-1008
Objective:To compare the recanalization rate of 2-suture longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy(LIVE)with that of4-suture end-to-side vasoepididymostomy(ESVE).Methods:This retrospective case-control study included 127 cases of obstructive azoospermia(OA)treated by LIVE(n=87)or ESVE(n=40)in our Center of Reproductive Medicine from October 2013 to July 2024.We analyzed the clinical data and compared the age,testis volume,level of serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),operation time and postoperative recanalization rate between the two groups.Results:Spermatozoa were observed in 90(70.9%)of the 127 cases after surgery.There were no statistical differences in age,testis volume and FSH between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05),and nor were there any serious surgical complications.The operation time was significantly longer in the ESVE than in the LIVE group(22.0[20.0-25.8]vs 17.0[15.0-23.0]min,P<0.05),while the postoperative recanalization rate remarkably higher in the former than in the latter group(85.0%vs 64.4%,P<0.05).Vasoepididymostomy was performed at the caput epididymis in 11 cases,with a higher recanalization rate in the ESVE than in the LIVE group(50.0%[1/2]vs 33.3%[3/9]).Conclusion:ESVE achieved a higher postoperative recanalization rate than LIVE in the treatment of OA,but its advanta-ges need further investigation.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail