1.Applications of Vaterite in Drug Loading and Controlled Release
Xiao-Hui SONG ; Ming-Yu PAN ; Jian-Feng XU ; Zheng-Yu HUANG ; Qing PAN ; Qing-Ning LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):162-181
Currently, the drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanomaterials has become a hot interdisciplinary research topic. One of the core issues is drug loading and controlled release, in which the key lever is carriers. Vaterite, as an inorganic porous nano-material, is one metastable structure of calcium carbonate, full of micro or nano porous. Recently, vaterite has attracted more and more attention, due to its significant advantages, such as rich resources, easy preparations, low cost, simple loading procedures, good biocompatibility and many other good points. Vaterite, gained from suitable preparation strategies, can not only possess the good drug carrying performance, like high loading capacity and stable loading efficiency, but also improve the drug release ability, showing the better drug delivery effects, such as targeting release, pH sensitive release, photothermal controlled release, magnetic assistant release, optothermal controlled release. At the same time, the vaterite carriers, with good safety itself, can protect proteins, enzymes, or other drugs from degradation or inactivation, help imaging or visualization with loading fluorescent drugs in vitro and in vivo, and play synergistic effects with other therapy approaches, like photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and thermochemotherapy. Latterly, some renewed reports in drug loading and controlled release have led to their widespread applications in diverse fields, from cell level to clinical studies. This review introduces the basic characteristics of vaterite and briefly summarizes its research history, followed by synthesis strategies. We subsequently highlight recent developments in drug loading and controlled release, with an emphasis on the advantages, quantity capacity, and comparations. Furthermore, new opportunities for using vaterite in cell level and animal level are detailed. Finally, the possible problems and development trends are discussed.
2.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
3.A new suberin from roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf
Bo-wen ZHANG ; Meng LI ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Ying YANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Si-qi TAO ; Meng YANG ; Deng-hui ZHU ; Ya-tong XU ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Xiao-ke ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):661-666
Six compounds were isolated from the roots of
4.Two new dalbergiphenols from Zhuang medicine Dalbergia rimosa Roxb
Cheng-sheng LU ; Wei-yu WANG ; Min ZHU ; Si-si QIN ; Zhao-hui LI ; Chen-yan LIANG ; Xu FENG ; Jian-hua WEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):418-423
Twelve compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the 80% aqueous ethanol extract of the roots and stems of
5.Diagnostic value of multimodal MR in differentiating fibroadenoma from phyllodes tumor with maximum diameter≥5 cm
Lijia WANG ; Hui FENG ; Jiangyang PAN ; Qian XU ; Qi WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(3):377-380,410
Objective To analyze the clinical and MR characteristics of fibroadenoma(FA)and phyllodes tumor(PT)with maxi-mum diameter≥5 cm.Methods A total of 33 cases with FA and 34 cases with PT were selected,and all lesions with maximum diameter≥5 cm were confirmed by surgical pathology.The clinical and MR characteristics were analyzed retrospectively.Results PT and FA with tumor maximum diameter≥5 cm were more common in perimenopausal women[(47.35±11.36)years old vs(49.42±11.73)years old,P>0.05],while the FA patient was with the wider age range(19-79 years old).There was statistically significant difference in tumor maximum diameter between PT group and FA group(P<0.001),and tumor maximum diameter of PT group(median 7.06 cm,tumor maximum diameter 17.3 cm)was significantly larger than that of FA group.Coarse calcification was more common in the FA group compared to the PT group(5 vs 0,P=0.011).High signal on T1WI was more common in PT group rela-tive to FA group(50%vs 9.1%,P<0.001).There were no significant differences between the two groups in four characteristics,including tumor margin lobulation(97.1%vs 81.8%),T2WI low signal separation(32.4%vs 30.3%),fibroglandular tissue(FGT),and background parenchymal enhancement(BPE)(P>0.05).Time-signal intensity curve(TIC)of FA group showed typeⅠ and Ⅱ curves,while 4 cases(11.8%)in PT group showed type Ⅲ curves,and there was statistically significant difference in TIC between the two groups(P=0.008).The apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)values of PT group[(1.48±0.17)×10-3mm2/s]was slightly lower than that of FA group[(1.55±0.20)×10-3 mm2/s],and there was no significant difference in ADC between the two groups(P>0.05).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve showed that the best diagnostic cut-off value for distinguishing between PT and FA with maximum diameter≥5 cm was 6.36 cm,the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.927[95%confidence in-terval(CI)0.860-0.994;P<0.001].The AUC of the T1 WI high signal was 0.705,and the standard error was 0.065(95%CI 0.578-0.831;P=0.004).Conclusion Among FA and PT with tumor maximum diameter≥5 cm,PT appear to be more larger lesion and prone to higher signal intensity on T1WI compared to FA,while coarse calcification is more common in FA.
6.Protective Effects of Danmu Extract Syrup on Acute Lung Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice through Endothelial Barrier Repair.
Han XU ; Si-Cong XU ; Li-Yan LI ; Yu-Huang WU ; Yin-Feng TAN ; Long CHEN ; Pei LIU ; Chang-Fu LIANG ; Xiao-Ning HE ; Yong-Hui LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(3):243-250
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of Danmu Extract Syrup (DMS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and explore the mechanism.
METHODS:
Seventy-two male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table (n=12), including control (normal saline), LPS (5 mg/kg), LPS+DMS 2.5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 10 mL/kg, and LPS+Dexamethasone (DXM, 5 mg/kg) groups. After pretreatment with DMS and DXM, the ALI mice model was induced by LPS, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected to determine protein concentration, cell counts and inflammatory cytokines. The lung tissues of mice were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was calculated. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 β in BALF of mice were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of Claudin-5, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and Akt were detected by Western blot analysis.
RESULTS:
DMS pre-treatment significantly ameliorated lung histopathological changes. Compared with the LPS group, the W/D ratio and protein contents in BALF were obviously reduced after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The number of cells in BALF and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity decreased significantly after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DMS pre-treatment decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β (P<0.01). Meanwhile, DMS activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and reversed the expressions of Claudin-5, VE-cadherin and VEGF (P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
DMS attenuated LPS-induced ALI in mice through repairing endothelial barrier. It might be a potential therapeutic drug for LPS-induced lung injury.
Mice
;
Male
;
Animals
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Lipopolysaccharides
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Claudin-5/metabolism*
;
Acute Lung Injury/chemically induced*
;
Lung/pathology*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal
7.Exploring the Effect of Shuwei Decoction (舒胃汤) for Rats with Functional Dyspepsia of Liver-Depression and Spleen-Deficiency Syndrome Model on the Ultrastructure of ENS-PDGFRα+ Cell-SMC Network in Gastric Sinusoidal Tissues
Junyao LIANG ; Xuan GUO ; Dexu ZHANG ; Man ZHOU ; Jie XIAO ; Chusen TANG ; Hui FENG ; Yin XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(12):1269-1278
ObjectiveBased on the ultrastructure of enteric nervous system (ENS)-platelet-derived growth factor receptor α positive (PDGFRα+) cell - smooth muscle cell (SMC) network, the effect and mechanism of Shuwei Decoction (舒胃汤) for rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) of liver-depression and spleen-deficiency syndrome were explored. MethodsFifty SD rats were divided into blank group, model group, low-, medium- and high-dose Shuwei Decoction groups randomly, with 10 rats in each group. The blank group was not set up, and the other 4 groups were set up with the modified composite cause (chronic restraint stress + tail irritation + excessive fatigue + diet disorder) for 21 days, resulting in FD model rats with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency syndrome. After successful modelling, rats in the low-, medium- and high-dose groups were given 3.78, 7.56 and 15.12 g/(kg·d) of Shuwei Decoction by gavage, respectively, while rats in the blank group and the model group were given 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline by gavage; all of them were given gavage once a day for 14 days. Body mass increase were collected before and after gavage, and compared after the experiment; the elevated cross maze experiment was conducted to observe the percentage of staying time and the percentage of times entering the open arm of rats; the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were measured by black semi-solid paste; HE staining was used to observe histopathology of the gastric antrum; the Western Blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression levels of PDGFRα, small conductance calcium activated potassium (SK3), and purinergic G protein-coupled receptor P2Y1 (P2Y1 R), and mRNA expression in gastric antrum; immunofluorescence double staining was used to detect the co-localization of PDGFRα with receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), Sk3, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in gastric sinusoidal tissues; and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the ENS-PDGFRα+ cell-SMC network. ResultsHE staining results showed that the mucosal folds of gastric tissue were clear in all groups, no organic lesions such as bleeding, ulceration and swelling were observed, and the arrangement of gastric glands in the lamina propria of gastric sinusoidal tissues in model group and low-dose Shuwei Decoction group was disordered. The arrangement of gastric glands in lamina propria in medium- and high-dose Shuwei Decoction groups was more orderly, and the lesion degree was less than that in model group and low-dose Shuwei Decoction group. Compared with the blank group, the growth value of body mass, the percentage of open arm retention time, the percentage of times entering the open arm, the small intestine propulsion rate, and the gastric empty rate of rats in the model group significantly decreased after gavage; the expressions of PDGFRα, Sk3, P2Y1 protein and mRNA in gastric sinusoidal tissues decreased; the co-localization expression of PDGFRα with C-kit, Sk3, SMC and PGP9.5 significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the ultrastructure of ENS-PDGFRα+ cell-SMC network was damaged without gap junction. Compared with model group and low-dose Shuwei Decoction group, the growth value of body mass, the percentage of open arm retention time, the percentage of times entering the open arm, the small intestine propulsion rate, and the gastric empting rate of rats in medium- and high-dose Shuwei Decoction groups increased after gavage; the expressions of PDGFRα, Sk3, P2Y1 protein and mRNA in gastric sinusoidal tissues increased; the co-localization expression of PDGFRα with C-kit, Sk3, SMC and PGP9.5 significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the ultrastructure of ENS-PDGFRα+ cell-SMC network was intact. Compared with medium-dose Shuwei Decoction group, the protein expressions of PDGFRα, Sk3 and P2Y1, the mRNA expressions of PDGFRα and Sk3, and the co-localization expressions of PDGFRα and C-kit, Sk3, SMC, and PGP9.5 in high-dose Shuwei Decoction group increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionShuwei Decoction can improve the pathological lesion of the gastric antrum in the FD model rats with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency syndrome and increase the gastric emptying rate as well as the small intestinal propusion rate. The mechanism of Shuwei Decoction on FD rats with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency syndrome is related to the protection of the ultrastructural integrity of ENS-PDGFRα+ cell-SMC network.
8.A new pyrazine from Hypecoum erectum L.
Yun LIU ; Meng-ya HU ; Wen-jing ZHANG ; Yu-xin FAN ; Rui-wen XU ; Deng-hui ZHU ; Yan-jun SUN ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Hui CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):183-187
Four pyrazines were isolated from the
9.Tumor mechanomedicine
Hui GUO ; Yusheng HE ; Mengjie LIU ; Bo CHENG ; Feng XU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(6):536-548
Malignant tumors represent a significant health challenge, critically impacting human well-being. Malignant tumors have become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, nearly one-sixth of global deaths in 2020 were caused by malignant tumors. The burden of malignant tumors in our country is also increasing. In recent years, with population aging and changes in lifestyle, the incidence and mortality rates of malignant tumors in China have been steadily rising, malignant tumors have gradually become one of the main causes of death in China. Developing effective diagnostic and treatment methods is of great significance in reducing the burden of malignant tumors in our country. Historically, the focus has been on leveraging the biochemical cues of tumors for both diagnosis and treatment. While valuable, this strategy does not recapitulate the full complexity of tumor diagnosis and management. Recently, the integration of biomechanics and mechanobiology with oncology has highlighted the importance of mechanical cues, which have emerged as new hallmarks of tumors, regulating tumor initiation and development are expected to open potential novel routes for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Despite the advances, a thorough literature review suggests a pronounced gap in our understanding of the mechanical properties of tumors. The clinical community has not yet completely recognized the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of the mechanical cues of tumors. To bridge this knowledge gap, we propose and introduce the paradigm of "Tumor Mechanomedicine". We provide a comprehensive overview of the multi-scale mechanical characteristics of tumors, exploring their influence on tumor biology, from the aspects of tumor biomechanics, tumor mechanobiology, tumor mechanodiagnostics, and tumor mechanotherapeutics. By elucidating the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these mechanical cues, we aim to furnish the oncology community with fresh insights, paving the way for innovative solutions to persistent clinical conundrums.
10.Oral mechanomedicine
Hui ZHANG ; Ye LI ; Dandan PEI ; Feng XU ; Ang LI
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2024;59(12):1197-1205
In the past decades, we have witnessed considerable advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases. However, there still remain significant challenges, such as the regeneration of functional oral tissues. Therefore, new approaches are urgently needed. The oral is a complex biomechanical system where mechanics plays an essential role in the development and functioning of tissues and organs, as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Thus, the integration of mechanics into oral disease diagnostics and therapeutics warrants greater attention. To date, the potential of mechanics in oral healthcare has not been sufficiently explored. Recent advancements in biomechanics and mechanobiology within oral medicine have underscored the growing relevance of mechanical theories, analytical methods, innovative technologies, and novel biomaterials in disease diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, this paper proposes the concept of "Oral Mechanomedicine" by summarizing research progress both domestically and internationally. It systematically describes the influence and mechanisms of mechanics in the etiology, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases across four domains, i.e., oral biomechanics, oral mechanobiology, oral mechanodiagnostics, and oral mechanotherapy. Our aim is to enable more precise diagnoses, effective treatments, and comprehensive oral disease management. Additionally, this paper offers insights into the future trajectory of Oral Mechanomedicine, proposing new theoretical viewpoints and practical approaches to advance the field of oral medicine.

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