1.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.
2.Uniportal endoscopic decompression and debridement for infectious diseases of spine with neurological deficits: a retrospective study in China
Hui LV ; Jianhong ZHOU ; Yuan GUO ; Sheng LIAO ; Hui CHEN ; Fei LUO ; Jianzhong XU ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(2):205-216
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05).
Conclusions
UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.
3.Uniportal endoscopic decompression and debridement for infectious diseases of spine with neurological deficits: a retrospective study in China
Hui LV ; Jianhong ZHOU ; Yuan GUO ; Sheng LIAO ; Hui CHEN ; Fei LUO ; Jianzhong XU ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(2):205-216
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05).
Conclusions
UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.
4.Uniportal endoscopic decompression and debridement for infectious diseases of spine with neurological deficits: a retrospective study in China
Hui LV ; Jianhong ZHOU ; Yuan GUO ; Sheng LIAO ; Hui CHEN ; Fei LUO ; Jianzhong XU ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(2):205-216
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05).
Conclusions
UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.
5.Regulation of Immune Function by Exercise-induced Metabolic Remodeling
Hui-Guo WANG ; Gao-Yuan YANG ; Xian-Yan XIE ; Yu WANG ; Zi-Yan LI ; Lin ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1574-1586
Exercise-induced metabolic remodeling is a fundamental adaptive process whereby the body reorganizes systemic and cellular metabolism to meet the dynamic energy demands posed by physical activity. Emerging evidence reveals that such remodeling not only enhances energy homeostasis but also profoundly influences immune function through complex molecular interactions involving glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. This review presents an in-depth synthesis of recent advances, elucidating how exercise modulates immune regulation via metabolic reprogramming, highlighting key molecular mechanisms, immune-metabolic signaling axes, and the authors’ academic perspective on the integrated “exercise-metabolism-immunity” network. In the domain of glucose metabolism, regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hyperglycemia, thereby attenuating glucose toxicity-induced immune dysfunction. It suppresses the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and interrupts the AGEs-RAGE-inflammation positive feedback loop in innate and adaptive immune cells. Importantly, exercise-induced lactate, traditionally viewed as a metabolic byproduct, is now recognized as an active immunomodulatory molecule. At high concentrations, lactate can suppress immune function through pH-mediated effects and GPR81 receptor activation. At physiological levels, it supports regulatory T cell survival, promotes macrophage M2 polarization, and modulates gene expression via histone lactylation. Additionally, key metabolic regulators such as AMPK and mTOR coordinate immune cell energy balance and phenotype; exercise activates the AMPK-mTOR axis to favor anti-inflammatory immune cell profiles. Simultaneously, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is transiently activated during exercise, driving glycolytic reprogramming in T cells and macrophages, and shaping the immune landscape. In lipid metabolism, exercise alleviates adipose tissue inflammation by reducing fat mass and reshaping the immune microenvironment. It promotes the polarization of adipose tissue macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Moreover, exercise alters the secretion profile of adipokines—raising adiponectin levels while reducing leptin and resistin—thereby influencing systemic immune balance. At the circulatory level, exercise improves lipid profiles by lowering pro-inflammatory free fatty acids (particularly saturated fatty acids) and triglycerides, while enhancing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function, which has immunoregulatory properties such as endotoxin neutralization and macrophage cholesterol efflux. Regarding protein metabolism, exercise triggers the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) that act as intracellular chaperones and extracellular immune signals. Exercise also promotes the secretion of myokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-15, irisin, FGF21) from skeletal muscle, which modulate immune responses, facilitate T cell and macrophage function, and support immunological memory. Furthermore, exercise reshapes amino acid metabolism, particularly of glutamine, arginine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), thereby influencing immune cell proliferation, biosynthesis, and signaling. Leucine-mTORC1 signaling plays a key role in T cell fate, while arginine metabolism governs macrophage polarization and T cell activation. In summary, this review underscores the complex, bidirectional relationship between exercise and immune function, orchestrated through metabolic remodeling. Future research should focus on causative links among specific metabolites, signaling pathways, and immune phenotypes, as well as explore the epigenetic consequences of exercise-induced metabolic shifts. This integrated perspective advances understanding of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for immune regulation and offers theoretical foundations for individualized exercise prescriptions in health and disease contexts.
6.Mechanism of Active Ingredients of Astragalus Membranacus in Treating Heart Failure: A Review
Min SHI ; Jiaming WEI ; Hui YUAN ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):208-217
Heart failure is one of the main cardiovascular system diseases at present, and it is a clinical syndrome caused by changes in cardiac structure and function, resulting in impaired ejection function or ventricular filling. Therefore, heart failure has become the most important cardiovascular disease in the 21st century. In recent years, the incidence of heart failure is increasing, and the survival rate of patients with heart failure is very low. Traditional Chinese medicine has rich experience in preventing and treating heart failure. With the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, more and more attention has been paid to the research, development, and application of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in improving the heart function of patients with heart failure by treating multiple targets and multiple pathways through syndrome differentiation. Astragalus membranacus, a traditional Chinese medicine, is a kind of medicine that benefits Qi and blood circulation and removes evil spirits. It has the functions of improving myocardial energy metabolism and hemodynamics, protecting myocardial muscle, and promoting angiogenesis. Astragalus membranaceus is often used to treat patients with heart failure, yielding remarkable results. In recent years, it has been found that astragaloside, Astragalus polysaccharide, quercetin, calyx isoflavones, and other main active ingredients of Astragalus membranacus can improve cardiac function and treat heart failure by inhibiting inflammatory response, myocardial apoptosis, and myocardial fibrosis. This paper reviewed the research progress of the action and mechanism of the active ingredients of Astragalus membranacus in the treatment of heart failure by studying relevant literature, with a view to providing a reference for its further research, development, and application in the prevention and treatment of heart failure.
7.Clinical Observation on the Joint Needling Method Combined with Ultrasound in the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome of Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Type
Xiu-Lan LI ; Hui-Kang YUAN ; Shu-Xiong LUO ; Long-An CHEN ; Ai-Guo XUE ; Yu-Bing LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):141-146
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of joint needling method combined with ultrasound in the treatment of qi stagnation and blood stasis type of patellofemoral pain syndrome(PFPS).Methods Eighty-six patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis type of PFPS were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 43 cases in each group.The control group was given western medicine conventional treatment combined with functional exercise,and the observation group was given joint needling method combined with ultrasound treatment on the basis of the control group.Both groups were treated for 2 consecutive weeks.After 2 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of knee pain and the Kujala scale scores of the two groups were observed before and after treatment.The changes in active range of motion(AROM)of the affected knee joint were compared before and after treatment between the two groups.Results(1)After treatment,the VAS scores of the two groups of patients were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the level of VAS scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the Kujala scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the level of Kujala scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the AROM of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the level of AROM,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)The total effective rate was 95.35%(41/43)in the observation group and 81.40%(35/43)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The joint needling method combined with ultrasound can significantly relieve the pain symptoms of patients with PFPS and promote the recovery of knee joint function,and the clinical efficacy is remarkable.
8.Effect of Yixintai on Mitochondrial Fission Proteins Fis1 and Mff in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure
Chengxin LIU ; Jiaming WEI ; Ziyan WANG ; Min SHI ; Hui YUAN ; Yun TANG ; Ya LI ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):143-151
ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Yixintai on mitochondrial fission proteins in the rat model of chronic heart failure. MethodTen of 60 SD rats were randomly selected as the sham operation group, and the remaining 50 rats were subjected to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for the modeling of heart failure post myocardial infarction. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.4, 2.8, and 5.6 g·kg-1, respectively) Yixintai, and trimetazidine (10 mg·kg-1) groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding doses of drugs by gavage, and the rats in the model group and sham operation group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 28 consecutive days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was then employed to measure the levels of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the serum. Color Doppler ultrasound imaging was conducted to examine the cardiac function indicators. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were conducted to observe the pathological changes in the heart, and Image J was used to calculate collagen volume fraction (CVF). Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of myocardial cells. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to measure the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1) and mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) in the outer mitochondrial membrane of the myocardial tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed elevated levels of NT-pro BNP and BNP in the serum, decreased ATP content, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), disarrangement of myocardial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, increased collagen fibers and CVF, damaged myocardium and mitochondria, and increased apoptosis rate of myocardial cells, and up-regulated expression of Fis1 and Mff in the cardiac tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, different doses of Yixintai and trimetazidine lowered the serum levels of NT-pro BNP and BNP (P<0.05), increased the ATP content (P<0.05), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd and LVIDs (P<0.01). Moreover, the drugs alleviated the myocardial inflammatory damage and fibrosis, reduced CVF (P<0.01), repaired the myocardial mitochondrial structure, and decreased the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells (P<0.01). Medium- and high-dose Yixintai and trimetazidine down-regulated the expression of Fis1 and Mff in the myocardial tissue (P<0.05). ConclusionYixintai can improve mitochondrial structure, reduce myocardial cell apoptosis, and improve cardiac function by inhibiting the expression of Fis1 and Mff in the myocardial tissue.
9.Study on the effect of different administration regimens of iprrazole enteric-coated tablets on inhibiting gastric acid secretion
Ting-Yuan PANG ; Zhi WANG ; Zi-Shu HU ; Zi-Han SHEN ; Yue-Qi WANG ; Ya-Qian CHEN ; Xue-Bing QIAN ; Jin-Ying LIANG ; Liang-Ying YI ; Jun-Long LI ; Zhi-Hui HAN ; Guo-Ping ZHONG ; Guo-Hua CHENG ; Hai-Tang HU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(1):92-96
Objective To compare the effects of 20 mg qd and 10 mg bidadministration of iprrazole enteric-coated tablets on the control of gastric acid in healthy subjects.Methods A randomized,single-center,parallel controlled trial was designed to include 8 healthy subjects.Randomly divided into 2 groups,20 mg qd administration group:20 mg enteric-coated tablets of iprrazole in the morning;10 mg bid administration group:10 mg enteric-coated tablets of iprrazole in the morning and 10 mg in the evening.The pH values in the stomach of the subjects before and 24 h after administration were monitored by pH meter.The plasma concentration of iprazole after administration was determined by HPLC-MS/MS.The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Phoenix WinNonlin(V8.0)software.Results The PK parameters of iprrazole enteric-coated tablets and reference preparations in fasting group were as follows:The Cmax of 20 mg qd group and 10 mg bid group were(595.75±131.15)and(283.50±96.98)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(5 531.94±784.35)and(4 686.67±898.23)h·ng·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were(6 003.19±538.59)and(7 361.48±1 816.77)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The mean time percentage of gastric pH>3 after 20 mg qd and 10 mg bid were 82.64%and 61.92%,and the median gastric pH within 24 h were 6.25±1.49 and 3.53±2.05,respectively.The mean gastric pH values within 24 h were 5.71±1.36 and 4.23±1.45,respectively.The correlation analysis of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics showed that there was no significant correlation between the peak concentration of drug in plasma and the inhibitory effect of acid.Conclusion Compared with the 20 mg qd group and the 10 mg bid group,the acid inhibition effect is better,the administration times are less,and the safety of the two administration regimes is good.
10.Pharmacokinetics of single-dose of Etripamil nasal spray in healthy adult Chinese subjects
Wei LIU ; Guo-Ying CAO ; Shu-Yan YU ; Yue-Wen XI ; Jing-Hui LUO ; Bo LIU ; Yu HE ; Tong-Yong FANG ; Xiao-Wen CHEN ; Yuan LI ; Jing ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(13):1948-1952
Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics characteristics of single-dose of Etripamil nasal spray 70 mg in healthy adult Chinese subjects.Methods This was a single-center,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled study.Twelve healthy adult Chinese subjects were randomized to receive single-dose of Etripamil nasal spray 70 mg(n=10)or placebo nasal spray(n=2).Blood and urine samples were collected prior and post dose.Etripamil in plasma and urine were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by WinNonlin non-compartmental model.Results Following the single-dose of Etripamil nasal spray 70 mg in healthy adult Chinese subjects,the peak concentration of Etripamil in plasma was quickly attained,with a Cmax of(66.76±56.61)ng·mL-1 and a median(range)tmax of 4.00(3.00-5.00)min.The plasma concentrations of Etripamil had fallen approximately 65%from peak value at 25 min after dosing,and close to 80%within 50 min.The AUC0-last and AUC0-∞ were(3 104.16±2 654.46)and(4 048.77±2 682.38)ng·min·mL-1,respectively.The urine excretion percentage of Etripamil during 24 h was(0.01±0.01)%.Among the 12 subjects who were treated with Etripamil or placebo,10 subjects reported a total of 29 treatment-emergent adverse events(TEAEs).All of the TEAEs were mild in severity.The most common TEAEs were rhinorrhoea and lacrimation increased.Conclusion Etripamil was quickly absorbed after intranasal administration,followed by rapid distribution and elimination(not primarily excreted by renal);Etripamil 70 mg was safe and well tolerated by the healthy Chinese adult subjects.

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