1.Proteomics combined with bioinformatics analysis of protein markers of dry eye
Yanting YANG ; Yajun SHI ; Guang YANG ; Haiyang JI ; Jie LIU ; Jue HONG ; Dan ZHANG ; Xiaopeng MA
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):104-111
AIM:To analyze differential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of dry eye(DE)using bioinformatics methods, in order to reveal their potential molecular mechanisms.METHODS: Articles published in PubMed and EMBASE databases from the inception of the database to August 31, 2023, that used proteomic methods to detect protein expression in clinical samples of dry eye were searched. Differential proteins were selected and further analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software for hub gene screening and module analysis. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis, gene ontology(GO)functional annotation, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed.RESULTS: A total of 21 articles were included, identifying 74 differentially expressed proteins. The most frequently occurring differential proteins were calgranulin A(SA1008), lipocalin-1(LCN1), lysozyme C(LYZ), mammaglobin-B(SCGB2A1), proline-rich protein 4(PRR4), transferrin(TF), and calgranulinB(S100A9). The top 10 hub genes were serum albumin(ALB), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin 6(IL6), IL1B, IL8, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), alpha-1-antitrypsin(SERPINA1), IL10, complement component 3(C3), and lactotransferrin(LTF). Module analysis suggested MMP9 and PRR4 as seed genes. KEGG analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly enriched in the IL17 signaling pathway(61.9%).CONCLUSION: The results reveal potential molecular targets and pathways for DE and confirm the association between the pathogenesis of DE and inflammation. Further in-depth research is needed to confirm the significance of these biomarkers in clinical practice.
2.Separation of chemical constituents of Tibetan medicine Fallopia aubertii L.Henry Holub by two-dimensional liquid chromatography
Shenghui SHI ; Xiao LIU ; Dong CHEN ; Dijun JI ; Qian MA ; Yongchang LU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(9):443-448
Objective To study the chemical constituents of Fallopia aubertii L.Henry Holub. Methods The chemical constituents of Fallopia aubertii L.Henry Holub. were separated and purified by online two-dimensional preparative liquid chromatography and identified by physical and chemical constants and spectral analysis. The inhibitory activities on xanthine oxidase were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Results Ten compounds were isolated from the extract of Fallopia aubertii L.Henry Holub, including isotachioside(1), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-(6'-O-galloyl)-O-β-D-Glucopyranoside(2), 1-hydroxy-,4,5-1-O-[6'-O-(4''-carboxy-1'',3'',5'trihydrotrimethoxyphenylxy)-phenyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside(3), myricetrin(4), myricetin(5), rutin(6), quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside(7), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(8), lyciumideA(9), and N-trans-Feruloyltyramine(10). The inhibitory activity test results showed that the IC50 of compound 5 was 15.92 μmol/L, and the IC50 of compound 6 was 87.36 μmol/L. Conclusion Compounds 1,2,3,4 and 8 were isolated from Medicago polymorpha for the first time. Compounds 5 and 6 had xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity.
3.The Effects of Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-Relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方) on Cough Sensitivity,TRPV4 in Lung and Nasal Mucosal Tissues,and Neurogenic Inflammation in a Guinea Pig Model of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Jingshu LUO ; Jianling MA ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Song LIU ; Yuhan FAN ; Xianli LI ; Zhaodi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):518-525
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方, QTCD) in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group, model group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and inhibitor group, with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group, guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection, followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling, the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/(100 g·d) by gavage, the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L, 5 min by nebulisation, and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/(100 g·d) normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment, a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group, while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased cough frequency, serum IgE level, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency, serum IgE level, and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, reduced IL-6 in BALF, reduced IL-8 in NLF, and decreased TRPV4, SP, and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TCM group, the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, increased IL-6 level in BALF, and increased IL-8 levle in NLF, but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues (P<0.01). ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway, improving airway neurogenic inflammation, alleviating inflammatory responses, and reducing cough hypersensitivity.
4.Design, synthesis, and antifungal mechanism of carbaline fluorescent probes
Xiao-qing WANG ; Ji YANG ; Qiao SHI ; Dong-jian XU ; Na LIU ; Chun-quan SHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):643-650
Three carboline fluorescent probes F1-F3 were designed and synthesized, based on lead compound JYJ-19, an antifungal compound discovered previously by our group. The antifungal activity
5.Effects of Zishui Qinggan Decoction on the hippocampal protein expressions of ERK,GSK3β,CREB and BDNF in a mouse model of depression induced by chronic restraint stress
Shan-Shan CAO ; Shi-Yu YUAN ; Lei-Lei SHI ; Rui-Hua ZHANG ; Yu-Han ZHANG ; Yong SHI ; Xin WANG ; Chao-Jun HAN ; Ji-Ping LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(1):87-93
AIM To explore the effects of Zishui Qinggan Decoction on the mouse model of depression induced by chronic restraint stress(CRS)via ERK/GSK3β/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.METHODS Except for those of the blank group,the mice of other groups were induced into depression models by CRS,and divided into the model group,the fluoxetine hydrochloride group(10 mg/kg)and the low,medium and high dose Zishui Qinggan Decoction groups(8.835,17.670 and 35.340 g/kg)for the corresponding drug intervention and simultanous CRS treatment.The mice had their sugar water preference experiment and behavior experiment on the 7th and 14th day after administration;the observation of the hippocampal morphological changes by HE staining,the detection of the superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)level in serum by kits,the detection of levels of serum 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)by ELISA,the detection of the hippocampal mRNA expressions of BDNF,TNF-α and IL-1β by RT-qPCR method,and the detection of the hippocampal protein expressions of ERK1/2,p-ERK1/2,GSK3β,p-GSK3β,CREB and BDNF by Western blot method 14 days after administration.RESULTS Compared with the model group,after 14 days of administration,both fluoxetine hydrochloride group and medium-dose Zishui Qinggan Decoction group displayed increased preference rate of sugar water(P<0.01),shortened immobility time of tail suspension and forced swimming(P<0.01),improved hippocampal damage of nerve cells,decreased levels of serum MDA,TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01),increased SOD activity and 5-HT level(P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased hippocampal mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01),and decreased expressions of BDNF mRNA and p-ERK1/2,p-GSK3β,CREB and BDNF proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Zishui Qinggan Decoction can improve the depression-like behaviors in mice exposed to CRS,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of hippocampal ERK/GSK3β/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.
6.Effect of family-based weight management on cardiac function and readmission in elderly patients with heart failure
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2024;23(2):120-125
Objective:To explore the effect of family-based body weight management on cardiac function and readmission in patients with chronic heart failure.Methods:The study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Elderly patients with heart failure who were treated in Yichuan Community Health Service Center of Putuo District from June 2019 to May 2020 were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the intervention group. All patients were treated with anti-heart failure drugs; in addition, the intervention group received family-based weight management and the control group received the conventional weight management. The cognition of self-management and weight management of patients was assessed by the Heart Failure Patient Self-Management Scale and the Weight Management Scale, before intervention and after 12 months of intervention, respectively. At the same time, the 6-min walking test, the New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function grading assessment were performed, plasma N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined and body weight measurement was completed; and the readmissions of patients due to heart failure during follow-up were recorded.Results:A total of 249 patients aged (65.2±2.9) years, including 104 males (41.8%) were enrolled; there were 124 in the intervention group and 125 in the control group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, marital status and educational level between the two groups (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the baseline scores of the Heart Failure Patient Self-Management Scale between the two groups (all P>0.05). After intervention, all scores of the intervention group were significantly better than those of the control group (all P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the scores of the Weight Management Scale between the two groups before intervention (all P>0.05), whereas all scores of the intervention group were significantly better than those of the control group after intervention (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in body weight between the two groups before intervention ( P=0.397), while the average body weight of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group after intervention ( P=0.029). At baseline, there were no significant differences in the LVEF, NT-proBNP level, 6-min walking distance, and the proportion of NYHA patients with grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ heart function between the two groups (all P>0.05). After intervention, LVEF and 6-min walking distance of patients in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.01); the plasma NT-proBNP level and the proportion of NYHA grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01). During follow-up, the rate of readmission due to heart failure in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.001). Conclusion:Family-based weight management can improve heart function and reduce the readmission rate in elderly patients with heart failure.
7.Historical Evolution and Key Information Research on Famous Classical Formula Zuoguiyin
Xun JI ; Xiaoxia SUN ; Yangkai SHI ; Kaifeng WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):160-168
Zuoguiyin, which first recorded in Jingyue Quanshu written by ZHANG Jiebin in the Ming dynasty, was included in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The Second Batch). This study followed the Principles of Textual Research on Key Information of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas to determine the key information of Zuoguiyin in ancient and modern literature, such as the formula origin, the composition of the formula and the origin of the drugs. It was found that the composition, dosage, preparation and processing methods of Zuoguiyin were basically the same as the original formula. The original dosage of this formula is 41.03 g of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata(the fresh or dried tuberous roots of Rehmannia glutinosa, processed by wine stewing or wine steaming), 7.46 g of Dioscoreae Rhizoma(the dried rhizomes of Dioscorea opposita), 7.46 g of Lycii Fructus(the dried mature fruit of Lycium barbarum), 3.73 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle(the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, processed by honey-roasted method), 5.595 g of Poria(the sclerotium of Poria cocos), 5.595 g of Corni Fructus(the dried mature fruit pulp of Cornus officinalis). The method of administration is to add 600 mL of water to all the herbs, decoct to 140 mL and take before meals. The function of Zuoguiyin is to nourish Yin and tonify the kidney, and it is often used in the treatment of lumbar soreness and ejaculation, night sweating, dry mouth and throat, thirst and desire to drink, glossy red tongue, thin and rapid pulse, etc. Since ancient times, Zuoguiyin has been used to treat a variety of internal and gynaecological diseases as well as diseases of the nervous, circulatory and reproductive systems that are predominantly caused by kidney Yin deficiency. However, there is not much research on the modern application and therapeutic mechanism of this formula, and there is no standardized preparation in the market, so the degree of development and utilization is not high, and there is still a lot of room for research.
8.The therapeutic effect of Kuijie enema combined with Western medicine on patients with ulcerative colitis
Ji LIU ; Bin SHI ; Xueli ZENG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2024;26(2):240-244
Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine formula Kuijie enema combined with Western medicine on patients with ulcerative colitis.Methods:A clinical prospective randomized trial was conducted, and 107 patients with ulcerative colitis admitted to the Shiyan People′s Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were included in the study. They were randomly divided into a combination group of 54 cases and a control group of 53 cases using a random number table method. Both groups of patients received the same basic treatment plan, and the combination group was treated with traditional Chinese medicine formula for ulcerative colitis enema on this basis. Both groups of patients were treated continuously for 4 weeks, We observed the differences in serum inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), monocyte chemokine 1 (MCP1)], Mayo score, endoscopic mucosal score, traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, and clinical treatment efficacy between two groups of patients before and after treatment.Results:After treatment, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP1 in the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and IL-10 was higher (all P<0.05), and the changes of the above inflammatory factors were more obvious in the combined group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). After treatment, the Mayo score and endoscopic mucosal score of both groups of patients decreased compared to before treatment (all P<0.05), and the Mayo score and endoscopic mucosal score of patients in the combination group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores of both groups decreased compared to before treatment (all P<0.05), and the combined group patients had lower scores for diarrhea, abdominal pain, pus and bloody stools, urgency and weight, and anal burning than the control group, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). Both groups of patients were treated continuously for 4 weeks, and the overall efficacy distribution of the combination group was better than that of the control group ( Z=-2.274, P=0.023). Conclusions:The combination of traditional Chinese medicine formula Kuijie enema liquid and Western medicine can more effectively reduce the degree of inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve clinical treatment effectiveness.
9.Clinical analysis of metagenome next-generation sequencing for diagnosing invasive fungal disease in patients with early stage of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Yuhan JI ; Mingyue PAN ; Xiaoyu LAI ; Lizhen LIU ; Jimin SHI ; Yanmin ZHAO ; Jian YU ; Luxin YANG ; Yi LUO
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(4):311-318
Objective To analyze the clinical outcomes of early invasive fungal disease(IFD)in patients after allogenetic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HCST)with metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing allo-HCST in our Bone Marrow Transplantation Center between July 2021 and October 2022.These patients experienced one of the following conditions within 100 d after transplantation:① Patients with persistent fever and negative blood culture after empiric antimicrobial therapy for 72 h or longer;② Hyperpyrexia of unknown origin occurred again after effective anti-infection in the past;③ Symptoms in lower respiratory tract associated with lung lesions on CT scan,and empiric anti-infective therapy was ineffective.Peripheral blood or bronchoscopic alveolar lavage fluid were tested with mNGS,and overall survival(OS)and non-relapse mortality(NRM)were analyzed.Results There were 60 patients enrolled in this study.For the peripheral blood samples of 47 cases and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples of 13 cases,mNGS found that 19 cases were negative to pathogens,30 cases were non-fungal positive,and 11 case were fungal positive,including 3 cases of aspergillus,5 cases of mucor,2 cases of Candida tropicalis,and 1 case of Trichosporon asahii.Of the 11 patients with fungal positive,8 achieved complete remission after antifungal therapy according to the mNGS results.The 1-year OS and NRM of the 60 patients were 70.0%(95%CI:64.1%~75.9%)and 20.0%(95%CI:11.9%~32.5%),respectively,while those of the fungal infection patients were 54.5%(95%CI:49.5%~69.5%)and 36.4%(95% CI:15.5%~70.3%),respectively.No significant differences were seen in 1-year OS(P=0.487)and 1-year NRM(P=0.358)among the negative,fungal infection and non-fungal infection patients,neither OS(P=0.238)and NRM(P=0.154)between the fungal infection and the non-fungal infection patients.Conclusion mNGS can rapidly diagnose the early IFD after allo-HSCT,which is helpful for timely and effective treatment and improves the prognosis of patients.
10.Tetrandrine targeting SIRT5 exerts anti-melanoma properties via inducing ROS,ER stress,and blocked autophagy
Ji YACONG ; Li CHONGYANG ; Wan SICHENG ; Dong ZHEN ; Liu CHAOLONG ; Guo LEIYANG ; Shi SHAOMIN ; Ci MINGXIN ; Xu MINGHAO ; Li QIAN ; Hu HUANRONG ; Cui HONGJUAN ; Liu YALING
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(10):1468-1483
Tetrandrine(TET),a natural bisbenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Stephania tetrandra S.Moore,has diverse pharmacological effects.However,its effects on melanoma remain unclear.Cellular prolif-eration assays,multi-omics analyses,and xenograft models were used to determine the effect of TET on melanoma.The direct target of TET was identified using biotin-TET pull-down liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry(LC-MS),cellular thermal shift assays,and isothermal titration calorimetry(ITC)analysis.Our findings revealed that TET treatment induced robust cellular autophagy depending on activating transcription factor 6(ATF6)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress.Simultaneously,it hindered autophagic flux by inducing cytoskeletal protein depolymerization in melanoma cells.TET treatment resulted in excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and simultaneously triggered mitophagy.Sirtuin 5(SIRT5)was ultimately found to be a direct target of TET.Mechanistically,TET led to the degradation of SIRT5 via the ubiquitin(Ub)-26S proteasome system.SIRT5 knockdown induced ROS accumulation,whereas SIRT5 overexpression attenuated the TET-induced ROS accumula-tion and autophagy.Importantly,TET exhibited anti-cancer effects in xenograft models depending on SIRT5 expression.This study highlights the potential of TET as an antimelanoma agent that targets SIRT5.These findings provide a promising avenue for the use of TET in melanoma treatment and underscore its potential as a therapeutic candidate.

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