1.Mechanism of astragalin in allevating ulcerative colitis in mice through modulation of the intestinal flora
Jing HUANG ; Yanhua LIAO ; Xinying MO ; Yuting YANG ; Weizhe JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1709-1716
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanisms of astragalin (AG) in allevating ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice through modulation of the intestinal flora. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group (CON group), model group [dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) group], 5-aminosalicylic acid group (5-ASA group), AG low-dose group and high-dose group (AGL and AGH groups), with 8 mice in each group. The mice UC model was established by drinking 3% DSS solution continuously for 7 days in all groups except the CON group. After that, 3% DSS solution was replaced by water, and the mice of each drug group were gavaged with the corresponding drug solution. Mice in the CON and DSS groups were gavaged with an equal volume of normal saline, once a day, for 7 days. After the last gavage, the body weight change index, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length and spleen index, and levels of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6) were compared among the mice in each group; pathological changes in colonic tissues of the mice were observed in each group, and the pathological score and the percentage of goblet cells were compared; mRNA expressions of barrier-related factors [occludin and ZO-1] and inflammation-related factors [silencing information regulatory factor 1 (SIRT1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)] were detected in each group of mice; the changes in the intestinal flora of mice in each group were analyzed and the contents of intestinal metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was determined. Using DSS and AG-treated fecal bacterial liquid as an intervention, the mechanism of anti-UC effect of AG was further verified by a fecal microbiota transplant experiment. RESULTS Compared with the CON group, the intestinal mucosal structure of mice in the DSS group was severely damaged, with obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells collapsing the wall; their body weight change index, colon length, the percentage of goblet cells, mRNA expressions of occludin, ZO-1 and SIRT1, Chao1 and Shannon indexes, and contents of acetic acid and butyric acid were significantly reduced, shortened or down-regulated (P<0.05); however, DAI score, spleen index, levels of inflammatory factors, pathological score, as well as mRNA expressions of p38 MAPK and JNK, were all significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the DSS group, colon tissue lesions of AG mice in all dose groups showed different degrees of improvement, and the above quantitative indexes were generally regressed (P<0.05), and the intervention effect of AG-treated fecal bacterial fluid was basically the same as that of AG. CONCLUSIONS AG can improve relevant symptoms in UC mice and reduce their inflammatory response and colonic histopathological changes. The above effects may be related to regulating the diversity of intestinal flora in mice, increasing the contents of butyric acid and propionic acid, and promoting the repair of the colonic mucosal barrier, thus regulating the expressions of genes related to the SIRT1/p38 MAPK inflammatory pathway.
2.Tumor Therapy: Targeted Substances Metabolism Reprogramming Induces Tumor Ferroptosis
Jin-Ping ZHANG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Mo WANG ; Xin-Yue WANG ; Xiao-Qin MOU ; Xi ZHENG ; Chuang CHENG ; Jing HE ; Li-Li ZOU ; Xiao-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1540-1550
There are huge differences between tumor cells and normal cells in material metabolism, and tumor cells mainly show increased anabolism, decreased catabolism, and imbalance in substance metabolism. These differences provide the necessary material basis for the growth and reproduction of tumor cells, and also provide important targets for the treatment of tumors. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by an imbalance of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and lipid membrane antioxidant systems in cells, resulting in excessive accumulation of lipid peroxide, causing damage to lipid membrane structure and loss of function, and ultimately cell death. The regulation of ferroptosis involves a variety of metabolic pathways, including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and iron metabolism. In order for tumor cells to grow rapidly, their metabolic needs are more vigorous than those of normal cells. Tumor cells are metabolically reprogrammed to meet their rapidly proliferating material and energy needs. Metabolic reprogramming is mainly manifested in glycolysis and enhancement of pentose phosphate pathway, enhanced glutamine metabolism, increased nucleic acid synthesis, and iron metabolism tends to retain more intracellular iron. Metabolic reprogramming is accompanied by the production of reactive oxygen species and the activation of the antioxidant system. The state of high oxidative stress makes tumor cells more susceptible to redox imbalances, causing intracellular lipid peroxidation, which ultimately leads to ferroptosis. Therefore, in-depth study of the molecular mechanism and metabolic basis of ferroptosis is conducive to the development of new therapies to induce ferroptosis in cancer treatment. Ferroptosis, as a regulated form of cell death, can induce ferroptosis in tumor cells by pharmacologically or genetically targeting the metabolism of substances in tumor cells, which has great potential value in tumor treatment. This article summarizes the effects of cellular metabolism on ferroptosis in order to find new targets for tumor treatment and provide new ideas for clinical treatment.
3.Progress of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in 2023
Mo-Yang WANG ; Zheng ZHOU ; Guan-Nan NIU ; Yang CHEN ; De-Jing FENG ; Xiang-Ming HU ; Wen-Ce SHI ; Yong-Jian WU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(1):14-19
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)has become one of the effective methods for treating patients with aortic valve disease.With the continuous maturity of technology,innovation of instruments and increasing experience,the indications for TAVR has been expanded.Following international trends,the number of TAVR in China has steadily increased with each passing year.In 2023,the long-term follow-up results of TAVR in low-risk AS patients further confirm the long-term benefits of TAVR.The relevant research on TAVR for patients with aortic regurgitation and patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis provide evidence support for the expansion of TAVR indications.At the same time,the development of valve devices and new technological innovations are emerging in an endless stream,and the new concept of full life cycle management is increasingly being valued.Especially in China,the development of local devices is progressing rapidly,and multiple devices have entered the clinical research stage.The clinical manifestations and research results are worth pursuing.
4.The correlation between disease activity and bone metabolism in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Yuanyuan LI ; Jing WANG ; Hanchao LI ; Lingfei MO ; Nan HU ; Yanhua WANG ; Lan HE
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2024;28(2):113-117
Objective:To analyze the bone turnover markers in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with different disease activity and the risk factors of osteoporosis.Methods:In this retrospective study, a total of 417 SLE inpatients were enrolled from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University, from March 2019 to June 2020. According to SLEDAI score, the patients were divided into 3 groups: 281 patients disease with inactive disease group; 99 patients with mild active disease group; and 37 patients with moderate/severe active disease. ANOVA test was used to compare the differences in serum bone turnover markers (PTH, NOST, VITDT, β-crossl, TP1NP, Ca and P) and bone density (Spine L 1~4 and left femur) among the three groups, and Tukey's method was used for the two groups comparison. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors of osteoporosis. Results:Serum VITDT, β-crossl and Ca levels were significantly different among the 3 groups ( F=11.66, P<0.001; F=7.22, P<0.001; F=29.38, P<0.001). Compared with patients in the inactive group, patients with both the mild disease group (VITDT: t=3.94, P<0.001; Ca: t=5.10, P<0.001) and the moderate/severe disease group (VITDT: t=3.33, P<0.001; Ca: t=7.19, P<0.001) had lower VITDT levels [(20.3±9.7) ng/ml vs. (15.9±9.3) ng/ml vs. (14.8±7.4) ng/ml] and serum Ca levels [(2.19±0.15)mmol/L vs. (2.09±0.21)mmol/L vs. (2.00±0.16)mmol/L]. Moreover, the moderate/severe disease group patients had much lower serum Ca levels ( t=2.36, P<0.05), compared with patients with the mild disease group. Compared with the patients with inactive group, both the mild activey group ( t=3.06, P<0.01) and the moderate/severe activie group ( t=2.99, P<0.01) patients had higher serum β-crossl levels [(419±316) pg/ml vs. (543±424) pg/ml vs. (586±343) pg/ml]. Compared with patients with the inactive disease group both patienes with the mild active group and the moderate/severe disease group patients had significantly decreased spine BMD ( t=2.75, P<0.01; t=2.71, P<0.01), Z-score ( t=5.65, P<0.001; t=4.70, P<0.001), T-score ( t=3.02, P<0.01; t=3.37, P<0.001), whereas, no difference was found between the mild disease group and moderate/severe disease group. Compared with the inactive group patients, both the mild active group and moderate/severe disease group patients had lower left femur BMD levels ( t=2.83, P<0.001; t=2.65, P<0.001) and T-score ( t=2.24, P<0.05; t=1.977, P<0.05) and no difference was found between the mild disease group and the moderate/severe disease group. Logistic regression analysis showed that age [ HR (95% CI)=1.080 (1.052, 1.109), P<0.001], BMI [ HR (95% CI)=0.801 (0.704, 0.911), P<0.001], SLEDAI score [ HR (95% CI)=1.047 (1.025, 1.076), P<0.05] and cumulative glucocorticoids dose [1.046 (1.006, 1.087), P<0.05] were associated with osteoporosis of SLE patients. Conclusion:Abnormal bone metabolism and decreased bone density are associated with SLE disease activity in SLE patients, especially in those with advanced age, low BMI and receiving high cumulative dose of glucocorticoids. Osteoporosis should be proactively prevented in the SLE patients.
5.Analysis of the Current Status and Prospects of Multi-Omics Technologies in the Field of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hongye PENG ; Chunli LU ; Xiaoqiang HUANG ; Shuxia HUANG ; Mo ZHAO ; Jing LIU ; Wenliang LV
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(8):775-781
Due to the complexity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions and the diversity of herbal components, single-omics technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics often cannot comprehensively elucidate the scientific connotations of TCM. Multi-omics technologies driven by system biology can analyze the theoretical connotations and application mechanisms of TCM from different levels such as genes, gene expression, proteins, and metabolites, in line with the holistic view of TCM, which helps to promote the modernization of TCM. By reviewing the literature on the application of omics technologies in the field of TCM, it is found that multi-omics technologies have been widely used in TCM for syndrome differentiation, evaluation of herbal quality, elucidation of pharmacological mechanisms, and drug toxicity assessment, providing comprehensive explanations of the mechanisms of action of TCM and overcoming the limitations of single-omics technologies, and having obtained significant achievements. However, multi-omics technologies also face challenges such as high cost, difficulties in data analysis due to large data volumes, and insufficient translation of research results. In the future, it is expected that through strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation, conducting long-term and dynamic clinical research, standardizing and normalizing data analysis processes, adopting appropriate and reasonable multi-omics integration patterns, establishing multi-omics databases for TCM, revealing the individualized characteristics, therapeutic mechanisms, and disease regulatory networks of TCM, the modernization of TCM will be promoted.
6.Nanozyme and Abiogenesis
Long MA ; Zi-Mo LIANG ; Yin-Yin HOU ; Jing FENG ; Ke-Long FAN ; Xi-Yun YAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(10):2274-2291
Nanozymes, a groundbreaking discovery by Chinese scientists, represent a novel and remarkable property of nanomaterials. They not only exhibit catalytic activity comparable to natural enzymes, but also boast exceptional stability, tunable reactivity, and the ability to catalyze reactions under mild conditions. The identification of nanozymes has unveiled the biocatalytic potential of inorganic nanomaterials. In parallel, inorganic minerals have long been regarded as pivotal catalysts in the origin of life, driving the synthesis of early biomolecules. These minerals not only facilitate redox reactions that convert simple inorganic compounds into organic molecules but also enable chiral selection, the synthesis of biomacromolecules, and radioprotective functions via their surface structures. Recent advances suggest that inorganic nanomaterials can delicately catalyze the formation of biomolecules, aid in macromolecular assembly, and provide radiation shielding. Furthermore, nanominerals are found in abundance across Earth and extraterrestrial environments. This paper seeks to explore the potential of nanozymes as catalytic agents in the processes that gave rise to life, integrating the catalytic roles of inorganic minerals with the unique attributes of nanozymes, which will provide a new perspective for research of origin of life.
7.Early predictors of refractory septic shock in neonates
Junjuan ZHONG ; Jing MO ; Jing ZHANG ; Yingyi LIN ; Dongju MA ; Yue WANG ; Chun SHUAI ; Xiuzhen YE
Chinese Journal of Neonatology 2024;39(3):157-161
Objective:To study the early predictors of refractory septic shock (RSS) in neonates.Methods:From July 2020 to December 2021, clinical data of neonates with septic shock admitted to the Neonatal Department of our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. According to the maximum septic shock score (SSS) during clinical course, the neonates were assigned into RSS group and non-RSS group. Perinatal data, laboratory results and hemodynamic parameters at diagnosis were compared between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors of RSS and septic shock-related death. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the early predictors of poor prognosis.Results:A total of 130 neonates were enrolled, including 54 in RSS group and 76 in non-RSS group. Compared with the non-RSS group, the RSS group had significantly lower pH, base excess (BE), stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac output (CO) and cardiac index (CI).Meanwhile, the RSS group had significantly higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) to CI ratio (MAP/CI) and SSS [including bedside SSS (bSSS), computed SSS (cSSS) and modified version of cSSS (mcSSS)] (all P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that increased MAP/CI was an independent predictor of RSS. The cut-off value of MAP/CI was 11.6 [sensitivity 62%, specificity 87%, positive predictive value (PPV) 79% and negative predictive value (NPV) 77%], with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.734. Increased mcSSS was an independent predictor of septic shock-related death. The cut-off value of mcSSS was 5.8 (sensitivity 83%, specificity 72%, PPV 21% and NPV 97%), with an AUC of 0.845. Conclusions:Increased MAP/CI (≥11.6) and mcSSS (≥5.8) may be early predictors of RSS and septic shock-related death in neonates.
8.Survival analysis of 6 737 surgically resected gastric cancer cases in China from a large single institution hospital-based cancer registry database
Jie SHEN ; Jiangli WANG ; Zezhou WANG ; Miao MO ; Changming ZHOU ; Jing YUAN ; Dazhi XU ; Ying ZHENG
China Oncology 2024;34(3):268-277
Background and purpose:Follow-up data of 6 737 patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer were collected based on hospital registration,and the 1-,3-and 5-years observed overall survival(OS)rates and disease-free survival(DFS)rates were analyzed to provide real-world research evidence for the prevention and control of gastric cancer and policy making in China.Methods:A total of 6 737 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer center from 2015 to 2020 were included in this study.Clinical information and the follow-up endpoint data were collected through medical records review,telephone visits and death registry data linkage.The last follow-up date was November 30,2023.Kaplan-Meier method was applied in evaluating the 1-,3-and 5-year OS rate and DFS rate,and survival data were described by different subgroups including age group,gender,treatment period,tumor staging,and pathological characteristics.Results:With a median follow-up time of 50.99 months,the 5-year OS rate of surgically resected gastric cancer patients was 70.37%,and 5-year DFS rate in Ⅰ-Ⅲ stage cases was 69.46%.The 5-year OS rates of stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ were 94.32%,82.56%,51.01%and 23.97%,respectively.The differences in survival among patients with different age,tumor location,gross classification,Borrmann classification and Laurence classification were significant.Conclusion:Staging is an important factor directly affecting the survival of gastric cancer patients.Screening and early diagnosis and treatment in large population,especially high-risk group,should be strengthened to further improve the patients'survival.
9.Tracking observation of fine motor development in children aged 6-8 with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(6):831-834
Objective:
To examine the developmental trajectory of fine motor ability in schoolage children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for two years, so as to provide scientific evidence to promote motor development in ADHD children.
Methods:
From April to June 2019, 31 children aged 6-8 years old were selected from a public elementary school. They were diagnosed with ADHD by two psychiatric professionals according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. Additionally, 31 typical developmental children, matched for age, sex and IQ with the ADHD group, were recruited as the control group. Fine motor ability was assessed with tasks of hand manual dexterity in Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MACB-2), and a followup assessment was conducted from April to June 2021. The development changes of fine motor ability between two groups of children were compared by using t test and repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:
Between baseline and followup periods after two years, the total score of hand fine motor in the ADHD group did not show significant improvement (7.4±3.0, 8.0±3.4; t=-1.05, P>0.05), while there was a small effect size improvement in typically developing control group (9.5±2.1, 10.5±2.4; t=-2.12, effect size=0.38, P<0.05). Followup after two years, coin/peg throwing scores with dominant hand improved between ADHD group and control group (7.0±3.3, 9.5±3.2; 8.4±2.8, 11.6±1.6) (t=-3.74, -6.33, P<0.01; effect size=0.67, 1.14), with a smaller improvement in the ADHD group. The score for threading beads/threads decreased in between ADHD group and control group (7.9±2.4, 5.8±3.1; 9.2±1.1, 8.2±1.9) (t=3.89, 2.78, P<0.01; effect size=0.70, 0.50), with a greater decrease in the ADHD group.
Conclusions
The development speed of fine motor ability in children with ADHD aged 6-8 is slow and continues to lag behind normal developmental children. Fine motor development in children with ADHD should be closely monitored, and targeted interventions should be implemented when necessary.
10.Clinical significance of chorda arteriae umbilicalis in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair
Yong LIANG ; Jing SUN ; Zhong ZHANG ; Xiao-Dong MO
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(3):243-246
Objective To investigate the clinical significance of the chorda arteriae umbilicalis in laparoscopic transabdominal preperi-toneal(TAPP)hernia repair.Methods The clinical data of 60 patients with inguinal hernia admitted to Xinrui Hospital in Xinwu District of Wuxi City from June 2019 to June 2022 were analyzed,and the patients were randomly divided into two groups according to whether the chorda arteriae umbilicalis was used as a marker during operation.Both the control group and the observation group were operated according to the routine procedure.The observation group exposed the chorda arteriae umbilicalis,which was used as a reference to precisely free the surgical plane and gap to complete the parietalization of spermatic cord,meanwhile,the angle formed by the intersection of the deferens and umbilical artery cord was used to assist in fixing the patch.The operation time,time of parietalization of spermatic cord,hospital stay,bladder surface bleeding volume,removal rate of hernial sac,the occurrence of postoperative complications and recurrence of patients were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in the operation time,removal rate of hernial sac,hospital stay,recurrence rate or the incidence of postoperative complications such as chronic pain,uroschesis of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).The time of parietalization of spermatic cord,bladder surface bleeding volume,and incidence of seroma of patients in the observation group were shorter/lower than those in the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The chorda arteriae umbilicalis has a constant morphology and relatively fixed anatomical position and alignment.The chorda arteriae umbilicalis can be used as a reference and guiding mark,especially when the anatomical layer is dense and unclear or strayed into the layer in TAPP hernia repair,whihc can guide to operate at the correct layer,standardize the parietalization of spermatic cord,reduce bleeding and vice-damage,and also assist the fixation of the patch and prevent the displacement of the patch.


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