1.Mechanism of Cuscutae Semen-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in Regulating IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Treat Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Based on Network Pharmacology and Cell Experiment Validation
Haoxian WANG ; Jiuxian LI ; Yan LIU ; Shuo SUN ; Xiangyu LI ; Ke ZHANG ; Yuyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):22-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Cuscutae Semen-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiment verification. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and UniPort databases were used to screen and organize the active ingredients and corresponding targets of Cuscutae Semen-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The potential therapeutic targets of RSA were screened in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), GeneCards database, DrugBank database, DisGeNET database, and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The potential core targets of Cuscutae Semen-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for treating RSA were further screened by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and topological analysis. Meanwhile, the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was chosen to perform enrichment analysis on intersection targets. On this basis, AutoDock software was used for molecular docking, and the data were imported into PyMOL software for visualization and composition. Finally, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) experiment, Transwell cell invasion assay, and Western blot were used to detect the effects of serum containing Cuscutae Semen-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on HTR-8/SVneo cells and observe the effects on the interleukin (IL)-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) signaling pathway and related proteins. ResultsThrough network pharmacology analysis, a total of 69 active ingredients, 73 potential therapeutic targets, and 17 core targets, including IL-6, IL-10, and STAT3, were collected. The 73 common targets were enriched in 614 Gene Ontology (GO) entries and 57 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that IL-6 and STAT3 had good binding ability with the main active ingredients, including matrine, cryptotanshinone, and tanshinone ⅡA. The cell experiment results showed that, compared with those of the control group, after 24 hours of treatment with the drug-containing serum, the survival and invasion rates of HTR-8/SVneo cells were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the expression of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and related proteins IL-10 and c-Myc was significantly elevated (P<0.05). Moreover, the trend of action in the drug-containing serum group was consistent with that of pathway agonists. ConclusionCuscutae Semen-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma may enhance the survival rate and invasive activity of HTR-8/SVneo cells to further prevent and treat RSA by activating the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of downstream factors IL-10 and c-Myc in the pathway.
2.A multidimensional platform of patient-derived tumors identifies drug susceptibilities for clinical lenvatinib resistance.
Lei SUN ; Arabella H WAN ; Shijia YAN ; Ruonian LIU ; Jiarui LI ; Zhuolong ZHOU ; Ruirui WU ; Dongshi CHEN ; Xianzhang BU ; Jingxing OU ; Kai LI ; Xiongbin LU ; Guohui WAN ; Zunfu KE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(1):223-240
Lenvatinib, a second-generation multi-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved by the FDA for first-line treatment of advanced liver cancer, facing limitations due to drug resistance. Here, we applied a multidimensional, high-throughput screening platform comprising patient-derived resistant liver tumor cells (PDCs), organoids (PDOs), and xenografts (PDXs) to identify drug susceptibilities for conquering lenvatinib resistance in clinically relevant settings. Expansion and passaging of PDCs and PDOs from resistant patient liver tumors retained functional fidelity to lenvatinib treatment, expediting drug repurposing screens. Pharmacological screening identified romidepsin, YM155, apitolisib, NVP-TAE684 and dasatinib as potential antitumor agents in lenvatinib-resistant PDC and PDO models. Notably, romidepsin treatment enhanced antitumor response in syngeneic mouse models by triggering immunogenic tumor cell death and blocking the EGFR signaling pathway. A combination of romidepsin and immunotherapy achieved robust and synergistic antitumor effects against lenvatinib resistance in humanized immunocompetent PDX models. Collectively, our findings suggest that patient-derived liver cancer models effectively recapitulate lenvatinib resistance observed in clinical settings and expedite drug discovery for advanced liver cancer, providing a feasible multidimensional platform for personalized medicine.
3.Current status of radiological Kashin-Beck disease among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet
Jiaxiang GAO ; Hu LI ; Liyi ZHANG ; Zihao HE ; Ziyi YANG ; Zhichang LI ; Kai WANG ; Yan KE ; Qiang LIU ; Shu ZHANG ; Xiaobo CHENG ; Shuai CHAI ; Zhaoyang MENG ; Lipeng SUN ; Qunwei LI ; Hongqiang GONG ; Jianhao LIN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(1):33-40
Objective:This study aimed to explore the status of radiological Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet, through a 3-year monitoring survey, providing epidemiological evidence for prevention and control strategies.Methods:The target areas for this study were Luolong, Bianba, and Basu counties in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, identified as having the most severe historical cases of KBD. Children aged 7-12 years attending school were enrolled as study subjects. Anteroposterior X-ray films of the right-hand were taken, and radiological diagnoses were made based on the "Diagnosis of Kashin-Beck Disease" criteria (WS/T 207-2010). Two experienced researchers independently reviewed the X-rays, and intra- and inter-group consistency were assessed using weighted Kappa values and percentage agreement. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2017 and 2020 to describe the X-ray detection rates of KBD, and logistic regression analysis was employed to construct a predictive model of risk factors for radiological KBD cases.Results:In 2017, a total of 5,711 children aged 7-12 years in Chamdo City, Tibet, participated in the baseline cross-sectional survey (average age 9.2 years, 48.0% female), with 28 cases of radiological KBD. The age- and gender-standardized prevalence rate was 0.527%. In 2020, 6,771 participants (average age 9.3 years, 49.5% female) underwent a second cross-sectional survey, with 9 cases of radiological KBD and a standardized prevalence rate of 0.134%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older age [ OR=2.439, 95% CI(1.299, 4.580), P=0.006] and female gender [ OR=8.157, 95% CI(1.016, 65.528), P=0.048] were independent risk factors for radiological KBD cases. Conversely, higher residential altitude, under the premise of Tibet's high altitude, was a protective factor [ OR=0.995, 95% CI(0.990, 0.999), P=0.032). Conclusion:The radiographically positive detection rate of KBD among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, is at an extremely low level and showing a declining trend, reaching the historical standard in 2020. Considering the absence of positive signs in affected children, it suggests that local KBD has been effectively eliminated.
4.Determination of chlorinated paraffins in PM2.5 by QuEChERS combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry
Wenyan YAN ; Chao WANG ; Juan LIU ; Yibin SUN ; Wen GU ; Yifu LU ; Ke FANG ; Yi WAN ; Song TANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(10):1087-1094
Background Previous research on chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has predominantly focused on short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs), and few studies could simultaneously determine short-, medium-, and long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs). Simultaneous extraction and determination of SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs in PM2.5 could provide technical support for their environmental monitoring and human health risk assessment. Objective To establish a method based on QUEChERS pretreatment method in conjunction with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry for simultaneously determining the levels of SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs in PM2.5. Methods The extraction solvents, extraction salts, and extraction steps of a QuEChERS method were optimized. The extraction efficiencies of the target substances were compared under 4 extraction solvents [acetonitrile, dichloromethane, and n-hexane solvents in sequence; acetonitrile: dichloromethane: n-hexane = 1: 1: 2 (v/v/v) mixed solvent; 1% acetic acid-acetonitrile: dichloromethane: n-hexane = 1: 1: 1 (v/v/v) mixed solvent; acetonitrile: dichloromethane: n-hexane = 1: 1: 1 (v/v/v) mixed solvent], 2 dehydrated salts (anhydrous MgSO4+NaCl and anhydrous Na2SO4+NaCl), 2 purification salts (C18 and PSA), and 4 vortex time (5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 min) conditions. Then internal standard was utilized to estimate linear range and detection limit of the refined QuEChERS approach. Results The linearities of SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs were good in the range of 10~
5.MoS2 nanozyme attenuated inflammation-related endothelial cell injury by regulating mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy
Dong-mei PAN ; Sun-kui KE ; Qian-hao YIN ; Pei-yan YANG ; Chao LI ; She-fang YE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(10):2791-2799
To explore the protective mechanisms of a novel molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanozyme in alleviating inflammation-related endothelial cell injury by regulating mitochondrial dynamic, flower like-MoS2 nanosheets were prepared by hydrothermal method, and its antioxidant enzyme-mimic activities were assessed
6.Advances in the Study of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcriptions Family and Hearing Loss
Silong WANG ; Ke WU ; Yinuo SUN ; Meixu JIANG ; Haiyan YIN ; Yan GUO
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2024;32(6):549-553
Hearing loss is one of the most common neurosensory disorders in humans,severely affecting pa-tients'quality of life with lack of ideal treatments.Its pathogenesis is related to oxidative stress,inflammation and apoptosis in the inner ear.Recent studies have demonstrated that members of the signal transducer and activator of transcriptions(STATs)family are involved in regulating gene expression in auditory cells during inner ear develop-ment and physiological activities such as apoptosis,oxidative stress,inflammation and autophagy during auditory disorders.In this paper,we review the research on STATs in inner ear development and hearing loss,and elucidate their specific molecular mechanisms,aiming to provide theoretical guidance and direction for the prevention and treatment of hearing loss.
7.Effect of lncRNA MIR17HG on the malignant biological behavior of liver cancer cells by regulating the miR-214-3p/RNF38 signaling axis
Wei-Tao SUN ; Yan-Ke SHI ; Jun-Lian FENG ; Zhi-Fei CHEN ; Cun-Ling ZHANG
Modern Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment in Gastroenterology 2024;29(5):565-571
Objective To explore the effect of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)microRNA 17-92 cluster host gene(MIR17HG)regulating microRNA(miR)-214-3p/ring finger protein 38(RNF38)signal axis on the malignant biological behavior of liver cancer cells.Methods The cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 46 patients with liver cancer who underwent surgical resection in our hospital from May 2022 to October 2023 were collected to detect the expression of lncRNA MIR17HG,miR-214-3p and RNF38.HepG2,Bel-7402,SMMC-7721 and HL-7702 cells were cultured in vitro,and the expression of lncRNA MIR17HG,miR-214-3p and RNF38 was compared,Bel-7402 cells were selected for further study,and randomly divided into sh-NC group,sh-MIR17HG group,anti-NC group,anti-miR-214-3p group and Bel-7402 group.The proliferation,apoptosis,invasion and migration of Bel-7402 cells in each group were investigated,the expression of RNF38,caspase-3(caspase-3),B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP2)and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP9)protein was analyzed by western blotting,the relationship between lncRNA MIR17HG and miR-214-3p and the relationship between miR-214-3p and RNF38 were verified by double luciferase.Results The mRNA expression of lncRNA MIR17HG and RNF38 in liver cancer tissues was higher,the mRNA expression of miR-214-3p was lower,and the positive expression rate of RNF38 protein was higher(P<0.05).The expression of lncRNA MIR17HG mRNA,RNF38 mRNA and RNF38 protein in SMMC-7721,HepG2 and Bel-7402 cells was higher than that in HL-7702 cells,and the expression of miR-214-3p mRNA was lower than that in HL-7702 cells(P<0.05).Compared with Bel-7402 group and sh-NC group,the OD450nm value,the number of cloned cells,the number of invasive cells,the number of migrated cells and the expression of RNF38,MMP2,Bcl-2 and MMP9 in sh-MIR17HG group decreased,while the apoptosis rate and the expression of caspase-3 increased(P<0.05).Compared with sh-MIR17HG group and anti-NC group,the OD450nm value,the number of cloned cells,the number of invasive cells,the number of migrated cells and the expression of RNF38,MMP2,Bcl-2 and MMP9 in anti-miR-214-3p group increased,while the apoptosis rate and the expression of caspase-3 decreased(P<0.05).LncRNA MIR17HG and miR-214-3p,and miR-214-3p and RNF38 have targeted relationships respectively.The luciferase activity in miR-214-3p+WT-MIR17HG group was lower than that in miR-NC+WT-MIR17HG group(P<0.05),and the luciferase activity in miR-214-3p+WT-RNF38 group was lower than that in miR-NC+WT-RNF38 group(P<0.05).Conclusion LncRNA MIR17HG may promote the malignant biological behavior of liver cancer cells by regulating the miR-214-3p/RNF38 axis.
8.Safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet 2 h versus overnight fasting before non-emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Wenbo MENG ; W. Joseph LEUNG ; Zhenyu WANG ; Qiyong LI ; Leida ZHANG ; Kai ZHANG ; Xuefeng WANG ; Meng WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yingmei SHAO ; Jijun ZHANG ; Ping YUE ; Lei ZHANG ; Kexiang ZHU ; Xiaoliang ZHU ; Hui ZHANG ; Senlin HOU ; Kailin CAI ; Hao SUN ; Ping XUE ; Wei LIU ; Haiping WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Songming DING ; Zhiqing YANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Hao WENG ; Qingyuan WU ; Bendong CHEN ; Tiemin JIANG ; Yingkai WANG ; Lichao ZHANG ; Ke WU ; Xue YANG ; Zilong WEN ; Chun LIU ; Long MIAO ; Zhengfeng WANG ; Jiajia LI ; Xiaowen YAN ; Fangzhao WANG ; Lingen ZHANG ; Mingzhen BAI ; Ningning MI ; Xianzhuo ZHANG ; Wence ZHOU ; Jinqiu YUAN ; Azumi SUZUKI ; Kiyohito TANAKA ; Jiankang LIU ; Ula NUR ; Elisabete WEIDERPASS ; Xun LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(12):1437-1446
Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.
9.Effect of military operation types on dual factors of mental health in Chinese veterans:mediating role of psychological quality
Yuanyuan LI ; Yan WANG ; Xingya LIAO ; Xiaoling ZHANG ; Ke XIONG ; Shujuan SUN ; Zhengzhi FENG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(14):1600-1608
Objective To explore the effects of military operation types on the mental health of Chinese veterans and the mediating role of psychological quality based on a dual-factor model of mental health.Methods Cross-sectional study design was adopted in this study.Self-designed demographic information questionnaire,patient health questionnaire depression module-9 item(PHQ-9),general anxiety disorder-7(GAD-7),satisfaction with life scale and psychological quality questionnaire were used to survey on 3 027 Chinese veterans.Results ① Compared to the one-factor model and the two-factor models with other indicators,the dual-factor model of mental health,with anxiety symptoms as a negative indicator and life satisfaction as a positive indicator,fitted better(Chi-square/df=8.927,GFI=0.974,AGFI=0.962,RMSEA=0.051,NNFI=0.985,IFI=0.988,CFI=0.988).②Taking the subjects who did not participate in war/non-war military operations as the reference,psychological quality showed significant relatively mediating effects between war and life satisfaction,and between war and anxiety symptoms(P<0.05),while no such significances were observed in the corresponding ones for non-war military operations.③ War could decrease veterans'life satisfaction through full mediation of cognitive,adaptive and personality dimensions of psychological quality,and increase anxiety symptoms through partial mediation of the personality dimension of psychological quality.Conclusion The dual-factor model of mental health is applicable to Chinese veteran population,and psychological quality plays a mediating role between war and mental health.
10.Postmortem Diffusion of Aconitum Alkaloids and Their Metabolites in Rabbits
Jia-Hao LIANG ; Ming CHENG ; Xiao-Jun LU ; Yan-Hua SHI ; Yun SUN ; Qing-Lin GUAN ; Tao WANG ; Meng HU ; Ke-Ming YUN ; Hai-Yan CUI
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;40(2):186-191
Objective To explore the postmortem diffusion rule of Aconitum alkaloids and their metabo-lites in poisoned rabbits,and to provide a reference for identifying the antemortem poisoning or post-mortem poisoning of Aconitum alkaloids.Methods Twenty-four rabbits were sacrificed by tracheal clamps.After 1 hour,the rabbits were administered with aconitine LD50 in decocting aconite root powder by intragastric administration.Then,they were placed supine and stored at 25℃.The biological samples from 3 randomly selected rabbits were collected including heart blood,peripheral blood,urine,heart,liver,spleen,lung and kidney tissues at 0 h,4 h,8 h,12 h,24 h,48 h,72 h and 96 h after intragastric administration,respectively.Aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites in the biological samples were ana-lyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS).Results At 4 h after intragastric administration,Aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites could be detected in heart blood,peripheral blood and major organs,and the contents of them changed dynamically with the preservation time.The contents of Aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites were higher in the spleen,liver and lung,especially in the spleen which was closer to the stomach.The average mass fraction of benzoylmesaconine metabolized in rabbit spleen was the highest at 48 h after intragastric administration.In contrast,the contents of Aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites in kidney were all lower.Aconi-tum alkaloids and their metabolites were not detected in urine.Conclusion Aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites have postmortem diffusion in poisoned rabbits,diffusing from high-content organs(stomach)to other major organs and tissues as well as the heart blood.The main mechanism is the dispersion along the concentration gradient,while urine is not affected by postmortem diffusion,which can be used as the basis for the identification of antemortem and postmortem Aconitum alkaloids poisoning.

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