1.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
2.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
3.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
4.Astragali Radix in Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure from PANoptosis: A Review
Songlin NI ; Mengyue WANG ; Mo SUN ; Qian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):276-284
Heart failure (HF), as the terminal stage of most cardiovascular diseases, manifests with primary symptoms including dyspnea, fatigue, edema, and palpitations. With recurrent episodes and a protracted clinical course, HF imposes a substantial global disease burden. PANoptosis represents a distinctive form of programmed cell death (PCD) that integrates features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, yet cannot be fully attributed to any single pathway among these three PCD modalities. Recent studies demonstrate significant dysregulation of PANoptosis-related genes during HF progression, positioning PANoptosis as both an emerging mechanism mediating HF pathogenesis and a novel therapeutic target. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained substantial recognition for its therapeutic potential in HF management, offering advantages such as flexible compatibility, multi-target effects, and minimal adverse reactions. Astragali Radix, a representative Qi-invigorating and blood-activating herbal medicine, has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment for various HF subtypes. Research reveals that its major bioactive components—including astragaloside Ⅳ, polysaccharide, quercetin, and calycosin—exhibit significant associations with the regulation of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis pathways. This review systematically explores the therapeutic feasibility of Astragali Radix in the prevention and treatment of HF through the lens of PANoptosis mechanisms. By synthesizing recent advances in the mechanisms of Astragali Radix-derived bioactive compounds and Astragali Radix-containing compound prescriptions in modulating PANoptosis, this paper aim to provide critical insights for advancing the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of HF.
5.Astragali Radix in Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure from PANoptosis: A Review
Songlin NI ; Mengyue WANG ; Mo SUN ; Qian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):276-284
Heart failure (HF), as the terminal stage of most cardiovascular diseases, manifests with primary symptoms including dyspnea, fatigue, edema, and palpitations. With recurrent episodes and a protracted clinical course, HF imposes a substantial global disease burden. PANoptosis represents a distinctive form of programmed cell death (PCD) that integrates features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, yet cannot be fully attributed to any single pathway among these three PCD modalities. Recent studies demonstrate significant dysregulation of PANoptosis-related genes during HF progression, positioning PANoptosis as both an emerging mechanism mediating HF pathogenesis and a novel therapeutic target. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained substantial recognition for its therapeutic potential in HF management, offering advantages such as flexible compatibility, multi-target effects, and minimal adverse reactions. Astragali Radix, a representative Qi-invigorating and blood-activating herbal medicine, has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment for various HF subtypes. Research reveals that its major bioactive components—including astragaloside Ⅳ, polysaccharide, quercetin, and calycosin—exhibit significant associations with the regulation of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis pathways. This review systematically explores the therapeutic feasibility of Astragali Radix in the prevention and treatment of HF through the lens of PANoptosis mechanisms. By synthesizing recent advances in the mechanisms of Astragali Radix-derived bioactive compounds and Astragali Radix-containing compound prescriptions in modulating PANoptosis, this paper aim to provide critical insights for advancing the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of HF.
6.Survey on human T-lymphotropic virus infection among blood donors in Hunan province
Binbin ZOU ; Qing HU ; Ni SUN ; Xiangmei KANG ; Tingting HU ; Fei FAN ; Feixue ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1077-1082
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection among blood donors in Hunan Province from 2022 to 2024. Methods: A total of 1 830 342 blood donors from 14 prefecture-level blood centers in Hunan Province over the past three years were screened for anti-HTLV-Ⅰ/Ⅱ using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Initially reactive samples were further tested with Line Immunoassay (LIA
)/MP-Western blot and RT-PCR nucleic acid test for confirmation. Blood donors confirmed positive for HTLV were tracked and followed up. Results: From 2022 to 2024, the initial ELISA reactive rate for anti-HTLV-I/II among blood donors in Hunan Province was 1.36 per 10 000 (249/1 830 342). The confirmed positive rate was 0.20 per 10 000 (37/1 830 342), accounting for 14.86% of the initially reactive donors. The follow-up success rate for confirmed HTLV-positive blood donors was only 18.92%, while that for HTLV-indeterminate donors was 54.17%. Conclusion: The confirmed HTLV infection rates in Yueyang, Loudi, Shaoyang, Yiyang, and Zhuzhou cities were higher than the provincial (0.20 per 10 000). Chenzhou, Yongzhou, Zhangjiajie, and Xiangxi were identified as low prevalence areas, with an infection rate of 0. The overall follow-up success rate was low, indicating significant difficulties and bottlenecks in follow-up work. The comprehensive screening for HTLV and follow-up studies in Hunan provide valuable data to further improve blood safety testing strategies and risk warning mechanisms.
7.Association between the Non-Fasting Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Hyperglycemia in pregnancy during the Third Trimester in High Altitudes
Qingqing WANG ; Hongying HOU ; Ma NI ; Yating LIANG ; Xiaoyu CHEN ; WA Zhuoga DA ; Qiang LIU ; Zhenyan HAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):861-871
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the non-fasting triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index and hyperglycemia in pregnancy during the third trimester in high altitudes. MethodsThis study selected clinical and laboratory data of 774 Tibetan singleton pregnant women who delivered at Chaya People's Hospital of Qamdo city in Xizang autonomous region, from January 2023 to April 2025. The non-fasting TyG index was calculated from non-fasting triglyceride (TG) and random plasma glucose (PG). Based on the tertiles of the non-fasting TyG index values, the individuals were split into three groups (corresponding to non-fasting TyG index of 8.89 and 9.21, respectively). The baseline clinical characteristics, lipid levels and the occurrence of developing hyperglycemia in pregnancy were compared among the three groups. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Chi-square test, or Fisher exact test and the relationship between the non-fasting TyG index and hyperglycemia in pregnancy were examined using multivariate logistic regression models and curve fitting. ResultsA total of 774 Tibetan singleton pregnant women were included, with a average age of 27.3 ± 6.1 years, a pre-delivery body mass index (Pre-BMI) of (25.2±2.3)kg/m2 , a proportion of 26.7% (207/774) primigravid women, the mean non-fasting TyG index was 9.1 ± 0.4。Thirty pregnant women were diagnosed with hyperglycemia in pregnancy, with a detection rate of 3.9% (30/774). Statistically significant differences in serum total cholesterol (TC), TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were identified when comparing different non-fasting TyG groups (all P values <0.05). Subsequent trend test analysis indicated that the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and PG gradually increased with elevated the non-fasting TyG index ( Ftrend TC=95.61, P<0.001; Ftrend TG=1 051.91, P<0.001; Ftrend LDL-C = 97.20, P < 0.001; Ftrend TG=195.20; P<0.001). After adjustment for maternal age, pre-delivery BMI, altitude, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C, multivariate Logistic regression models revealed independent positive associations between non-fasting TyG index and hyperglycemia in pregnancy (Model 1: OR=2.72, 95% CI: 1.13-6.53, P=0.026; Model 2: OR=2.56, 95% CI: 1.01-6.50, P=0.048; Model 3: OR=2.72, 95% CI: 1.06-6.97, P=0.037; Model 4: OR=4.02, 95% CI: 1.42-11.40, P=0.009) and the incident of hyperglycemia in pregnancy showed an increasing tendency as increasing with the non-fasting TyG index, however, this association did not statistical significance (P trend >0.05). Curve fitting by restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to assess linearity between non-fasting TyG and hyperglycemia in pregnancy, and there was a linear dose-response relationship between non-fasting TyG and hyperglycemia in pregnancy (P for non-linear = 0.515). ConclusionNon-fasting TyG index in the third trimester is a risk factor for hyperglycemia in pregnancy among the Tibetan singleton pregnant women at high altitudes and there was a possible linear dose-response relationship between the non-fasting TyG index and hyperglycemia in pregnancy.
8.High-throughput screening of novel TFEB agonists in protecting against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.
Xiaojuan CHAO ; Mengwei NIU ; Shaogui WANG ; Xiaowen MA ; Xiao YANG ; Hua SUN ; Xujia HU ; Hua WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Ruili HUANG ; Menghang XIA ; Andrea BALLABIO ; Hartmut JAESCHKE ; Hong-Min NI ; Wen-Xing DING
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(1):190-206
Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy hereafter) is a major intracellular lysosomal degradation pathway that is responsible for the degradation of misfolded/damaged proteins and organelles. Previous studies showed that autophagy protects against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced injury (AILI) via selective removal of damaged mitochondria and APAP protein adducts. The lysosome is a critical organelle sitting at the end stage of autophagy for autophagic degradation via fusion with autophagosomes. In the present study, we showed that transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master transcription factor for lysosomal biogenesis, was impaired by APAP resulting in decreased lysosomal biogenesis in mouse livers. Genetic loss-of and gain-of function of hepatic TFEB exacerbated or protected against AILI, respectively. Mechanistically, overexpression of TFEB increased clearance of APAP protein adducts and mitochondria biogenesis as well as SQSTM1/p62-dependent non-canonical nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation to protect against AILI. We also performed an unbiased cell-based imaging high-throughput chemical screening on TFEB and identified a group of TFEB agonists. Among these agonists, salinomycin, an anticoccidial and antibacterial agent, activated TFEB and protected against AILI in mice. In conclusion, genetic and pharmacological activating TFEB may be a promising approach for protecting against AILI.
9.Effect of Early Intervention of Yishen Huazhuo Prescription on Learning and Memory of Accelerated Aging SAMP8 Mice and Its Mechanism
Shujie ZAN ; Kai WANG ; Jiachun XU ; Weiming SUN ; Daoyan NI ; Linlin ZHANG ; Shuang LIU ; Yan MA ; Pengjuan XU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of early intervention with Yishen Huazhuo prescription (YHP) on the learning and memory of accelerated aging model mice, as well as its underlying mechanism. MethodForty-eight 3-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly assigned into four groups, including the model group, low-dose YHP group, high-dose YHP group, and donepezil group. Additionally, 24 SAMR1 mice of the same age were divided into a control group and a YHP treatment control group, each consisting of 12 mice. The YHP groups received YHP at doses of 6.24 g·kg-1 and 12.48 g·kg-1, while the donepezil group was treated with donepezil at a dose of 0.65 mg·kg-1. The model group and control groups were given physiological saline. The mice were gavaged once daily for a duration of four weeks. Spatial learning and memory abilities of mice were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to evaluate neuronal density as well as expression levels of M1 microglial (MG) polarization marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and M2 MG polarization marker arginase-1 (Arg-1) in the hippocampus region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of pro-inflammatory factor interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory factor transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Furthermore, Western blot analysis was conducted to determine expressions of amyloid β peptide1-42 (Aβ1-42) along with triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins TREM2, phospho (p)-NF-κB p65, and phospho-inhibitory kappa B kinase β (IKKβ) in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant reduction in neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) expression in the hippocampus, a significant increase in iNOS expression in MG, and a significant decrease in Arg-1 expression. The serum IL-1β content was significantly increased, while the TGF-β1 content was significantly decreased. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in TREM2 expression in the hippocampus and significant increases in p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 expressions (P<0.05, P<0.01). However, no significant changes were observed in escape latency, times of crossing the platform, and hippocampal NeuN expression in the YHP treatment control group. Conversely, iNOS expression in MG as well as the hippocampal p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 expressions were significantly decreased. Furthermore, TREM2 expression was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, the low-dose YHP group showed a significantly shortened escape latency and an increased number of crossing the platform (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose YHP group, the escape latency was significantly shortened (P<0.05). In the low-dose YHP group, high-dose YHP group, the expression of NeuN in the hippocampus was significantly increased, the expression of iNOS in MG was significantly decreased, and the expression of Arg-l was significantly increased. The serum IL-1β content was significantly decreased, while the TGF-β1 content was significantly increased. Furthermore, the expression of TREM2 in the hippocampus was significantly increased, and the expressions of p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionEarly YHP intervention may promote the transformation of hippocampal MG from M1 to M2 by regulating the TREM2/NF-κB signaling pathway, reduce the release of neuroinflammatory factors, protect hippocampal neurons, and reduce the deposition of Aβ1-42, and finally delay the occurrence of learning and memory decline in SAMP8 mice.
10.Preparation modification strategies for clinical treatment drugs of Parkinson's disease
Meng-jiao HE ; Yi-fang XIAO ; Xiang-an-ni KONG ; Zhi-hao LIU ; Xiao-guang WANG ; Hao FENG ; Jia-sheng TU ; Qian CHEN ; Chun-meng SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):574-580
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. At present, levodopa and other drugs are mainly used for dopamine supplementation therapy. However, the absorption of levodopa in the gastrointestinal tract is unstable and its half-life is short, and long-term use of levodopa will lead to the end-of-dose deterioration, dyskinesia, the "ON-OFF" phenomenon and other symptoms. Therefore, new preparations need to be developed to improve drug efficacy, reduce side effects or improve compliance of patients. Based on the above clinical needs, this review briefly introduced the preparation modification strategies for the treatment of PD through case analysis, in order to provide references for the research and development of related preparations.

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