1.Design, synthesis and antifungal and antitumor activity research of novel Hsp90 inhibitors
Qiao SHI ; Guiyan HAN ; Junteng ZHANG ; Na LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(3):124-135
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To design and synthesize novel Hsp90 inhibitors with dual functions of synergistically enhancing the antifungal activity of fluconazole (FLC) against drug-resistant fungi and anti-tumor activity based on the Hsp90 inhibitor Ganetespib. Methods The previous research found that Ganetespib had a good synergistic anti-resistant fungal activity with FLC, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.023 to 0.039. In this study, structural modifications were made to Ganetespib by replacing its indole ring with a phenyl ring containing different substituents to design and synthesize a series of new compounds. The in vitro synergistic anti-resistant fungal activity against C. albicans 0304103 in combination with FLC, anti-tumor activity (against HEL, HL60 and A549 cells), and Hsp90α inhibition activity were determined to explore their structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action. Results The chemical structures of 19 new compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. Most of the compounds exhibited strong Hsp90α inhibitory activity, good synergistic activity against drug-resistant fungi in combination with FLC and anti-tumor activity. The substitution of electron-donating groups on the benzene ring was beneficial to enhancing the synergistic activity against drug-resistant fungi in combination with FLC. Among them, compounds F3 and F5 showed excellent synergistic activity against drug-resistant fungi in combination with FLC (FICI were both 0.047) and anti-tumor activity (IC50 were 0.025 to 0.15 μmol/L and 0.021 to 0.23 μmol/L respectively), and could down-regulate the expression levels of drug resistance genes and efflux pump genes in fungi, inhibit the formation of fungal biofilms, and arrest the cell cycle of HEL cells at G0/G1 phase. Conclusion The novel Hsp90 inhibitors such as F3 and F5 could both effectively exert the dual activities of synergizing with FLC to combat drug-resistant fungi and fight against tumors, which provided a new idea for the development of new drugs with dual functions of synergizing with FLC to combat drug-resistant fungi and fight against tumors.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.The Clinical Utility of Biomarkers in Diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review of Literature From 2013 to 2023
Shi-han ANG ; Roger C. HO ; Roger S. MCINTYRE ; Zhisong ZHANG ; Soon-kiat CHANG ; Kayla M. TEOPIZ ; Cyrus SH HO
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):341-356
		                        		
		                        			 Objective:
		                        			The variety and efficacy of biomarkers available that may be used objectively to diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults are unclear. This systematic review aims to identify and evaluate the variety of objective markers used to diagnose MDD in adults. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			The search strategy was applied via PubMed and PsycINFO over the past 10 years (2013–2023) to capture the latest available evidence supporting the use of biomarkers to diagnose MDD. Data was reported through narrative synthesis. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			Forty-two studies were included in the review. Findings were synthesised based on the following measures: blood, neuroimagingeurophysiology, urine, dermatological, auditory, vocal, cerebrospinal fluid and combinatory—and evaluated based on its sensitivity/specificity and area under the curve values. The best predictors of blood (MYT1 gene), neuroimagingeurophysiological (5-HT1A auto-receptor binding in the dorsal and median raphe), urinary (combined albumin, AMBP, HSPB, APOA1), cerebrospinal fluid-based (neuron specific enolase, microRNA) biomarkers were found to be closely linked to the pathophysiology of MDD. 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			A large variety of biomarkers were available to diagnose MDD, with the best performing biomarkers intrinsically related to the pathophysiology of MDD. Potential for future research lies in investigating the joint sensitivity of the best performing biomarkers identified via machine learning methods and establishing the causal effect between these biomarkers and MDD. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.4 Weeks of HIIT Modulates Metabolic Homeostasis of Hippocampal Pyruvate-lactate Axis in CUMS Rats Improving Their Depression-like Behavior
Yu-Mei HAN ; Chun-Hui BAO ; Zi-Wei ZHANG ; Jia-Ren LIANG ; Huan XIANG ; Jun-Sheng TIAN ; Shi ZHOU ; Shuang-Shuang WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1468-1483
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the role of 4-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in modulating the metabolic homeostasis of the pyruvate-lactate axis in the hippocampus of rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to improve their depressive-like behavior. MethodsForty-eight SPF-grade 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the normal quiet group (C), the CUMS quiet group (M), the normal exercise group (HC), and the CUMS exercise group (HM). The M and HM groups received 8 weeks of CUMS modeling, while the HC and HM groups were exposed to 4 weeks of HIIT starting from the 5th week (3 min (85%-90%) Smax+1 min (50%-55%) Smax, 3-5 cycles, Smax is the maximum movement speed). A lactate analyzer was used to detect the blood lactate concentration in the quiet state of rats in the HC and HM groups at week 4 and in the 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after exercise, as well as in the quiet state of rats in each group at week 8. Behavioral indexes such as sucrose preference rate, number of times of uprightness and number of traversing frames in the absenteeism experiment, and other behavioral indexes were used to assess the depressive-like behavior of the rats at week 4 and week 8. The rats were anesthetized on the next day after the behavioral test in week 8, and hippocampal tissues were taken for assay. LC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, target quantification, ELISA and Western blot were used to detect the changes in metabolite content, lactate and pyruvate concentration, the content of key metabolic enzymes in the pyruvate-lactate axis, and the protein expression levels of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). Results4-week HIIT intervention significantly increased the sucrose preference rate, the number of uprights and the number of traversed frames in the absent field experiment in CUMS rats; non-targeted metabolomics assay found that 21 metabolites were significantly changed in group M compared to group C, and 14 and 11 differential metabolites were significantly dialed back in the HC and HM groups, respectively, after the 4-week HIIT intervention; the quantitative results of the targeting showed that, compared to group C, lactate concentration in the hippocampal tissues of M group, compared with group C, lactate concentration in hippocampal tissue was significantly reduced and pyruvate concentration was significantly increased, and 4-week HIIT intervention significantly increased the concentration of lactate and pyruvate in hippocampal tissue of HM group; the trend of changes in blood lactate concentration was consistent with the change in lactate concentration in hippocampal tissue; compared with group C, the LDHB content of group M was significantly increased, the content of PKM2 and PDH, as well as the protein expression level of MCT2 and MCT4 were significantly reduced. The 4-week HIIT intervention upregulated the PKM2 and PDH content as well as the protein expression levels of MCT2 and MCT4 in the HM group. ConclusionThe 4-week HIIT intervention upregulated blood lactate concentration and PKM2 and PDH metabolizing enzymes in hippocampal tissues of CUMS rats, and upregulated the expression of MCT2 and MCT4 transport carrier proteins to promote central lactate uptake and utilization, which regulated metabolic homeostasis of the pyruvate-lactate axis and improved depressive-like behaviors. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Four Weeks of HIIT Modulates Lactate-mediated Synaptic Plasticity to Improve Depressive-like Behavior in CUMS Rats
Yu-Mei HAN ; Zi-Wei ZHANG ; Jia-Ren LIANG ; Chun-Hui BAO ; Jun-Sheng TIAN ; Shi ZHOU ; Huan XIANG ; Yong-Hong YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1499-1510
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of 4-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and to explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsA total of 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (C), model (M), control plus HIIT (HC), and model plus HIIT (HM). Rats in groups M and HM underwent 8 weeks of CUMS to establish depression-like behaviors, while groups HC and HM received HIIT intervention beginning from the 5th week for 4 consecutive weeks. The HIIT protocol consisted of repeated intervals of 3 min at high speed (85%-90% maximal training speed, Smax) alternated with one minute at low speed (50%-55% Smax), with 3 to 5 sets per session, conducted 5 d per week. Behavioral assessments and tail-vein blood lactate levels were measured at the end of the 4th and 8th weeks. After the intervention, rat PFC tissues were collected for Golgi staining to analyze synaptic morphology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were employed to detect brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), lactate, and glutamate levels in the PFC, as well as serotonin (5-HT) levels in serum. Additionally, Western blot analysis was conducted to quantify the expression of synaptic plasticity-related proteins, including c-Fos, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1). ResultsCompared to the control group (C), the CUMS-exposed rats (group M) exhibited significant reductions in sucrose preference rates, number of grid crossings, frequency of upright postures, and entries into and duration spent in open arms of the elevated plus maze, indicating marked depressive-like behaviors. Additionally, the group M showed significantly reduced dendritic spine density in the PFC, along with elevated levels of c-Fos, Arc, NMDAR1 protein expression, and increased concentrations of lactate and glutamate. Conversely, BDNF and MCT1 contents in the PFC and 5-HT levels in serum were significantly decreased. Following HIIT intervention, rats in the group HM displayed considerable improvement in behavioral indicators compared with the group M, accompanied by significant elevations in PFC MCT1 and lactate concentrations. Furthermore, HIIT notably normalized the expression levels of c-Fos, Arc, NMDAR1, as well as glutamate and BDNF contents in the PFC. Synaptic spine density also exhibited significant recovery. ConclusionFour weeks of HIIT intervention may alleviate depressive-like behaviors in CUMS rats by increasing lactate levels and reducing glutamate concentration in the PFC, thereby downregulating the overexpression of NMDAR, attenuating excitotoxicity, and enhancing synaptic plasticity. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Research advances in predictive models for post-hemorrhagic stroke seizures
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(1):83-88
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The occurrence of seizures after hemorrhagic stroke is a significant contributor to mortality in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Compared with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke is more frequently to cause seizures, with high disability and high mortality. If not detected early and treated in time, seizures may aggravate patient’s conditions in the acute stage, and cause accidental injuries in the recovery stage, increasing the burden on patient’s family. Early prediction and timely treatment of seizures can improve the survival rate and quality of life of patients. With science and technology advances, domestic and international researchers have established prediction models for seizures after hemorrhagic stroke, which use machine learning methods to process and identify relevant data, improving the accuracy of prediction for the disease. This review aims to summarize risk factors for post-hemorrhagic stroke seizures and related prediction models, so as to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        			Seizures
		                        			
		                        		
		                        	
6.Analysis of the availability of bronchodilators listed in the medical insurance catalog for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in community health service centers in Shanghai
Hui DENG ; Qundi YANG ; Han WU ; Danni LIU ; Xuena LA ; Yang ZHENG ; Yan SHI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):390-396
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo assess the availability of bronchodilators for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in community health service centers (CHCs) in Shanghai. MethodsOn the basis of previous research, the questionnaire was updated, and surveys were conducted from April to May 2023 in CHCs in Shanghai, with a focus on the availability of medications for COPD treatment. According to the National Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug List (2023 Edition), a total of 24 types of bronchodilators for COPD treatment were identified. The availability rates were used to assess the accessibility of specific drugs in CHCs, and the dispensing rates were used to evaluate the variety of these medications in CHCs. ResultsA total of 248 CHCs responded, with a response rate of 100.0%. Among them, a total of 232 CHCs (93.5%) were equipped with bronchodilators. In terms of availability rates, the availability rates for β2 adrenoreceptor agonists, muscarinic antagonists, combination drugs, and xanthines drugs were 86.3%, 52.0%, 52.4%, and 85.1%, respectively. Regional differences were observed, in that salbutamol/levalbuterol and budesonide-formoterol were less available in suburban CHCs, ipratropium bromide had lower availability in urban CHCs, and aminophylline was more available in suburban CHCs. Regarding the dispensing rates of the 24 types of bronchodilators for COPD treatment, the median of types equipped by CHCs was 5, with a total of 200 CHCs (80.6%) equipped with fewer than 7 types of bronchodilator drugs. ConclusionThe proportion of CHCs in Shanghai equipped with bronchodilators for COPD is relatively high. However, there exist problems such as limited variety of stocked medications, significant differences in the availability of different drugs, and regional imbalances in drug stocking. To improve the standardized diagnosis, treatment, and management of COPD patients, it is recommended to enhance the availability of COPD treatment medications in CHCs. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Analysis of risk factors for diaphragmatic dysfunction after cardiovascular surgery with extracorporeal circulation: A retrospective cohort study
Xupeng YANG ; Yi SHI ; Fengbo PEI ; Simeng ZHANG ; Hao MA ; Zengqiang HAN ; Zhou ZHAO ; Qing GAO ; Xuan WANG ; Guangpu FAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1140-1145
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To clarify the risk factors of diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) after cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of patients who underwent cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Peking University People's Hospital from January 2023 to March 2024. Patients were divided into two groups according to the results of bedside diaphragm ultrasound: a DD group and a control group. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative indicators of the patients were compared and analyzed, and independent risk factors for DD were screened using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 281 patients were included, with 32 patients in the DD group, including 23 males and 9 females, with an average age of (64.0±13.5) years. There were 249 patients in the control group, including 189 males and 60 females, with an average age of (58.0±11.2) years. The body mass index of the DD group was lower than that of the control group [(18.4±1.5) kg/m2 vs. (21.9±1.8) kg/m2, P=0.004], and the prevalence of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, and renal insufficiency was higher in the DD group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in intraoperative indicators (operation method, extracorporeal circulation time, aortic clamping time, and intraoperative nasopharyngeal temperature) between the two groups (P>0.05). In terms of postoperative aspects, the peak postoperative blood glucose in the DD group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=0.001), and the proportion of patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=0.001). The postoperative reintubation rate, tracheotomy rate, mechanical ventilation time, and intensive care unit stay time in the DD group were higher or longer than those in the control group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low body mass index [OR=0.72, 95%CI (0.41, 0.88), P=0.011], preoperative dialysis [OR=2.51, 95%CI (1.89, 4.14), P=0.027], low left ventricular ejection fraction [OR=0.88, 95%CI (0.71, 0.93), P=0.046], and postoperative hyperglycemia [OR=3.27, 95%CI (2.58, 5.32), P=0.009] were independent risk factors for DD. Conclusion The incidence of DD is relatively high after cardiac surgery, and low body mass index, preoperative renal insufficiency requiring dialysis, low left ventricular ejection fraction, and postoperative hyperglycemia are risk factors for DD.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Marginal Zone Lymphoma with Recurrent Intestinal Obstruction After Multiple Chemotherapy: A Case Report
Sirui HAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Guannan ZHANG ; Peijun LIU ; Wen SHI ; Wenbo LI ; Rongrong LI ; Congwei JIA ; Jian CAO ; Wei WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1344-1351
This article reports a diagnostically and therapeutically challenging case of small intestinal marginal zone lymphoma. The patient presented with recurrent abdominal pain as the chief complaint, and imaging revealed multifocal small bowel wall thickening with high uptake, multisegmental luminal stenosis, and proximal dilation. Initial diagnostic workup, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and enteroscopy with biopsy, failed to establish a definitive diagnosis. Empirical anti-tuberculosis therapy was ineffective. A repeat enteroscopic biopsy performed over eight months after symptom onset eventually confirmed the diagnosis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) extranodal marginal zone lymphoma. Despite three different chemotherapy regimens, the patient's intestinal obstruction symptoms persisted, with imaging still showing multifocal bowel wall thickening and hypermetabolic activity. A critical diagnostic dilemma arose regarding whether the PET/CT-positive lesions represented residual lymphoma or fibrotic scarring, whether further chemotherapy adjustments were warranted, and whether surgical resection was necessary. Multidisciplinary discussion concluded that imaging had limited discriminatory value in this scenario and that surgical intervention should be pursued if feasible. The patient successfully underwent partial small bowel resection, with postoperative pathology confirming no residual lymphoma but significant fibrotic changes. The patient has since resumed a normal diet, with body weight nearly restored to pre-illness levels. This case highlights that fibrotic transformation is a common sequela of treated marginal zone lymphoma and that PET/CT may misleadingly suggest residual disease, potentially leading to unnecessary chemotherapy. Timely surgical intervention is crucial in such scenarios.
9.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Diabetic Nephropathy via Pathways Related to Pyroptosis: A Review
Jintao SHI ; Zhiyi ZHANG ; Yunfei WEI ; Jiarui HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):290-300
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease, shows increasing prevalence and mortality, seriously affecting the physical and mental health of patients. As a crucial link in the occurrence and development of DKD, pyroptosis can lead to kidney cell injury and inflammation through the abnormal activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NLRP3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/NLRP3, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/NLRP3 signaling pathways, which accelerate the progression of DKD. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite efficacy in the treatment of DKD via multiple targets and pathways. Studies have shown that various TCM active components, including glycosides, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids, as well as TCM compound prescriptions for clearing heat and detoxifying, tonifying deficiency and consolidating root, and eliminating stasis and descending turbidity, can target relevant signaling pathways to inhibit pyroptosis and intervene in the development of DKD, providing new possibilities for precision treatment of DKD. This article systematically reviews the relevant pathways of pyroptosis and summarizes the research achievements and mechanisms of TCM active components and compound prescriptions in the treatment of DKD via pyroptosis in recent years. This review aims to provide new directions and ideas for the treatment and research of DKD with TCM and promote the modernization and development of TCM. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Clinical characteristics and risk factors for adverse outcomes in omphalocele
Wei SHI ; Mingyu HAN ; Zheng CHEN ; Xiaoying CHENG ; Junjin CHEN ; Peng WANG ; Jinfa TOU ; Liping SHI ; Xiaolu MA
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(1):43-49
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of omphalocele, and to assess the risk factors associated with adverse outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data of 224 patients diagnosed with omphalocele, who were hospitalized at Children′s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2013 to December 2022, were collected. Based on their discharge outcomes, the patients were classified into 2 groups: favorable outcomes and unfavorable outcomes. Chi-square test or continuity correction χ2 test or Fisher exact probability method, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for intergroup comparisons. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes in omphalocele. Results:Among the 224 patients with omphalocele, 126 were male. A total of 208 patients (92.9%) had favorable outcomes, while 16 patients (7.1%) had unfavorable outcomes. In the unfavorable outcomes group, 14 patients had giant omphaloceles, while 100 patients had giant omphaloceles in the favorable outcomes group. The rates of herniation of more than two intra-abdominal organs in the hernial sac, congenital heart defects, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary hypertension, sepsis and infection of the hernial sac, were all higher in the unfavorable outcomes group compared to the favorable outcomes group (all P<0.05). Patients with unfavorable outcomes had longer mechanical ventilation time, duration of oxygen use, duration of parenteral nutrition, hospital stays, and higher rates of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis compared to those with favorable outcomes (all P<0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that pulmonary hypertension ( OR=9.39, 95% CI 1.20-73.32), sepsis ( OR=8.59, 95% CI 1.32-55.86), and congenital heart defects ( OR=6.55, 95% CI 1.11-38.73) were all independent risk factors for adverse outcomes in omphalocele (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Infants with omphalocele are prone to complications such as cardiovascular malformations, infections, and pulmonary hypertension. Adverse outcomes in omphalocele are associated with pulmonary hypertension, sepsis, and congenital heart defects.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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