1.Regulatory mechanism of non-coding RNA in osteoarthritis and the research on traditional Chinese medicine intervention
Fanzhuo HUANG ; Yuan LI ; Xuan ZHANG ; Yuan LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1819-1824
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease characterized primarily by the degeneration of articular cartilage, with its pathogenesis involving a multifactorial interplay of inflammatory responses, chondrocyte apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) participates in the occurrence and development of OA through their diverse regulatory pathways, providing new potential targets for its treatment. This paper systematically elucidates the mechanisms of ncRNA [micro ncRNA (miR), circular ncRNA (circR), and long ncRNA (lncR)] in regulating OA , as well as the current research status of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervening in OA by modulating ncRNA. It is found that ncRNA participate in the pathological processes of OA by constructing a multi-layered regulatory network: miR inhibits the translation of key target genes and regulate downstream signaling pathways; circR can act as ‘molecular sponges’ to competitively absorb miRs for indirect regulation, as well as directly modulate protein functions; lncR possess both ‘molecular sponge’ capabilities and the ability to intervene directly in pathways. Andrographolide, Xinfeng capsules and others intervene in the OA process by regulating the expression of miR, forming a ‘TCM-miR-downstream response chain’, which reduces the expression of matrix-hydrolyzing enzymes and inhibits the secretion of inflammatory factors; paeoniflorin, Rongjin niantong formula and others intervene in the OA process by affecting circR and lncR, thereby forming a ‘TCM-lncR/circR-miR-downstream response chain’ to promote chondrocyte proliferation and reduce ECM degradation.
2.Bibliometrics study on the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma
Yan CHEN ; Hongmin ZHUO ; Fan ZHANG ; Xuan ZHOU ; Chengzhi YUAN ; Chang YU ; Qinghua PENG ; Meiyan ZENG ; Houpan SONG
International Eye Science 2024;24(5):704-711
AIM: To understand the publication status, research trends, and cutting-edge and hot topics in this field by conducting a bibliometrics analysis of relevant literatures on the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)in the past 30 a.METHODS:A total of 986 relevant literatures on the pathogenesis of POAG published on the core databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)and Web of Science(WOS)from 1 September 1993 to 1 September 2023 were retrieved. CiteSpace(6.2.R.4)and VOSviewer(1.6.18)software were used to conduct knowledge graph analysis on the retrieved literature, including publication volume, author, research institution, country/region, and keywords.RESULTS:The United States(243 articles)has the highest number of publications, followed by China(121 articles). The foreign institution with the highest number of publications is Harvard University(37 articles), while domestic institutions such as Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, ophthalmology department of Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, and Peking University First Hospital tied for the highest number of publications. Louis R. Pasquale(21 articles)is the most prolific English author. Wang Ningli is the most active Chinese researcher in this field. Keywords include trabecular meshwork, intraocular pressure, aqueous humor, glucocorticoid, hemorheology, etc.CONCLUSION: The research on the pathogenesis of POAG is in a period of vigorous development. The United States has the largest number of publications in this field, and Harvard University is a leading institution in this field. The research focus in the field of POAG has shifted from the structural aspect to the genetic level, and gene research and traditional Chinese medicine treatment have broad application prospects in this field.
3.Effect and mechanism of transplantation bone marrow stromal stem cells transfected NRG1 gene on repair of hemi-transected spinal cord injury in rats
Yu-Xuan FU ; Jun CHEN ; Fu-Sheng ZHAO ; Yuan-Yuan LI ; Ke-Xin ZHANG ; Geng WU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(2):204-213
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of neuregulin1(NRG1)gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)on the repair of hemi-transected spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.Methods Isolated and cultured rat BMSCs,followed by transfection with the NRG1 gene.The levels of NRG1 in BMSCs lysate and culture supernatant was deected by ELISA method,and the proliferation activity of the BMSCs was detected by cell counting method.Forty-three healthy 8-week-old SD rats were randomly divided into control group(n=10),SCI model group(n=10),BMSCs group(n=10),and NRG1-BMSCs group(n=13).After establishing the spinal cord hemisection model,animals received in-situ transplantation of BMSCs or NRG1-BMSCs.On the 1,7,14,21,and 28 days after transplantation,the hind limb motor function was evaluated using BBB score and inclined plate test;on the 7th day after transplantation,the migration and distribution of transplanted cells was monitored using a fluorescence microscope;on the 28th day after transplantation,the pathological changes of rat spinal cord tissues was examined using HE staining and Nissl staining;cell apoptosis using TUNEL staining,and levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins[X-box binding protein 1(XBP1),C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP),activating transcription factor 4(ATF4),ATF6,glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78)]and apoptosis-related proteins[B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)and Bcl-2-associated protein X(Bax)]in rat spinal cord tissues using Western blotting.Results BMSCs were successfully isolated,cultured,and transfected with the NRG1 gene.ELISA method results showed that the NRG1 contents in the NRG1-BMSCs lysate and culture supernatant were significantly higher than that of BMSCs in a time-dependent manner(P<0.05).The proliferation activity of NRG1-BMSCs was significantly higher than that of BMSCs(P<0.05).On the 21 and 28 days after transplantation,the BBB score and the slope angle of the inclined plate in NRG1-BMSCs group were higher than those in SCI model group or BMSCs group(P<0.05).However,it did not reverse to the level in control group(P<0.05).On the 28th day after transplantation,compared with the SCI model group and BMSCs group,neuronal pyknosis reduced,the Nissl body density increased,the expression levels of XBP1,CHOP,ATF4,ATF6,GRP78,and Bax,and the rate of TUNEL-positive cells significantly reduced in NRG1-BMSCs group(P<0.05),and the expression level of Bcl-2 significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Transplantation of NRG1 gene-modified BMSCs can alleviate SCI and improve the recovery of motor function in rats.The mechanism may be related to promoting the proliferation activity of BMSCs,inhibiting cell apoptosis,and mitigating endoplasmic reticulum stress.
4.Mechanism of crocin alleviating monocrotaline-induced right ventricular injury in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Yanling SHENG ; Xiaowei GONG ; Zhijuan LI ; Xuan ZHANG ; Tao TIAN ; Yadong YUAN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(2):221-229
AIM:To investigate whether crocin alleviates right ventricular injury induced by monocrotaline(MCT)in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH),and to explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal group,PAH group,crocin group and sildenafil group,with 10 rats in each group.The rats in PAH,crocin and sildenafil groups received subcutaneous injection of MCT(50 mg/kg)to establish the PAH model.Starting from the day of MCT injection,the rats in crocin group received crocin(200 mg/kg),the rats in sildenafil group received sildenafil(30 mg/kg),and those in PAH and normal groups were orally gavaged with an equal volume of saline once daily.After 4 weeks,measurements of right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP),mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP),right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI)and right ventricular mass index(RVMI)were taken for the rats in each group.Tissue staining was conducted to observe pathological changes in the right ventricle,and the expression levels of inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α),the p38 MAPK/NF-κB inflammato-ry pathway,CCL2,CCR2,and the macrophage marker CD68 were assessed.RESULTS:Compared with PAH group,the rats in crocin and sildenafil groups exhibited significant reductions in RVSP,mPAP,RVHI and RVMI(P<0.05).Right ventricular tissue displayed no evident infiltration of inflammatory cells or proliferation of collagen fibers.The down-regulation of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α)was significant(P<0.05).Additionally,the CCL2/CCR2 pathway and the infiltration of CD68+ macrophages were markedly decreased(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Crocin effectively mitigates right ventricular damage in MCT-induced PAH rats,with its effica-cy comparable to that of sildenafil at the dosage utilized in this experiment.Some protective mechanisms of crocin may be attributed to its regulatory effects on inflammation.
5.Role of nNOS-NOS1AP coupling in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats
Ruichen SHU ; Yuan LI ; Xuan ZHANG ; Zengli ZHANG ; Zhenguo SONG ; Yiqing YIN
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(1):66-70
Objective:To evaluate the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) coupling in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats.Methods:Forty clean-grade healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 240-260 g, aged 2-3 months, were divided into 4 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), remifentanil group (group R), nNOS-NOS1AP inhibitor ZLc002 group (group C+ Z) and remifentanil + ZLc002 group (group R+ Z). Normal saline was intravenously infused at a rate of 0.1 ml·kg -1·min -1 for 60 min in C group. Remifentanil was intravenously infused at a rate of 1.0 μg·kg -1·min -1 for 60 min in R group. ZLc002 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected for 3 consecutive days, and then normal saline 0.1 ml·kg -1·min -1 and remifentanil 1.0 μg·kg -1·min -1 were intravenously infused for 60 min in C+ Z group and R+ Z group. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 24 h before intravenous infusion and 6, 24 and 48 h after intravenous infusion (T 0-3). All the rats were sacrificed after the last measurement of pain thresholds, and the L 4-6 segments of the spinal cord were removed for determination of the expression of nNOS, NOS1AP and Dexamethasone-induced Ras-related protein 1 (Dexras1) protein and mRNA using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Nitrosylated proteins were extracted by biotin conversion for determination of the expression of nNOS, NOS1AP and total and nitrosylated Dexras1 (by Western blot) and co-expression of nNOS-NOS1AP (by co-immunoprecipitation). The content of NO in the spinal cord was measured. Results:Compared with group C, the MWT was significantly decreased, and the TWL was shortened at T 1-3, the expression of nNOS and NOS1AP protein and mRNA was up-regulated, the co-expression of nNOS-NOS1AP and NO production were increased, and the expression of nitrosylated Dexras1 was up-regulated in group R ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in each aforementioned parameter in group C+ Z ( P>0.05). Compared with group R, the MWT was significantly increased, and the TWL was prolonged at T 1-3, the co-expression of nNOS-NOS1AP and NO production were decreased, the expression of nitrosylated Dexras1 was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the expression of nNOS and NOS1AP protein and mRNA in group R+ Z ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences in total Dexras1 protein and mRNA expression among the four groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which remifentanil induces hyperalgesia may be related to up-regulating the expression of nNOS and NOS1AP in the spinal cord, promoting interaction between nNOS and NOS1AP and mediating NO generation and Dexras1 nitrosylation modification in rats.
6.Chemical constituents from Ganoderma angustisporum and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities
Ya-Qin HUO ; Yu-Xi WANG ; Yu-Lian WEI ; Yi-Xuan ZHANG ; Hai-Sheng YUAN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(1):132-137
AIM To study the chemical constituents from Ganoderma angustisporum J.H.Xing,B.K.Cui&Y.C.Dai and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.METHODS The ethyl acetate extract from G.angustisporum was isolated and purified by silica gel,ODS,TLC and HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.pNPG method was used to evaluate their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.RESULTS Seven compounds were isolated and identified as N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester(1),N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester(2),4-hydroxy-17R-methylincisterol(3),6,8-di-O-methylaverufin(4),aversin(5),methyl 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)aceate(6),5-toluene-1,3-diol(7).Compounds 1-2,4-7 showed inhibitory activities of α-glucosidase with IC50 values being(33.80±0.47),(45.45±7.95),(48.80±5.86),(39.48±2.82),(41.47±6.68),(55.38±10.12)μmol/L,and compound 1 showed good inhibitory activity.CONCLUSION Compound 1 is a new natural product.Compounds 2-7 are isolated from genus Ganoderma for the first time.Compounds 1-2,4-7 have α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.
7.Clinical phenotype and gene variation analysis of MED25 gene mutation induced Basel-Vanagaite-Smirin-Yosef syndrome
Guangjin LUO ; Xuan ZHANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Lihua WANG ; Jing ZHAO ; Xiao DING ; Jun CHEN ; Lijiang WANG ; Aiyun YUAN ; Mei HOU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(1):47-53
Objective:To investigate the clinical phenotype and genetic variation of Basel-Vanagaite-Smirin-Yosef syndrome (BVSYS), and to enhance clinicians′ knowledge of the disease.Methods:The clinical data of a child with BVSYS admitted to the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University in February 2023 were collected. Whole genome sequencing was used to analyze the pathogenic genes of the child, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the suspected mutation sites of the family members. The clinical phenotype and genetic variation characteristics were analyzed, and the clinical characteristics of BVSYS were summarized in combination with relevant literature.Results:The patient, a female aged 3 years and 1 month, presented with global developmental delay, speech disorder, distinctive facial features, esotropia, epilepsy, hypotonia and atrial septal defect. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral ventriculomegaly with abnormal signal intensity in the posterior bodies of both lateral ventricles and thinning of the corpus callosum. The whole genome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense mutation c.518 (exon5) T>C (p.IIe173Thr) in the MED25 gene of the child, and Sanger sequencing confirmed that her parents and elder brother carried the aforementioned heterozygous mutation, which was classified as a likely pathogenic mutation according to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. A total of 22 cases from 6 literature sources were retrieved, with no reported cases in China so far. Conclusions:BVSYS is clinically rare. For patients presenting with unexplained global developmental delay or intellectual disability combined with craniofacial, neurological, cardiac, and eye abnormalities, targeted genetic testing can facilitate a definite diagnosis.
8.Development and Application of Detection Methods for Capture and Transcription Elongation Rate of Bacterial Nascent RNA
Yuan-Yuan LI ; Yu-Ting WANG ; Zi-Chun WU ; Hao-Xuan LI ; Ming-Yue FEI ; Dong-Chang SUN ; O. Claudio GUALERZI ; Attilio FABBRETTI ; Anna Maria GIULIODORI ; Hong-Xia MA ; Cheng-Guang HE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(9):2249-2260
ObjectiveDetection and quantification of RNA synthesis in cells is a widely used technique for monitoring cell viability, health, and metabolic rate.After exposure to environmental stimuli, both the internal reference gene and target gene would be degraded. As a result, it is imperative to consider the accurate capture of nascent RNA and the detection of transcriptional levels of RNA following environmental stimulation. This study aims to create a Click Chemistry method that utilizes its property to capture nascent RNA from total RNA that was stimulated by the environment. MethodsThe new RNA was labeled with 5-ethyluridine (5-EU) instead of uracil, and the azido-biotin medium ligand was connected to the magnetic sphere using a combination of “Click Chemistry” and magnetic bead screening. Then the new RNA was captured and the transcription rate of 16S rRNA was detected by fluorescence molecular beacon (M.B.) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). ResultsThe bacterial nascent RNA captured by “Click Chemistry” screening can be used as a reverse transcription template to form cDNA. Combined with the fluorescent molecular beacon M.B.1, the synthesis rate of rRNA at 37℃ is 1.2 times higher than that at 15℃. The 16S rRNA gene and cspI gene can be detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR,it was found that the measured relative gene expression changes were significantly enhanced at 25℃ and 16℃ when analyzed with nascent RNA rather than total RNA, enabling accurate detection of RNA transcription rates. ConclusionCompared to other article reported experimental methods that utilize screening magnetic columns, the technical scheme employed in this study is more suitable for bacteria, and the operation steps are simple and easy to implement, making it an effective RNA capture method for researchers.
9.The taste correction process of ibuprofen oral solution based on the combination of electronic tongue technology and artificial taste comprehensive evaluation
Rui YUAN ; Yun-ping QU ; Yan WANG ; Ya-xuan ZHANG ; Wan-ling ZHONG ; Xiao-yu FAN ; Hui-juan SHEN ; Yun-nan MA ; Jin-hong YE ; Jie BAI ; Shou-ying DU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(8):2404-2411
This experiment aims to study the taste-masking effects of different kinds of corrigent used individually and in combination on ibuprofen oral solution, in order to optimize the taste-masking formulation. Firstly, a wide range of corrigent and the mass fractions were extensively screened using electronic tongue technology. Subsequently, a combination of sensory evaluation, analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-fuzzy mathematics evaluation, and Box-Behnken experimental design were employed to comprehensively assess the taste-masking effects of different combinations of corrigent on ibuprofen oral solution, optimize the taste-masking formulation, and validate the results. The study received ethical approval from the Review Committee of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (ethical code: 2024BZYLL0102). The results showed that corrigent fractions and types were screened separately through single-factor experiments. Subsequently, a Box-Behnken response surface design combined with AHP and fuzzy mathematics evaluation was used to fit a functional model:
10.GE Linyi's Experience in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Stages with the Method of Clearing
Xiao YUAN ; Ning JIANG ; Jyu SUN ; Zhongzhou LI ; Xuan HUANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):996-1000
This paper summarized the clinical experience of Professor GE Linyi in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by stages with the method of clearing. Professor GE believes that the core pathogenesis of UC is dampness and heat in the intestines, and by taking the method of clearing as the basis, he proposed four methods for treatment of UC including clearing and transforming, clearing and dispersing,clearing and moisterning, clearing and nourishing. The pathogenesis of UC in its active stage is dampness and heat in the intestines, congestion and stagnation of qi and blood, and accumulation of stasis toxins, for which the treatment method is to clear and transform, accompanied by clearing and dispersing method. In terms of the clearing and transforming method, Bai Tou Weng Decoction (白头翁汤) combined with Haungqin (Radix Scutellariae), Machixian (Herba Portulacae) and Pugongying (Herba Taraxaci) is taken as the basic prescription to clear and transform dampness and heat, cool blood, resolve toxins and stop dysentery. For the clearing and dispersing method, medicinals to rectify qi such as Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), Cuxiangfu (Vingar Rhizoma Cyperi), Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae), Zhiqiao (Fructus Aurantii), and Binlang (Semen Arecae), as well as those to regulate blood such as Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Cebaiye (Cacumen Platycladi) and Diyutan (Radix Sanguisorbae Carbonisatus) are recommended. The pathogenesis of the remission stage is healthy qi depletion and lingering pathogen of dampness and heat stasis toxin in the intestines, for which the method of clearing and nourishing, clearing and moistening can be used; the latter is mainly for people with yin fluids injury, and self-made Qingrun Yichang Decoction (清润益肠汤) is recommended, while the former is for those with spleen and stomach weakness, and self-made Qingyang Jianpi Decoction (清养健脾汤) can be used.

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