1.Application of genome tagging technology in elucidating the function of sperm-specific protein 411 (Ssp411).
Xue-Hai ZHOU ; Min-Min HUA ; Jia-Nan TANG ; Bang-Guo WU ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Chang-Gen SHI ; Yang YANG ; Jun WU ; Bin WU ; Bao-Li ZHANG ; Yi-Si SUN ; Tian-Cheng ZHANG ; Hui-Juan SHI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):120-128
The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals
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Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Spermatids/metabolism*
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Spermatogenesis/physiology*
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Spermatozoa/metabolism*
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Thioredoxins/genetics*
2.Sini Powder Alleviates Stress Response and Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development by Restoring Gut Microbiota.
Si MEI ; Zhe DENG ; Fan-Ying MENG ; Qian-Qian GUO ; He-Yun TAO ; Lin ZHANG ; Chang XI ; Qing ZHOU ; Xue-Fei TIAN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(9):802-811
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the underlying pharmacological mechanisms and its potential effects of Chinese medicine herbal formula Sini Powder (SNP) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS:
The active components of SNP and their in vivo distribution were identified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Construction of component-target-disease networks, protein-protein interaction network, Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, and molecular docking were employed to analyze the active components and anti-HCC mechanisms of SNP. Cell viability assay and wound healing assay were utilized to confirm the effect of SNP-containing serum (2.5%, 5.0%, 10%, 20%, and 40%), isoprenaline or propranolol (both 10, 100, and 1,000 µ mol/L) on proliferation and migration of HepG 2 or Huh7 cells. Meanwhile, the effect of isoprenaline or propranolol on the β 2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) mRNA expression on HepG2 cells were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription (RT-qPCR). Mice with subcutaneous tumors were either subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS) followed by SNP administration (364 mg/mL) or directly treated with SNP (364 mg/mL). These two parallel experiments were performed to validate the effects of SNP on stress responses. Stress-related proteins and hormones were quantified using RT-qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to confirm the influence of SNP on the gut microbiota in the tumor-bearing CRS mice.
RESULTS:
The distribution of the 12 active components of SNP was confirmed in various tissues and feces. Network pharmacology analysis confirmed the anti-HCC effects of the 5 active components. The potential anti-HCC mechanisms of SNP may involve the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways. SNP-containing serum inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells at concentrations of 2.5% and 5.0%, respectively, after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, SNP suppressed tumor progression in tumor-bearing mice exposed to CRS. SNP treatment also downregulated the expressions of stress-related proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, primarily by modulating the gut microbiota. Specifically, the abundance of Alistipes and Prevotella, which belong to the phylum Bacteroidetes, increased in the SNP-treated group, whereas Lachnospira, in the phylum Firmicutes, decreased.
CONCLUSION
SNP can combat HCC by alleviating stress responses through the regulation of gut microbiota.
Animals
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Liver Neoplasms/microbiology*
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology*
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Powders
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Mice
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Hep G2 Cells
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Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/genetics*
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Stress, Physiological/drug effects*
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
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Male
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Cell Survival/drug effects*
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Proto-Oncogene Mas
3.Establishment of amachine learning-based precision recruitment method at the county level
Xiaoyan FU ; Zihan ZHANG ; Fang ZHAO ; Chunlan ZHOU ; Wenbiao LIANG ; Cheng YU ; Yingzhi YAN ; Wei SI ; Weibin TAN ; Hui XUE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(12):1752-1758
Objective: To establish a machine learning-based precision blood donor recruitment model at the county level and assess its generalizability and applicability. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using blood donation and SMS recruitment data from the Taicang Branch of the Suzhou Blood Center between 2019 and 2024. Multiple machine learning algorithms were employed, including extreme gradient boosting, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and multilayer perceptron. These were combined with techniques such as synthetic minority oversampling, undersampling, and cost-sensitive learning (using MFE and MSFE loss functions). Model parameters were optimized through grid search to identify the best-performing model. Results: In a prospective comparative study against conventional methods, the machine learning models increased the recruitment success rate among high-willingness donors by an average of 129.15%, and the recruitment efficiency per SMS improved by 125.02% compared with the traditional method. Under full-scale SMS sending, the recruitment rate per SMS increased by 42.61%, and SMS sending efficiency improved by 31.77%, significantly enhancing recruitment performance. Conclusion: This study represents the first application of a machine learning-based precision donor recruitment model at the county-level in China. The precise recruitment framework not only improves recruitment efficiency and reduces recruitment costs but also demonstrates strong scalability and generalizability. It provides a scientific and feasible intelligent pathway to ensure the safety and sustainability of the blood supply.
4.Research status of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in mTOR pathway targeting autophagy for prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Shi-Rui YANG ; Ting-Ting ZHOU ; Chao-Chao MA ; Peng-Fei YANG ; Fan-Qi NIU ; Xue-Yang DU ; Feng-Zhe YAN ; Si-Nong WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1675-1678
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is one of the most important complications of diabetes.In recent years,domestic and foreign studies have found that mammalian target protein of rapamycin(mTOR)related signaling pathway is a classic pathway involved in the regulation of autophagy,which can achieve the therapeutic effect of DKD by targeting the autophagy pathway,and plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of DKD.In this paper,we reviewed the mechanism of mTOR-related signaling pathway targeted autophagy in the prevention and treatment of DKD,in order to provide a new reference and basis for clinical prevention and treatment of DKD.
6.Leigh syndrome caused by the mitochondrial m.8993T>G mutation with hypocitrullinemia:a report of four cases and literature review
Ying-Xue LI ; Dong-Juan WANG ; Mao-Bin ZHOU ; Hao-Xuan SUN ; Si-Qi HONG ; Li JIANG ; Yi GUO
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(9):940-945
Objective To explore early diagnostic biological markers for Leigh syndrome caused by the m.8993T>G mutation.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of four children diagnosed with m.8993T>G mutation-related mitochondrial disease at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2014 to January 2024.Additionally,a literature review was conducted.Results All four children had plasma amino acid and acylcarnitine analyses that revealed decreased citrulline levels,and one child was initially identified through neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening.According to the literature review,there were 26 children with mitochondrial disease and hypocitrullinemia caused by the m.8993T>G mutation(including the four children in this study).Among these,12 children exhibited clinical phenotypes of Leigh syndrome or Leigh-like syndrome,while 18 children were identified with hypocitrullinemia and/or elevated levels of 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine(C5-OH)during neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening.Conclusions Hypocitrullinemia may serve as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of m.8993T>G mutation-associated Leigh syndrome,detectable as early as during neonatal genetic metabolic disease screening.
7.Analysis of Plasma Metabolic Profile in Children with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia
Xiao-Lan LIU ; Wen-Zhong LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Yu-Ru ZHOU ; Cheng-Gao WU ; Si-Min XIONG ; Ai-Ping LE ; Zhang-Lin ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(2):525-531
Objective:To explore the plasma metabolomic characteristics of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia(TDT),and reveal the changes of metabolic pattern in children with TDT.Methods:23 children with TDT who received regular blood transfusion in Ganzhou Women and Children's Health Care Hospital in 2021 were selected,and 11 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group.The routine indexes between children with TDT and the control group were compared,and then the metabolic composition of plasma samples from children with TDT and the control group was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.An OPLS-DA model was established to perform differential analysis on the detected metabolites,and the differential metabolic pathways between the two groups were analyzed based on the differential metabolites.Results:The results of routine testing showed that the indexes of ferritin,bilirubin,total bile acid,glucose and triglycerides in children with TDT were significantly higher than those in healthy controls,while hemoglobin and total cholesterol were significantly lower(all P<0.05).However there was no significant difference in lactate dehydrogenase between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,190 differential metabolites(VIP>1)were identified in TDT children.Among them,168 compounds such as arginine,proline and glycocholic acid were significantly increased,while the other 22 compounds such as myristic acid,eleostearic acid,palmitic acid and linoleic acid were significantly decreased.The metabolic pathway analysis showed that the metabolic impact of TDT on children mainly focused on the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and downregulation of lipid metabolism.Conclusion:The amino acid and lipid metabolism in children with TDT were significantly changed compared with the healthy control group.This finding is helpful to optimize the treatment choice for children with TDT,and provides a new idea for clinical treatment.
8.Exploring the effects of sirolimus on the growth and development of zebrafish embryo models
Zi-Xin ZHANG ; Tong QIU ; Jiang-Yuan ZHOU ; Xue-Peng ZHANG ; Xue GONG ; Kai-Ying YANG ; Yu-Ru LAN ; Si-Yuan CHEN ; Yi JI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(12):2368-2374
Aim To explore the effects of sirolimus on the growth and development of motor,vascular,nerv-ous,and immune systems through zebrafish models.Methods After 3 hours of fertilization of zebrafish embryos,different concentrations of sirolimus were add-ed to the growth environment,and the growth and de-velopment of the embryos was recorded.Transgenic ze-brafish models labeled with blood vessels,nerves or im-mune cells were used to compare the drug effects on the growth and development of those systems.Results At the concentration of 0.5 μmol·L-1,the hatching rate and the body length(P<0.01)were significantly smaller than those of the control group,and movement was also significantly slowed down.Meanwhile,the length of axons of the nervous system,the development of intersegmental vessels,and the growth of immune cells were significantly delayed by drug treatment.But when the concentration was below 0.1 μmol·L-1,there was no statistically difference between the control group and the sirolimus group.Conclusions When the concentration of sirolimus exceeds a certain level,it can significantly slow down the growth and development of movement,blood vessels,nervous system and im-mune system of zebrafish.Therefore,in clinical prac-tice,it is important to monitor the blood concentration of sirolimus in children on time.
9.Current status of randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese medicine in treating coronary heart disease with angina pectoris after percutaneous coronary intervention.
Si-Lin REN ; Zhao GE ; Xu-Dong WU ; Zhou ZHOU ; Zhi-Jun LI ; Meng-Xue ZHOU ; Mo-Han LI ; Xian-Liang WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2024;49(22):6224-6234
This study systematically reviewed the randomized controlled trial(RCT) of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of coronary heart disease patients with angina pectoris after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). The basic elements of these RCTs, including sample size and estimation method, randomizing scheme, allocation concealment, blind method implementation, data integrity, statistical method, TCM syndrome, intervention measures, treatment course, follow-up time, and outcome indicators, were analyzed to provide reference for the design of future RCT and the clinical application of TCM in treating angina pectoris after PCI. CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for the RCT about TCM treatment of coronary heart disease patients with angina pectoris after PCI according to pre-defined criteria, with the time interval from inception to January 31, 2024. A total of 188 RCTs were included, of which 184 were clinical research articles and 4 were clinical trial registration schemes. These RCTs involved a total of 15 521 patients, with an average sample size of 83 patients and a maximum sample size of 248 patients. Among them, 126 RCTs reported TCM syndromes, the top three of which were Qi deficiency and blood stasis(38.89%), phlegm combined with stasis(17.46%), and Qi stagnation and blood stasis(9.52%). The control group received guideline-directed medical therapy(GDMT) or GDMT combined with placebo, and the treatment group received GDMT combined with TCM. The treatment mainly lasted for 4-8 weeks, most of the RCTs did not set the follow-up period or the follow-up period was unknown. A total of 160 outcome indicators were used, with the total frequency of 1 348. According to functional attributes, the outcome indicators can be categorized into 6 groups: symptoms/signs(403, 29.90%), TCM syndromes/symptoms(182, 13.50%), physical and chemical examination(468, 34.72%), quality of life(89, 6.60%), long-term prognosis(5, 0.37%), and safety evaluation(201, 14.91%). The clinical trial design of TCM intervention in angina pectoris after PCI of coronary heart disease is becoming more and more rigorous, while it remains to be improved. It is expected that more clinical trial schemes with rigorous design and taking into account the TCM advantages can be adopted in the future to provide a basis for the TCM treatment of angina pectoris after PCI of coronary heart disease.
Humans
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Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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Angina Pectoris/drug therapy*
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Coronary Disease/drug therapy*
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
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Treatment Outcome
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Female
10.Analysis and evaluation of bioactive constituents from different parts of Epimedium brevicornum.
Jia XUE ; Hai-Jie CHEN ; Yong-Yi ZHOU ; Jia-Huan YUAN ; Zhi-Chen CAI ; Nan WU ; Cui-Hua CHEN ; Xun-Hong LIU ; Li-Si ZOU ; Sheng-Xin YIN ; Wei YANG ; Jian-Ming CHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(13):3448-3461
A comprehensive analytical method based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole/linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry(UFLC-QTRAP-MS/MS) was established for simultaneous determination of the content of 45 bioactive constituents including flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and nucleosides in Epimedium brevicornum. The multiple bioactive constituents in leaves, petioles, stems and rhizomes of E. brevicornum were analyzed. The gradient elution was performed at 30 ℃ in an XBridge~® C_(18) column(4.6 mm×100 mm, 3.5 μm) with 0.4% formic acid aqueous solution-acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL·min~(-1). Single factor experiment and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the extraction conditions. Multivariate statistical analyses including systematic cluster analysis(SCA), principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), and one-way analysis of variance(One-way ANOVA) were carried out to classify the samples from different parts and identify different constituents. Grey relation analysis(GRA) and entropy weight-TOPSIS analysis were performed to build a multi-index comprehensive evaluation model for different parts of E. brevicornum. The results showed that there was a good relationship between the mass concentrations of 45 constituents and the corresponding peak areas, with the correlation coefficients(r) not less than 0.999 0. The precision, repeatability, and stability of the established method were good for all the target constituents in this study, with the relative standard deviations(RSDs) less than 5.0%(0.62%-4.9%) and the average recovery of 94.51%-105.7%. The above results indicated that the bioactive constituents varied in different parts of E. brevicornum, and the overall quality followed the trend of leaves > petioles > rhizomes > stems. This study verified the rationality of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition) stipulating that the medicinal part of E. brevicornum is the leaf. Moreover, our study indicated that the rhizome had the potential for medicinal development. The established method was accurate and reliable, which can be used to comprehensive evaluate and control the quality of E. brevicornum. This study provides data reference for clarifying the medicinal parts and rationally utilizing the resources of E. brevicornum.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Epimedium
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Chromatography, Liquid
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Multivariate Analysis

Result Analysis
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