1.The mechanism of SAP overexpression in alleviating periodontitis in mice
HUANG Yinyin ; LIANG Dongliang ; ZOU Yaokun ; HAN Jingru ; GE Qing ; LIU Xueyan ; GUO Yadong ; HUANG Xinli ; YANG Lan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(8):619-630
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism by which serum amyloid P component (SAP) alleviates periodontitis in mice, providing an experimental basis to establish SAP as a novel therapeutic agent for periodontitis.
Methods:
Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Periodontitis models were established in wild-type (WT) mice and SAP-transgenic (SAP-Tg) mice, divided into four groups: WT control (WT group), WT periodontitis (WT+P group), SAP-Tg control (Tg group), and SAP-Tg periodontitis (Tg+P group). On day 7, the mice were euthanized, and periodontal tissues, teeth, and alveolar bone were collected. SAP protein expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Micro-CT and HE staining were used to measure alveolar bone resorption (distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed to assess osteoclast number, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to evaluate macrophage infiltration. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by qRT-PCR. Oral microorganism composition was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. Additionally, macrophages from WT and SAP-Tg mice were isolated to establish an in vitro inflammation model, divided into WT+LPS and Tg+LPS groups. The expression of macrophage polarization-related genes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD86, CD163, and CD206) were assessed by qRT-PCR. After the induction of osteoclast differentiation, TRAP staining was performed.
Results:
ELISA results demonstrated that periodontal tissues from Tg+P group mice exhibited higher levels of SAP expression compared to the WT+P group. Micro-CT and HE staining analyses revealed that the Tg+P group showed reduced alveolar bone resorption, indicated by a shorter distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest, compared to the WT+P group. Furthermore, TRAP staining results indicated a decrease in osteoclast numbers in the Tg+P group compared to the WT+P group. IHC and qRT-PCR results indicated reduced macrophage infiltration and decreased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the Tg+P group. Oral microorganism sequencing showed no significant difference in periodontitis-associated pathogenic bacteria between WT+P and Tg+P groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that compared to the WT+LPS group, the Tg+LPS group exhibited downregulated M1 macrophage markers (iNOS and CD86) and upregulated M2 macrophage markers (CD163 and CD206). TRAP staining confirmed fewer osteoclasts in the Tg+LPS group.
Conclusion
SAP overexpression effectively alleviates periodontitis severity in mice by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation, thereby attenuating alveolar bone resorption.
2.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
3.Study on the functions of ERG3 in Candida albicans
Zi YE ; Ruina WANG ; Jiacun LIU ; Shiyun YANG ; Chan LIANG ; Lan YAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(9):431-435
Objective To investigate the biological functions of the ERG3 gene in Candida albicans and its potential value in antifungal therapy. Methods The ERG3 null mutant was constructed by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, microbroth dilution method, hyphal induction and mouse systemic infection models were carried out to evaluate sterol metabolism, drug susceptibility, hyphal formation ability and pathogenicity in C. albicans. Results The disruption of the ERG3 gene led to disordered sterol metabolism in C. albicans with a significant increased level of episterol, 14α-methylfecosterol and ergosta-7,22-dienol. The ERG3 null mutant exhibited significantly reduced susceptibility to antifungal azole and polyene drugs, which suggested that ERG3 involve in regulating drug resistance. Although the disruption of ERG3 inhibited hyphal growth and biofilm formation, it did not significantly alter the pathogenicity of the strain in a mouse model of systemic fungal infection. Conclusion The ERG3 gene was a key regulator in the ergosterol synthesis pathway in C. albicans. Its deletion induced multi-drug resistance by reshaping sterol metabolism, while pathogenicity maintenance depended on compensatory mechanisms. This study provided critical insights for developing antifungal drugs targeting sterol metabolism and overcoming drug resistance.
4.Detection of 14 sulfonate esters impurities of active pharmaceutical ingredients based on GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS
Die LIU ; Xiao-xiao PENG ; Jing-mei FANG ; Fan YANG ; Fang HE ; Min CHEN ; Lan LIN ; Guo-wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):424-431
Two methods including gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were established to detect common alkyl sulfonates and aryl sulfonates genotoxic impurities. Four alkyl sulfonates and methyl benzenesulfonate were determined by GC-MS/MS using butyl methanesulfonate as the internal standard, the chromatographic column was HP-5MS UI (30 mm × 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm), the carrier gas was helium, the flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1 in a constant flow mode, the sample inlet temperature was set to 250 ℃, the split ratio was 10∶1, and the initial temperature of the heating program was 80 ℃, maintained for 1 minute, and then increased to 240 ℃ at a heating rate of 30 ℃·min-1 for 2 minutes. The mass spectrometry detector was an electron bombardment ion source (EI source), the data collection condition was multi reaction monitoring mode (MRM), and method validation using the raw material of clinical drug citalopram hydrobromide as a sample. The results showed that the linear range of four alkyl sulfonates and methyl benzenesulfonate were good at 3-50 ng·mL-1 and 9-150 ng·mL-1, with a correlation coefficient of
5.Analysis of driver gene mutations in “Xuanwei” multi-nodular non-small cell lung cancer
WANG Xiaoxionga ; LI Quana ; SHEN Zhenghaib ; CAI Jingjinga ; LI Zhuoyinga ; SHEN Shaoconga ; LI Hongshenga ; LIU Xina ; LIU Xia ; LIU Junxia ; GUO Yinjina ; DU Yaxia ; LAN Yunyia ; MA Luyaoa ; YANG Ruijiaoa ; WU Shunxiana ; ZHOU Yongchuna ; HUANG Yunchaob
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2024;31(4):377-382
[摘 要] 目的:探讨多结节非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)组织中的驱动基因突变情况与临床病理特征的关系,为多结节NSCLC患者治疗提供分子诊断依据。方法:本研究共纳入2018年1月至2023年10月间云南省肿瘤医院分子诊断中心检测的121例多结节NSCLC患者的253个肺结节肿瘤组织标本,以第二代测序(NGS)技术或扩增阻滞突变系统PCR(ARMS-PCR)技术检测多结节NSCLC 组织中驱动基因突变情况,分析其与患者临床病理特征的关系,比较不同结节间肺癌驱动基因的突变异质性。结果:与非“宣威”NSCLC相比,“宣威”多结节NSCLC患者驱动基因突变具有显著的地域特点,表现在“宣威”患者具有较低(20%)的EGFR敏感突变(L858R、19-del)及较高(27.26%)的EGFR少见突变(主要为G719/S768I、G719);“宣威”多结节NSCLC患者的KRAS突变率(27.27%)亦显著高于非“宣威”患者突变率(12.59%)(P<0.05)。此外,“宣威”多结节NSCLC患者驱动基因突变不一致率高达69.23%,远高于非“宣威”患者驱动基因突变不一致率(55.07%)(P<0.05)。结论:“宣威”多结节NSCLC患者具有较高的EGFR少见突变及KRAS突变率,同一患者不同病灶之间存在更高的驱动基因突变异质性,本研究将为“宣威”多结节NSCLC的诊疗策略提供更多的选择。
6.Preparation,characterization and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of tetrandrine-loaded chitosan-stearic acid nano micelles modified with folic acid
Fei XUE ; Lan YANG ; Jinhua CHANG ; Pei LIU ; Ruxing WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(8):925-930
OBJECTIVE To prepare tetrandrine (TET)-loaded chitosan(CS)-stearic acid (SA) nano micelles modified with folic acid (FA)( FA-CS-SA/TET nano micelles), characterize them and study the anti-inflammatory effect in vitro. METHODS FA- CS-SA/TET nano micelles were prepared by ultrasonic method; the preparation technology was optimized by orthogonal test and validation test was also performed with the mass ratio of FA-CS-SA to TET, ultrasound power and ultrasound times as the factors, using the comprehensive score of entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL) and particle size as evaluation index. FA-CS-SA/ TET nano micelles prepared by the optimal technology were characterized, and their release performance in vitro was investigated. RAW264.7 cells were used as subjects to investigate their anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. RESULTS The optimal preparation technology included that the mass ratio of FA-CS-SA to TET was 2∶1, ultrasonic power was 200 W, and the ultrasonic frequency was 200 times. The parameters of FA-CS-SA/TET nano micelles prepared by optimized technology included that EE was (98.86± 0.30)%, DL was (28.57±0.34)%, the average particle size was (227.0±9.4) nm, polydispersity index was 0.42±0.04, and the Zeta potential was(12.6±2.3)mV, respectively. The nano micelles were uniform in appearance and round in shape. The nano micelles were released quickly in 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution, with a cumulative release rate of (79.49±3.43)% within 72 hours, and its anti-inflammatory effect was stronger than that of TET raw materials. CONCLUSIONS FA-CS-SA/TET nano micelles are prepared successfully in the study, with good drug loading performance, uniform particle size, and good in vitro anti-inflammatory activity.
7.Micromorphological characteristics of the pedicle of the lower cervical vertebra
Kun LI ; Shaojie ZHANG ; Jun SHI ; Jian WANG ; Yanan LIU ; Lan DUO ; Yang YANG ; Yunteng HAO ; Zhijun LI ; Xing WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(12):1890-1894
BACKGROUND:The lower cervical vertebral pedicle is the main stress site of the posterior column of the spine,which is of great significance for the maintenance of the stability of the human center of gravity and the reduction of shock.At present,there are few reports on the characteristics of the internal bone trabeculae,and the characteristics of the joint site of the vertebral pedicle with the articular process and the vertebral body.It is urgent to understand the fine anatomical structure of the vertebral pedicle and the relationship and function of each part. OBJECTIVE:To observe the microanatomical morphology of the vertebral pedicle by Micro-CT scanning of cervical vertebra specimens,and to measure and analyze the microstructure and morphometric parameters of the bone trabecula in the cervical pedicle under normal conditions to evaluate the safety performance of the cervical spine. METHODS:Micro-CT scanning was performed on 31 sets of cervical vertebrae C3-C7.By checking and reconstructing the areas of interest in the bone trabecular within the vertebral pedicle,the morphological characteristics and distribution direction of the bone trabecular within the cervical pedicle were observed,and the bone microstructure parameters were detected,and the differences in the bone microstructure of the C3-C7 vertebral pedicle were analyzed and compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Micro-CT images showed that the honeycomb bone trabeculae of the pedicle of the lower cervical spine presented a complex network of microstructures.The trabeculae near the cortical bone were lamellar and relatively compact,extending forward toward the vertebral body and backward toward the articular process lamina.Abatoid bone trabeculae extended into the medullary cavity and transformed into a network structure,and then into rod-shaped bone trabeculae.The rod-shaped bone trabeculae were sparsely distributed in the medullary cavity.(2)Statistical results of morphological parameters of bone trabeculae showed that bone volume fraction values in C4 and C5 were higher than that in C7(P<0.05).The bone surface/bone volume value in C7 was higher than that in C3,C4 and C6(P<0.05).The bone surface density of bone trabeculae in C7 was higher than that in C3,C4,C5 and C6(P<0.05).Trabecular thickness in C7 was higher than that in C3,C4 and C5(P<0.05).Bone surface/bone volume and bone surface density of the left pedicle bone trabecular were greater than those on the right side(P<0.05).(3)The microstructural changes of C3-C7 were summarized,in which the load capacity and stress of the C7 pedicle were poor,and the risk of injury was high in this area.
8.Signal mining and analysis of adverse drug events for gilteritinib
Yang LIU ; Minzhen HAN ; Jie XIA ; Hanshuai HU ; Lei YAO ; Xue LAN ; Qian LIU ; Jinxingyi WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(15):1888-1892
OBJECTIVE To mine the adverse drug events (ADE) signals for gilteritinib, and provide a reference for safe drug use in clinic. METHODS ADE reports with gilteritinib as the primary suspected drug were extracted from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from February 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2023. Reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR) were applied to detect the risk signals from the data in the FAERS database. The classification and statistics of collected signal data were conducted by using the preferred term (PT) and systemic organ class (SOC) in ADE terminology set of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (24.1 edition). RESULTS Totally, 2 755 gilteritinib-related ADE reports were collected from the database, involving 676 ADE signals (95 positive signals), 313 PTs and 25 SOCs. Among them, nine signals were not recorded in the package insert. The top 5 PTs consisted of abnormal liver function, decreased platelet count, febrile neutropenia, pneumonia and myelosuppression. The top 6 SOCs for positive signal counts were examinations, general disorders and administration site conditions, respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders, infections and infestations, heart organ disorders, and nervous system disorders. ADEs not recorded in the drug package insert included pneumonia, myelosuppression, decreased blood cell count, sepsis, hemorrhage, infection (not specifically referred to), septic shock, respiratory failure, and aspergillosis. CONCLUSIONS In addition to paying attention to common ADEs such as liver dysfunction and thrombocytopenia, it is necessary to monitor ADEs with strong signals that are not mentioned in the drug instructions when using gefitinib, such as pneumonia, bone marrow suppression, cytopenia, sepsis, bleeding, infection (not specifically referred to), septic shock, respiratory failure, Aspergillus infection, elevated serum creatinine and interstitial lung disease.
9. Study on the mechanism of astragalus glycyrrhiza decoction regulating SIRT1 / FOXO1 pathway to prevent QT interval prolongation induced by arsenic trioxide based on metabolomics
Lan XU ; Ke REN ; Yarong ZHANG ; Haoshi CAO ; Dongling LIU ; Yang HAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(2):130-138
AIM: To explore the protective effect of astragalus glycyrrhiza decoction (AGD) on arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced QT interval prolongation and its mechanism based on metabonomics. METHODS: The model of ATO-induced QT interval prolongation in rats was established, and ECG, blood routine, and metabonomics were detected, and the key targets were collected combined with network pharmacology. The possible candidate genes and pathways for the protective effect of AGD were screened by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis and then verified by experiments in vitro. RESULTS: AGD could significantly alleviate the ATO-induced QT interval of SD rats. GO enrichment analysis was mainly related to inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, inner cell vesicles, folds, inner cell vesicles, SMAD binding, R-SMAD binding, and signal receptor activator activity. KEGG analysis showed that it was mainly concentrated in the PI3K-Akt signal pathway, lipid and arteriosclerosis, FOXO signal pathway, TNF signal pathway, HIF-1, and other signal pathways. Through the H9c2 cell model in vitro, it was verified that AGD could reverse the expression of SIRT1 and FOXO1 proteins. CONCLUSION: AGD may improve the ATO-induced QT interval prolongation and reduce the cardiotoxicity of ATO by regulating the SIRT1 / FOXO1 signal pathway.
10.Study on the protective effect and mechanism of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury mice based on serum metabolomics
Mengnan LIU ; Linshen MAO ; Hao WU ; Yuan ZOU ; Qi LAN ; Jinyi XUE ; Ping LIU ; Sijin YANG ; Zhongjing HU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(4):523-531
Objective To observe the protective effect of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule(Zhilong Capsule)on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury(MIRI)in mice,and explore its regulatory mechanism using metabolomics.Methods Using a random number table method,30 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the following three groups:sham operation group,model group,and Zhilong Capsule group(6.24 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group.In mice in the model group and the Zhilong Capsule group,a mouse MIRI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch,while mice in the sham operation group underwent threading without ligation.The Zhilong Capsule group began modeling one week after pre-administration and continued to receive intragastric administration for two weeks after modeling once daily.The cardiac function,including the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fraction shortening(LVFS),was assessed by color echocardiography.The myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis were observed by Masson staining and TUNEL staining,respectively.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum contents of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP).Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistical method was performed for serum metabolite detection and identification analysis.Results Compared with the model group,the mice in the Zhilong Capsule group exhibited an increase in LVEF and LVFS,a reduction in cardiac tissue structure disorder,a decrease in myocardial fibrosis,a decrease in cell apoptosis rate,and a decrease in serum LDH and BNP contents(P<0.05).Metabolomics result showed that intervention with Zhilong Capsule significantly regulated 30 differential metabolites related to MIRI.Important metabolic pathways involved 20 pathways related to tyrosine metabolism,arginine and proline metabolism,and vitamin digestion and absorption.Conclusion Zhilong Capsule has a protective effect on MIRI,and it may achieve this effect by regulating pathways related to tyrosine metabolism,arginine and proline metabolism,and vitamin digestion and absorption.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail