1.Danggui Shaoyaosan Regulates Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Xinqiao CHU ; Yaning BIAO ; Ying GU ; Meng LI ; Tiantong JIANG ; Yuan DING ; Xiaping TAO ; Shaoli WANG ; Ziheng WEI ; Zhen LIU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):35-42
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on ferroptosis in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and explore the underlying mechanism based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe sixty SD rats were randomly grouped as follows: control, model, Yishanfu (0.144 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.44, 4.88, and 9.76 g·kg-1, respectively) Danggui Shaoyaosan. A high-fat diet was used to establish the rat model of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of modeling, rats were treated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks. Then, the body weight and liver weight were measured, and the liver index was calculated. At the same time, serum and liver samples were collected. The levels or activities of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Fe2+ in the serum and TC, TG, free fatty acids (FFA), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and Fe2+ in the liver were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the liver. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in the liver were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increases in the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), and decreases in the activities of SOD, GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the liver tissue in the model group presented steatosis, iron deposition, mitochondrial shrinkage, and blurred or swollen mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group, all doses of Danggui Shaoyaosan reduced the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), while increasing the activities of SOD and GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.01). Furthermore, Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviated steatosis, iron deposition, and mitochondrial damage in the liver. ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway to treat NAFLD.
2.Impact of rigid container material type and loading volume on the sterilization of thoracoscopic instruments
Xue'e FANG ; Yanjun MAO ; Qiuping ZHU ; Yanni CAI ; Jing SHU ; Guifen ZHANG ; Yichun JIN ; Minye TANG ; Ying TAO ; Huiting HU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):697-699
ObjectiveTo explore the impacts of material type and loading volume of rigid containers on the hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma sterilization of thoracoscopic instruments, to identify the best rigid containers and loading volume of thoracoscopic instruments. MethodsThoracoscopic instruments sterilized by STERRAD® 100NX hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated to Tongji University from August to September 2024 were selected as the research items. According to the material of rigid containers, the instruments were divided into polyethylene case group (A), stainless steel case group (B) and silicone resin case group (C). In terms of the loading volume, the rigid containers were divided into (loading capacity <80%) groups of 8, 10 and 12 instruments. The results of physical monitoring, the first type of chemical indicator card monitoring, and the five types of card luminal chemical process challenge device (PCD) monitoring of the 9 groups of A8, A10, A12, B8, B10, B12, C8, C10 and C12 were compared and evaluated. ResultsCompared to A8, A10 A12, C8, C10 or C12 groups, the thoracoscope instruments in the stainless steel containers in B8, B10 or B12 group had higher hydrogen peroxide concentrations and shorter elapsed time in the pressure check phases 1 and phases 2, with the differences statistically significant (P<0.05), followed by the silicone resin case group and the polyethylene case group. The nine groups of physical parameter monitoring, the first type of chemical indicator monitoring, and the five types of chemical PCD monitoring for lumen sterilization achieved 100% qualification rates, and there were no significant differences in the qualified rates of sterilization among the 9 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionWhen using hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma to sterilize thoracoscopic instruments, it is recommended to use stainless steel or silicone resin rigid containers with a controlled loading capacity (≤12) to ensure optimal sterilization quality.
3.Educational Practice of Undergraduate Course Cell Biology at The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Tao-Tao WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2677-2684
Cell Biology is one of the most rapidly developing branches of modern life sciences, characterized by distinct interdisciplinary integration. It provides theoretical foundations, experimental skills, and cutting-edge perspectives for undergraduate and graduate students in bioscience and related majors. Against the backdrop of higher education reform in the new era, the Cell Biology teaching team at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) has restructured the curriculum. The course focuses on the fundamental structures and life processes of cells while incorporating ideological and political elements to foster students’ scientific mindset, patriotic sentiment, and social responsibility. By optimizing teaching design, enhancing practical components, and innovating assessment methods, the course integrates knowledge transfer, skill development, and value education. This paper summarizes preliminary experiences from the teaching development and educational practice of the undergraduate Cell Biology course at UCAS, serving as a reference for collaborative research- and teaching-oriented courses in science and engineering.
4.A new suberin from roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf
Bo-wen ZHANG ; Meng LI ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Ying YANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Si-qi TAO ; Meng YANG ; Deng-hui ZHU ; Ya-tong XU ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Xiao-ke ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):661-666
Six compounds were isolated from the roots of
5.Efficacy and safety of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor and programmed death receptor-1 inhibitors in the treatment of intermediate and a-dvanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Jianwei XIONG ; Qiang LI ; Tao TANG ; Lixin ZHANG ; Bao YING ; Kaifeng ZHAO ; Yongfu XIONG ; Jingdong LI ; Guo WU
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2024;32(2):176-181
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)and programmed death receptors-1(PD-1)inhibitors(TACE+TKIs+PD-1 antibody)in the treatment of moderate advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The clinical data of 65 patients with moderate advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2020 to January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.65 patients were treated with TACE+TKIs+PD-1 antibody.The observation indexes were tumor response,objective response rate(ORR),disease control rate(DCR),total survival time,progression free survival time,conversion operation rate and adverse drug reaction.Results The ORR of 65 p-atients with hepatocellular carcinoma was 49.2%(32/65),and the DCR was 89.2%(58/65).Among them,there were 2 patients with complete remission(CR),30 patients with partial remission(PR),26 patients with stable disease(SD),and 7 patients with progression disease(PD).Among 65 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma,18 patients were transformed into resectable hepatocell-ular carcinoma and underwent RO surgery.The conversion rate was 27.6%(18/65).65 patients were followed up for 3 to 22.4 months,The median follow-up time was 16.5 months.The median overall survival time and median disease progression free survival time of 65 patients were 14.5 months(95%CI:12.3~16.6 months)and 8.8 months(95%CI:6.9~10.6 months),respectively.After treatment,65 patients all had post embolism syndrome(abdominal pain,fever,nausea,vomiting and other symptoms),and some patients had transient abnormal liver function.Adverse drug reactions below grade 3 recovered within a few days.Some patients were associated with multiple adverse drug reactions.1 patient(1.5%)stopped using TACE because of stubborn vomiting,and 5 patients(7.6%)stopped using Lenvatinib because of severe liver function damage during treatment,2 patients(3%)stopped using Camrelizumab because of severe reactive capillary hyperplasia,one patient(1.5%)stopped using Tislelizumab because of severe hypothyroidism,one patient(1.5%)stopped the treatment of Lenvatinib and Sintilimab due to severe gastrointestinal bleeding.The adverse drug reactions of grade 3~4 occurred in other patients were alleviated after drug reduction,symptomatic treatment and hormone treatment.Conclusion TACE+TKIs+PD-1 antibody can obtain reliable clinical efficacy and anti-tumor activity in the treatment of moderate advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
6.Serum levels of SOX6 and PTEN and their clinical significance in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Ying ZHANG ; Jintong ZHAO ; Tianping YU ; Tao YAN ; Ping PAN
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2024;26(1):38-41
Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of SRY-box transcrip-tion factor 6(SOX6)and protein tyrosine phosphatase gene(PTEN)in patients with acute myo-cardial infarction(AMI).Methods A total of 100 AMI patients admitted to Zibo First Hospital and Zibo Central Hospital from January 2021 to March 2022 were enrolled as the study group,and according to the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE),they were grouped into MACE subgroup(52 cases)and non-MACE subgroup(48 cases).Another 110 volunteers who taking physical examination in above 2 hospitals during the same period were subjected as the control group.The levels of PTEN and SOX6 in the serum were detected,and Pearson correla-tion analysis was performed to investigate the correlation of serum PTEN and SOX6 levels with clinical indicators.ROC curve was drawn to assess the diagnostic value of PTEN and SOX6 levels for diagnosis and prognosis of AMI.Results The study group had significantly decreased serum mRNA level of SOX6(0.69±0.14 vs 1.03±0.16,P<0.01)and increased serum mRNA level of PTEN(1.56±0.15 vs 1.05±0.08,P<0.01)than the control group.Similar results were seen in the MACE subgroup than the non-MACE subgroup(SOX6:0.61±0.15 vs 0.78±0.13,P<0.01;PTEN:1.74±0.18 vs 1.37±0.12,P<0.01).Pearson correlation analysis showed that the serum level of PTEN was positively,and that of SOX6 was negatively correlated with cTnI,CK-MB and Gensini score(P<0.01).ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUC value of combined serum SOX6 and PTEN levels for diagnosis of AMI was 0.932(95%CI:0.889-0.962),and that for pre-dicting MACE was 0.933(95%CI:0.866-0.974).Conclusion The serum level of SOX6 is down-regulated,and that of PTEN was up-regulated in AMI patients.Their combined detection is help-ful for diagnosis of AMI and prediction of MACE.
7.Epidemiological characteristics and diagnosis of imported Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale malaria cases in five provinces of China from 2014 to 2021
Wen LIN ; Duoquan WANG ; Lingcong SUN ; Tao ZHANG ; Hui YAN ; Wei RUAN ; Ying LIU ; Dongni WU ; Shizhu LI ; Jing XIA ; Hong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(4):407-411
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and diagnosis of imported Plasmodium malariae and P. ovale malaria cases in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Zhejiang Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Henan Province from 2014 to 2021, so as to provide insights into malaria control in these five provinces. Methods All data pertaining to malaria cases reported in five provinces of China were captured from Chinese Disease Control and Prevention Information System from 2014 to 2021, and the epidemiological characteristics of imported P. malariae and P. ovale malaria cases were analysed using a descriptive epidemiological method. The duration from onset of malaria to initial diagnosis, duration from initial diagnosis to definitive diagnosis, institutions of initial and definitive diagnoses, and proportion of correct malaria diagnosis at initial diagnosis were statistically analyzed. Results A total of 1 223 imported P. malariae and P. ovale malaria cases were reported in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Zhejiang Province, Henan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2021, there were 158 P. malariae malaria cases (12.92%) and 1 065 P. ovale malaria cases (87.08%). Totally 98.53% (1 205/1 223) of the imported malaria cases were from Africa, with Angola (18.99%, 30/158), Nigeria (11.39%,18/158), Cameroon (10.76%, 17/158), Ghana (10.13%, 16/158) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (10.13%,16/158) as predominant countries where P. malariae malaria cases were from, and Ghana (23.19%, 247/1 065), Cameroon (14.74%, 157/1 065), Nigeria (9.39%, 100/1 065) and Angola (6.95%, 74/1 065) as predominant countries where P. ovale malaria cases were from. There were significant differences in the duration from onset of malaria to initial diagnosis (χ2 = 27.673, P = 0.000) and duration from initial diagnosis to definitive diagnosis of P. malariae and P. ovale malaria cases (χ2 = 29.808, P = 0.000), and the proportions of correct initial diagnosis of P. malariae and P. ovale malaria cases were 38.61% (61/158) and 56.53% (602/1 065). There were 74.69% (118/158) of P. malariae malaria cases with definitive diagnosis in county-, city-, and province-level medical institutions, and 79.25% (844/1 065) of P. ovale malaria cases with definitive diagnosis in county- and city-level medical institutions and county-level centers for disease control and prevention. Conclusions The imported P. malariae and P. ovale malaria cases in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Zhejiang Province, Henan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2021 were mainly returned from Africa and the proportion of correct diagnosis of P. malariae and P. ovale malaria was low at initial diagnosis. Persistent improvements in the diagnostic capability of malaria are required in medical institutions.
8.Safety and efficacy of mitomycin nanoparticles in inhibiting scar proliferation after glaucoma filtration surgery
Ying LI ; Juan TANG ; Changfen LI ; Qilin FANG ; Xingde LIU ; Dan ZHANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Xiaoli WU ; Tao LI
International Eye Science 2024;24(11):1708-1714
AIM: To prepare a nanodrug MMC-ATS-@PLGA using polylactic acid hydroxyacetic acid copolymer(PLGA)as a carrier and mitomycin C(MMC)loaded on PLGA, and to analyse the biological safety and treatment effect of this nanodrug on inhibiting the proliferation of filtering bleb scarring after glaucoma surgery in vivo.METHODS: The thin-film dispersion hydration ultrasonic method was used to prepare the MMC-ATS-@PLGA, and its physical and chemical properties were detected. The effect of MMC-ATS@PLGA on rabbit corneas was analysed through corneal fluorescence staining and HE staining, and tear film rupture time(BUT), Schirmer test and intraocular pressure data were collected to analyse ocular surface biosafety. A slit lamp was used to observe and calculate the filtration bubble size, and the tissue morphological changes were analysed by conjunctival HE staining. In addition, immunohistochemistry and Elisa were used to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of Flumiolone Eye Drops(FML), MMC, and MMC-ATS-@PLGA nanoparticles on inhibiting the formation of filtering bleb scarring after glaucoma surgery from multiple perspectives via comparative proteomic analysis.RESULTS: The average particle size and zeta potential of MMC-ATS-@PLGA were 128.78±2.54 nm and 36.49±4.25 mV, respectively, with an encapsulation efficiency and a drug loading rate of(78.49±2.75)% and(30.86±1.84)%, respectively. At 33°C(the ocular surface temperature), the cumulative release rate of the MMC-ATS-@PLGA nanoparticles reached(76.58±2.68)% after 600 min. Moreover, corneal fluorescence staining, HE, BUT, Schirmer, and intraocular pressure results showed that MMC-ATS-@PLGA had good biocompatibility with the ocular surface of rabbits. At 3 wk after surgery, the area of filtering blebs in the MMC-ATS-@PLGA group was significantly larger than that in the FML group and MMC group, and the filtering blebs in the control group had basically disappeared. Pathological tissue analysis of the conjunctiva in the filtering blebs area of the eyes of the rabbits revealed that compared with that in the normal group, the morphology of the collagen fibres in the MMC-ATS-@PLGA group was relatively regular, the fibres were arranged neatly, and the tissue morphology was similar to that of the normal group. Immunohistochemistry and Elisa confirmed that compared with those in the normal group, the expression levels of α-SMA, CTGF, and type Ⅲ collagen fibre antibodies were significantly increased in the control group. After FML, MMC, or MMC-ATS-@PLGA treatment for 3 wk, the expression of inflammatory factors gradually decreased. Among the groups, the MMC-ATS-@PLGA group showed the most significant decrease(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: This study successfully synthesized a nanomedicine(MMC-ATS-@PLGA)that inhibits scar proliferation after glaucoma filtration surgery. The drug had stable physicochemical properties, good biocompatibility, and better anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the expression of α-SMA, CTGF, and type Ⅲ collagen fibres, which can prevent the formation of scarring in the filtering blebs area, thereby improving the success rate of glaucoma filtering surgery.
9.Three new sesquiterpenoids from the Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus
Bo-tao LU ; Yue-tong ZHU ; Xiao-ning LIU ; Hui-ying NIU ; Meng-yu ZHANG ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Yan-zhi WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):997-1001
The
10.Identification of in Vitro and in vivo Chemical Constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan Based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS
Kedian CHEN ; Zhaochen MA ; Bingbing CAI ; Ying LIU ; Yudong LIU ; Tao LI ; Mingzhu XU ; Haiping WANG ; Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):78-84
ObjectiveTo identify the chemical constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in vitro and in vivo. MethodThe chemical constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan were identified based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. A total of 12 male SD rats were randomized into two groups: control (pure water) and Ruyi Zhenbaowan (1.8 g·kg-1). The rats were administrated with the suspension of Ruyi Zhenbaowan or pure water by gavage. After 1.5 h, the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were collected. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 150 mm, 1.7 μm) with a mixture of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phase. Gradient elution was carried out according to the procedure of 0~15 min,97%~80%A;15~30 min ,80%~60%A;30~40 min,60%~30%A;40~45 min,30%~5%A. The ion source was electrospray ionization, and scan range was m/z 100-1 500. The prototype components and the components in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed qualitatively by scanning in positive and negative ion modes and identified by comparison with the data in published literature and the information of standard substances. ResultA total of 126 chemical constituents were identified from the 80% methanol solution of Ruyi Zhenbaowan, and 14 and 7 prototype constituents were detected in the plasma and the cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. In addition, the fragmentation rules of apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, galangin, liquiritin, piperine, glycyrrhizic acid, eugenol, gallic acid, and cholic acid were deduced. ConclusionThis study achieved rapid multicomponent characterization and identification of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in vitro and in vivo, providing theoretical support for exploring active substances and performing quality control.l.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail