1.Design, synthesis and evaluation of oxadiazoles as novel XO inhibitors
Hong-zhan WANG ; Ya-jun YANG ; Ying YANG ; Fei YE ; Jin-ying TIAN ; Chuan-ming ZHANG ; Zhi-yan XIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):164-171
Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. Based on the previously identified potent XO inhibitor
2.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
3. Effects of HMGB1 on phenotypes, phagocytosis and ERK/JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway in dendritic cells
Ying-Ying CHEN ; Zhi-Xiang MOU ; Xiao-Long HU ; Yi-Yan ZHANG ; Jiao-Qing WENG ; Tian-Jun GUAN ; Ying-Ying CHEN ; Lan CHEN ; Tian-Jun GUAN ; Lan CHEN ; Pei-Yu LYU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):248-255
Aim To explore the impacts of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on the phenotypes, endocy-tosis and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/ Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK)/P38 mitogen-ac-tivated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in indoxyl sulfate (IS) -induced dendritic cells (DCs). Methods After treatment with 30, 300 and 600 (xmol · L
4.Comparison of the predictive value of new simplified insulin resistance assessment indexes in identifying left ventricular subclinical dysfunction in T2DM patients
Yan-Yan CHEN ; Meng-Ying LI ; Jie ZHOU ; Jian-Fang FU ; Ying ZHANG ; Yi WANG ; Cheng WANG ; Xiang-Yang LIU ; Sheng-Jun TA ; Li-Wen LIU ; Ze-Ping LI ; Xiao-Miao LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(2):137-143
Objective To investigate the predictive value of new simplified insulin resistance(IR)assessment indexes in identifying subclinical left ventricular systolic function impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 150 T2DM patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF≥50%)who were admitted to Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from June 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to measure left ventricular global longitudinal strain(GLS).According to GLS value,the subjects were divided into the normal group(GLS≥18%group,n=80)and the impaired group(GLS<18%group,n=70).Some new simplified IR assessment indicators were calculated and compared between the two groups,including body mass index(BMI),TG/HDL-C ratio,triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index,TyG-BMI index,TyG-WHR and metabolic score for IR(METS-IR).Correlation between the GLS and the new simplified IR assessment indexes was analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of different simplified IR assessment indexes,with the area under the curve(AUC)calculated.Furthermore,according to whether the subjects were complicated with hypertension,binary logistics regression analysis was performed to explore the independent correlation between the simplified IR assessment index and GLS<18%.Results Total 150 were included with aged(54.5±13.7)years with 96(64.0%)men and 54(36.0%)women.Compared with the GLS≥18%group,the TG/HDL-C ratio,TyG index,TyG-BMI,and METS-IR of subjects in the GLS<18%group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that TG/HDL-C ratio,TyG index,TyG-BMI,TyG-WHR,and METS-IR were negatively correlated with GLS(P<0.05).ROC analysis showed that TyG index had a certain predictive value for the evaluation of GLS<18%(AUC=0.678,95%CI 0.591-0.765,P<0.001).Stratification based on hypertension and further adjusting for confounding factors,TyG index remains significantly associated with GLS<18%(OR=3.249,95%CI 1.045-10.103,P=0.042).Conclusions The novel simplified insulin resistance evaluation indexes are closely associated with left ventricular subclinical systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients with preserved ejection fraction.TyG index is an effective index to identify left ventricular subclinical dysfunction in these populations.
5.Nanomaterial-based Therapeutics for Biofilm-generated Bacterial Infections
Zhuo-Jun HE ; Yu-Ying CHEN ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; De-Liang LIU ; Meng-De LIU ; Jian-Hui GAO ; Ze CHEN ; Jia-Yu DENG ; Guang-Yan LIANG ; Li WEI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1604-1617
Bacterial biofilms gave rise to persistent infections and multi-organ failure, thereby posing a serious threat to human health. Biofilms were formed by cross-linking of hydrophobic extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), such as proteins, polysaccharides, and eDNA, which were synthesized by bacteria themselves after adhesion and colonization on biological surfaces. They had the characteristics of dense structure, high adhesiveness and low drug permeability, and had been found in many human organs or tissues, such as the brain, heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and skeleton. By releasing pro-inflammatory bacterial metabolites including endotoxins, exotoxins and interleukin, biofilms stimulated the body’s immune system to secrete inflammatory factors. These factors triggered local inflammation and chronic infections. Those were the key reason for the failure of traditional clinical drug therapy for infectious diseases.In order to cope with the increasingly severe drug-resistant infections, it was urgent to develop new therapeutic strategies for bacterial-biofilm eradication and anti-bacterial infections. Based on the nanoscale structure and biocompatible activity, nanobiomaterials had the advantages of specific targeting, intelligent delivery, high drug loading and low toxicity, which could realize efficient intervention and precise treatment of drug-resistant bacterial biofilms. This paper highlighted multiple strategies of biofilms eradication based on nanobiomaterials. For example, nanobiomaterials combined with EPS degrading enzymes could be used for targeted hydrolysis of bacterial biofilms, and effectively increased the drug enrichment within biofilms. By loading quorum sensing inhibitors, nanotechnology was also an effective strategy for eradicating bacterial biofilms and recovering the infectious symptoms. Nanobiomaterials could intervene the bacterial metabolism and break the bacterial survival homeostasis by blocking the uptake of nutrients. Moreover, energy-driven micro-nano robotics had shown excellent performance in active delivery and biofilm eradication. Micro-nano robots could penetrate physiological barriers by exogenous or endogenous driving modes such as by biological or chemical methods, ultrasound, and magnetic field, and deliver drugs to the infection sites accurately. Achieving this using conventional drugs was difficult. Overall, the paper described the biological properties and drug-resistant molecular mechanisms of bacterial biofilms, and highlighted therapeutic strategies from different perspectives by nanobiomaterials, such as dispersing bacterial mature biofilms, blocking quorum sensing, inhibiting bacterial metabolism, and energy driving penetration. In addition, we presented the key challenges still faced by nanobiomaterials in combating bacterial biofilm infections. Firstly, the dense structure of EPS caused biofilms spatial heterogeneity and metabolic heterogeneity, which created exacting requirements for the design, construction and preparation process of nanobiomaterials. Secondly, biofilm disruption carried the risk of spread and infection the pathogenic bacteria, which might lead to other infections. Finally, we emphasized the role of nanobiomaterials in the development trends and translational prospects in biofilm treatment.
6.The Mechanism of miR-124 in Depression
Yan XUE ; De-Zhu LI ; Hui-Ying XIE ; Chuan-Miao JIANG ; Jun-Fang ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(6):1316-1326
Depression is a prevalent mental illness worldwide, its multifaceted pathogenesis is still in the exploratory stage. MicroRNA (miRNA), as a crucial epigenetic regulator, plays an important role in depression. miR-124 is one of the most abundant miRNAs in the central nervous system including neurons and microglia, and involved in various biological events like neuron development and differentiation, synaptic and axonal growth, neural plasticity, inflammation and autophagy. Recent studies have reported abnormal expression of miR-124 in both depression patients and animal models. Most of the studies showed that miR-124 is upregulated in the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex in stress-induced rodent depression animal models such as CUMS, CSDS, CORT, CRS and LH but some evidence for divergence. Upregulation of miR-124 expression may be involved in depression-like behavior via CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway, GR pathway, SIRT1 pathway, apoptosis and autophagy pathways by directly targeting these genes including Creb, Bdnf, Sirt1, Nr3c1, Ezh2 and Stat3. The downregulation of miR-124 expression in neurons is mainly involved in the neurogenesis and neuroplasticity impairments in depression by targeting the Notch signaling pathway and DDIT4/TSC1/2/mTORC1 pathway. The downregulation of miR-124 expression also was found in the activated microglia in the stress-induced models, and resulted in neuroinflammation. In summary, the abnormal expression of miR-124 in the brain of depression-related models and its related mechanisms are complex and even contradictory, and still need further research. This review provides a summary of the research progress of miR-124 in depression.
7.Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Bairui Granules (百蕊颗粒) in Treating Patients with Acute Pharyngitis with Wind-Heat Syndrome: A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Double-Simulation, Randomized Controlled Trial
Siming LIU ; Hui ZHOU ; Qiang LI ; Min ZHOU ; Qixiang WU ; Shanjun YANG ; Jun WANG ; Jingjing YUAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Ziqi ZHU ; Jingyi HU ; Shuang WU ; Mengting LI ; Zhanfeng YAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(11):1139-1145
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Bairui Granules (百蕊颗粒) in the treatment of acute pharyngitis with wind-heat syndrome. MethodsA multicenter, double-blind, double-simulation, randomised controlled trial was conducted, in which 162 patients with acute pharyngitis and wind-heat syndrome from 7 centers were recruited, and each center was divided into trial group and control group on the ratio of 2∶1. In the trial group, 108 cases were orally administered with Bairui Granules plus Reyanning Granules (热炎宁颗粒) simulant, and in the control group, 54 cases were orally administered with Reyanning Granules plus Bairui Granules simulant for 5 days, with a follow-up visit on the 6th day. Full analysis set (FAS) analysis and per protocol set (PPS) were used for analysis, respectively. The primary efficacy index was the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment; the secondary efficacy indexes were the disappearance rate of sore throat after 3-day treatment, as well as the visual analogue score (VAS) of sore throat before treatment, every day during the treatment, and follow-up on day 6, and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score was performed before treatment and at the follow-up on day 6. The effectiveness on TCM syndrome was evaluated at the follow-up on day 6, and the changes of vital signs, blood routine, urine routine, liver functions, kidney function, the adverse events before and after the treatment were recorded, and safety analysis set (SS) was analysed. Results162 patients entered the FAS and SS analyses, and 158 cases (105 cases in the trial group and 53 cases in the control group) entered the PPS analysis. FAS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.56% (87/108) in the trial group and 64.81% (35/54) in the control group, and the difference between groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.10, P = 0.0239). PPS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.00% (84/105) in the trial group and 64.15% (34/53) in the control group, and the difference between groups was statistically significant (χ2 =4.85, P = 0.0277). FAS and SS analyses both showed that the difference in disappearance rate of sore throat between groups on 3-day treatment was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the VAS scores of sore throat were lower in both groups during treatment on day 2, 3, 4, 5, and follow-up on day 6 (P<0.01), but the difference between groups at each time point was not statistically significant (P>0.05). TCM syndrome scores of both groups at the follow-up were lower than that before treatment, and those of the trial group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.01). The cure rate and effective rate of TCM syndrome of the trial group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in blood routine, urine routine, liver function, kidney function between groups before and after treatment (P>0.05), and no serious adverse events occured in both groups. ConclusionBairui Granules showed clinical effectiveness in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of wind-heat syndrome, and it could significantly improve the clinical symptoms, accelerate the disappearance time of sore throat with good safety.
8.The Role of Mechanical Sensitive Ion Channel Piezo in Digestive System Diseases
Si-Qi WANG ; Xiang-Yun YAN ; Yan-Qiu LI ; Fang-Li LUO ; Jun-Peng YAO ; Pei-Tao MA ; Yu-Jun HOU ; Hai-Yan QIN ; Yun-Zhou SHI ; Ying LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(8):1883-1894
The Piezo protein is a non-selective mechanosensitive cation channel that exhibits sensitivity to mechanical stimuli such as pressure and shear stress. It converts mechanical signals into bioelectric activity within cells, thus triggering specific biological responses. In the digestive system, Piezo protein plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological activities, including digestion, absorption, metabolic regulation, and immune modulation. However, dysregulation in Piezo protein expression may lead to the occurrence of several pathological conditions, including visceral hypersensitivity, impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier function, and immune inflammation.Therefore, conducting a comprehensive review of the physiological functions and pathological roles of Piezo protein in the digestive system is of paramount importance. In this review, we systematically summarize the structural and dynamic characteristics of Piezo protein, its expression patterns, and physiological functions in the digestive system. We particularly focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action of Piezo protein in digestive system tumor diseases, inflammatory diseases, fibrotic diseases, and functional disorders. Through the integration of the latest research findings, we have observed that Piezo protein plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various digestive system diseases. There exist intricate interactions between Piezo protein and multiple phenotypes of digestive system tumors such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. In inflammatory diseases, Piezo protein promotes intestinal immune responses and pancreatic trypsinogen activation, contributing to the development of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and pancreatitis. Additionally, Piezo1, through pathways involving co-action with the TRPV4 ion channel, facilitates neutrophil recruitment and suppresses HIF-1α ubiquitination, thereby mediating organ fibrosis in organs like the liver and pancreas. Moreover, Piezo protein regulation by gut microbiota or factors like age and gender can result in increased or decreased visceral sensitivity, and alterations in intestinal mucosal barrier structure and permeability, which are closely associated with functional disorders like irritable bowel sydrome (IBS) and functional consitipaction (FC). A thorough exploration of Piezo protein as a potential therapeutic target in digestive system diseases can provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for future clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
9.Analysis of vision screening and glasses wearing status among students in primary and secondary schools in Xi'an City
Yan YANG ; Qianqian MA ; Jun LI ; Ying HUANG ; Songjie ZHANG ; Yanbo WANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(12):1992-1996
AIM: To understand the visual acuity and spectacle usage among primary and secondary school students in Xi'an city, providing scientific evidence for making myopia prevention and control efforts.METHODS:Vision screening and spectacles usage survey was conducted on 38 226 students in 119 primary and secondary schools from 16 counties and districts in Xi'an city, and uncorrected visual acuity, refractive power, glasses wearing rate, full correction rate were statistically analyzed.RESULTS:The myopia rate among primary and secondary school students in Xi'an city is 61.53%, showing an increasing trend as the grade level goes up(χ2trend=5332.203, P<0.01). Among them, the proportion of mild myopia decreases with the increase of grade level, while the proportion of moderate and high myopia shows an upward trend with the increase of grade level(χ2trend=2671.562, P<0.01). The glasses wearing rate among myopic students is 51.69%, showing an upward trend as the grade level goes up(χ2trend=1486.941, P<0.01). The spectacle prescription rate for female students is higher than that for male students(χ2=23.659, P<0.01), and the rate in urban areas is higher than that in suburban counties(χ2=102.241, P<0.01). The full correction rate among students wearing glasses is 67.08%, and the rate for students wearing glasses in urban areas is higher than that in suburban counties(χ2=4.980, P<0.05). Among myopic students, 63.66% had undergone visual acuity checks more than or equal to twice in the past year, with vocational high school students having the lowest frequency of twice vision screenings, accounting for 58.06%. There is a negative correlation between myopic students residing in suburban counties and their glasses wearing rate, while a higher grade level and increased frequency of annual vision checks are positively correlated with the glasses wearing rate among myopic students(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The situation of students' myopia prevention and control is severe in Xi'an city, with low rates of spectacles usage, full correction, and frequency of visual checks. Special attention needs to be paid to the vision correction status of students in suburban counties, primary schools, and vocational high schools.
10.Rosmarinic acid ameliorates acute liver injury by activating NRF2 and inhibiting ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signal pathway
Jun-fu ZHOU ; Xin-yan DAI ; Hui LI ; Yu-juan WANG ; Li-du SHEN ; DU Xiao-bi A ; Shi-ying ZHANG ; Jia-cheng GUO ; Heng-xiu YAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1664-1673
Acute liver injury (ALI) is one of the common severe diseases in clinic, which is characterized by redox imbalance and inflammatory storm. Untimely treatment can easily lead to liver failure and even death. Rosmarinic acid (RA) has been proved to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, but it is not clear how to protect ALI through antioxidation and inhibition of inflammation. Therefore, this study explored the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of RA on ALI through

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