1.Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification Unraveled The Mechanism of Pachymic Acid in The Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Hang LIU ; Yu-Xin ZHU ; Si-Lin GUO ; Xin-Yun PAN ; Yuan-Jie XIE ; Si-Cong LIAO ; Xin-Wen DAI ; Ping SHEN ; Yu-Bo XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2376-2392
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Study on the characteristics of lymphocyte-specfic protein-tyrosine kinase methylation in the peripheral blood circulation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Lingxia XU ; Cen CHANG ; Ping JIANG ; Kai WEI ; Jia′nan ZHAO ; Yixin ZHENG ; Yu SHAN ; Yiming SHI ; Hua Ye JIN ; Yi SHEN ; Shicheng GUO ; Dongyi HE ; Jia LIU
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2024;28(3):155-161
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To analyze the methylation characteristics of the lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase (LCK) promoter region in the peripheral blood circulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and its correlation with clinical indicators.Methods:Targeted methylation sequencing was used to compare the methylation levels of 7 CpG sites in the LCK promoter region in the peripheral blood of RA patients with healthy controls (HC) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Correlation analysis and ROC curve construction were performed with clinical information.Results:Non-parametric tests revealed that compared with HC [0.53(0.50, 0.57)] and OA patients [0.59(0.54, 0.62), H=47.17, P<0.001], RA patients [0.63(0.59, 0.68)] exhibited an overall increase in methylation levels. Simultaneously, when compared with the HC group [0.38(0.35, 0.41), 0.59(0.55, 0.63), 0.60(0.55, 0.64), 0.59(0.55, 0.63), 0.58(0.53, 0.62), 0.45(0.43, 0.49), 0.57(0.54, 0.61)], the RA group [0.46(0.42, 0.49), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.70(0.66, 0.76), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.69(0.64, 0.74), 0.55(0.51, 0.59), 0.68(0.63, 0.73)] showed a significant elevation in methylation levels at CpG sites cg05350315_60, cg05350315_80, cg05350315_95, cg05350315_101, cg05350315_104, cg05350315_128, and cg05350315_142, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-5.63, -5.89, -5.91, -5.89, -5.98, -5.95, -5.95, all P<0.001). Compared with the OA group [0.65(0.59, 0.69), 0.65(0.60, 0.69), 0.64(0.58, 0.68), 0.50(0.45, 0.54), 0.63(0.58, 0.67)], the RA group [0.70(0.66, 0.76), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.69(0.64, 0.74), 0.55(0.51, 0.59), 0.68(0.63, 0.73)] exhibited a significant increase in methylation levels at CpG sites cg05350315_95, cg05350315_101, cg05350315_104, cg05350315_128, and cg05350315_142, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-3.56, -3.52, -3.60, -3.67, -3.62; P=0.036, 0.042, 0.031, 0.030, 0.030). Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed a positive correlation between the overall methylation level in this region and C-reactive protein (CRP) ( r=0.19, P=0.004) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r=0.14, P=0.035). The overall methylation level of the LCK promoter region in the CRP (low) group [0.63 (0.58, 0.68)] was higher than that in the CRP (high) group [0.65(0.61, 0.70)], with statistically significant differences ( Z=2.60, P=0.009). Finally, by constru-cting a ROC curve, the discriminatory efficacy of peripheral blood LCK promoter region methylation levels for identifying RA patients, especially seronegative RA patients, from HC and OA groups was validated, with an AUC value of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.93). Conclusion:This study provides insights into the methylation status and methylation haplotype patterns of the LCK promoter region in the peripheral blood of RA patients. The overall methylation level in this region is positively correlated with the level of inflammation and can be used to differentiate seronegative RA patients from the HC and OA patients.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.The association between the waist-to-height ratio and novel cerebral infarction in the elderly with hyperten-sion
Xiaobin GUO ; Ping LIU ; Wenxia YU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(11):1592-1596
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To study the relationship between waist-to-height ratio(WHtR)and new-onset cerebral infarction in the elderly with hypertension.Methods A total of 9 096 elderly hypertensive patients were enrolled from the Kailuan study population.Using the first occurrence of cerebral infarction as the endpoint event,a prospective cohort study was performed.According to the WHtR value of the subjects with an interval of 0.05,the subjects were divided into G1 group(WHtR<0.45),G2 group(0.45≤WHtR<0.50),G3 group(0.50≤WHtR<0.55),and G4 group(WHtR≥0.55).The cumulative incidence rate of endpoint event in each population were statistically analyzed using the life table method.Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to explore the role of WHtR in the occurrence of new cerebral infarction.Model 1 was a single factor Cox proportional hazards analysis model,only considering the influence of WHtR on the risk of cerebral infarction.After adjusting sex,age,body weight,serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,systolic blood pressure,serum triglycerides,smoking history,fasting blood glucose,alcohol consumption,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,diastolic blood pressure,exercise,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,educational level,antihypertensive drug history,model 2 was established to observe the influence of WHtR on the occurrence of new-onset cerebral infarction.Results The follow-up lasted(9.3±2.7)years.Compared to the G2 group,multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the hazard ratio HR(95%CI)for cerebral infarction in model 1 was 1.00(0.67~1.50),1.29(1.05~1.60)and 1.36(1.12~1.66)respectively in G1,G3 and G4;and that in model 2 was 1.09(0.72~1.65),1.24(0.99~1.54)and 1.31(1.05~1.62)respectively in G1,G3 and G4.Conclusion The risk of cerebral infarction in the elderly with hypertension is the lowest when WHtR between 0.45≤WHtR<0.50,and WHtR greater than or equal to 0.55 is associated with an increased risk of new-onset cerebral infarction.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Reasons and strategies of reoperation after oblique lateral interbody fusion
Zhong-You ZENG ; Deng-Wei HE ; Wen-Fei NI ; Ping-Quan CHEN ; Wei YU ; Yong-Xing SONG ; Hong-Fei WU ; Shi-Yang FAN ; Guo-Hao SONG ; Hai-Feng WANG ; Fei PEI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(8):756-764
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To summarize the reasons and management strategies of reoperation after oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF),and put forward preventive measures.Methods From October 2015 to December 2019,23 patients who under-went reoperation after OLIF in four spine surgery centers were retrospectively analyzed.There were 9 males and 14 females with an average age of(61.89±8.80)years old ranging from 44 to 81 years old.The index diagnosis was degenerative lumbar intervertebral dics diseases in 3 cases,discogenie low back pain in 1 case,degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis in 6 cases,lumbar spinal stenosis in 9 cases and degenerative lumbar spinal kyphoscoliosis in 4 cases.Sixteen patients were primarily treated with Stand-alone OLIF procedures and 7 cases were primarily treated with OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation.There were 17 cases of single fusion segment,2 of 2 fusion segments,4 of 3 fusion segments.All the cases underwent reoperation within 3 months after the initial surgery.The strategies of reoperation included supplementary posterior pedicle screw instrumentation in 16 cases;posterior laminectomy,cage adjustment and neurolysis in 2 cases,arthroplasty and neuroly-sis under endoscope in 1 case,posterior laminectomy and neurolysis in 1 case,pedicle screw adjustment in 1 case,exploration and decompression under percutaneous endoscopic in 1 case,interbody fusion cage and pedicle screw revision in 1 case.Visu-al analogue scale(VAS)and Oswestry disability index(ODI)index were used to evaluate and compare the recovery of low back pain and lumbar function before reoperation and at the last follow-up.During the follow-up process,the phenomenon of fusion cage settlement or re-displacement,as well as the condition of intervertebral fusion,were observed.The changes in in-tervertebral space height before the first operation,after the first operation,before the second operation,3 to 5 days after the second operation,6 months after the second operation,and at the latest follow-up were measured and compared.Results There was no skin necrosis and infection.All patients were followed up from 12 to 48 months with an average of(28.1±7.3)months.Nerve root injury symptoms were relieved within 3 to 6 months.No cage transverse shifting and no dislodgement,loosening or breakage of the instrumentation was observed in any patient during the follow-up period.Though the intervertebral disc height was obviously increased at the first postoperative,there was a rapid loss in the early stage,and still partially lost after reopera-tion.The VAS for back pain recovered from(6.20±1.69)points preoperatively to(1.60±0.71)points postoperatively(P<0.05).The ODI recovered from(40.60±7.01)%preoperatively to(9.14±2.66)%postoperatively(P<0.05).Conclusion There is a risk of reoperation due to failure after OLIF surgery.The reasons for reoperation include preoperative bone loss or osteoporosis the initial surgery was performed by Stand-alone,intraoperative endplate injury,significant subsidence of the fusion cage after surgery,postoperative fusion cage displacement,nerve damage,etc.As long as it is discovered in a timely manner and handled properly,further surgery after OLIF surgery can achieve better clinical results,but prevention still needs to be strengthened.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Modern Thinking on the Indications of Daoyin (导引) based on the Theory of "Wei (痿) Diseases should be Treated by Daoyin"
Yan YU ; Xueyin CHEN ; Lihong YANG ; Shaonan LIU ; Yu CHEN ; Lixiang LIU ; Ping YUE ; Jinpeng WU ; Xinfeng GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(11):1170-1173
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			It has been proposed by Basic Questions On Proper Therapies for Different Diseases Geographically (《素问·异法方宜论篇》) that "wei (痿) diseases should be treated by Daoyin (导引)". Furthermore, it is clarified that the indications of Daoyin are those conditions related to spleen and dampness caused by dampness pathogen, excessive food intake and less exercise, and mainly manifested as heavy limbs, fatigue and flaccidity, which is similar to the metabolic imbalance in the early stage of glucose or lipid metabolism disorder in modern medicine. Based on modern clinical and basic research evidence, Daoyin can inhibit the response of inflammation, alleviate oxidative stress, regulate intestinal microbiota, and modulate gene expression to improve metabolic abnormalities, and this will provide ideas for researches on the indications of Daoyin. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
		                				7.Full-length transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of Polygonatum kingianum 
		                			
		                			Qi MI ; Yan-li ZHAO ; Ping XU ; Meng-wen YU ; Xuan ZHANG ; Zhen-hua TU ; Chun-hua LI ; Guo-wei ZHENG ; Jia CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1864-1872
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 The purpose of this study was to enrich the genomic information and provide a basis for further development and utilization of
		                        		
		                        	
8.Investigation on potential subtyping and progression biomarkers of nephrotic syndrome based on LC-MS metabolomics technology
Qing-yu ZHANG ; Qian WANG ; Xing-xing ZHANG ; Song-jia GUO ; Ai-ping LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1779-1786
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Nephrotic syndrome (NS) has a variety of classifications, pathogenesis and pathological types. Clinical diagnosis primarily relies on serum biochemistry, while the specific classification necessitates renal puncture for biopsy, which is hindered by poor patient compliance. Therefore, it is of great significance for clinical diagnosis to find a non-invasive and rapid method to reflect the classification and progression of nephrotic syndrome. In this study, LC-MS metabolomics combined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multiple linear regression analysis was used to screen and identify potential biomarkers capable of reflecting the typing and progression of nephrotic syndrome. According to the statistical parameters VIP>1, 
		                        		
		                        	
9.The Regulatory Function of ADAR1-mediated RNA Editing in Hematological Malignancies
Xing-Yu WAN ; Huan-Ping GUO ; Rui-Hao HUANG ; Xiao-Qi WANG ; Ling-Yu ZENG ; Tao WU ; Lin XIA ; Xi ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(2):300-308
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			RNA editing, an essential post-transcriptional reaction occurring in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), generates informational diversity in the transcriptome and proteome. In mammals, the main type of RNA editing is the conversion of adenosine to inosine (A-to-I), processed by adenosine deaminases acting on the RNAs (ADARs) family, and interpreted as guanosine during nucleotide base-pairing. It has been reported that millions of nucleotide sites in human transcriptome undergo A-to-I editing events, catalyzed by the primarily responsible enzyme, ADAR1. In hematological malignancies including myeloid/lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma, dysregulation of ADAR1 directly impacts the A-to-I editing states occurring in coding regions, non-coding regions, and immature miRNA precursors. Subsequently, aberrant A-to-I editing states result in altered molecular events, such as protein-coding sequence changes, intron retention, alternative splicing, and miRNA biogenesis inhibition. As a vital factor of the generation and stemness maintenance in leukemia stem cells (LSCs), disordered RNA editing drives the chaos of molecular regulatory network and ultimately promotes the cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition and drug resistance. At present, novel drugs designed to target RNA editing(e.g., rebecsinib) are under development and have achieved outstanding results in animal experiments. Compared with traditional antitumor drugs, epigenetic antitumor drugs are expected to overcome the shackle of drug resistance and recurrence in hematological malignancies, and provide new treatment options for patients. This review summarized the recent advances in the regulation mechanism of ADAR1-mediated RNA editing events in hematologic malignancies, and further discussed the medical potential and clinical application of ADAR1. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Chinese Patent Medicine Combined with Inhalation Therapy for the Treatment of Bronchial Asthma in Children:A Network Meta-analysis
Wan-Yu ZHANG ; Guo-Hua YE ; Gui-Ping LUO ; Wen-Zhen HUANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(8):2209-2218
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine combined with inhalation therapy for bronchial asthma in children with network meta-analysis.Methods CNKI,CBM,Wanfang Data,VIP,Embase,PubMed,and Web of Science were searched for obtaining the clinical randomized controlled trials of Chinese patent medicine combined with inhalation therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma in children.Stata14 was used for network meta-analysis of the data.Results A total of 28 studies were eventually included,involving seven kinds of Chinese patent medicines,namely Hanchuan Zupa Granules,Huaiqihuang Granules,Tanreqing Injection,Xiaoer Feire Kechuan Granules,Chuankezhi Injection,Yupingfeng Granules and Zhubei Dingchuan Pills.The results of network meta-analysis showed that for improving the total effective rate,Tanreqing Injection combined with inhalation therapy,Chuankezhi Injection combined with inhalation therapy,and Zhubei Dingchuan Pills combined with inhalation therapy had the top 3 rankings of surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA).The optimal intervention measures to improve the peak expiratory flow(PEF),forced expiratory volume at one second(FEV1),and the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity(FEV1/FVC)may separately be Tanreqing Injection combined with inhalation therapy,Hanchuan Zupa Granules combined with inhalation therapy,and Zhubei Dingchuan Pills combined with inhalation therapy.The analysis of the SUCRA ranking of the incidence of adverse reactions showed that Xiaoer Feire Kechuan Granules combined with inhalation therapy may be the intervention with the least side effects,and Zhubei Dingchuan Pills combined with inhalation therapy may be the intervention with greater side effects.Conclusion Compared with inhalation therapy alone,Chinese patent medicine combined with inhalation therapy can enhance the effective rate of bronchial asthma in children and improve lung function indicators,and has good safety.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail