1.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
2.Application Study of Enzyme Inhibitors and Their Conformational Optimization in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Chao-Yang CHU ; Biao XIAO ; Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Kai XIE ; Shu-Jun XU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1510-1529
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment, and there is a lack of effective drugs to treat AD clinically. Existing medications for the treatment of AD, such as Tacrine, Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Aducanumab, only serve to delay symptoms and but not cure disease. To add insult to injury, these medications are associated with very serious adverse effects. Therefore, it is urgent to explore effective therapeutic drugs for AD. Recently, studies have shown that a variety of enzyme inhibitors, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, monoamine oxidase (MAO)inhibitors, secretase inhibitors, can ameliorate cholinergic system dysfunction, Aβ production and deposition, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress damage, and the decline of synaptic plasticity, thereby improving AD symptoms and cognitive function. Some plant extracts from natural sources, such as Umbelliferone, Aaptamine, Medha Plus, have the ability to inhibit cholinesterase activity and act to improve learning and cognition. Isochromanone derivatives incorporating the donepezil pharmacophore bind to the catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) sites of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which can inhibit AChE activity and ameliorate cholinergic system disorders. A compound called Rosmarinic acid which is found in the Lamiaceae can inhibit monoamine oxidase, increase monoamine levels in the brain, and reduce Aβ deposition. Compounds obtained by hybridization of coumarin derivatives and hydroxypyridinones can inhibit MAO-B activity and attenuate oxidative stress damage. Quinoline derivatives which inhibit the activation of AChE and MAO-B can reduce Aβ burden and promote learning and memory of mice. The compound derived from the combination of propargyl and tacrine retains the inhibitory capacity of tacrine towards cholinesterase, and also inhibits the activity of MAO by binding to the FAD cofactor of monoamine oxidase. A series of hybrids, obtained by an amide linker of chromone in combine with the benzylpiperidine moieties of donepezil, have a favorable safety profile of both cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity. Single domain antibodies (such as AAV-VHH) targeted the inhibition of BACE1 can reduce Aβ production and deposition as well as the levels of inflammatory cells, which ultimately improve synaptic plasticity. 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid from the extract of Ligustrum lucidum can specifically inhibit the activity of γ-secretase, thereby rescuing the long-term potentiation and enhancing synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice. Inhibiting γ-secretase activity which leads to the decline of inflammatory factors (such as IFN-γ, IL-8) not only directly improves the pathology of AD, but also reduces Aβ production. Melatonin reduces the transcriptional expression of GSK-3β mRNA, thereby decreasing the levels of GSK-3β and reducing the phosphorylation induced by GSK-3β. Hydrogen sulfide can inhibitGSK-3β activity via sulfhydration of the Cys218 site of GSK-3β, resulting in the suppression of Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, which ameliorate the motor deficits and cognitive impairment in mice with AD. This article reviews enzyme inhibitors and conformational optimization of enzyme inhibitors targeting the regulation of cholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, secretase, and GSK-3β. We are hoping to provide a comprehensive overview of drug development in the enzyme inhibitors, which may be useful in treating AD.
3.Hypericin inhibits the expression of NLRP3 in microglia of Parkinson's disease mice and alleviates the damage of DA-ergic neurons
Li-Shan FAN ; Jia ZHANG ; Si-Xiang NIU ; Qi XIAO ; Hui-Jie FAN ; Lei XU ; Li-Xia YANG ; Lu JIA ; Shao-Chen QIN ; Bao-Guo XIAO ; Cun-Gen MA ; Zhi CHAI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(17):2523-2527
Objective To observe the intervention effect of hypericin(HYP)on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease(PD)mice model and its mechanism.Methods Thirty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal,model and experimental groups with 10 mice per group.PD mouse model was established after 7 days of intraperitoneal injection of MPTP,and drug intervention was carried out from the first day of modeling.Normal group and model group were intraperitoneally injected with 500 μL·kg·d-1 0.9%NaCl.The experimental group was intraperitoneally injected with 25 mg·kg·d-1 HYP.The three groups of rats were given the drug once each time for 14 days.The expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH),Nod-like receptor thermal protein domain protein 3(NLRP3)and ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)in the striatum of nigra were detected by Western blot.Results The climbing time of normal,model and experimental groups was(5.35±0.43),(9.71±1.19)and(8.07±0.34)s;suspension scores were(2.92±0.15),(1.38±0.28)and(1.96±0.28)points;the relative expression levels of TH protein were 1.04±0.06,0.51±0.09 and 0.75±0.07;the relative expression levels of NLRP3 protein were 0.51±0.03,1.00±0.04 and 0.77±0.06;the relative expression levels of Iba1 protein were 0.68±0.10,1.30±0.28 and 0.89±0.05,respectively.The above indexes in the model group were statistically significant compared with the experimental group and the normal group(all P<0.01).Conclusion HYP plays a therapeutic role in PD by inhibiting the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in PD mice.
4.Establishment and Validation of a Multiplex PCR Detection System for the Identification of Six Common Edible Meat Components
Zhi-Wei JIANG ; Ruo-Cheng XIA ; Rui-Yang TAO ; Cheng-Tao LI
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;40(3):254-260
Objective To establish a rapid,accurate,and sensitive multiplex PCR detection method for the simultaneous identification of the six common edible meats (beef,lamp,chicken,pork,goose,duck),and to evaluate its application value in meat adulteration identification.Methods Based on complete mitochondrial genomic sequences of six species in the GenBank database,DNA sequences (cattle:16S rRNA;sheep:COX-1;chickens:Cytb;pig:COX-1;goose:NADH2;duck:16S rRNA) with intra-species conservation and inter-species specificity were screened,and species-specific primers were designed to construct a multiplex PCR detection system that can simultaneously detect the meat of six common species.The species specificity,sensitivity and reproducibility of the system were studied,and the simulated mixture sample detection was performed.Results This study successfully constructed a multiplex PCR detection system that can detect the meats of six common species simultaneously.The system was not effective in DNA amplification of non-target species.When the DNA template sizes were 0.0625-2 ng/μL,the amplified products of all six species could be detected.The duck compo-nent was still detected when the mixing ratio of duck and beef was as low as 0.5%.Conclusion This study constructs and establishes a multiplex PCR detection system with strong specificity,high sensi-tivity,and good reproducibility.It can accurately identify the components of animal origin in common edible meats and provide a simple and practical method for identifying adulteration of common edible meats and meat products in China.
5.Identification of spontaneous age-related cataract in Microtus fortis
Tianqiong HE ; Junkang ZHOU ; Yixin WEN ; Qian LIU ; Wenling ZHI ; Wenhao YANG ; Shuangyan HE ; Lingxuan OUYANG ; Xiaobo XIA ; Zhijun ZHOU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(4):553-561
Objective:Age-related cataract is the most common type of adult cataract and a leading cause of blindness.Currently,there are few reports on the establishment of animal models for age-related cataract.During the experimental breeding of Microtus fortis(M.fortis),we first observed that M.fortis aged 12 to 15 months could naturally develop cataracts.This study aims to explore the possibility of developing them as an animal model for age-related cataract via identifing and analyzing spontaneous cataract in M.fortis. Methods:The 12-month-old healthy M.fortis were served as a control group and 12-month-old cataractous M.fortis were served as an experimental group.The lens transparency was observed using the slit-lamp biomicroscope.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in the lens.Biochemical detection methods were applied to detect blood routine,blood glucose levels,the serum activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)in both groups.Finally,real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the transcription levels of cataract-related genes in the lens of 2 groups. Results:Compared with the control group,the lens of cataract M.fortis showed severely visible opacity,the structure of lens was destroyed seriously,and some pathological damage,such as swelling,degeneration/necrosis,calcification,hyperplasia,and fiber liquefaction were found in lens epithelial cells(LECs).The fibrous structure was disorganized and irregularly distributed with morgagnian globules(MGs)aggregated in the degenerated lens fibers.There was no statistically significant difference in blood glucose levels between the experimental and control groups(P>0.05).However,white blood cell(WBC)count(P<0.05),lymphocyte count(P<0.01),and lymphocyte ratio(P<0.05)were significantly decreased,while neutrophil percentage(P<0.05)and monocyte ratio(P<0.01)were significantly increased.The serum activities of SOD and GSH-Px(both P<0.05)were both reduced.The mRNAs of cataract-related genes,including CRYAA,CRYBA1,CRYBB3,Bsfp1,GJA3,CRYBA2,MIP,HspB1,DNase2B,and GJA8,were significantly downregultaed in the lenses of the experimental group(all P<0.05). Conclusion:There are significant differences in lens pathological changes,peroxidase levels,and cataract-related gene expression between cataract and healthy M.fortis.The developed cataract spontaneously in M.fortis is closely related to age,the cataract M.fortis might be an ideal animal model for the research of age-related cataract.
6.Risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in twin preterm infants:a multicenter study
Yu-Wei FAN ; Yi-Jia ZHANG ; He-Mei WEN ; Hong YAN ; Wei SHEN ; Yue-Qin DING ; Yun-Feng LONG ; Zhi-Gang ZHANG ; Gui-Fang LI ; Hong JIANG ; Hong-Ping RAO ; Jian-Wu QIU ; Xian WEI ; Ya-Yu ZHANG ; Ji-Bin ZENG ; Chang-Liang ZHAO ; Wei-Peng XU ; Fan WANG ; Li YUAN ; Xiu-Fang YANG ; Wei LI ; Ni-Yang LIN ; Qian CHEN ; Chang-Shun XIA ; Xin-Qi ZHONG ; Qi-Liang CUI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(6):611-618
Objective To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks,and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020.According to their conditions,they were divided into group A(both twins had BPD),group B(only one twin had BPD),and group C(neither twin had BPD).The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed.Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins.Results A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of<34 weeks were included in this study.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C,birth weight discordance of>25%between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins(OR=3.370,95%CI:1.500-7.568,P<0.05),and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD(P<0.05).The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age(SGA)birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins(OR=5.017,95%CI:1.040-24.190,P<0.05).Conclusions The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age,birth weight discordance between the twins,and SGA birth.
7.A Case Report of Clinical Features Analysis of a Novel IKBKG Variant Leading to Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia and Immunodeficiency
Xiaomei HUANG ; Ying LUO ; Tingyan HE ; Yongbin XU ; Yu XIA ; Zhi YANG ; Xiaona ZHU ; Yanyan HUANG ; Ruohang WENG ; Jun YANG ; Linlin WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2024;3(4):492-500
IKBKG is the essential modulator for nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway, and mutations within this gene can lead to anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and immunodeficiency (EDA-ID). Here we report a male patient, who presented with mild frontal bossing, sparse hair, skin pigmentation, conical teeth, and recurrent infections involving bacteria, fungi, and viruses after one month of age, together with hypogammaglobulinemia. These symptoms were consistent with the phenotype of EDA-ID. Genetic analysis revealed a hemizygous mutation c.1249T > G (p.Cys417Gly) in exon 10 of the
8.Role of FKBP8-mediated mitophagy in repetitive eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage
Shiqiao ZHENG ; Hao DENG ; Mengyu LI ; Duo ZHANG ; Tianai YANG ; Ranggui MA ; Zhi XIA ; Huayu SHANG
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2024;43(6):473-483
Objective To explore the effect of 4-week repetitive downhill treadmill running on the mi-tochondrial structure,function,and autophagy in skeletal muscle of rats,so as to analyze the role of FKBP8-mediated mitophagy in exercise-induced mitochondrial damage in their skeletal muscles.Meth-ods Thirty-two male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a 2-week quiet control group(2C group,n=8),a 4-week quiet control group(4C group,n=8),a 2-week exercise group(2E group,n=8)and a 4-week exercise group(4E group,n=8).Rats in 2E and 4E groups performed dai-ly 90-minute downhill treadmill running(-16°,16 m/min)5 days a week for two and four weeks,re-spectively.Then,they rested for 24 hours and received an exhaustive exercise test.Running distance and blood lactate were measured prior to and at the time of exercise cessation.Moreover,mitochondri-al ultrastructural changes in soleus muscles were observed by using a transmission electron microscope.The protein expression of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase subunit B(SDHB),cytochrome C oxi-dase subunit 1(MTCO1),FK506 binding protein 8(FKBP8)and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)in the soleus muscle were measured using Western blotting.Meanwhile,the co-localiza-tion of FKBP8 with LC3 and cytochrome C oxidase subunit Ⅳ(COXⅣ)with LC3,lysosomal associat-ed membrane protein 2(LAMP2)were detected by the immunofluorescence double labeling technique.Results(1)The running distance of one exhaustive exercise and the blood lactate before and after the test in 2E group were significantly higher than 2C and 4E groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the run-ning distance of 4E group was significantly higher than 4C group(P<0.01).However,there was no sig-nificant difference between 4E and 4C groups in the blood lactate before and after the exhaustive exer-cise test(P>0.05).(2)In both 2E and 4E groups,significant mitochondrial swelling and accumulation under cell membrane,as well as a number of mitophagosomes and mitophagolysosomes were observed,together with a significant reduce in the number of mitochondria(P<0.05),which was more severe in 2E group than 4E group.(3)The protein expression of mitochondrial SDHB and MTCO1 in 2E and 4E groups were lower than 2C and 4C groups,respectively,with significantly greater changes of these proteins in 4E group than 2E group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(4)The protein expression of mitochondrial FKBP8 and LC3,as well as the co-localization of FKBP8 with LC3 and COXⅣ with LC3,LAMP2 in 2E and 4E groups were higher than 2C and 4C groups,respectively,with significantly greater changes in 4E group than 2E group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion After 4-week downhill treadmill running,the structure,quantity and function of mitochondria in skeletal muscle are impaired.FKBP8-mediated mitophagy is activated,but is insufficient to degrade the damaged mitochondria,leading to muscular damage,as well as the increasing and falling down of running capacity.
9.Localization and anatomical measurement of lateral compression Ⅱscrew guide needle insertion point for pelvic fracture
Yong-Zheng CHEN ; Zhen-Hua HU ; Shao-Juan LI ; Xia-Cun LIANG ; Li-Kang HOU ; Shu-Liang ZHU ; Xin-Ying BAI ; Jin-Jian HE ; De-Meng YANG ; Zhi-Guo CHEN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(6):728-733
Objective To measure the distance between the lateral compression Ⅱ(LC-Ⅱ)screw guide needle and the surrounding important structures around the anterior inferior iliac spine in pelvic fractures and to locate the needle point,so as to provide anatomical reference for clinical nail placement.Methods Totally 40 adult gross specimens of embalming were implanted with LC-Ⅱ screw guide needle under the surveillance of C-arm machine,and the specimens were dissected.The shortest distance between the insertion point and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve,femoral nerve,femoral artery,femoral vein,anterior superior iliac spine and inguinal ligament was measured.The triangle was constructed between the insertion point,anterior superior iliac spine and inguinal ligament,and the exact location of the entry point was calculated.Results The average distance between the insertion point of the male needle and the femoral vein was(50.67±7.29)mm>the anterior superior iliac spine(43.83±7.58)mm>the femoral artery(38.35±6.63)mm>the femoral nerve(31.17±1.67)mm=the inguinal ligament(28.69±6.59)mm>the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve(7.98±3.81)mm.The mean distance between the insertion point of the female needle and the anterior superior iliac spine was(45.28±7.07)mm=femoral vein(43.72±6.89)mm>femoral artery(33.76±6.33)mm>femoral nerve(25.66±6.46)mm=inguinal ligament(23.22±5.00)mm>lateral femoral cutaneous nerve(8.97±4.76)mm.The projection distance of the entry point was 31.77 mm for men and 38.41 mm for women.The Angle b was 42.81°for men and 31.71° for women.Conclusion The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is most vulnerable to injury when LC-Ⅱ screw is inserted,and the risk of injury has nothing to do with sex.The insertion point positioning method a and b made LC-Ⅱ screw placement quickly,safely and accurately,and reduced fluoroscopy time and frequency.
10.Two pediatric hereditary angioedemathe families: case report and literature review
Yu XIA ; Zhi YANG ; Yang WANG ; Yanyan HUANG ; Jun YANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(9):883-887
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of two families with hereditary angioedema in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the general information, clinical manifestations, genetic variations, and laboratory test results of two families diagnosed with hereditary angioedema at Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Children′s Hospital from December 2022 to May 2023. And using keywords such as "children" "adolescent" "infant" "toddler" "pediatric" "hereditary angioedema" search for relevant literature from VIP, Wanfang, CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar from the establishment of the database until January 2024 and summarize the diagnosis and clinical characteristics of hereditary angioed in children.Results:Case 1, female, 12 years old, presented with intermittent abdominal pain for 8 years, aggravated with vomiting for 2 days. Eight years ago, without a clear cause, case 1 experienced abdominal pain and underwent two abdominal surgeries. The concentration of C1 esterase inhibitor was 0.46 g/L, and the function of C1 esterase inhibitor was less than 0.01. The SERPING1 gene had a c.1396C>G variation, and she was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema type Ⅱ. Among the other 13 family members, 8 had swelling in different parts, and 2 had died. Case 2, female, 17 years old, was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema type Ⅰ due to intermittent limb swelling for more than 2 years. She had C4 of 0.09 g/L, C1 esterase inhibitor concentration of 0.05 g/L, C1 esterase inhibitor function <0.01, SERPING1 gene c.882C>G variation. Two out of the other 12 family members experienced intermittent skin swelling. Literature review meets the search criteria with 0 Chinese literature and 15 English literature, including a total of 524 cases of hereditary angioedema in children. Combined with 2 families in this group, there are 5 families with hereditary angioedema in children as the proband. The onset time is 1-15 years old, and the diagnosis delay time is -0.9 to 20.0 years. Two hundred and sixty-three cases (50.2%) of the children had a family history survey, of which 229 cases (87.1%) had a positive family history. Two hundred and fifty-seven cases (49.0%) had clear disease classification, with type Ⅰ being the main type, accounting for 234 cases (91.1%). The clinical symptoms of 296 children (56.5%) were described in detail, including 262 cases (88.5%) with skin edema in different parts, 176 cases (59.5%) with abdominal pain, and 61 cases (20.6%) with upper respiratory tract edema in the throat.Conclusions:Hereditary angioedema is mainly characterized by episodic skin and mucosal swelling, with individualized differences in the locations and characteristics of the onset. Hereditary angioedema in children is often overlooked, and patients with a positive family history of episodic skin and mucosal swelling need to actively undergo complement level testing.

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