1.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
2.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
4.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
5.The impact of postpartum depression on maternal responsiveness in infant care
Shuzhen LI ; Fang WANG ; Ke WANG ; Su LIU ; Qian WEI ; Qing YANG ; Leilei LIU ; Huijing SHI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):271-275
ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of maternal postpartum depression (PPD) at 2 months postpartum on caregiving for infants aged2 to 24 months, and to provide a scientific basis for future maternal and infant healthcare services. MethodsBased on the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort, 1 060 mother-child pairs were selected from those fully participating in follow-up visits at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum. Pregnancy and childbirth-related information was collected using standardized questionnaire surveys and hospital obstetric and maternity records. The Edinburgh postpartum depression scale was used to assess the maternal postpartum depressive symptoms at 2 months postpartum. At 2, 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum, questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the maternal responsiveness in caregiving and the provision of early learning opportunities for infants. Scores for responsive caregiving and early learning opportunities at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months were grouped based on the 25th percentile (P25) of total scores. The mixed-effects model was used to analyze the longitudinal impact of maternal postpartum depression at 2 months on the caregiving of 2 to 24-month-old infants. ResultsThe longitudinal results from the mixed-effects model did not show an impact of maternal PPD on infant responsive caregiving within 12 months and early learning opportunities within24 months. However, cross-sectional analysis revealed that, compared to the non-PPD group, the risk of low responsive caregiving at 2 months in the PPD group was 93% higher (OR=1.931, 95%CI: 1.113‒3.364, P=0.019). The risks for low provision of early learning opportunities at2 months and 24 months increased by 59% (OR=1.589, 95%CI: 1.082‒2.324, P=0.017) and 60% (OR=1.598, 95%CI:1.120‒2.279, P=0.010), respectively. ConclusionMaternal postpartum depression increases the risk of low responsive caregiving at 2 months, but its long-term effects warrant further research.
6.Expression and Clinical Significance of Nucleoporin 93 in Patients with Neuroblastoma
Minting LIANG ; Yang YANG ; Xiaojun LIU ; Huiya LIANG ; Hanyi ZHANG ; Yihan SUN ; Xiuyu SHI ; Xia YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):420-430
ObjectiveTo screen key genes associated with neuroblastoma (NB) diagnosis and prognosis using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and to investigate the expression and clinical significance of nucleoporin 93 (NUP93) in NB tissues. MethodsNB gene chip data (GSE73517, GSE49710, GSE19274) were retrieved from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) commonly upregulated in high-risk groups were screened. The R2 database was then used to assess the prognostic value of DEGs that were commonly upregulated in the MYCN amplification group. Finally, NUP93 expression levels in the tissues from 60 NB, 25 ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB), and 26 ganglioneuroma (GN) cases were measured by immunohistochemistry . ResultsTwenty-five DEGs were identified as commonly upregulated in high-risk groups. Among these, 10 genes (SIVA1, NUP93, STIP1, LSM4, RAI14, MYOZ3, KNTC1, TNFRSF10B, TACC3 and CEP152) showed significantly higher expression in MYCN-amplified subgroups (P<0.05). Survival analysis revealed that high NUP93 expression was associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 4.0, 95% CI: 3.0,5.3, P = 1.80 × 10⁻³⁴). Immunohistochemistry results revealed that NUP93 expression in NB tissues was significantly higher than in GNB and GN tissues (P<0.001). NUP93 expression was positively correlated with high mitosis-karyorrhexis index (MKI; P=0.040), poor differentiation (P<0.001), and MYCN expression (rs = 0.793, P <0.001). ConclusionsHigh expression of NUP93 is associated with high MKI and poor differentiation, and predicts unfavorable prognosis in patients with NB, suggesting it may promote tumor progression by regulating MYCN. NUP93 has the potential to be a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NB.
7.Antibacterial effects of platelets on five common pathogenic bacteria: a comparative analysis
Erxiong LIU ; Wenting WANG ; Jinmei XU ; Ning AN ; Yafen WANG ; Jieyun SHI ; Lingling ZHANG ; Yaozhen CHEN ; Wen YIN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):747-758
Objective: To compare and analyze the antibacterial effects of platelets against five common clinical pathogenic bacteria including MRSA, SE, SA, E. coli, and CRKP, and to preliminarily explore the role of DCD sensitivity in the observed variations of antibacterial effects. Methods: The same number of platelets were used to establish co-culture systems of platelets and platelet lysates with the five pathogenic bacteria. The antibacterial effects of platelets and platelet lysates on the five pathogenic bacteria were evaluated by observing the turbidity of the bacterial solution, measuring the OD
value of the bacterial solution and counting the colonies. The supernatant protein of platelets co-cultured with MRSA was collected for quantitative proteomics analysis to explore the important antibacterial proteins of platelets. The content of DCD in the supernatant after co-culture of platelets and platelet lysates with the five pathogenic bacteria was detected by ELISA to preliminarily analyze the reasons for the different antibacterial effects of platelets on the five pathogenic bacteria. Results: Compared with the control group of MRSA, SA, and SE, the turbidity of the bacterial solution decreased after co-culture of platelets and platelet lysates with MRSA, SA, and SE for 12 h, and the OD
value and colony count were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The turbidity of the bacterial solution did not change significantly after co-culture of platelets and platelet lysates with E. coli for 24 h, but the OD
value decreased (P<0.05), and the colony count decreased to 10
CFU/mL but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with the control group of CRKP, the turbidity, OD
value, and colony count of the bacterial solution did not change significantly after co-culture of platelets and platelet lysates with CRKP (P>0.05). Proteomics results showed that after co-culture with MRSA, important proteins related to platelet activation, including collagen, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, integrin αIIbβ3, platelet glycoprotein V and IV were significantly up-regulated. ELISA results showed that after co-culture with the five pathogenic bacteria, platelets could secrete a large amount of DCD, with the content around 3 μg/mL. Conclusion: The antibacterial effect of platelets on Gram-positive bacteria MRSA, SA, and SE is better than that on Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and CRKP, and platelets have the best antibacterial effect on MRSA. The differences in antibacterial effects of platelets on the five pathogenic bacteria may be related to the sensitivity of DCD antibacterial peptides to the five pathogenic bacteria.
8.Reshaping Intercellular Interactions: Empowering the Exploration of Disease Mechanisms and Therapies Using Organoid Co-Culture Models
Dengxu TAN ; Yifan MA ; Ke LIU ; Yanying ZHANG ; Changhong SHI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):309-317
The organoid co-culture model, as a novel tool for recreating a three-dimensional microenvironment to study cell-cell interactions, has demonstrated significant application potential in biomedical research in recent years. By simulating the in vivo tissue microenvironment, this model provides a more precise experimental platform for investigating complex cellular interactions, particularly in areas such as tumor immune evasion mechanisms, drug sensitivity testing, and the pathological characterization of neurodegenerative diseases, where it has demonstrated significant value. However, the organoid co-culture model still faces several challenges in terms of standardized procedures, large-scale cultivation, ethical guidelines, and future development. In particular, in the field of laboratory animal science, how to effectively combine organoids with traditional animal models, and how to select the most appropriate model for different research needs while exploring its potential for replacement, remain pressing issues. In the context of ethical approval and the replacement of animal experiments, the organoid co-culture model offers an experimental approach that better aligns with the "3R" principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), potentially becoming an important tool for replacing traditional animal models. To this end, this paper reviews the latest advances and key challenges in this field, providing a detailed description of the construction methods for organoid co-culture models and discussing their applications in disease mechanism research and drug screening. The paper also systematically compares the organoid co-culture models with traditional animal models, exploring the criteria for selecting the appropriate model for specific applications. Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential value of organoid co-culture models as alternatives to animal experiments and anticipates future development trends of this technology. Through these discussions, the paper aims to promote the innovation and development of organoid co-culture technology and provide new perspectives and scientific evidence for future research.
9.Reshaping Intercellular Interactions: Empowering the Exploration of Disease Mechanisms and Therapies Using Organoid Co-Culture Models
Dengxu TAN ; Yifan MA ; Ke LIU ; Yanying ZHANG ; Changhong SHI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):309-317
The organoid co-culture model, as a novel tool for recreating a three-dimensional microenvironment to study cell-cell interactions, has demonstrated significant application potential in biomedical research in recent years. By simulating the in vivo tissue microenvironment, this model provides a more precise experimental platform for investigating complex cellular interactions, particularly in areas such as tumor immune evasion mechanisms, drug sensitivity testing, and the pathological characterization of neurodegenerative diseases, where it has demonstrated significant value. However, the organoid co-culture model still faces several challenges in terms of standardized procedures, large-scale cultivation, ethical guidelines, and future development. In particular, in the field of laboratory animal science, how to effectively combine organoids with traditional animal models, and how to select the most appropriate model for different research needs while exploring its potential for replacement, remain pressing issues. In the context of ethical approval and the replacement of animal experiments, the organoid co-culture model offers an experimental approach that better aligns with the "3R" principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), potentially becoming an important tool for replacing traditional animal models. To this end, this paper reviews the latest advances and key challenges in this field, providing a detailed description of the construction methods for organoid co-culture models and discussing their applications in disease mechanism research and drug screening. The paper also systematically compares the organoid co-culture models with traditional animal models, exploring the criteria for selecting the appropriate model for specific applications. Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential value of organoid co-culture models as alternatives to animal experiments and anticipates future development trends of this technology. Through these discussions, the paper aims to promote the innovation and development of organoid co-culture technology and provide new perspectives and scientific evidence for future research.
10.Study on relationships of MS4A1 gene polymorphism with blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Feng SHI ; Tao LIU ; He HUANG ; Caifu FANG ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Zhang ZHANG ; Zhao WANG ; Xiaojie FANG ; Zhuojia CHEN ; Shu LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1641-1647
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of CD20 coding gene (MS4A1) polymorphism on the blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted on 160 newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients who received the R-CHOP regimen at the Sun Yat Sen University Cancer Center from January 2016 to December 2020, with a minimum follow-up period of approximately 5 years. The blood concentration of rituximab was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MS4A1 tagSNPs were selected by Haploview4.2 software, including rs1051461, rs17155034, rs4939364, and rs10501385. The genotype of MS4A1 was detected by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Univariate linear regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between various factors(demographic, clinical, and genotypic variables) in patients and the steady-state trough concentration of rituximab during the first course of treatment, followed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Using MS4A1 genotype and tumor stage as independent variables, Cox regression model was employed to evaluate the factors influencing patient prognosis. RESULTS The blood concentration of rituximab in MS4A1 rs10501385 CC carriers was 15.20 μg/mL,which was significantly lower than 21.95 μg/mL in AA+AC carriers (P<0.05). The multivariate linear regression model incorporating tumor stage and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism explained 7.3% of the interindividual variability in rituximab concentrations. Compared with MS4A1 rs1051461 CC carriers, CT+TT carriers had significantly prolonged PFS and OS (P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the MS4A1 rs1051461 CC genotype (HR=4.406, 95%CI:1.743-11.137, P<0.05) and tumor Ⅲ&Ⅳ (HR=3.233, 95%CI: 1.413-7.399, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for PFS. CONCLUSIONS The tumor staging and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism are key influencing factors for blood concentration of rituximab, and MS4A1 rs1051461 polymorphism significantly affects PFS in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.

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