1.Plant-derived Exosome-like Nanovesicles in Biomedical Applications
Xu LIU ; Si-Rui LIU ; Jia-Yu MA ; Yu-Ting MOU ; Ting-Yu SHI ; Sheng HUANG ; Tian-Li SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1609-1621
Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs), characterized by a natural lipid bilayer membrane, have rapidly emerged as a prominent research frontier in medicine owing to their unique biological properties and robust therapeutic potential. This review comprehensively examines the biological profiles, mechanistic functions, and recent engineering advancements of PELNs. In terms of composition, PELNs are uniquely enriched in plant-specific glycolipids, phosphatidylserine, secondary metabolites, and highly stable 2'-O-methylated miRNAs. This distinct molecular makeup endows them with exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and the capacity for cross-species molecular communication. Mechanistically, PELNs demonstrate profound anti-inflammatory efficacy by suppressing the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. They also serve as potent immune modulators, driving macrophage M1/M2 polarization and regulating T cell activity. Additionally, PELNs exhibit promising antitumor capabilities, targeting malignancies via reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, TRAIL pathway activation, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Crucially, the plant miRNAs encapsulated within PELNs remain highly stable in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to selectively alter gene expression in specific gut microbiota communities. This interaction deeply influences host immunity and metabolism, highlighting the vital role in cross-species regulation. Advancements in bioengineering have further expanded the clinical utility of PELNs. Targeted delivery efficiency can be significantly amplified via surface functionalization (e.g., folate and RGD sequences) and state-of-the-art drug loading technologies such as sonication and electroporation. Consequently, engineered PELNs surpass traditional synthetic nanocarriers in penetrating natural physiological barriers, particularly for oral and transdermal drug administration. Despite these advantages, clinical translation is currently hindered by the lack of standardized isolation protocols, challenges in scalable manufacturing, and the need for robust quality control frameworks. Looking forward, the integration of multi-omics approaches and AI-driven “molecular fingerprinting”—coupled with the design of synthetic biomimetic vesicles—will be instrumental in overcoming these bottlenecks, ultimately establishing PELNs as a next-generation platform for precision medicine and targeted nanotherapeutic delivery.
2.Application value of risk prediction model for acute kidney injury after donation of cardiac death liver transplantation based on machine learning algorithm
Guanrong CHEN ; Jinyan CHEN ; Xin HU ; Ronggao CHEN ; Yingchen HUANG ; Yao JIANG ; Zhongzhou SI ; Jiayin YANG ; Jinzhen CAI ; Li ZHUANG ; Zhicheng ZHOU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Xiao XU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(2):236-248
Objective:To investigate the application value of risk prediction model for acute kidney injury (AKI) after donation of cardiac death (DCD) liver transplantation based on machine learning algorithm.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 1 001 pairs of DCD liver transplant donors and recipients at five hospitals, including The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine et al, in the Chinese Liver Transplan-tation Registry from January 2015 to December 2023 were collected. Of the donors, there were 825 males and 176 females. Of the recipients, there were 806 males and 195 females, aged 52 (range, 18-75)years. There were 281 recipients included using oversampling technique, and all 1 282 recipients were divided to the training set of 897 recipients and the validation set of 385 recipients by a ratio of 7∶3 using computer-generated random numbers. Seven prediction models, including Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), were constructed for AKI after liver transplantation based on machine learning algorithm. Observation indicators: (1) comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between recipients with and without AKI and donors; (2) follow-up and survival of recipients with and without AKI; (3) construction and validation of nomogram prediction model of AKI after liver transplantation; (4) construction and validation of machine learning prediction model of AKI after liver transplantation. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, and comparison among groups was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or corrected chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and plot survival curves. Logistic regression model was performed for univariate and multivariate analyses. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to calculate area under curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval ( CI). The performance of prediction model was evaluated using DeLong test, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity. The calibration curve was plotted to evaluate the performance of predicted probability and actual probability. The interpretability analysis of machine learning algorithm and SHapley Additive exPlanations was used to explain the model decision separately. Results:(1) Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between recipients with and without AKI and donors. Of 1 001 recipients, there were 360 cases with AKI and 641 cases without AKI after liver transplantation. There were significant differences in body mass index (BMI), hepatic encepha-lopathy, hepatitis B surfact antigen (HBsAg), hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and donor diabetes, donor blood urea nitrogen, donor alanine aminotransferase, donor aspartate aminotransferase, mass of graft, volume of blood loss during liver transplantation, warm ischema time of donor liver, and operation time between recipients with and without AKI ( Z=-4.337, χ2=9.751, 9.088, H=11.142, χ2=5.286, Z=-3.360, -2.539, -3.084, -1.730, -3.497, -1.996, -2.644, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up and survival of recipients with and without AKI. All the 1 001 recipients received follow-up. The recipients with AKI after liver transplantation were followed up for 18.6(range, 0-102.3)months, and recipients without AKI after liver transplantation were followed up for 31.9(range, 0.1-105.5)months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 72.1%, 63.5%, and 59.3% of recipients with AKI, versus 86.7%, 76.7%, and 72.5% of recipients without AKI, respectively, showing a significant difference in overall survival between them ( χ2=26.028, P<0.05). (3) Construction and validation of nomogram predic-tion model of AKI after liver transplantation. Results of multivariate analysis showed that recipient BMI, recipient creatinine, recipient HBsAg, recipient HRS, donor blood urea nitrogen, donor crea-tinine, anhepatic phase and volume of blood loss during liver transplantation were independent risk factors for AKI of recipients after liver transplantation ( odds ratio=1.113, 0.998, 0.605, 1.580, 1.047, 0.998, 1.006, 1.157, 95% CI as 1.070-1.157, 0.996-1.000, 0.450-0.812, 1.021-2.070, 1.021-1.074, 0.996-0.999, 1.000-1.012, 1.045-1.281, P<0.05). The nomogram prediction model of AKI after liver transplantation was constructed based on the results of multivariate analysis. Results of ROC curve showed that the AUC of 0.666 (95% CI as 0.637-0.696). (4) Construction and validation of machine learning prediction model of AKI after liver transplantation. Based on the Lasso regression analysis, seven machine learning algorithm prediction models, including RF, XGBoost, SVM, LR, DT, KNN, and CatBoost, were constructed, with ROC curves of the validation set plotted. The AUC of above models were 0.863, 0.841, 0.721, 0.637, 0.620, 0.708, 0.731, accuracies were 0.764, 0.782, 0.701, 0.592, 0.605, 0.605, 0.681, sensitivities were 0.764, 0.789, 0.719, 0.588, 0.694, 0.694, 0.704, specificities were 0.763, 0.774, 0.683, 0.597, 0.511, 0.511, 0.656, respectively. Delong test showed that the RF model with the highest AUC of 0.863(95% CI as 0.828-0.899). Calibration curve analysis showed the predicted probability closest to the actual probability of RF model, indicating the model with a good validation value. Further sorting of SHAP of different clinical factors based on RF model showed that recipient BMI, donor blood urea nitrogen, volume of blood loss during liver transplantation, donor age had large effects on the output outcomes. Conclusion:The nomogram prediction model and seven machine learning algorithm prediction models for AKI after DCD liver transplantation are constructed, and the RF model based on machine learning has a better predictive performance.
3.Correlation between serum zinc level and prognosis of patients with sepsis
Xiao-Gang WANG ; Jia-Jun MA ; Rui-Xin ZHU ; Li-Bing ZHOU ; Sai-Hu HUANG ; Shui-Yan WU ; Wen-Si NIU ; Jie HUANG ; Zhen-Jiang BAI
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2025;32(5):278-282
Objective:To investigate the differences in clinical outcomes of septic children with varying serum zinc levels,and to analyze the relationship between reduced serum zinc levels and organ dysfunction as well as 28-day mortality in septic children.Methods:This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock in the Department of critical care medicine of the children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 2017 and December 2022.Clinical characteristics,organ dysfunction,and prognosis were compared between two groups:children with low serum zinc levels and those with normal zinc levels.Results:The serum zinc level of septic children within 24 hours of admission was 9.60(5.52,13.80)μmol/L,with 50.54%(94/186)of the children exhibiting low serum zinc levels(<10.07 μmol/L).Compared to the normal serum zinc group,the low serum zinc group had a significantly lower Pediatric Critical Illness Score(PCIS)[(78.71±9.35)vs.(85.12±8.51),P=0.005]and higher 28-day mortality(46.80%vs.14.13%,P<0.001).The low serum zinc group also had a higher proportion of invasive mechanical ventilation(64.89%vs.47.82%,P=0.019),renal replacement therapy(15.59%vs.3.26%,P=0.003),and use of vasoactive drugs(56.38%vs.30.43%,P<0.001).The rate of underlying conditions in the low serum zinc group was significantly higher than that in the normal serum zinc group(57.44%vs.36.95%,P=0.005).Additionally,the low serum zinc group had a higher incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,shock,and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS)compared to the normal serum zinc group(P<0.05).Serum zinc levels had predictive value for 28-day mortality in septic children(AUC=0.813;95%CI:0.725~0.902;P<0.001).A serum zinc level of less than 6.950 μmol/L predicted the death of septic children with a sensitivity of 0.618 and a specificity of 0.902.Conclusion:Sepsis in children is commonly associated with low serum zinc levels,especially in those with underlying conditions such as hematologic and oncologic disorders.Sepsis patients hypozincemia with a higher incidence of DIC,respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,shock,and MODS.A serum zinc level below 6.95 μmol/L serves as a significant predictor of 28-day mortality in children with severe sepsis.
4.Cyclic adenosine monophosphate alleviates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by regulating AMP-activated protein kinase
Ruixue TIAN ; Si CHEN ; Fahui CHEN ; Xiu HUANG ; Xiaoshuang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(6):434-441
Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods:GSE227970 dataset derived from human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) in the GEO database was downloaded, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analysis were performed in normal and cisplatin-damaged cells. Eighteen 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice with body weight of (22±2) g were randomly divided into normal group, cisplatin group and cAMP group according to random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. cAMP group was intraperitoneally injected with 30 mg/kg glumine cyclic adenosine monophosphate, while normal group and cisplatin group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution for 10 consecutive days. The cisplatin and cAMP groups were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/kg cisplatin once on the 8th day. The body weight and kidney weight of mice were weighed, and kidney weight to body weight ratio was calculated. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) in mice were detected. HE staining was used to evaluate the degree of renal injury. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling pathway in renal tissues. In vitro experiments, HK-2 cells were set up in normal group, cisplatin group, cAMP group and cAMP+AMPK inhibitor group. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein expression of phosphorylated (p)-AMPK in HK-2 cells. Adenosine triphosphate content and ratio of NAD + to NADH in cells were detected. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. Results:Biological signal analysis showed that axon guidance, Ras-related protein 1 signaling pathway and cAMP signaling pathway were significantly changed in cisplatin group. The body weight, kidney weight and kidney weight/body weight ratio in cisplatin group were significantly lower than those in normal group (all P<0.05). However, after cAMP treatment, kidney weight was significantly higher compared with cisplatin group ( P<0.05), and body weight and kidney weight/body weight ratio also increased, but the differences were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). BUN, Scr and renal tubular injury score in cisplatin group were significantly higher than those in normal group (all P<0.05). After cAMP treatment, BUN, Scr and renal tubular injury score were significantly lower than those in cisplatin group (all P<0.05). Western blotting results showed that cAMP treatment could significantly increase the decreased AMPK/ACC signaling pathway protein in the renal tissues of cisplatin-induced mice (all P<0.05). In vitro experiments, immunofluorescence detection showed that the expression of p-AMPK protein in cisplatin-induced HK-2 cells decreased, and the addition of cAMP increased the expression of p-AMPK protein in cisplatin-induced HK-2 cells (all P<0.05). cAMP treatment could alleviate cisplatin-induced injury in HK-2 cells, restore the reduction of adenosine triphosphate content and NAD +/NADH ratio, and reduce the apoptosis induced by cisplatin (all P<0.05), while AMPK inhibitor could eliminate the protective effect of cAMP on cisplatin-induced injury in HK-2 cells. Conclusion:cAMP can play a protective role in renal injury caused by cisplatin, and its mechanism may be related to activation of AMPK/ACC signaling pathway.
5.Expression of TRM cells in the lesions of imiquimod-induced models of psoriasis in mice
Yuchan ZHOU ; Rongchang ZHENG ; Huarun LI ; Jinping HUANG ; Si QIN ; Ting LI ; Zhenyu LU ; Sihui LI ; Xianwen LI ; Mu-jin LI ; Ju WEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(9):1327-1331
Objective To investigate the effect of tissue-resident memory T cells(TRM)on imiquimod-induced psoriatic-like skin lesions in mice,and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of TRM involvement in this process.Methods Forty female BALB/c mice were procured and randomly allocated into four groups:ten in the blank control group,and thirty for the establishment of a psoriasis mouse model.Following successful modeling,the thirty mice were further randomized into three groups:the model control group,the methotrexate-treated group,and the imiquimod-treated group,with ten mice in each group.Mice in the blank control group and model control group were uniformly treated with Vaseline for intervention.The methotrexate group and the imiquimod group were treated with 62.5mg of 5%imiquimod cream.The methotrexate group was administered by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg,and the gavage volume of each group was 10 mL/kg.The model control group,blank group and imiquimod group were gavaged with the same volume of normal saline.Treatment was conducted over six consecutive days.Subsequently,comparisons were made across groups regarding the psoriasis area and severity index(PASI),histopathological findings,inflammatory cytokine levels,and TRM cell levels.Results(1)The imiquimod group exhibited signifi-cantly lower scores for erythema(2.54±0.32),skin thickening(2.59±0.25),and scaling(2.52±0.29)compared to the methotrexate group,model control group,and blank control group(P<0.05).Additionally,the methotrexate group demonstrated reduced scores for erythema,skin thickening,and scaling compared to the model control group(P<0.05).(2)Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed that the epidermis in the methotrexate group became thin-ner,with fewer parakeratotic cells and increased hair follicles.Conversely,the imiquimod group displayed abnor-mal cell morphology and relatively thicker white skin after modeling.(3)The imiquimod group showed significantly lower levels of TNF-α(51.63±4.39 pg/mL),IL-1β(35.53±4.15 pg/mL),IFN-γ(23.43±3.41 pg/mL),and IL-23(15.24±2.95 pg/mL)compared to the methotrexate and model control groups(P<0.05).Similarly,the methotrexate group exhibited reduced levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IFN-γ,and IL-23 compared to the model control group(P<0.05).(4)The imiquimod group had significantly lower levels of CD8+CD103+cells(15.39±2.31)than the methotrexate and model control groups(P<0.05).Furthermore,the methotrexate group demonstrated lower levels of CD8+CD103+cells compared to the model control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Miquimod induces heavier skin lesions,faster response,and more epidermal thickening in psoriasis like mice.CD8+CD103+TRM cells and inflammatory factors may be involved in the recurrence of psoriasis.
6.Prediction of the"Efficacy Component Group"for Alcohol Detoxification and Liver Protection in Puerariae Lobatue Radix Based on UPLC Fingerprint and Network Pharmacology
Lei SHEN ; Xingming JIANG ; Si HONG ; Dingming LIU ; Yumeng KONG ; Siqi HUANG ; Xiaoxuan LIU ; Xinlin ZHONG ; Wenlong LIU ; Xili ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):133-141
Objective To explore the quality markers of Puerariae Lobatue Radix;To predict its"efficacy component group"with alcohol detoxification and liver protection effects.Methods Fingerprints of 26 batches of Puerariae Lobatue Radix samples from different origins in China was established.Multivariate statistical analysis was employed to identify quality markers,while network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict the potential"efficacy component group".Results UPLC fingerprint analysis calibrated 11 common peaks.Clustering analysis classified 26 batches of samples into 3 categories,and 7 quality markers were ultimately screened through multivariate statistical analysis,including mirificin,puerarin,puerarin-6''-O-xyloside,3'-methoxypuerarin,ononin,genistin and daidzin.Network pharmacology revealed that all 7 markers interacted with targets related to alcohol-associated liver disease,identifying 19 core targets such as TNF,CASP3,BCL2,MMP9,IL2,and 93 signaling pathways involving IL-17 and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinity between the 7 markers and target proteins,with binding energies<-5 kcal/mol.Conclusion The"efficacy component group",main targets and signaling pathways predicted in this study can provide support for the research on the mechanism,material basis and quality control of the alcohol detoxification and liver protection effects of Puerariae Lobatue Radix.
7.Research Progress of Transporter-Mediated Drug-Drug Interaction Studies in New Drug Development
Shujun FU ; Bin XIA ; Luqin SI ; Jiangeng HUANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(4):596-602
There are a large number of drug transporters widely distributed in various tissues and organs in the human body.They are involved in the membrane transport of numerous endogenous substances,toxins,and drugs.The transmembrane transport mediated by transporters not only plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the internal environment,but also closely related to drug absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion processes.In clinical practice,drug-drug and drug-endogenous molecule interactions based on drug transporters may affect therapeutic efficacy or lead to toxic side effects.Therefore,it is particularly important to closely monitor and evaluate the risks of transporters mediated drug-drug interactions in the drug development and marketing process.This review summarized the classification,functions,tissue distribution and substrate specificity of typical drug transporters in new drug development.Subsequently,the research progress regarding drug-drug interactions involving 24 drug transporters for 55 newly approved drugs by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2023 is comprehensively reviewed.The aim is to provide reference for further drug-drug interaction research together with its scientific significance during new drug development stage.
8.Refined management practices of in vitro diagnostic reagent catalogs in multi-campus medical institutions
Si-rui HUANG ; Ming ZHU ; Zhao CHEN ; Xin HUANG ; Di XIE ; Yuan XIONG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(4):88-92
The current situation of the in vitro diagnostic(IVD)reagent management was described,and a standard dictio-nary library of IVD reagents was constructed.An IVD reagent catalog information management system with the functions of management and price comparison was introduced in terms of its development process and application effect.Some mainte-nance and management measures for IVD reagent standard dictionary library were put forward including the establishment of an IVD reagent catalog management group and regular data maintenance and updating.References were provided for solving the problems due to the inconsistency of reagent catalog management and medical devices and materials without medical insurance codes in multi-campus medical institutions.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(4):88-92]
9.Related factors of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and old-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jiayu WANG ; Yangfan CHAI ; Qirun LI ; Jun MA ; Ying GAO ; Wei LIU ; Youyuan HUANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Jia JIA ; Shuyu WANG ; Wenbo WANG ; Liguang DONG ; Anping WANG ; Yingkui SI ; Guilan KONG ; Jian ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(1):13-19
Objective:To investigate the related factors of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and old-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:A total of 970 patients with T2DM(585 middle-aged group and 385 old-aged group)were selected from residents of a large community in Beijing from September to December 2018.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)was used to assess the cognitive func-tion.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors.Results:The detection rates of cognitive impairment were 12.0%and 13.5%in middle-aged and old-aged patients with T2DM,respectively.Among mid-dle-aged patients with T2DM,work(OR=0.22,95%CI:0.03-0.77)and education at the junior college or un-dergraduate level and above(OR=0.18,95%CI:0.04-0.55)were protective factors for cognitive impair-ment.Myocardial infarction(OR=4.13,95%CI:1.26-13.63)was a risk factor for cognitive impairment.Among old-aged patients with T2DM,drinking tea 1-2 times a week(OR=0.11,95%CI:0.01-0.58)and education at the junior college or undergraduate level and above(OR=0.19,95%CI:0.05-0.54)were protective factors for cognitive impairment.Stroke(OR=3.64,95%CI:1.55-8.39)and good sleep self-assessment(OR=2.75,95%CI:1.13-7.35)were risk factors for cognitive impairment.Conclusion:Cognitive impairment in middle-aged pa-tients with T2DM is related to work,education level and myocardial infarction,and cognitive impairment in old-aged patients with T2DM is related to lifestyle,education level and stroke.
10.Research status and ideas on protective effects of traditional Chinese medicine active monomers on tissues and organs based on Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway
Wu-zhen HUANG ; Si-ning CHEN ; Zhan-hua LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):613-620
Ferroptosis is a cell death pattern associated with the regulation of the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.Activating the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway can regulate the expression of genes and proteins related to oxidative stress,alleviate stress damage,and inhibit cell ferroptosis.At present,research on the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in ferroptosis has made certain progress.Through literature research,it can be found that some traditional Chinese medicine active monomers can activate the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway to inhibit ferrop-tosis,play a protective role in tissues and organs,and have ther-apeutic potential in various diseases.Some traditional Chinese medicine active monomers exhibit characteristics of multi organ protective effects and bidirectional regulation.This article discus-ses the relevant research on the inhibition of ferroptosis by acti-vating the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway with traditional Chinese medicine active monomers,and proposes suggestions to provide reference and ideas for further basic and applied research.

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