1.Research on erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system for targeted therapy of lung metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Xiang LI ; Xunyi YOU ; Xiaocheng LI ; Hong WANG ; Rui ZHONG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Limin CHEN ; Ye CAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):180-187
Objective: To prepare the erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system to enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs on tumors and inhibit tumor metastasis. Methods: This study prepared and characterized paclitaxel (PTX)-plerixafor (AMD3100) liposomes (Lips), developed the erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system, and evaluated its targeting efficiency and therapeutic efficacy through a series of in vitro cellular and in vivo animal experiments. Results: The particle size of PTX-AMD-Lips was (186.4±0.83) nm. Drug encapsulation efficiency of PTX-AMD-Lips was (75.50±5.27)% for PTX and (88.31±2.45)% for AMD. The Binding efficiency between RBC and liposomes in the drug delivery system was (69.93±2.55)%. Vitro cellular experiments revealed that PTX-AMD-Lips significantly inhibited tumor cell migration. In vivo animal experiments, the erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system significantly increased drug accumulation in the lungs. At the experimental endpoint, the quantitative fluorescence signal of tumor size measured (4.04±0.44)×10
for the PTX-Lips group, and (5.14±3.40)×10
for the RBC-PTX-AMD-Lips group. Conclusion: The erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system could enhance the lung-specific targeting capability of liposomes, kill tumor cells and suppress further metastasis effectively.
2.Therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide-saturated hemoglobin-loaded oxygen carrier on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Peichen XU ; Shen LI ; Wanjin LI ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Ye CAO ; Rui ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):478-485
Objective: To verify the inhibitory effect of a carbon monoxide hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (CO-HBOC) on the fibrotic process in mice with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), clarify its efficacy difference compared with hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), and elucidate its mechanism of action via proteomic analysis. Methods: CO-HBOC was prepared using gas loading technology. An IPF mouse model was established and the mice were randomly divided into a normal saline control group, an HBOC treatment group, and a CO-HBOC treatment group. The fibrotic area percentage was analyzed using Micro-CT; the degree of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in lung tissue was assessed by pathological section staining (e.g., HE and Masson staining); and differentially expressed proteins in lung tissue of IPF mice after CO-HBOC treatment were screened using proteomic technology. Results: Micro-CT results showed that the mean fibrotic area percentage in the CO-HBOC treatment group on day 21 was (8.89±0.98)%, which was better than that of the HBOC group (16.5±1.732)% and the normal saline group (30.75±6.45)% (P<0.05). HE and Masson staining results showed that the CO-HBOC group had reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and significantly decreased collagen fiber deposition in lung tissue, with a mean pathological score of 3.33±0.58, which was lower than that of the normal saline control group (8.33±1.53)(P<0.05); the mean collagen-positive area percentage was (3.33±1.53)%, significantly lower than that of the normal saline control group (14.00±3.61)% (P<0.05). Proteomic analysis identified 330 differentially expressed proteins, which were mainly enriched in inflammatory response regulatory pathways (such as the complement and coagulation cascades), and the expression changes of complement proteins may be the core target of CO-HBOC's anti-fibrotic effects. Conclusion: CO-HBOC can inhibit inflammatory responses and regulate fibrosis-related signaling pathways, there-by effectively inhibiting the fibrotic process in IPF mice, with superior efficacy to HBOC. Its mechanism of action involves the regulation of complement cascade-related signaling pathways and complement protein expression, providing an experimental and theoretical basis for targeted therapy of IPF.
3.Construction and in vitro evaluation of dual-drug loaded lipid nanoparticles-neutrophil hitchhiking system
Zixin LIAO ; Rui ZHONG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Wanjing LI ; Xunyi YOU ; Ye CAO ; Hong WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):486-492
Objective: To enhance the ability of nanoparticles to target and bind tumor cells by constructing a neutrophil hitchhiking system based on hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified dual-drug loaded lipid nanoparticles. Methods: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared using microfluidic technology, and the nitrogen/phosphate (N/P) ratio, flow rate ratio, and drug-to-lipid ratio were optimized. HA-modified LNPs (HA-LNPs) were prepared and characterized. The interaction between the nanoparticles and tumor cells was evaluated through in vitro cell experiments. Results: The optimal preparation conditions for LNPs are N/P=8, flow rate ratio=5, and drug-to-lipid ratio=1∶30 (w∶w). HA-LNPs has a particle size of (177.28±2.41) nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.198±0.10, and an siRNA encapsulation efficiency of (91.37±0.47)%. The optimal binding rate with neutrophils was (98.64±2.34)%. Conclusion: An HA-modified dual-drug loaded lipid nanoparticle-neutrophil hitchhiking system was successfully constructed, enhancing the synergistic anti-tumor activity of the nanomedicine and the uptake of nanoparticles by tumor cells, providing a novel delivery strategy for targeted therapy of bone marrow tumors.
4.Effect of Shenmai injection on the preservation quality of suspended red blood cells prepared from high hemoglobin population in Xizang plateau
Rui ZHONG ; Zeng HE ; Hong WANG ; Wanjing LI ; Jiaxin LIU ; Ye CAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):327-332
[Objective] To investigate the effect of Shenmai injection on the preservation quality of suspended red blood cells of high hemoglobin population in Xizang plateau. [Methods] Whole blood (400 mL, n=8) collected by the Xizang Autonomous Region Blood Center was centrifuged at 3 000 g for 10 minutes to remove most of the plasma, followed by the addition of 100 mL of MAP preservation solution to obtain plateau suspended red blood cells, which were then divided into three equal portions. One portion was the control group, and another part had 15 mL of MAP preservation solution added, which was the dosage group. The third portion involved diluting Shenmai injection with MAP, followed by addition of 15 mL of MAP preservation solution containing Shenmai to the red blood cells, resulting in a final concentration of Shenmai injection of 1%, which was the Shenmai group. Blood routine, pH value, electrolytes, glucose, lactate, free Hb, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), P50, phosphatidylserine (PS) and other indicators were detected at day 1, 21 and 35, respectively. [Results] The Hb concentration and Hct of the dosage group and the Shenmai group were significantly lower than those of the control group, with values of (179.3±17.8) vs (181.0±17.1) vs (199.1±19.5) g/L for Hb concentration and (53.2±2.6)% vs (53.3±2.5)% vs (58.4±3.1)% for Hct. The three groups maintained this pattern until the end of storage. In the middle and late stages of preservation, the glucose and Na+ contents in the dosage group and the Shenmai group were higher than those in the control group, while the lactate and K+ contents were lower than those in the control group. At the end of storage, the glucose and Na+ content of the Shenmai group was higher than that of the dosage group, while the lactate and K+ content were lower than that of the dosage group. From day 1 to day 35 of storage, the hemolysis rate of the Shenmai group was significantly lower than that of the control group and the dosage group. On day 21 and 35 of storage, the PS expression rate in the Shenmai group was significantly lower than that in the control group and the dosage group, which were (6.52±0.40)% vs (7.24±0.91)% vs (8.27±0.93)% and (7.29±0.53)% vs (9.37±0.82)% vs (8.39±0.76)%, respectively. [Conclusion] The hemolysis rate and PS of suspended red blood cells of Xizang high altitude prepared by adding Shenmai injection were significantly lower than those in the control group and the dosage group, which was conducive to reducing hemolysis and slowing down the aging of red blood cells, and had a certain improvement on the preservation quality of suspended red blood cells in Xizang plateau people.
5.Study on soluble microneedles loaded with aPexos and EGCG for healing of burn wounds in rats
Along ZHANG ; Wanjing LI ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Ye CAO ; Rui ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):333-342
[Objective] To use Chitosan Methacryloyl (CSMA) loaded with artificial platelet-derived exosomes (aPexos) as the needle body material, and gelatin and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) loaded with Epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) as the backing material to prepare microneedles, aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of aPexos-EGCG microneedles in the treatment of burn wound healing. [Methods] First, aPexos were extracted using ultrasound and gradient ultracentrifugation. The concentration, morphology, and growth factor content (TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, VEGF) of the exosomes were assessed using NTA, transmission electron microscopy, and ELISA kits. The aPexos and EGCG were then dissolved in the needle body and backing materials, respectively. The aPexos and EGCG were loaded into the needle body and backing layer, respectively. The morphology, mechanical properties, and puncture performance of the microneedles were examined, and the preparation conditions for the microneedles loaded with aPexos-EGCG were optimized. Finally, animal experiments and tissue staining were conducted to assess the efficacy of the aPexos-EGCG microneedles in promoting burn wound healing in rats. [Results] The size distribution of aPexos was mainly in the range of 50-150 nm, with an average diameter of 132.7±3.8 nm and an average concentration of approximately 2.88×1013±3.62×1012 particles/mL. The concentrations of TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and VEGF were approximately 1 363±135.9 ng/mL, 63.5±14.8 ng/mL, and 1 606.0±77.5 pg/mL, respectively. Mechanical property testing of the microneedles indicated that, compared with the blank microneedles, the drug-loaded microneedles had sufficient piercing ability to penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin. The results of the rat burn wound healing experiment showed that the wound healing rates of the d 3, d 7, aPexos-EGCG microneedle group compared to the control group showed significant differences, with respective values of (47.64±12.5)% vs (18.11±6.40)%, (87.45±5.57)% vs (79.85±5.03)%(P<0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining revealed more intact epidermal layers in the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group. Masson staining showed that the collagen deposition percentage in the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group was higher than in the control group. Immunofluorescence staining results indicated that the aPexos-EGCG microneedle group had a reduced content of M1-type macrophages and an increased content of M2-type macrophages. Additionally, the vascular markers CD31 and α-SMA showed elevated expression in this group, with significant differences compared to the other groups (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The aPexos-EGCG microneedle developed in this study exhibits good mechanical properties, capable of successfully penetrating the skin's stratum corneum and delivering aPexos and EGCG. aPexos promotes wound repair, while EGCG regulates the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages at the wound site and suppresses the inflammatory response. This microneedle can effectively promote wound healing in rats with burn injuries, offering a novel approach for tissue repair.
6.Preparation and in vitro evaluation of platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes loaded with vincristine sulfate
Jing XIAO ; Xunyi YOU ; Along ZHANG ; Rui ZHONG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Ye CAO ; Hong WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):652-659
Objective: To prepare platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes loaded with vincristine sulfate (VCR) for targeted delivery to tumor. Methods: Vincristine sulfate liposomes (LIPO) were prepared using the pH-gradient method, followed by the fusion of platelet membranes and subsequent drug loading to obtain platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes (PLM-LIPO). The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), Zeta potential, and drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of both liposomes were characterized. The tumor-targeting capability was evaluated through in vitro cellular experiments and in vivo biodistribution studies. Results: The optimal preparation conditions for LIPO were determined as follows: DPPC-to-cholesterol molar ratio of 1∶1, internal aqueous phase of 0.3 M pH 4.0 citrate buffer, external aqueous phase of 1 M Na
HPO
solution, drug-to-lipid ratio of 1∶10, drug loading temperature of 60℃, and loading time of 10 minutes. The LIPO exhibited a mean particle size of (147.3±2.24) nm, PDI of 0.078±0.014, Zeta potential of (-3.54±0.75) mV, and EE% of 91.37±0.47. For PLM-LIPO, prepared via membrane fusion followed by drug loading, the mean particle size was (185.3±3.61) nm, PDI was 0.075±0.022, Zeta potential was (-18.91±1.54) mV, and EE% was 63.36±2.45. In the CD62P validation experiment, the fluorescence intensity of PLM-LIPO was five times higher than that of LIPO. In vitro cellular uptake experiments revealed that PLM-LIPO showed 1.3-fold and 1.2-fold higher uptake rates compared to LIPO at 6 h and 12 h, respectively. In vivo experiments demonstrated that 1h after administration, the accumulation of PLM-LIPO at tumor sites was 4-fold higher than that of LIPO and 6-7 times higher than that in healthy mice. Conclusion: The platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes loaded with vincristine sulfate were successfully developed. Both cellular uptake and tissue distribution studies confirmed the PLM-LIPO enhanced tumor-targeting capability.
7.Exploration on the mechanism of Amomi Fructus in ameliorating ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice based on metabolomics and network pharmacology
Wanyu CAO ; Jiaxin LI ; Guang LI ; Xuan DING ; Jianglong CHEN ; Lixia ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(4):501-509
Objective:To explore the mechanism of Amomi Fructus in ameliorating ethanol-induced gastric ulcer (GU) in mice using metabolomics, network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.Methods:The mice were divided into the blank group, model group, aqueous extract of Amomi Fructus group, volatile oil of Amomi Fructus group, combined aqueous extract and volatile oil of Amomi Fructus group and omeprazole group according to the random number table method, with 10 mice in each group. The blank and model groups were gavaged with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, the Amomi Fructusaqueous extract group was gavaged with 0.152 5 g/kg of Amomi Fructus aqueous extract, the Amomi Fructus volatile oil group was gavaged with 26 μl/kg of Amomi Fructus volatile oil, the Amomi Fructus aqueous extract and volatile oil combined group was gavaged with 0.152 5 g/kg+26 μl/kg of Amomi Fructus aqueous extract and volatile oil synergistic solution, and the omeprazole group was gavaged with 5.2 mg/kg of omeprazole, 1 time/day, which was administered continuously for 7 d. The gastric ulcer model was established by using ethanol 2 h after the last administration, and the pathological changes of gastric histology were observed by using HE staining; the main differential metabolites were detected by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS non-targeted metabolomics technique, and the metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was carried out; the potential targets and key pathways of the anti-GU action of Amomi Fructus were predicted by network pharmacology; the "metabolite-response-enzyme-gene" network was established by combining the serum metabolomics and network pharmacology; and the key targets were verified by molecular docking technology.Results:HE staining showed that the gastric mucosa of mice in the model group was severely damaged, with cellular tissue damage and inflammatory cell infiltration, whereas the drug administration group showed some protective effects; the results of non-targeted metabolomics showed that 2 metabolites were up-regulated and 17 metabolites were down-regulated in sera of mice in the co-administration group of aqueous extract and volatile oil of Amomi Fructus compared with the control group, and the 19 metabolites were strongly correlated and well clustered, involving nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism, citric acid cycle, glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism and other metabolic pathways; the results of network pharmacology showed that Amomi Fructus improved GU by affecting target proteins, such as STAT3, AKT1, SRC, and TLR4, which were closely linked to the signaling pathways of cancer pathway, human cytomegalovirus infection, and lipids and atherosclerosis; the joint analysis of network pharmacology and the combined analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics identified the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway as the main metabolic pathway in which Amomi Fructus may exert gastroprotective effects; the molecular docking results showed that the main active component of quercetin had a better binding ability to the key targets.Conclusion:Amomi Fructus exerts a protective effect on ethanol induced GU model by regulating the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, providing theoretical basis for further research on Amomi Fructus.
8.Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion of anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites from raw and steamed pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma extract in constipation rats
Jing ZHANG ; Jie ZOU ; Peng ZHANG ; Ping ZHOU ; Yudi XU ; Jiaxin TIAN ; Yongqing XIAO ; Gang CAO ; Ying LIU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):259-269
Background: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has been traditionally used as a potent laxative for centuries due to its remarkable efficacy. Raw pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RP) are known for their strong laxative effects, often accompanied by side effects, while steamed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma pieces (SP) possess a milder laxative effect and are widely used clinically. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence examining the mechanisms underlying SP's effectiveness, particularly from a bioavailability perspective. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the steaming process on the in vivo disposition of RP and SP through pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion assays. Methods: An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of prototype anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites. Pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and excretion assays were conducted in constipation rats following oral administration of RP and SP. Blood, tissue, urine, and fecal samples were collected and analyzed to compare the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles of anthraquinones, highlighting differences in bioavailability and safety between RP and SP. Results: Compared with the RP group, the SP group showed significantly reduced area under the plasma concentration-time curve, mean residence time, and half-life time values for rhein-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, and their glucuronide metabolites. The clearance values were significantly increased in the SP group. These results demonstrate that SP led to lower exposure levels and higher elimination rates of these components compared with RP. Additionally, these components were primarily distributed in the large intestine, where they exerted their laxative effects. Glucuronide metabolites were mainly excreted through urination, while prototype components were excreted in both urine and feces. Notably, the cumulative excretion of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and their glucuronide metabolites was significantly higher in both urine and feces after SP administration, indicating that SP enhances the excretion of these components compared with RP. Conclusion: The findings suggest that SP reduced anthraquinone exposure levels while enhancing their excretion, demonstrating that the steaming process significantly promotes the elimination of key components. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how steaming alters the in vivo disposition of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, offering a scientific basis for the improved safety and clinical use of SP. These insights not only clarify the mechanistic differences between RP and SP but also contribute to a broader understanding of processing-induced modifications in Chinese medicines. This research paves the way for optimizing Chinese medicine processing techniques to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies.
9.Pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging for diagnosing pulmonary embolism and combining with clinical and laboratory indicators for predicting prognosis
Xiaoyu LI ; Jiaxin CAO ; Zhilin ZHANG ; Siyu NIU ; Haiyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(4):606-610
Objective To explore the value of pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging for diagnosing pulmonary embolism(PE)and combining with clinical and laboratory indicators for predicting prognosis.Methods Totally 260 patients with suspected PE were retrospectively collected,and PE was clinically confirmed in 237 cases.The diagnostic efficacy of pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging and CT pulmonary angiography(CTPA)were compared.Among 237 patients with clinically confirmed PE,160 cases were initially diagnosed who underwent standard anticoagulant therapy and were regularly followed up to 3 months after discharge,and their prognosis were analyzed.Logistic regression was used to analyze clinical data,laboratory indicators and pulmonary perfusion defect scores based on pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging to screen the independent predictors of poor prognosis of PE of the above patients,and a prediction model was then constructed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of this model for predicting prognosis of PE.Results The positive rate of PE diagnosed with pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT was higher than that with CTPA(66.54%[173/260]vs.59.62%[155/260],x2=4.765,P=0.038).Among 160 cases of clinically confirmed PE,poor prognosis was observed in 51 cases,while good prognosis was noticed in 109 cases.Patients' age,blood urea nitrogen,serum creatinine,uric acid,D-dimer level and pulmonary perfusion defect score were all independent predictors for poor prognosis of PE(all P<0.05),and AUC of the established combined model was 0.731.Conclusion Pulmonary perfusion SPECT/CT imaging could be used for diagnosing PE,and combining with clinical and laboratory indicators could effectively predict prognosis of PE.
10.Pharmacokinetics,tissue distribution,and excretion of anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites from raw and steamed pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma extract in constipation rats
Zhang JING ; Zou JIE ; Zhang PENG ; Zhou PING ; Xu YUDI ; Tian JIAXIN ; Xiao YONGQING ; Cao GANG ; Liu YING
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):259-269
Background:Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has been traditionally used as a potent laxative for centuries due to its remarkable efficacy.Raw pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RP)are known for their strong laxative effects,often accompanied by side effects,while steamed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma pieces(SP)possess a milder laxative effect and are widely used clinically.However,there is a lack of comprehensive evidence examining the mechanisms underlying SP's effectiveness,particularly from a bioavailability perspective.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the impact of the steaming process on the in vivo disposition of RP and SP through pharmacokinetics,tissue distribution,and excretion assays.Methods:An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of prototype anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites.Pharmacokinetic,tissue distribution,and excre-tion assays were conducted in constipation rats following oral administration of RP and SP.Blood,tissue,urine,and fecal samples were collected and analyzed to compare the absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion profiles of anthraquinones,high-lighting differences in bioavailability and safety between RP and SP.Results:Compared with the RP group,the SP group showed significantly reduced area under the plasma concentration-time curve,mean residence time,and half-life time values for rhein-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,rhein,emodin,aloe-emodin,and their glucuronide metabolites.The clearance values were significantly increased in the SP group.These results demonstrate that SP led to lower exposure levels and higher elimination rates of these components compared with RP.Additionally,these compo-nents were primarily distributed in the large intestine,where they exerted their laxative effects.Glucuronide metabolites were mainly excreted through urination,while prototype components were excreted in both urine and feces.Notably,the cumulative excretion of aloe-emodin,emodin,rhein,and their glucuronide metabolites was significantly higher in both urine and feces after SP administra-tion,indicating that SP enhances the excretion of these components compared with RP.Conclusion:The findings suggest that SP reduced anthraquinone exposure levels while enhancing their excretion,demonstrating that the steaming process significantly promotes the elimination of key components.This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how steaming alters the in vivo disposition of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,offering a scientific basis for the improved safety and clinical use of SP.These insights not only clarify the mechanistic differences between RP and SP but also contribute to a broader understanding of processing-induced modifications in Chinese medicines.This research paves the way for optimizing Chinese medicine processing techniques to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies.

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