1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Aquaporin 1 promotes proliferation and migration of tumor by up-regulating claudin-1 expression in colon cancer
Wei Wei XIE ; Lin XU ; Qian LI ; Dao Quan ZHANG ; Yu Bao ZHOU
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):307-318
With the rising incidence of colon cancer, several studies have indicated that aquaporin 1 (AQP1) expression is associated with the development of colon cancer. This study aims to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms between them. Methods: We screened data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and retrospectively examined AQP1 protein expression in 127 colon cancer patients to analyze the relationship between AQP1 expression and pathological stages, prognosis. We created stable colon cancer cell lines with differential AQP1 expression, the effect of AQP1 expression on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells was assessed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and explored potential molecular mechanisms through Western blotting. Results: High AQP1 expression was associated with poorer survival (overall survival [OS], p = .028) in colon cancer patients from the TCGA database. Similarly, retrospective clinical data indicated that high AQP1 expression was associated with reduced disease-free survival and OS (p = .036 and p = .017, respectively). The low-expressing AQP1 colon cancer cells exhibited a decrease in proliferation and migration ability of colon cancer cells compared to the overexpressing AQP1 group (p < .05) in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting experiments validated heightened expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin- 1 in the tumor tissues of the overexpressing AQP1 group. Conversely, reduced AQP1 expression resulted in decreased expression of claudin- 1. Conclusions: AQP1 correlates with unfavorable prognosis in colon cancer and potentially enhances the proliferation and migration of colon cancer by up-regulating claudin-1 expression.
3.Coral calcium hydride promotes peripheral mitochondrial division and reduces AT-Ⅱ cells damage in ARDS via activation of the Trx2/Myo19/Drp1 pathway
Qian LI ; Yang ANG ; Qing-Qing ZHOU ; Min SHI ; Wei CHEN ; Yujie WANG ; Pan YU ; Bing WAN ; Wanyou YU ; Liping JIANG ; Yadan SHI ; Zhao LIN ; Shaozheng SONG ; Manlin DUAN ; Yun LONG ; Qi WANG ; Wentao LIU ; Hongguang BAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):610-624
Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is a common respiratory emergency,but current clinical treatment remains at the level of symptomatic support and there is a lack of effective targeted treatment measures.Our previous study confirmed that inhalation of hydrogen gas can reduce the acute lung injury of ARDS,but the application of hydrogen has flammable and explosive safety concerns.Drinking hydrogen-rich liquid or inhaling hydrogen gas has been shown to play an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining mitochondrial quality control balance,thus improving ARDS in patients and animal models.Coral calcium hydrogenation(CCH)is a new solid molecular hydrogen carrier prepared from coral calcium(CC).Whether and how CCH affects acute lung injury in ARDS re-mains unstudied.In this study,we observed the therapeutic effect of CCH on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced acute lung injury in ARDS mice.The survival rate of mice treated with CCH and hydrogen inhalation was found to be comparable,demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the untreated ARDS model group.CCH treatment significantly reduced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema,and improved pulmonary function and local microcirculation in ARDS mice.CCH promoted mitochon-drial peripheral division in the early course of ARDS by activating mitochondrial thioredoxin 2(Trx2),improved lung mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS,and reduced oxidative stress damage.The results indicate that CCH is a highly efficient hydrogen-rich agent that can attenuate acute lung injury of ARDS by improving the mitochondrial function through Trx2 activation.
4.Construction of Core Outcome Set for Clinical Research on Uyghur Medicine in Treating Psoriasis
Ruifang YU ; Abuduwaiti JULAITI ; Shaonan LIU ; Genghang CHEN ; Qian HUANG ; Wufuer ZAITUGULI ; Upur TURSON ; Zhijian LI ; Xinfeng GUO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(6):1334-1339
Objective To construct the core outcome set(COS)for clinical research on Uyghur medicine in treating psoriasis by using internationally-recognized research methods,thus to aid the researchers in choosing the standardized outcomes and to enhance the quality of evidence from research findings.Methods A systematic retrieval of Chinese and English databases was conducted to collect outcomes from clinical studies,systematic reviews,and registered protocols of Uyghur medicine for treating psoriasis.An outcome pool was constructed based on the results of literature review.The outcomes were supplemented after qualitative surveys of patients and physicians,and then an initial list of outcomes was formed.Two rounds of Delphi surveys on the initial list were conducted for obtaining Likert scale ratings from different stakeholder groups to evaluate the importance of outcomes.After that,a consensus meeting was held to finalize the COS for clinical research on Uyghur medicine in treating psoriasis.Results The COS for clinical research on Uyghur medicine in treating psoriasis comprises six domains,totaling 14 outcomes.The 14 outcomes were psoriasis symptoms(psoriasis area and area severity index),skin manifestations(erythema,scaling,infiltration,etc.),investigator global assessment,patient global assessment,treatment satisfaction,health-related quality of life,recurrence rate,adverse events,drug adverse reactions,blood routine,urine routine,liver and kidney function,Uyghur medicine symptom assessment,and fluid changes.Conclusion The COS for clinical research on Uyghur medicine in treating psoriasis has been constructed,and will provide a reference for the selection of efficacy-evaluation outcomes and for the reporting of outcomes in related studies.
5.Association Between Low Birth Weight and Dementia Risk:A Large-scale Prospective Study
Xinyue YU ; Qingping XUE ; Jingyi LI ; Peiqi ZHANG ; Qingqing OUYANG ; Xiaoxue LUO ; Qian HE ; Yongliu WANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiangwang HE ; Fan LI ; Yunhaonan YANG ; Xiongfei PAN
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):697-710
Objective To investigate the association between birth weight and dementia risk and the mediating roles of chronic diseases,and to assess potential biological pathways underlying the birth weight-associated dementia risk based on large-scale proteomics.Methods We used data from 279 743 participants aged 40 to 69 years enrolled in the UK Biobank.Birth weight was categorized into low birth weight(≤2 500 g),normal birth weight(2 500-3 999 g),and macrosomia(≥4 000 g).Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the associations between birth weight categories and all-cause dementia and its subtypes(Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia).Proteomics analyses were conducted to identify proteins and the potential pathways involved.Results Low birth weight was associated with higher risks for all-cause dementia and its subtypes.The hazard ratios were 1.18(95%CI,1.08-1.30)for all-cause dementia,1.14(95%CI,1.00-1.31)for Alzheimer's disease,and 1.22(95%CI,1.01-1.48)for vascular dementia.A non-linear relationship was observed between birth weight and dementia risk(P for nonlinearity<0.001).Certain cardiometabolic diseases in middle-aged adults,such as diabetes,stroke,hypertension,and dyslipidemia,played a significant mediating role in the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk,with the mediation proportion being 6.3%to 15.8%.Proteomic analyses identified 21 proteins linked to both low birth weight and all-cause dementia risk,which were significantly enriched in the pathways for viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors,adipocytokine signaling,and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction.Conclusion Low birth weight is positively associated with dementia risk.Cardiometabolic diseases in middle-aged adults may mediate the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk.A number of proteins and the associated pathways underscore the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk.
6.Thoughts and Prospects on Precision Control and Intelligent Positioning Robotic Systems Applied in Nasojejunal Feeding Tube Placement
Yu QIU ; Rui HONG ; Guofei XIANG ; Dengfeng HONG ; Yin ZHANG ; Kefeng LI ; Huitang QIAN ; Songyi DIAN ; Ka LI ; Wei PU
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(5):1412-1418
Nasojejunal feeding tubes are widely used in surgical,intensive care,and older patients.Manual blind insertion of nasojejunal feeding tubes is technically challenging,associated with a high failure rate,and prone to complications.The primary causes of suboptimal placement outcomes are the uncertainty and weak controllability of the interaction forces during the coordination between manual posterior advancement and the patient's physiological state.While current auxiliary techniques such as X-ray,ultrasound,and endoscopy can improve the success rate of nasojejunal tube placement and reduce complications to some extent,the accuracy and safety of placement remain constrained by challenges in controlling insertion forces and achieving precise positional localization.Robotic technology holds promise for addressing the uncertainties and controllability issues inherent in the placement process.By leveraging precise sensing,real-time navigation,and efficient control,robots can achieve intelligent positioning and precise control over the direction and location of the catheter tip during nasojejunal intubation.However,current research on robotic applications for nasojejunal feeding tube placement is still in an early stage,facing challenges such as high costs,operational complexity,and concerns over safety and reliability.Herein,we analyzed the limitations and causes of failure in existing placement methods and explored the application prospects of robotic technologies for precise control and intelligent positioning in nasojejunal feeding tube placement.The paper provides new insights for developing nursing techniques that enable safer and more effective,comfortable,and rapid intubation.Future efforts should focus on deepening the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics,optimizing drive technologies,and accelerating the translation of these technologies from the laboratory to clinical practice.This will drive the advancement of nasojejunal feeding tube placement techniques towards intelligent,precise,and accessible solutions.
7.Regulatory Mechanism of Keap1/Nfe2L2 on Osteogenic Differentiation in Periodontitis
Yanfei HUANG ; Hongbin YU ; Lingyun YIN ; Jing LIANG ; Changquan LI ; Dehong LI ; Jinyuan WANG ; Qian OUYANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(7):26-37
Objective To explore the regulatory mechanism of NFE2L2/KEAP1 in alveolar bone repair induced by periodontitis.Methods A rat periodontitis model was established and divided into four groups:Control group(n=6);Periodontitis model group(n=6);Periodontitis+lentivirus empty vector group(n=6);Periodontitis+NFE2L2 overexpression plasmid group(n=6).Histopathological changes in each group were observed using HE staining.TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclast positivity,while ELISA was employed to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in tissues.Immunofluorescence and qPCR were used to detect NFE2L2 expression,and western blot was used to assess the expression of osteogenic proteins ALPL2,RUNX2,and COL1.Primary periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)were cultured,and cells were transfected to overexpress NFE2L2 and KEAP1.The cells were divided into six groups:Normal group;Model group;pcDNA-NC group;pcDNA-NFE2L2 group;pc-NFE2L2+pcDNA-NC group;pc-NFE2L2+pcDNA-KEAP1 group.A cellular model was established,and the morphology of primary hPDLCs was observed under a microscope.Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8.Osteogenic mineralization was observed using alizarin red staining,and western blot was used to detect osteogenic proteins and autophagy markers.Cell migration was observed using a scratch assay.Results(1)After model induction,redness,swelling of the gums,extensive inflammatory infiltration,and alveolar bone resorption were observed,confirming successful model establishment.Partial tissue recovery occurred after NFE2L2 overexpression via lentivirus.(2)After model induction,osteoclast positivity increased,confirming successful model establishment.Overexpression of NFE2L2 reduced osteoclast positivity(P<0.001).(3)After model induction,levels of IL-1β,IL-10,and TNF-α were significantly higher than in the normal group(P<0.05),confirming successful model establishment.Transfection with NFE2L2 lentivirus reduced inflammatory cytokine levels(P<0.0001).After model induction,osteogenic protein expression decreased compared to the normal group,but overexpression of NFE2L2 increased osteogenic protein expression(P<0.05).(5)LPS treatment significantly reduced cell viability,while NFE2L2 overexpression enhanced it(P<0.0001).(6)LPS treatment reduced calcified nodules,while NFE2L2 overexpression increased them.Addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced mineralized nodules.(7)LPS treatment decreased osteogenic protein expression,while NFE2L2 overexpression increased it.However,addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced osteogenic protein expression(P<0.05).(8)LPS treatment reduced cell migration,whereas NFE2L2 overexpression enhanced it(P<0.0001).(9)Expression of autophagy markers decreased after LPS treatment,but increased after transfection with NFE2L2 plasmid.However,addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced the expression of autophagy markers(P<0.05).Conclusion This study identified the regulatory role of NFE2L2/KEAP1 in periodontitis,providing a scientific basis for the treatment of periodontitis.
8.Current status, challenges and prospects of hierarchical management of vaccination units
Xiaoyu WANG ; Yuhui JIN ; Die HU ; Xiaochang WU ; Qian LI ; Shuangshuang DENG ; Wenzhou YU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(9):1443-1447
To further standardize the management of vaccination units, the Specifications for Vaccination (2023 version) proposes hierarchical management. However, guidelines for establishing, implementing, and evaluating such a framework remain underdeveloped. This paper systematically reviews the current status of hierarchical management in vaccination units, clarifies its feasibility and necessity, and proposes an implementation scheme.
9.The effect of cytomegalovirus and EB virus activation on hematopoietic reconstitution after intensive immunosuppressive therapy for severe aplastic anemia
Qian ZHANG ; Hong WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Miao MIAO ; Hongxia MA ; Yaoyao SHEN ; Nan WEI ; Kai ZOU ; Wanxiu SU ; Jingqiu YU ; Depei WU ; Limin LIU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(6):514-521
Objective:To investigate the infection rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) after intensive immunosuppressive therapy in combination with a thrombopoietin receptor agonist (lST+TPO-RA) as well as assess the clinical impact of treatment.Methods:A retrospective, case series study was undertaken involving patients with SAA who were admitted to Soochow Hopes Hematonosis Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and Zhengzhou Third People′s Hospital from June 2022 to February 2025. Thirty patients with complete CMV and EBV monitoring data after IST+TPO-RA treatment were enrolled. The first activation time of CMV and EBV, the maximum viral load, the first negative conversion time, and blood routine tests within 3 days before CMV and EBV positivity, during the positive period, and within 3 days after turning negative were recorded. The patients were followed up for 9 months after the completion of IST. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the changes of blood routine before and after virus positivity and after turning negative. The χ2 test was used to compare the viral infection rate and the therapeutic effect of IST between the two groups. Results:The 30 SAA patients comprised 15 males and 15 females with an average age of (40.0±16.9) years. Of the 30 patients, 18 (60.0%) were infected with CMV and 6 (20.0%) with EBV. Among them, 17 cases received rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (r-ATG) treatment (r-ATG group), 13 cases received porcine anti-human lymphocyte immunoglobulin (p-ALG) treatment (p-ALG group). The CMV infection rate was significantly higher in the r-ATG group than in the p-ALG group (15/17 vs. 3/13, χ2=13.03, P<0.001); meanwhile, the rate of EBV infection was only slightly higher in the r-ATG group than in the p-ALG group, and the difference did not reach statistical significance (5/17 vs. 1/13, χ2=2.17, P=0.196). In patients infected with CMV, neutrophil, hemoglobin, and platelet counts were significantly decreased during the infection phase, followed by significant increases after CMV clearance ( F=14.48, 11.38, 4.73; all P<0.05). No significant differences in treatment efficacy were found between the r-ATG and p-ALG groups at 3, 6, and 9 months post-IST (all P>0.05). Conclusions:This preliminary study showed that the incidence of CMV and EBV infection in patients with SAA increased after IST, with CMV infections occurring significantly more frequently than EBV infections. The CMV infection rate was significantly higher in patients treated with r-ATG than in those receiving p-ALG. CMV infection was associated with notable alterations in hematological parameters, highlighting the need for close clinical monitoring.
10.Proficiency testing for 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing City: simulation study and result analysis
Qian ZHANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Lu HAN ; Min LIU ; Yongbo YU ; Yan WANG ; Ying HU ; Hui ZHONG ; Dan GUO ; Shipeng SUN ; Jinxi LIN ; Siyuan XU ; Xiaokun TANG ; Gaoyuan SUN ; Chuanbao ZHANG ; Hexin LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(9):1590-1596
Objective:To evaluate the sample preparation proficiency and storage proficiency of 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing through simulated experiments, and to establish an assessment method for the quality comparability of biological samples.Methods:An exploratory research design was adopted. In November 2023, artificial composite serum quality control materials containing six recombinant human protein markers—recombinant human alanine aminotransferase (rhALT), recombinant human aspartate aminotransferase (rhAST), recombinant human creatine kinase (rhCK), recombinant human creatine kinase-MB (rhCK-MB), recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (rhBNP), and recombinant human troponin I (rhTNI)—were distributed to 11 clinical biobanks in Beijing City. Sample preparation and storage followed the standardized operating procedures. Proficiency differences were assessed through statistical analysis.Results:Three-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed all six protein markers showed a declining trend over storage time in ultra-low-temperature environments ( F values 11.68-4 179.66, all P<0.01). However, neither long-term/temporary refrigerator types ( F values 0.01-1.23, all P>0.05)nor placement locations within refrigerators significantly affected the stability of these six proteins ( F valus 0.03-1.47, all P>0.05). The biases in detection results for rhALT, rhAST, rhTNI, and rhBNP at different storage time points were within the allowable bias limits for each item, supporting their use as markers for protein stability in biobank samples. All 11 institutions passed the storage proficiency assessment. In the preparation proficiency assessment, deviations were observed in post-preparation sample results, with a notably high out-of-control rate for rhCK (36.36%). Conclusion:Sample preparation proficiency can serve as a quality control metric for clinical biobanks. Future external quality assessment systems for biobanks should focus on sample preparation rather than storage processes.

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