1.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
2.Current Status and Prospects of Research on the Potential Neurobiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence
Shumin CHEN ; Jin CHANG ; Chaoren TAN ; Hao ZHU ; Jinsheng YANG ; Zhao LIU ; Yingying WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):421-426
This paper comprehensively discusses on the potential neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of tobacco dependence, focusing on three important aspects, including acupuncture's regulation of tobacco dependence behavior, effects of acupuncture on withdrawal syndrome, and the role of acupuncture in preventing relapse. It is found that acupuncture can inhibit drug-seeking behavior by regulating the reward pathway and related neurons, such as dopamine, thus modulating tobacco dependence behavior. It also alleviates withdrawal symptoms by improving the oral environment of smokers and reducing negative emotions after quitting. Furthermore, acupuncture can prevent relapse by decreasing brain network activity related to smoking cravings and improving cognitive brain functions like addiction memory. Currently, research on the specific neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture in treating tobacco dependence and the involved neural circuits is limited. Future research directions are proposed, including the evaluation of clinical effects, exploration of specific therapeutic mechanisms, investigation of brain pathology, and strengthening the exploration of brain functions. Additionally, combining modern technologies to clarify the neural circuits involved in acupuncture intervention will provide a basis for acupuncture treatment of tobacco addiction.
3.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
4.Mediating role of sleep quality between job burnout and depressive symptoms among Ningxia occupational population
Mengjun CHANG ; Shuangjie YU ; Jin JI ; Jiashu ZHU ; Ye LI ; Suzhen GUAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):557-564
Background Job burnout and depressive symptoms are prevalent among occupational populations, with a close relationship between them. Sleep quality, as a potential mediating factor, significantly affects the mental health of workers. Objective To explore the relationship between job burnout, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms, and determine whether sleep quality mediates the relationship between job burnout and depressive symptoms. Methods From April 25 to May 1, 2024, this study employed cluster sampling to conduct a questionnaire survey among individuals engaged in various occupations across five cities in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The questionnaires included socio-demographic information, as well as the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for assessing burnout, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Out of the
5.Production of GTKO pigs and kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques
Yan WANG ; Yue CHANG ; Chang YANG ; Taiyun WEI ; Xiaoying HUO ; Bowei CHEN ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Heng ZHAO ; Jianxiong GUO ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiong ZHANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Wenmin CHENG ; Hongye ZHAO ; Kaixiang XU ; Ameen Jamal MUHAMMAD ; Zhendi WANG ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):526-537
Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68+ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.
6.Research Progress on Immunomodulatory Activity and Mechanism of Polygonatum sibiricum
Jinyu LI ; Ningning QIU ; Chang YI ; Mengqin ZHU ; Yanfeng YUAN ; Guang CHEN ; Xili ZHANG ; Wenlong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):298-306
Polygonatum sibiricum, as a traditional Chinese medicine with both medicinal and edible properties, has attracted considerable attention due to its functions of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, tonifying the spleen and benefiting Qi, and nourishing the kidneys and filling essence. Recent studies have demonstrated that Polygonatum sibiricum plays a significant role in regulating the immune system, effectively enhancing and improving the morphology and function of immune organs, stimulating the proliferation and activation of immune cells, and regulating the secretion and release of immune factors, thereby enhancing the immune function of the body and improving various immune-related diseases. Although a large number of studies have explored the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of P. sibiricum, there has been no systematic review and summary of its immune regulatory activity and mechanisms. Therefore, this article comprehensively reviews the research achievements of P. sibiricum polysaccharides and saponins in the field of immune regulation in recent years, and further sorts out the immune regulatory mechanisms of P. sibiricum in multiple aspects: including increasing the organ index of the spleen and thymus, increasing the number and activity of tumor-suppressive bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells, improving intestinal flora imbalance, regulating the quantity and proportion of T lymphocyte subsets, increasing the level of immunoglobulin, promoting the proliferation of macrophages, enhancing the activity of natural killer cells, increasing the number of white blood cells, and promoting the maturation of dendritic cells, providing a solid theoretical basis and scientific evidence for the research and application of P. sibiricum, and promoting its development and application in traditional Chinese medicine immune enhancers and various functional products.
7.Effects of Conbercept on different optical coherence tomography biomarkers in patients with retinal vein occlusion-related macular edema
Haiyue YU ; Juan TENG ; Zeying DONG ; Lili ZHANG ; Huixian CUI ; Chang LIU ; Guang ZHU ; Xin LI
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1656-1661
AIM: To investigate the effects of Conbercept on various optical coherence tomography(OCT)biomarkers in patients with retinal vein occlusion-related macular edema(RVO-ME), and to analyze the correlation of these biomarker changes with visual prognosis.METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 57 patients(57 eyes)with RVO-ME, including 25 patients(25 eyes)with central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO)and 32 patients(32 eyes)with branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO), were enrolled in this study. All the patients received intravitreal injection of conbercept once a month, three times in total. The preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), and changes in OCT biomarkers, including central macular thickness(CMT), the length of disorganization of the retinal inner layers(DRIL), the number of hyperreflective dots(HRD), the area of intraretinal fluid(IRF), the area of subretinal fluid(SRF), and the length of ellipsoid zone(EZ)disruption were compared. Furthermore, the relationship of these changes with BCVA was analyzed.RESULTS:Compared with the baseline, at 3 mo post-treatment, BCVA(LogMAR)was improved, CMT was decreased, the length of DRIL was shortened, the number of HRD was reduced, the area of IRF was decreased, the area of SRF was reduced, and the length of EZ disruption was shortened(all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was no correlation between the changes in CMT, the length of DRIL, the number of HRD, the area of IRF, the area of SRF and the change in BCVA before and after treatment(P>0.05). However, the change in the length of EZ disruption was positively correlated with the change in BCVA(rs=0.34, P=0.011), and the R2 value of the fitting curve between the change in the length of EZ disruption and the change in BCVA was 0.113(P=0.011). When comparing the pre- and post-treatment changes in BCVA, the length of DRIL, the number of HRD, the area of IRF, the area of SRF, and the length of EZ disruption between patients in the CRVO group and BRVO group, no significant differences were observed(all P>0.05). In contrast, a significant difference was found in the change in CMT between the two groups(P=0.002).CONCLUSION:Conbercept effectively improves multiple OCT biomarkers in patients with RVO-ME. Repair of EZ disruption is a key driver of visual recovery, and its stability may serve as a novel indicator for personalized decision-making in anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.
8.Exploration and Reflection on the Construction of Pre-admission Processes in Public Hospitals
Guojie ZHANG ; Hongmei ZHANG ; Qinghua BAI ; Liluan YOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Xueqin SUN ; Jinjin GAO ; Zheng CHEN ; Weiguo ZHU ; Qing CHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1185-1192
Pre-admission is a critical initiative to optimize medical service processes and alleviate the challenge of "difficult access to healthcare. "However, there is currently a lack of standardized protocols for pre-admission procedures. This study aims to systematically analyze key nodes and risk factors in pre-admission process design and propose optimization strategies, providing a foundation for policy formulation and hospital practices. By constructing a "forward-reverse" dual-process model of pre-admission and identifying risk points based on stakeholder theory (patients, hospitals, healthcare administration, and insurance), the study reveals that while pre-admission can reduce the average length of stay, improve bed turnover rates, and enhance patient satisfaction, it also presents risks such as cross-period financial settlement, challenges in insurance policy adaptability, demands for information system integration, and the need for defining medical safety boundaries. To optimize the pre-admission process and mitigate these risks, this study explores framework improvements in areas including eligibility criteria, mode selection, cost settlement, transition between pre-admission and inpatient status, and cancellation of pre-admission, offering practical guidance for public hospitals. The authors argue that pre-admission requires tripartite collaboration among hospitals, insurers, and healthcare administrations: hospitals should establish top-level design, continuously refine processes, and implement dynamic risk assessment mechanisms; insurance providers should support cross-period settlement policies; and healthcare administrations should issue guiding policies or standardized protocols. Through multi-department coordination and collaborative efforts, the optimization and innovation of pre-admission processes can be advanced, ultimately delivering more efficient and convenient healthcare experiences for patients.
9.Exploring on Mechanism of Forsythiae Fructus-Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in Treatment of Acute Lung Injury Based on Serum Metabolomics
Wanshun CHANG ; Kang LI ; Zhaohua CHEN ; Yuqing HAN ; Yanwen CHEN ; Yanhui ZHU ; Zhenyu CHENG ; Haiying HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):117-125
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Forsythiae Fructus-Lonicerae Japonicae Flos(FF) in the treatment of acute lung injury(ALI) by investigating the effects of FF on serum metabolomics of rats with ALI. MethodsThirty male SD rats were acclimated for 1 week, and 6 rats were randomly selected as the blank group. The other 24 rats were injected with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) solution by tracheal drip to establish an ALI model. After successful model establishment, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, the FF low-dose group(3.0 g·kg-1), the FF high-dose group(6.0 g·kg-1), and the dexamethasone group(5 mg·kg-1), with six rats in each group. The FF low- and high-dose groups and the dexamethasone group were received daily oral administration of the corresponding drug solution, and the blank group and the model group were gavaged with an equal amount of saline, treatment was administered continuously for 3 d. The pathological conditions of rat lung tissues were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, wet/dry mass ratio(W/D) of the lung tissues, and protein concentration in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF). Metabolomic analysis of rat serum was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), combined with multivariate statistical analysis, the potential biomarkers of FF in treating ALI were screened by variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1, P<0.05 from t-test, and log2fold change(FC)>1 or log2FC<-1. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) database combined with MetaboAnalyst were used for pathway analysis of the screened differential metabolites. The protein expression levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B1(Akt1), and phosphorylated Akt1(p-Akt1) were examined by Western bolt. The expression levels of interleukin(IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in BALF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group showed ALI pathological features such as alveolar lumen dilatation, interstitial hemorrhage and massive inflammatory cell infiltration, and the protein concentration in BALF and W/D of the lung tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and high-dose groups of FF as well as the dexamethasone group exhibited reduced pulmonary bronchial hemorrhage in rats, and the protein concentration in BALF and W/D were significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the lung injury was significantly alleviated. Analysis of rat serum metabolomics revealed that FF downregulated 38 biomarkers. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that FF primarily exerted therapeutic effects through 7 key metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, sphingomyelin metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism, and retinol metabolism. The results of Western bolt and ELISA showed that, compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated expression levels of S1P, PI3K, Akt1 and p-Akt1 proteins in the lung tissues, as well as increased expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in BALF(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of the aforementioned indicators were significantly downregulated in the low- and high-dose FF groups as well as the dexamethasone group(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionFF may play a role in ALI by regulating amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of S1P/PI3K/Akt1 signaling pathway to attenuate the inflammatory response caused by ALI.
10.A case of intestinal hemorrhage caused by immune enteritis due to sintilimab
Baowei MENG ; Caizhi WU ; Yongming MA ; Ruitong CHANG ; Xiaogang YANG ; Huashan TIAN ; Zhiqiang WU ; Rui YIN ; Zijiang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(7):818-823
A 68-year-old patient with non-small cell lung squamous carcinoma who received 6 cycles of sintilimab combination chemotherapy and sintilimab 200 mg,ivd,monotherapy developed severe diarrhea,abdominal pain,blood in the stool and other discomforts,and ultrasound and colonoscopy demonstrated extensive congestion and inflammation in the intestinal tract,and the pathologic biopsy was comprehensively considered to be an acute immune enteritis.Immunotherapy was suspended,adequate glucocorticoids and symptomatic treatment were given,and the patient's diarrhea and blood in stool improved after 2 days,and the symptoms were relieved and returned to normal after 6 days.The association between the patient's immune enteritis and sintilimab was assessed as probably relerant.This article reviews the literature on the case of immune-associated enteritis caused by sintilimab,describes how to use experimental methods and enteroscopy to detect the pathological changes in the clinic;and combines them with the clinical manifestations of diarrhea and blood in the stools to make the diagnosis and differentiation;and then refers to the guideline grading for timely management;and discusses the case to improve the clinicians'ability to recognize and deal with the relevant scenarios.

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