1.Efficient Loading and Targeted Delivery of Plant Exosomes
Meng XU ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Chong-Bin LEI ; Yang-Zi ZHANG ; Hong-Tao TIAN ; Wen-Tao XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1597-1608
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by plant cells, characterized by a lipid bilayer structure. These vesicles carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and play essential roles in intercellular communication and physiological regulation in plants. Compared to animal-derived extracellular vesicles, PDEVs offer several advantages, such as a broad range of sources, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low production costs. Furthermore, PDEVs have demonstrated remarkable potential as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery, due to their ability to efficiently traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, making them promising candidates for drug delivery systems. This review systematically elaborates on the complex composition of PDEVs, which consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, the typical structural characteristics of their lipid bilayers ranging from 30 to 150 nm, and their versatile loading capabilities as drug carriers, efficiently encapsulating various types of therapeutic agents such as hydrophilic small molecules, hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. We systematically summarize the recent advancements in strategies for enhancing the loading efficiency of PDEVs, which include methods such as co-incubation, ultrasound-assisted loading, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycles, and microfluidic technology. These techniques are evaluated based on their underlying principles, suitable drug types, and their respective advantages. In addition to loading strategies, we focus on the engineered approaches to achieve targeted delivery using PDEVs, such as genetic engineering modifications, chemical ligand conjugation, membrane fusion technology, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. We discuss the mechanisms of these strategies in enhancing targeting efficiency, prolonging in vivo circulation time, and improving therapeutic efficacy. Further, this review highlights the application of PDEVs in various disease models, including tumor, skin inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential as multifunctional delivery platforms. The ability of PDEVs to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents and target specific tissues or cells opens up new avenues for the treatment of complex diseases, offering advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. However, despite the promising applications of PDEVs, several challenges remain in their development and clinical translation. These challenges include variability in source materials, standardization of preparation processes, quality control, scalability of production, and the need for clinical validation. To overcome these obstacles, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted design and multi-omics analysis is proposed as a way to facilitate the precise development of PDEVs. These emerging technologies hold the potential to further enhance the precision and effectiveness of plant-based drug delivery systems, ultimately advancing the field of precision medicine. In conclusion, the use of PDEVs as a platform for drug delivery represents a promising area of research with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of bioactive molecules, along with their inherent advantages in biocompatibility and versatility, makes them a valuable tool in the development of more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions. Continued research and innovation in this field will pave the way for the clinical implementation of PDEVs in the treatment of various diseases, offering new hope for more effective and sustainable therapeutic options.
2.The value of preoperative LNLR combined with cM0(i+)staging in prognostic assessment and model construction for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Yu QIAO ; Zhenlong WANG ; Haibin ZHOU ; Huayang ZHENG ; Zihao LI ; Yao DONG ; Geng TIAN ; Tie CHONG ; Yue CHONG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(3):207-216
Objective To construct and evaluate a prognostic model for clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)based on preoperative lipid ratios, cM0(i+)staging, and other clinical characteristics, so as to provide a precise tool for clinical prognosis assessment. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 215 ccRCC patients treated in our hospital during May 2014 and May 2023. Lipid ratios were calculated using preoperative lipid data, and patients were divided into cM0(i+)stage or cM0 stage according to postoperative circulating tumor cells(CTCs)test results. The optimal lipid ratio and cutoff value were selected using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and the X-tile method. Patients were subdivided into three groups based on the level of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to non-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(LNLR)and cM0(i+)staging:Group A [LNLR>1.68 and diagnosed with cM0(i+)], Group B [LNLR>1.68 or diagnosed with cM0(i+)], and Group C(LNLR ≤1.68 and diagnosed with cM0). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to plot survival curves for patients in different groups. The log-rank test was employed to compare differences in recurrence-free survival(RFS)among the subgroups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent risk factors influencing RFS, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed based on these results. The predictive performance of the model was validated using ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision curves. Results ROC curves were plotted for lipid markers, and LNLR was identified as the most predictive for RFS. Its optimal cutoff point was 1. 68. Patients in Group A experienced a significantly shorter postoperative RFS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified preoperative LNLR, cM0(i+)staging, pathological grade, and stage as independent risk factors for RFS. A nomogram model was constructed based on these risk factors. The area under the ROC curve(AUC)for 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS was 0.896(95% CI:0.8121-0.9627), 0.890(95%CI:0.7879-0.9641), and 0.870(95%CI:0.7697-0.9526), indicating good discriminatory ability and predictive performance. Calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual outcomes. Clinical decision curve analysis showed high clinical net benefit. Conclusion Preoperative LNLR level is an independent risk factor for RFS in ccRCC patients. The prognostic prediction model based on LNLR, cM0(i+)staging, patient pathological grade, and staging demonstrates good predictive performance for RFS and holds potential clinical application value.
3.Astaxanthin reduces oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain through antioxidant mechanisms
Chong CHEN ; Junjie TIAN ; Zan ZHOU ; Ruijuan GAO ; Xuechun TANG ; Yixuan GAO ; Ketao MA ; Li LI ; Junqiang SI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(4):606-615
Objective To investigate the mechanisms by which astaxanthin(AST)alleviates oxaliplatin(OXA)-induced neuropathic pain through antioxidant pathways so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical intervention.Methods Animal experiments:SD rats were divided into five groups(n=6):control group,OXA(4 mg/kg)group,OXA+Oil group,OXA+AST(5 mg/kg)group,and OXA+AST(10 mg/kg)group.Mechanical and cold pain thresholds were measured at day 0,7,14,and 21.Malondialdehyde(MDA)content and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity in the dorsal root ganglia(DRG)were detected using the thiobarbituric acid(TBA)method and WST-1 assay,respectively.Western blotting was performed to analyze the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1.Cell experiments:neuro-2a cells were divided into control group,OXA(50 μmol/L)group,AST(10 μmol/L)group,and OXA(50 μmol/L)+AST(10 μmol/L)group.Cells were treated with nerve growth factor(NGF,50 ng/mL)to induce growth,and morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope.Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)level and mitochondrial superoxide were measured using DCFH-DA fluorescent probe and MitoSOXTM red,respectively.Mitochondrial function was assessed by JC-1 assay.Western blotting was used to detect Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions.Results Animal experiments:① Mechanical and cold pain thresholds were reduced in OXA and OXA+Oil groups(P<0.05),while AST significantly increased these thresholds in OXA-treated rats(P<0.05).② SOD activity decreased while MDA content increased in the DRG of OXA-treated rats(P<0.05).AST restored SOD activity and reduced MDA level(P<0.05,P<0.01).③ Western blotting showed elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions in OXA group(P>0.05),which were further upregulated by AST(P<0.05,P<0.01).Cell experiments:① OXA reduced the number of neurite-bearing cells and shortened the average neurite length(P<0.05).Inverted microscopic observation revealed that AST intervention increased both parameters(P<0.01,P<0.001).② OXA increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS fluorescence intensity(P<0.05),which was attenuated by AST(P<0.01).③ JC-1 assay revealed decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in OXA group(P<0.01),which was partially reversed by AST(P<0.05).④ Western blotting results showed that OXA upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions(P<0.05,P<0.01),and AST further enhanced their levels(P<0.01).Conclusion AST alleviates OXA-induced neuropathic pain by promoting Nrf2/HO-1 expression,enhancing SOD activity,reducing lipid peroxidation and ROS production,and improving mitochondrial function.
4.Diagnosis and clinical significance of extracapsular segmental vein tumor thrombus during partial nephrectomy:a report and discussion of 8 cases
Delai FU ; Geng TIAN ; Xiaoshuang TANG ; Chong YAN ; Kayitare FABRICE ; Xiaoyong CHEN ; Ya ZHANG ; Tie CHONG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(11):927-931
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of renal cell carcinoma patients with extracapsular segmental vein tumor thrombus during partial nephrectomy and to explore the clinical significance,thereby contributing to an advanced comprehension of the pathogenesis of cancer thrombus in renal cell carcinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 209 renal cell carcinoma patients(162 with T1a stage,47 with T1b stage)who underwent partial nephrectomy in our hospital during Sep.2023 and Jul.2025.Among them,8 patients with extracapsular segmental vein tumor thrombus were identified,and the clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed.Results Among the 8 cases of extracapsular segmental vein tumor thrombus,1 was in T1a stage and 7 were in T1b stage.Preoperativc CT revealed roundish,solid renal masses with heterogeneous density on non-contrast scans,significant enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans,and markedly weaker enhancement in the renal parenchymal phase compared to normal renal tissue.The average tumor diameter was(4.9±0.2)cm,with clear boundaries and no evidence of vascular invasion.Postoperative pathology confirmed clear cell carcinoma in all cases,with International Society of Urological Pathology(ISUP)grades ranging from Ⅰ to Ⅳ,and all surgical margins were negative.After surgery,5 patients received adjuvant immunotherapy.In a median follow-up of 10.3(3.8-22.8)months,no tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed.Conclusion Renal cell carcinoma has a high propensity of vascular invasion,and even clinically staged T1 tumors may develop extracapsular segmental vein tumor thrombus.This finding is significant for clinical prognosis.
5.Effectiveness of home management based on ecological systems theory in patients undergoing endoscopic colon polypectomy
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(21):2895-2900
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of home management based on ecological systems theory (EST) in the nursing of patients undergoing endoscopic colon polypectomy.Methods:Convenience sampling was used to select 562 patients undergoing endoscopic colon polypectomy admitted to the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University from July 2023 to January 2024 as study subjects. The patients were divided into a control group ( n=280) and an intervention group ( n=282) . Control group was given routine postoperative nursing and intervention group was treated with EST-based home management on the basis of control group. The incidence of postoperative complications, colonoscopy review rate, and scores on the Self-Management Ability Scale (SMAS) , the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) , and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) before and after the intervention were compared between the two groups. Results:After intervention, the overall incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups was not statistically significant (χ 2=0.124, P>0.05) . The colonoscopy review rate of patients in intervention group was higher than that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=12.204, P<0.01) . After intervention, the scores of the dimensions in SMAS and the total scores of both groups were higher than those before intervention, and the scores of the dimensions in SMAS and the total scores of the patients in intervention group were higher than those in control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05) . After intervention, the scores of the dimensions in CD-RISC and the total scores of the patients in both groups were higher than those before intervention, and the scores of the dimensions in CD-RISC and the total scores of the patients in intervention group were higher than those in control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05) . After intervention, the scores of all dimensions in SF-36 of both groups were higher than those before intervention, and the scores of all dimensions in SF-36 in intervention group were higher than those in control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05) . Conclusions:EST-based home management is effective in patients undergoing endoscopic colon polypectomy, and can enhance postoperative patients' compliance with colonoscopy review, increase their self-management ability, and improve their psychological condition and quality of life.
6.Functional Analysis of the Promoter of the deSUMOylation Enzyme senp8 and Its Relationship with Lipid Metabolism in Yellow Catfish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)
Fu-Xuan DUAN ; Zhi-Wei HAO ; Tao LIU ; Chang-Chun SONG ; Tian-Hua ZHANG ; Chong-Chao ZHONG ; Xiao-Ying TAN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(4):607-616
To investigate the transcriptionally regulatory mechanism of the senp8 promoter in yellow cat-fish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco);this study used P.fulvidraco as the research subject.Dual-luciferase re-porter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were employed to analyze the functional activity of the promoter;coupled with in vivo experiments.The results indicated that the 2 045 bp senp8 promoter se-quence contained key transcription factor binding sites such as SP1;TATA-Box;CCAAT-Box;SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ.The binding sites of SREBP1(-901/-910 bp);PPARα(-1 291/-1 308 bp);and PPARγ(-1 292/-1 306 bp)in the senp8 promoter positively regulate its activity;and oleic acid or palmitic acid promote this binding.Furthermore;high-fat feeding promoted the expression of the senp8 gene and its protein in the liver of P.fulvidraco;oleic acid or palmitic acid treatment significantly en-hanced the activity of the senp8 promoter;and this enhancement could be achieved through the regulatory effects of SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ response elements.Additionally;high-fat feeding influenced the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to deSUMOylation modification in the liver of P.fulvidraco.This study provides new insights into the relationship between deSUMOylation modification and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the vertebrates.
7.The effect of cerebellar intermittent theta burst stimulation combined with exercise therapy on balance and walking function in stroke patients
Wusiman PATIMAN ; Abudusadike ZULIPINUER ; Chong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;40(8):1182-1188
Objective:To investigate the effects of cerebellar intermittent theta burst stimulation(iTBS)combined with ex-ercise therapy on balance and walking function in stroke patients.Method:Sixty stroke patients with balance and gait disturbances were randomly assigned to an experimental group(n=30)and a control group(n=30).Both groups received exercise therapy.Before exercise therapy,the experimental group received iTBS treatment on the cerebellar hemisphere contralateral to the lesion,while the control group received sham stimulation at the same site.iTBS treatment was administered once daily,6 times a week,for 2 consecutive weeks.The balance and gait functions were evaluated before and after treatment us-ing the Berg balance scale(BBS),Pro-kin balance master static balance test,Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT),10-meter walking test(10MWT),and Tinetti performance oriented mobility assessment-gait(Tinetti POMA-G).Result:After treatment,both groups of patients showed improvements in BBS scores,Pro-kin balance master static balance test parameters,TUGT time,10MWT walking speed,and POMA-G scores compared to before treatment(P<0.001).The experimental group showed better BBS scores,Pro-kin balance master static balance test parameters in eyes closed condition,TUGT time,10MWT walking speed,and Tinetti POMA-G scores compared to the control group after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of cerebellar iTBS and exercise therapy effectively improve balance and walking function in stroke patients.
8.Astaxanthin reduces oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain through antioxidant mechanisms
Chong CHEN ; Junjie TIAN ; Zan ZHOU ; Ruijuan GAO ; Xuechun TANG ; Yixuan GAO ; Ketao MA ; Li LI ; Junqiang SI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(4):606-615
Objective To investigate the mechanisms by which astaxanthin(AST)alleviates oxaliplatin(OXA)-induced neuropathic pain through antioxidant pathways so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical intervention.Methods Animal experiments:SD rats were divided into five groups(n=6):control group,OXA(4 mg/kg)group,OXA+Oil group,OXA+AST(5 mg/kg)group,and OXA+AST(10 mg/kg)group.Mechanical and cold pain thresholds were measured at day 0,7,14,and 21.Malondialdehyde(MDA)content and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity in the dorsal root ganglia(DRG)were detected using the thiobarbituric acid(TBA)method and WST-1 assay,respectively.Western blotting was performed to analyze the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1.Cell experiments:neuro-2a cells were divided into control group,OXA(50 μmol/L)group,AST(10 μmol/L)group,and OXA(50 μmol/L)+AST(10 μmol/L)group.Cells were treated with nerve growth factor(NGF,50 ng/mL)to induce growth,and morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope.Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)level and mitochondrial superoxide were measured using DCFH-DA fluorescent probe and MitoSOXTM red,respectively.Mitochondrial function was assessed by JC-1 assay.Western blotting was used to detect Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions.Results Animal experiments:① Mechanical and cold pain thresholds were reduced in OXA and OXA+Oil groups(P<0.05),while AST significantly increased these thresholds in OXA-treated rats(P<0.05).② SOD activity decreased while MDA content increased in the DRG of OXA-treated rats(P<0.05).AST restored SOD activity and reduced MDA level(P<0.05,P<0.01).③ Western blotting showed elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions in OXA group(P>0.05),which were further upregulated by AST(P<0.05,P<0.01).Cell experiments:① OXA reduced the number of neurite-bearing cells and shortened the average neurite length(P<0.05).Inverted microscopic observation revealed that AST intervention increased both parameters(P<0.01,P<0.001).② OXA increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS fluorescence intensity(P<0.05),which was attenuated by AST(P<0.01).③ JC-1 assay revealed decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in OXA group(P<0.01),which was partially reversed by AST(P<0.05).④ Western blotting results showed that OXA upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions(P<0.05,P<0.01),and AST further enhanced their levels(P<0.01).Conclusion AST alleviates OXA-induced neuropathic pain by promoting Nrf2/HO-1 expression,enhancing SOD activity,reducing lipid peroxidation and ROS production,and improving mitochondrial function.
9.Advantages of a modified tumor volume and contact surface area calculation formula for the correlation and prediction of perioperative indicators in partial nephrectomy
Zihao LI ; Chong YAN ; Yao DONG ; Geng TIAN ; Yifei MA ; Hongliang LI ; Tie CHONG ; Delai FU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(6):481-488
Objective: To develop a modified calculation formula for renal tumor volume and tumor contact surface area (CSA) based on the modeling results of 3D Slicer software, and to create a webpage of the calculation formula for use. Methods: The general information and tumor anatomical data of 98 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy during Jan.2021 and Jul.2023 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were retrospectively analyzed.The imaging data were input into 3D Slicer software in the form of Dicom files for tumor and ipsilateral kidney modeling to obtain tumor anatomical data.The relationship between tumor anatomical parameters and tumor volume and CSA was analyzed using multifactorial linear regression.The initial modified formulas (V2, C2) and the optimized modified formulas (V3, C3) for tumor volume over CSA were established, respectively, after insignificant variables were eliminated.The mean square error (MSE) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) of the modified and traditional formulas (V1, C1) were compared, and the formula with the smallest MSE and AIC was selected as the optimal tumor volume and CSA calculation formula.The median tumor volume and CSA obtained from 3D modeling were used as the cutoff values.The optimal formula and conventional formula were applied to calculate tumor volume and CSA for all patients, and risk stratification was performed for all patients based on these cutoff values, and the perioperative indicators of patients in the upper and lower groups were compared.Finally, an online calculation tool was developed based on HTML. Results: Based on multifactorial linear regression analysis, we obtained the modified tumor volume calculation formula: V=0.382abc+2.488a+2.372b-4.146c+1.948(V2), V=0.469abc-4.586c+13.816(V3); the modified tumor CSA calculation formula CSA=2.469a
-2.262L
-19.23a+6.206b+1.212c+18.017L+1.616h-3.97h
-2.185h/h
-0.388(C2), CSA=2.376a
-2.144L
-20.157a+5.024b+1.128c+17.578L+2.525h-2.634(C3).Both of the modified volume formula (MSE=151.298 vs. 127.807 vs. 104.106) and modified CSA formula (MSE=309.878 vs.23.556 vs.30.388) had smaller errors compared to the conventional formula.The modified volume calculation formula showed that bleeding was more and thermal ischemia time was longer in patients with larger tumor volumes than in patients with smaller tumor volumes (P<0.05); and the modified CSA calculation formula showed that bleeding was more, surgery and thermal ischemia time were longer in patients with high CSA than in patients with low CSA (P<0.05).Finally, V3 and C3 are selected as the best calculation formula, and a web page (https://lizihao-bot.github.io/RCC-Calculate/) was established for easy use. Conclusion: This study combined data from a medical information technology platform with numerical modeling methods to provide a faster and more accurate method to calculate the renal tumor volume and CSA.Meanwhile, a webpage version of the tool was developed to enhance its practicability.
10.Kitchen Ventilation Attenuate the Association of Solid Fuel Use with Sarcopenia: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study.
Ying Hao YUCHI ; Wei LIAO ; Jia QIU ; Rui Ying LI ; Ning KANG ; Xiao Tian LIU ; Wen Qian HUO ; Zhen Xing MAO ; Jian HOU ; Lei ZHANG ; Chong Jian WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):511-515

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail