1.Photodynamic enhancement of PROTAC prodrug activation in hypoxic tumors.
Zhongliang FU ; Chunrong YANG ; Yuchen YANG ; Meichen PAN ; Hongwei HOU ; Jinghong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4945-4960
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for targeted protein degradation. However, the clinical application of PROTACs may be hindered by off-target toxicity resulting from non-tissue-specific protein degradation and ingenious prodrug strategies may open new avenues to addressing this concern. Herein, we propose a light-induced positive feedback strategy to use photodynamic therapy (PDT) to improve the activation efficiency of PROTAC prodrugs, monitor PROTAC release, and combine PROTAC to induce tumor cell apoptosis. In the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, the azo bond in AZO-PRO selectively cleaves, triggering the release of the potent protein degrader PRO and the multifunctional photosensitizer. Once activated, the fluoresce signal of the photosensitizer dramatically recovers, allowing monitoring of prodrug activation. Additionally, upon irradicating the tumor site using near-infrared (NIR) laser, PDT exacerbates tumor hypoxia, further promoting AZO-PRO activation. Our work introduces a novel approach to efficiently track and activate PROTAC prodrugs, enhance their antitumor efficacy, and mitigate off-target systemic toxicity.
2.Application of tumor specific protein 70 targeted enrichment of circulating tumor cell sequencing technology in non-small cell lung cancer
Lixia ZHANG ; Yutong ZHOU ; Shuxian YANG ; Qiong ZHU ; Jian XU ; Yuan MU ; Chunrong GU ; Huanyu JU ; Wei ZHANG ; Shiyang PAN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(6):737-742
Objective:To establish tumor specific protein (SP70) targeted tumor cell enrichment technology and to assess applicational value of next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis for enriched circulating tumor cell (CTC) in precision medicines of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:The monoclonal antibody NJ001 was covalently coupled to the surface of magnetic beads to build targeted magnetic bead enrichment technology based on SP70. The limit of detection, coincidence rate, interference experiment, recovery test and clinical performance were evaluated. From March 2016 to August 2017, NGS analysis with or without pre-treatment of targeted enrichment for serous fluids of 43 NSCLC in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University were compared (Kappa or Fisher exact test).Results:The CTC enrichment technology based on SP70 targeted immunomagnetic beads can specifically enrich tumor cells. The limit of detection was 10 4 SPC-A1 cells/L, and the coincidence rate, sensitivity and specificity were 100% (3/3). The endogenous interfering substances such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, epithelial cells and triglycerides had no interfering effects, as well as the exogenous interfering substances such as EDTA-K2, cefoxitin, carboplatin and paclitaxel. The recovery rate was 56.0% (56 000/100 000). A total of 30 gene mutations including 65 loci were found in 43 NSCLC under SP70 targeted enrichment, with a higher detection rate compared with unenrichment method [95.0% (19/20) vs 65.0% (13/20), χ 2=5.625, P=0.044]. Conclusion:In this study, SP70-targeted enriched CTC liquid biopsy method was established, with higher sensitivity and specificity of NGS detection than unenrichment method.
3.Identification and experimental validation of biomarkers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension based on bioinformatics and machine learning
Yan YANG ; Chunrong TAO ; Youjun ZHU ; Cong ZHANG ; Defeng LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(9):948-958
Objective To identify the key biomarkers for diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)using bioinformatics,and validate their clinical significance.Methods High-throughput sequencing data analysis was employed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in COPD-PAH.Functional enrichment analysis was then conducted to explore the biological functions of these DEGs.Machine learning methods,including least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO),random forest(RF),and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE),were utilized to screen 5 potential biomarkers.Single-cell analysis was performed to reveal the expression patterns of these key genes in macrophages.The clinical significance of these biomarkers was further validated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)data.A mouse model of COPD-PAH was established using hypoxia exposure.Sixteen mice(either sexes,8 weeks old,weighing 20~22 g)were randomly divided into a hypoxia group[O2(10.0±0.5)%,COPD-PAH,n=8]and a normoxia group(COPD,n=8).Immunofluorescence assay was used to label the key biomarkers,and their expression levels were quantified.Results A total of 28 DEGs(|Log2FC|≥2,P<0.05)were identified in COPD-PAH patients.Functional enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in COPD were primarily associated with major histocompatibility complex(MHC)Ⅱ and cell division,and involved in lysosomes,oxidative phosphorylation,and cell cycle pathways(P<0.05).Machine learning identified 5 potential biomarkers(GRN,KLF4,SHTN1,LRP1,and GPNMB),and subsequent single-cell analysis revealed that these markers exhibited reverse expression patterns during disease progression.A nomogram model constructed based on PBMC data yielded an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.907 in diagnosing COPD-PAH.GRN,KLF4,SHTN1,LRP1 and GPNMB were significantly upregulated in the COPD-PAH group(P<0.05).Conclusion GRN,KLF4,SHTN1,LRP1 and GPNMB are identified as key biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of COPD-PAH,which providing new insights for the clinical and treatment of the condition.
4."Guangzhou Classification" of donor lung injury: a systematic evaluation and grading framework from pre-procurement to post-transplantation
Jianxing HE ; Jiang SHI ; Chao YANG ; Guilin PENG ; Mengyang LIU ; Jiezhou HUANG ; Weixue CUI ; Chunrong JU ; Xin XU
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(4):276-279
Lung transplantation is a key therapeutic approach for patients with end-stage lung diseases. Although its clinical outcomes have significantly improved, multidimensional injuries sustained by donor lungs during procurement, preservation, and transplantation remain major challenges affecting graft survival and long-term prognosis. This article proposes the "Guangzhou Classification" for full-course management of donor lung injury, characterized by spatiotemporal dynamics. Based on the progression of disease stages, donor lung injuries are systematically divided into three types: primary injuries (including donor ICU-related lung injury, pathogen colonization, and cold ischemia injury), secondary injuries (such as ventilator-induced lung injury after transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion inflammatory storm, and early rejection), and accompanying injuries (organ toxicity caused by accumulation of postoperative sedatives, analgesics, and vasoactive drugs). Drawing on previous studies and the clinical experience of our center, this paper elaborates the temporal evolution, key risk factors, and prevention and treatment strategies of each injury category, and discusses future research directions. By targeting critical injury factors at each stage, this classification aims to optimize both short-term and long-term outcomes of lung transplantation.
5.Effects of TACE combined with Endostar on CD4+/CD8+T cells,ALAS1 and HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Shasha JIANG ; Meng WANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Chunrong HE ; Xuanke WANG ; Lingrong YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(7):1559-1565
Objective:To investigate the effects of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with Endostar on CD4+/CD8+T cells,5-aminoketovalonate synthase 1(ALAS1)and HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:A total of 60 HCC patients admitted to Chengdu Third People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were enrolled and randomly divided into TACE treatment group(A)and TACE combined with Endostar treatment group(B),with 30 patients in each group.T lymphocyte,ALAS1 and indicators of HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway were observed in the two groups.Results:In group A,1 subject had complete remission,2 subjects had partial remission,2 subjects had stable remission,and 4 subjects had progress;in group B,2 subjects had complete remission,4 subjects had partial remission,4 subjects had stable remis-sion,and 1 subject had progress.The total effective rate in group B(33.33%)was significantly higher than that in group A(10.00%),with significant difference among groups(P=0.028).There were no significant differences in CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells and CD4+/CD8+T cells between the two groups before treatment(P=0.972,0.995,0.917).After treatment,level of CD4+T cells in the two groups was significantly increased(P<0.001),while level of CD8+T cells was significantly decreased(P<0.001).CD4+/CD8+T cells was significantly increased(P<0.001),and the changes in group B were significant compared with group A(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in content of ALAS1 between the two groups before treatment(P=0.975);after treatment,content of ALAS1 in liver cancer tissues of the two groups was significantly increased(P<0.001),which in group B was significantly higher than that in group A(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no significant differences in mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 2(MST2),large tumor suppressor 1(LATS1)and Yes-associated protein(YAP)between the two groups(P=0.134,0.134,0.134).After treatment,mRNA relative expressions of MST2 and LATS1 were significantly increased(all P<0.001),while mRNA relative expression of YAP were significantly decreased(P<0.001),and changes of group B were significant compared with group A(all P<0.001).After treat-ment,there were 5 more cases of no adverse reactions in group B than in group A,and the total incidence of adverse reactions(16.67%)was significantly lower than that in group A(43.33%),with a significant difference between groups(P=0.024).Conclu-sion:TACE combined with Endostar has significant therapeutic effect on HCC patients,which can effectively regulate CD4+/CD8+T cells,promote ALAS1 secretion,and activate HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway.
6.Effects of TACE combined with Endostar on CD4+/CD8+T cells,ALAS1 and HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Shasha JIANG ; Meng WANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Chunrong HE ; Xuanke WANG ; Lingrong YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(7):1559-1565
Objective:To investigate the effects of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with Endostar on CD4+/CD8+T cells,5-aminoketovalonate synthase 1(ALAS1)and HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:A total of 60 HCC patients admitted to Chengdu Third People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were enrolled and randomly divided into TACE treatment group(A)and TACE combined with Endostar treatment group(B),with 30 patients in each group.T lymphocyte,ALAS1 and indicators of HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway were observed in the two groups.Results:In group A,1 subject had complete remission,2 subjects had partial remission,2 subjects had stable remission,and 4 subjects had progress;in group B,2 subjects had complete remission,4 subjects had partial remission,4 subjects had stable remis-sion,and 1 subject had progress.The total effective rate in group B(33.33%)was significantly higher than that in group A(10.00%),with significant difference among groups(P=0.028).There were no significant differences in CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells and CD4+/CD8+T cells between the two groups before treatment(P=0.972,0.995,0.917).After treatment,level of CD4+T cells in the two groups was significantly increased(P<0.001),while level of CD8+T cells was significantly decreased(P<0.001).CD4+/CD8+T cells was significantly increased(P<0.001),and the changes in group B were significant compared with group A(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in content of ALAS1 between the two groups before treatment(P=0.975);after treatment,content of ALAS1 in liver cancer tissues of the two groups was significantly increased(P<0.001),which in group B was significantly higher than that in group A(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no significant differences in mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 2(MST2),large tumor suppressor 1(LATS1)and Yes-associated protein(YAP)between the two groups(P=0.134,0.134,0.134).After treatment,mRNA relative expressions of MST2 and LATS1 were significantly increased(all P<0.001),while mRNA relative expression of YAP were significantly decreased(P<0.001),and changes of group B were significant compared with group A(all P<0.001).After treat-ment,there were 5 more cases of no adverse reactions in group B than in group A,and the total incidence of adverse reactions(16.67%)was significantly lower than that in group A(43.33%),with a significant difference between groups(P=0.024).Conclu-sion:TACE combined with Endostar has significant therapeutic effect on HCC patients,which can effectively regulate CD4+/CD8+T cells,promote ALAS1 secretion,and activate HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway.
7.Application of tumor specific protein 70 targeted enrichment of circulating tumor cell sequencing technology in non-small cell lung cancer
Lixia ZHANG ; Yutong ZHOU ; Shuxian YANG ; Qiong ZHU ; Jian XU ; Yuan MU ; Chunrong GU ; Huanyu JU ; Wei ZHANG ; Shiyang PAN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(6):737-742
Objective:To establish tumor specific protein (SP70) targeted tumor cell enrichment technology and to assess applicational value of next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis for enriched circulating tumor cell (CTC) in precision medicines of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:The monoclonal antibody NJ001 was covalently coupled to the surface of magnetic beads to build targeted magnetic bead enrichment technology based on SP70. The limit of detection, coincidence rate, interference experiment, recovery test and clinical performance were evaluated. From March 2016 to August 2017, NGS analysis with or without pre-treatment of targeted enrichment for serous fluids of 43 NSCLC in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University were compared (Kappa or Fisher exact test).Results:The CTC enrichment technology based on SP70 targeted immunomagnetic beads can specifically enrich tumor cells. The limit of detection was 10 4 SPC-A1 cells/L, and the coincidence rate, sensitivity and specificity were 100% (3/3). The endogenous interfering substances such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, epithelial cells and triglycerides had no interfering effects, as well as the exogenous interfering substances such as EDTA-K2, cefoxitin, carboplatin and paclitaxel. The recovery rate was 56.0% (56 000/100 000). A total of 30 gene mutations including 65 loci were found in 43 NSCLC under SP70 targeted enrichment, with a higher detection rate compared with unenrichment method [95.0% (19/20) vs 65.0% (13/20), χ 2=5.625, P=0.044]. Conclusion:In this study, SP70-targeted enriched CTC liquid biopsy method was established, with higher sensitivity and specificity of NGS detection than unenrichment method.
8."Guangzhou Classification" of donor lung injury: a systematic evaluation and grading framework from pre-procurement to post-transplantation
Jianxing HE ; Jiang SHI ; Chao YANG ; Guilin PENG ; Mengyang LIU ; Jiezhou HUANG ; Weixue CUI ; Chunrong JU ; Xin XU
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(4):276-279
Lung transplantation is a key therapeutic approach for patients with end-stage lung diseases. Although its clinical outcomes have significantly improved, multidimensional injuries sustained by donor lungs during procurement, preservation, and transplantation remain major challenges affecting graft survival and long-term prognosis. This article proposes the "Guangzhou Classification" for full-course management of donor lung injury, characterized by spatiotemporal dynamics. Based on the progression of disease stages, donor lung injuries are systematically divided into three types: primary injuries (including donor ICU-related lung injury, pathogen colonization, and cold ischemia injury), secondary injuries (such as ventilator-induced lung injury after transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion inflammatory storm, and early rejection), and accompanying injuries (organ toxicity caused by accumulation of postoperative sedatives, analgesics, and vasoactive drugs). Drawing on previous studies and the clinical experience of our center, this paper elaborates the temporal evolution, key risk factors, and prevention and treatment strategies of each injury category, and discusses future research directions. By targeting critical injury factors at each stage, this classification aims to optimize both short-term and long-term outcomes of lung transplantation.
9.Evaluation of the operational efficiency of oncology department in a multi-campus public hospital based on the super efficiency DEA-Malmquist index model
Changyu QU ; Juming LIU ; Yusha GONG ; Qin YANG ; Yongxiang GONG ; Tiemei HE ; Xiaodong LIU ; Tienan YI ; Chunrong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(5):387-392
Objective:To analyze the operational efficiency of the oncology department in multi-campus hospital, providing reference for rational resource allocation and efficiency enhancement.Methods:A certaion tertiary grade A Hospital is a multi-campus public hospital with integrated management. This study focused on its oncology department, with 9 wards located in different campus as decision-making units. Data from 2020 to 2022 were extracted from the hospital′s medical records management system, disease diagnosis-related groups management system, and hospital information system. The super-efficiency DEA model and Malmquist index model were used to evaluate efficiency variations of the oncology department in different time slots and decision-making units. Identifying input redundancies and output deficiencies in wards not achieving constant returns to scale through projection value analysis. Selecting the total number of medical staff and the actual total number of bed-days occupied as input indicators, while bed utilization rate, discharge rate, and case mix index as output indicators.Results:From 2020 to 2022, the wards with a DEA super-efficiency value greater than 1 were 0, 2, and 4, respectively, showing a gradual increase in overall efficiency. In 2022, wards S3, S4, S7, and S9 achieved constant returns to scale with super-efficiency values of 1.001, 1.005, 1.113, and 1.112, respectively. The other five wards had zero input redundancy, but some suffered from insufficient outputs. For example, wards S5 and S8 should increase their bed utilization rates by 5% and 4%, respectively. Wards S1 and S8 needed to increase their annual discharge numbers by 24% and 1%, respectively, while wards S2 and S6 should increase their annual case mix index by 21% and 20%, respectively. From 2020 to 2021, the Malmquist index of the oncology department was 0.959, while from 2021 to 2022 it rose to 1.030, and the Malmquist index of each ward was greater than 1.Conclusions:By implementing integrated management across multiple campus, the operational efficiency of the oncology department has been comprehensively improved. The use of the super efficient DEA-Malmquist index model to evaluate the operational efficiency of departments has practical significance.
10.Study on the Serum hTERT and Sirt6 Level Expression and the Evaluation Value of Disease Severity and Pregnancy Outcome in Preeclampsia Pregnant Women
Ya ZHANG ; Chunrong YANG ; Feng YUAN ; Xi HAN ; Xiaohong LIU
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(3):142-146,188
Objective To detect the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT)and silent information regulatory factor 6(Sirt6)in serum of pregnant women with preeclampsia,and explore the value of hTERT and Sirt6 levels in the evaluation of disease severity and pregnancy outcome.Methods A total of 300 patients with preeclampsia who were treated in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were selected as the preeclampsia group,and all pregnant women met the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia in the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy(2015).Meanwhile,300 healthy pregnant women who underwent pregnancy examinations in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.Preeclampsia group was divided into mild preeclampsia group(n=180)and severe preeclampsia group(n=120)according to the severity of the disease.The preeclampsia group was divided into normal pregnancy group(n=165)and adverse pregnancy group(n=135)according to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.Serum hTERT and Sirt6 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Spearman correlation analysis was applied to analyze the correlation between serum hTERT and Sirt6 levels and the severity of preeclampsia in patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to evaluate the value of serum hTERT and Sirt6 levels in the diagnosis of preeclampsia and prediction of pregnancy outcomes.Results Compared with the control group serum levels of hTERT(22.15±5.82 ng/ml vs 30.12±9.56 ng/ml)and Sirt6(5.26±1.62 ng/ml vs 7.06±2.29 ng/ml)in preeclampsia group were decreased,and the differences were significant(t=12.334,11.114,all P<0.001).Compared with the mild preeclampsia group,the serum levels of hTERT(18.28±4.11 ng/ml vs 24.73±6.96 ng/ml)and Sirt6(4.03±1.17 ng/ml vs 6.08±1.92 ng/ml)in the severe preeclampsia group were decreased,and the differences were significant(t=9.142,10.469,all P<0.001).Compared with the normal pregnancy group,the serum levels of hTERT(17.75±4.61 ng/ml vs 25.75±6.81 ng/ml)and Sirt6(4.06±0.96 ng/ml vs 6.24±2.16 ng/ml)of preeclampsia pregnant women in the adverse pregnancy group were decreased,and the differences were significant(t=11.639,10.878,all P<0.001).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the levels of hTERT and Sirt6 in serum were negatively correlated with the severity of preeclampsia in patients(r=-0.562,-0.604,all P<0.001).ROC curve analysis results showed that the area under the curve(95%confidence interval)[AUC(95%CI)]of serum hTERT and Sirt6 in the diagnosis of preeclampsia were 0.711(0.673~0.747)and 0.727(0.689~0.762),respectively.The AUC(95%CI)of the combined diagnosis of preeclampsia was 0.788(0.753~0.820),which was higher than that of the combined diagnosis of preeclampsia(Z=2.719,2.154,P=0.007,0.031).The AUC of serum hTERT and Sirt6 for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes of preeclampsia were 0.786(0.735~0.831)and 0.783(0.732~0.829),respectively.The AUC(95%CI)of serum HTERT and Sirt6 for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes of preeclampsia was 0.849(0.804~0.888).It was higher than predicted by the two alone(Z=1.855,1.861,P=0.032,0.031).Conclusion The serum levels of hTERT and Sirt6 in pregnant women with preeclampsia were low,and they were negatively correlated with the disease severity of preeclampsia patients.They may have certain evaluation values for pregnancy outcomes.

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