1.Prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of coal miners in a coal mine group
Xiaolan ZHENG ; Liuquan JIANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Fan YANG ; Qiang LI ; Li LI ; Yingjun CHEN ; Qingsong CHEN ; Gaisheng LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):278-285
Background The positive rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among coal mine workers remains high, which seriously affects the quality of life of the workers. Objective To estimate the prevalence of WMSDs among coal miners in Shanxi Province and analyze their influencing factors. Methods From May to December 2023,
2.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.
3.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
4.Construction of PD-1 overexpressing bacterial cytoplasmic membrane vesicles and evaluation of its targeting efficacy of mouse lung cancer xenograft tissue
XU Xiujie1,2 ; ZHANG Jingyun2 ; FAN Junchen2 ; JIANG Lingxin2 ; ZHANG Na2 ; ZHENG Mengchao1 ; LONG Yufei1 ; GAO Guihua3 ; YAN Taoling3 ; LAN Tianshu2,4
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(3):239-246
[摘 要] 目的:构建程序性死亡受体1(PD-1)高表达的细菌质膜纳米囊泡(BMV)BMV-PD-1,评估其对小鼠肺癌移植瘤组织的靶向性。方法:通过质粒转化将PD-1与膜孔蛋白细胞溶素A(ClyA)融合质粒ClyA-PD-1-EGFP转入大肠杆菌BL21-Codonplus,使用激光共聚焦显微镜、SDS-PAGE和WB法检测融合蛋白ClyA-PD-1-EGFP的表达。提取质膜并采用挤出法,利用挤出器制备BMV-PD-1。采用透射电子显微镜(TEM)、纳米粒子跟踪分析(NTA)技术分别对BMV-PD-1的形态、粒径和膜电位进行检测,用WB鉴定PD-1蛋白的携带情况。采用激光共聚焦成像检测Lewis肺癌LLC细胞对BMV-PD-1的摄取。建立肺癌LLC细胞C57BL/6J小鼠皮下移植瘤模型,采用小动物活体成像系统评估BMV-PD-1的肿瘤靶向性。结果:激光共聚焦显微成像结果显示,质粒ClyA-PD-1-EGFP被转入BL21-Codonplus并成功表达蛋白。SDS-PAGE结果表明,ClyA-PD-1-EGFP在BL21-Codonplus中过表达。WB分析表明,PD-1在细菌中表达且在BMV-PD-1上呈高表达(P < 0.001)状态。NTA和TEM分析表明,BMV-PD-1是一种粒径为(145 ± 14) nm、表面呈负电性的球状囊泡。激光共聚焦成像显示,PD-1高表达能显著提升肺癌细胞对BMV-PD-1的摄取(P < 0.01),小动物活体成像也进一步证实PD-1高表达能有效提升BMV-PD-1的肿瘤靶向性(P < 0.01)。结论:本研究成功构建了PD-1高表达的细菌纳米囊泡BMV-PD-1,发现PD-1高表达可显著提高BMV-PD-1的肺癌LLC细胞移植瘤组织的靶向性,为进一步开发以BMV-PD-1为载体的肿瘤靶向药物递送系统奠定基础。
5.Research on Magnetic Stimulation Intervention Technology for Alzheimer’s Disease Guided by Heart Rate Variability
Shu-Ting CHEN ; Du-Yan GENG ; Chun-Meng FAN ; Wei-Ran ZHENG ; Gui-Zhi XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1264-1278
ObjectiveNon-invasive magnetic stimulation technology has been widely used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but there is a lack of convenient and timely methods for evaluating and providing feedback on the effectiveness of the stimulation, which can be used to guide the adjustment of the stimulation protocol. This study aims to explore the possibility of heart rate variability (HRV) in diagnosing AD and guiding AD magnetic stimulation intervention techniques. MethodsIn this study, we used a 40 Hz, 10 mT pulsed magnetic field to expose AD mouse models to whole-body exposure for 18 d, and detected the behavioral and electroencephalographic signals before and after exposure, as well as the instant electrocardiographic signals after exposure every day. ResultsUsing one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, we found that some HRV indicators could identify AD mouse models as accurately as behavioral and electroencephalogram(EEG) changes (P<0.05) and significantly distinguish the severity of the disease (P<0.05), including rMSSD, pNN6, LF/HF, SD1/SD2, and entropy arrangement. These HRV indicators showed good correlation and statistical significance with behavioral and EEG changes (r>0.3, P<0.05); HRV indicators were significantly modulated by the magnetic field exposure before and after the exposure, both of which were observed in the continuous changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) (P<0.05), and the trend of the stimulation effect was more accurately observed in the continuous changes of ECG. ConclusionHRV can accurately reflect the pathophysiological changes and disease degree, quickly evaluate the effect of magnetic stimulation, and has the potential to guide the pattern of magnetic exposure, providing a new idea for the study of personalized electromagnetic neuroregulation technology for brain diseases.
6.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
7.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
8.Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on the mechanism of myopia-related factors secreted by human scleral fibroblasts
Rongrong CHAO ; Zhixiang DING ; Jing FAN ; Liu ZHENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):198-205
AIM: To investigate the effects of insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)on the secretion of transforming growth factor β2(TGF-β2), matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)in human scleral fibroblasts(HSF)and their mechanism.METHODS: The cells were cultured with IGF-1 and PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002, respectively. CCK-8 method was used to detect cell viability and determine the optimal concentration and time of drug action. Cell migration activity was observed by cell scratch method. To determine the effects of IGF-1 on HSF cells and the regulatory role of PI3K/AKT pathway, HSF cells were divided into control group(without drugs), IGF-1(80 μg/L)group, IGF-1+LY294002(80 μg/L+5 mmol/L)group, and LY294002(5 mmol/L)group, and were cultured for 24 h; the protein expression levels of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT were detected by Western blot; the fluorescence expression of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α was detected by cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS: The results of CCK-8 showed that the cell viability of the 80 μg/L IGF-1 group cultured with different concentrations of IGF-1 was the highest(all P<0.05), and the cell viability of the 80 μg/L IGF-1 group at 24 h was the highest under different culture times. Therefore, the concentration of IGF-1 was selected as 80 μg/L for 24 h. The viability of cells cultured with different concentrations of LY294002 gradually decreased from 6 h(all P<0.05). According to the IC50 value, therefore, the concentration of LY294002 was selected as 5 mmol/L for 24 h. The cell scratch results showed that compared with the control group, the cell mobility of 40 μg/L and 80 μg/L IGF-1 groups was increased(all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, cell mobility in the 2.5 and 5 mmol/L LY294002 groups was decreased(all P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the protein expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT in the IGF-1 group were increased, while those in the LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the IGF-1 group, the expression levels of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT in the IGF-1+LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). The results of cell immunofluorescence showed that compared with the control group, the fluorescence expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in the IGF-1 group were increased, while those in the LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the IGF-1 group, the fluorescence expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in the IGF-1+LY294002 group were significantly decreased(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: IGF-1 promoted the proliferation and migration of human HSF. IGF-1 may up-regulate the expression of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in HSF through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and participate in the occurrence and development of myopia.
9.Pattern Identification and Treatment of Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on the Turbidity Toxin Theory
Shiyuan FAN ; Qian YANG ; Diangui LI ; Zheng ZHI ; Xiaolan SU ; Bolin LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):300-303
Guided by the turbidity toxin theory, it is believed that the key pathogenesis of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is the obstruction of turbidity toxin and the disruption of intestinal function. Treatment is based on the principles of dispelling turbidity toxin and promoting intestinal function. The clinical patterns can be divided into three types, turbidity toxin heat accumulation pattern, turbidity toxin combined with liver depression and qi stagnation pattern, and turbidity toxin combined with qi and yin deficiency pattern. The treatment can respectively use self-prescribed Tongfu Jiangzhuo Formula (通腑降浊方) to clear heat and unblock the bowels, direct the turbid downward and resolve toxins; use self-prescribed Shugan Jiangzhuo Formula (疏肝降浊方) to soothe the liver and move qi, direct the turbid downward and resolve toxins; use self-prescribed Mazhi Jiangzhuo Formula (麻枳降浊方) to boost qi and nourish yin, moisten the intestines to remove turbidity and resolve toxins.
10.Effects of loganin on inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats
Can WANG ; Yantao LI ; Zheng ZHOU ; Lupeng WANG ; Yuanyuan GAO ; Shaoxi FAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):574-578
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of loganin on inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats by regulating the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) signaling pathway. METHODS A sepsis rat model was established by cecal ligation and puncture, and randomly divided into sepsis group, loganin low-dose group (50 mg/kg loganin, gavage), loganin high-dose group (200 mg/kg loganin, gavage), positive control group (0.2 mg/kg atorvastatin, intraperitoneal injection), and loganin high-dose + lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) group (200 mg/kg loganin gavage and intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg RohA activator LPA). An additional sham surgery group was established. Each group consisted of 10 rats, and medications were administered once every 6 hours for 4 times. After 24 hours of the last intervention, the levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β were detected. The pathological changes of ileal tissue were observed and Chiu’s intestinal mucosal injury score was also performed. The levels of intestinal function-lactate dehydrogenase (D-lactate), D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) and endotoxin, the percentages of zonula occludens-1 protein (ZO-1) and Occludin positive staining area, as well as protein expressions of RhoA, and ROCK1 were all detected. com RESULTS Compared with the sepsis group, the percentages of ZO-1 and Occludin positive areas increased significantly in loganin low-dose and high-dose groups; while the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, DAO, D-lactate and endotoxin, Chiu’s intestinal mucosal injury score as well as protein expressions of RhoA and ROCK1 decreased significantly (P<0.05); the destruction of rat ileal tissue was alleviated, and tissue edema and inflammatory infiltration were significantly reduced; moreover, the improvement effect in loganin high-dose group was superior to that in loganin low-dose group (P<0.05). Compared with loganin high-dose group, RhoA activator LPA reversed the trend of changes in the above indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Loganin can alleviate inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats, the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway.

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