1.Extraction of tetralones and quinic acids from Cyclocarya paliurus
Yu YE ; Siyang FANG ; Xiao LI ; Lei WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Ke PAN ; Zhiqi YIN
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):314-321
Chemical constituents of n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja were studied. Ten compounds were purified by silica gel, MCI, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Based on the physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data, these compounds were identified as (4S)-4,8-dihydroxy-α-tetralone-5-[6′-(3′′,5′′-dimethoxy-(E)-p-coumaroyl)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (4S)-4,8-dihydroxy-α-tetralone-5-[6′-(E)-feruloyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (1S,3R,4S,5R)-4,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (3), (1R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (4), (3R,5R)-3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (5), (1R,3R,4S,5R)-3-O-caffeoyl-5-O-p-coumaroyl quinic acid methyl ester (6), (1R,3R,4S,5R)-3-O-p-coumaroy-4-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (7), (1R,3R,4S,5R)-3-O-caffeoyl-4-O-p-coumaroy quinic acid methyl ester (8), (3R,5R)-3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (9) and (1S,3R,4R,5R)-4-O-caffeoyl-5-O-feruloyl quinic acid methyl ester (10). Among them, compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 3–10 were isolated from the genus Cyclocarya for the first time.
2.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
3.Study on the equivalence of different decoction processes for a shell-based traditional Chinese medicine drug pair based on rat model of hypertension with liver-yang hyperactivity
Minglu LI ; Yuhan CUI ; Fan WU ; Kexin HAN ; Li WU ; Zhuyuan FANG ; Yachun SHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1283-1289
OBJECTIVE To investigate the equivalence of different decoction processes based on rat model of hypertension with liver-yang hyperactivity. METHODS Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to compare the dissolution differences of inorganic elements in the powder-directly-decocted decoction versus the pieces-decocted-first decoction of Ostreae Concha- Haliotidis Concha- Margaritifera Concha drug pair. Six SD rats were included in the normal group. The spontaneously hypertensive rats were given Aconite decoction for six weeks to induce the hypertension model with liver-yang hyperactivity. After successful modeling, 48 rats were randomly divided into the model group, the captopril group [positive control, 8 mL/(kg·d) ] , as well as low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of pieces decocted first or directly powder decocted [2.02, 4.05, 8.10 mL/(kg·d) ] , with 6 rats in each group. Each group received the corresponding drug or equal volume of pure water intragastrically, once a day, for two consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the degree of irritability, facial temperature, pressure pain threshold, blood pressure, and pathological changes of the thoracic aorta were observed in each group. Serum nitric oxide (NO) and plasma angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), renin, and aldosterone (ALD) levels were also measured. RESULTS ICP-MS analysis results showed statistically significant differences in the contents of macroelements Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Ga, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, and Sb, between the powder-directly-decocted decoction and the pieces-decocted-first decoction ( P <0.05) ,the elements P, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Hg, Tl, and Pb were not detected in either decoction. Animal experiments showed that after two weeks of administration, compared with the model group, the facial temperature, and blood pressure decreased in all treatment groups, while the pressure pain threshold increased; plasma levels of Ang Ⅱ, renin and ALD, as well as the serum level of NO were all decreased, and thoracic aortic media thickness was significantly reduced, most of the differences in the above indicators were statistically significant ( P <0.05 or P <0.01 or P <0.001). Pathological observation showed improvement in thoracic aortic pathological injury. CONCLUSIONS The powder-directly-decocted process for the Ostreae Concha- Haliotidis Concha- Margaritifera Concha drug pair significantly promotes the dissolution of key elements such as Ca, Mg, and Sr without increasing the dissolution of harmful elements. It is equivalent to the traditional pieces-decocted-first in alleviating liver-yang hyperactivity syndrome, lowering blood pressure, and protecting the vascular endothelium, and even shows better performance in some indicators.
4.Analysis of risk factors in patients with nonvalvular persistent atrial fibrillation complicated with ventricular hypertrophy and construction and validation of prediction model
Fang LIU ; Peiyang ZHENG ; Huimin WANG ; Danni LI ; Ao LIANG ; Ren ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):552-561
ObjectiveTo construct a nomogram prediction model for non-valvular persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) , followed by prognostic analysis through follow-up. MethodsThis study retrospectively enrolled 949 patients with newly diagnosed and hospitalized non-valvular PeAF. Among them, 403 patients presented with LVH. The cohort was randomly stratified into a training set (n=665) and a validation set (n=284). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors for PeAF complicated by LVH. A nomogram prediction model was subsequently constructed and evaluated for discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsSeven independent risk factors were ultimately identified and included in the prediction model: female sex, hypertension, diabetes, red blood cell distribution width-SD (RDW-SD), body mass index (BMI), left atrial diameter (LAD), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) in the training set was 0.862 (95% CI: 0.834-0.890), and in the validation set, it was 0.870 (95% CI: 0.829-0.911), demonstrating excellent predictive performance. ConclusionIndependent risk factors for LVH in PeAF patients include female, hypertension, diabetes, RDW-SD, BMI, LAD, and LVEF. The prediction model built based on this can help early identification of PeAF patients with high risk of LVH. At the same time, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is higher in PeAF patients with LVH. Patients with atrial fibrillation combined with LVH may benefit from catheter ablation.
5.Effect of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方) on Inflammatory Response in Lesional Tissue and Skin Barrier Damage in Acne Model Mice
Yunni LIU-TANG ; Yutong DENG ; Gaiying HE ; Huishang FENG ; Xuewen REN ; Yimei FANG ; Xuewan WANG ; Yatong LI ; Lingling CAI ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1211-1219
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方, PYF) in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, minocycline group, and PYF group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes) combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water, while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/(kg·d)of PYF, and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/(kg·d)of minocycline suspension, all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment, the body weight of mice in each group was recorded, and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes, while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6, and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, TEWL values increased, while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased (P<0.05), accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins (P<0.05). The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions, blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries, and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin, with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens, thickened stratum corneum, hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum, as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group, both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the TEWL value decreased, and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased (P<0.05); on day 6, the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group, with reverted epidermal thickness, smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced, and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 (P<0.05). ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins, which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.
6.Functionalized biomimetic mineralized collagen modified orthopedic implants
Wenhe XU ; Xiaobing LI ; Fang LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):516-527
BACKGROUND:Mineralized collagen is the fundamental unit of bone structure and function and a major component of the extracellular matrix.Biomimetic methods have been developed to fabricate mineralized collagen with a natural bone nanostructure.Currently,mineralized collagen has been approved by regulatory authorities and applied clinically,playing a positive role in bone defect repair.OBJECTIVE:To present the integration strategies of bioactive factors with mineralized collagen,summarize schemes to enhance the osteogenic potential of mineralized collagen,emphasize the multifunctional coordination applications of mineralized collagen,and finally discuss current research focuses and future trends.METHODS:The authors searched for relevant literature in databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,Medline,WanFang,and CNKI,from 2009 to 2023,using keywords"mineralized collagen,biomimetic,functionalization,bioactive factors,osteogenesis,multi-functional coordination,bone tissue repair"in English and"mineralized collagen,biomimetic,functionalization"in Chinese.Out of 375 initially identified articles,57 were included for review after screening.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Mineralized collagen,with its porous structure and large surface area,containing nano-hydroxyapatite,makes it an effective carrier for cells,various growth factors,and drugs.(2)Single or multiple bioactive factors can be efficiently and orderly released through different loading methods or combinations,achieving the multifunctionalization of mineralized collagen.The impact of physicochemical conditions on the bioactivity of factors and their effects on the degradability,hydroxylapatite crystal morphology,nanostructure,and content of mineralized collagen should be considered.Moreover,calcium ions in mineralized collagen can be substituted with various inorganic non-metal ions,enhancing its osteogenic,angiogenic,immunomodulatory,and anti-infective properties.(3)Ultimately,during in situ bone regeneration,functionalized mineralized collagen serves as a scaffold material,providing structural support for bone defects,and as a drug delivery system,continuously delivering various bioactive factors locally,playing roles in anti-infection,immunomodulation,promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis,and repairing various complex bone defects.
7.Application of Onlay bone grafts from mandibular lateral oblique line in implant restoration of bone defects in upper anterior teeth
Shencong XU ; Zifei FANG ; Mingyi JI ; Chengrui XU ; Binhong LI ; Jiayu CAO ; Junfeng XU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):841-848
BACKGROUND:With the development of oral implantology,implant restoration has gradually become the first choice of restoration after missing teeth,and bone augmentation procedures have led to the expansion of implant indications and the improvement of the success rate of implant restoration.However,the long-term stability of bone height,width and volume after bone augmentation surgery has been one of the clinical difficulties for oral implantologists.OBJECTIVE:To measure and analyze the bone width,height,and volume of different sites in the bone augmentation area at different time points using cone-beam CT and an automatic image alignment program.METHODS:Seventeen patients with severe bone defects in the upper anterior region who underwent Onlay bone block grafting in the external oblique region were recruited from the Department of Stomatology,Zhejiang Tongde Hospital.There were 10 males and 7 females,with a mean age of(45.88±12.47)years.The cone-beam CT scans of the patients' Onlay bone grafts were taken at five time points:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,6 months postoperatively,immediately post implantation,and 6 months post implantation,and then were statistically analyzed for alveolar bone volume,width,and height in the bone augmentation area,as well as for the difference in the alveolar bone volume of the bone incremental area between patients of different sexes and age.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The alveolar bone volume in the bone augmentation area was higher immediately and 6 months after bone grafting than before bone grafting(P<0.05)as well as was higher immediately after bone grafting than 6 months after bone grafting(P<0.05).The alveolar bone height in the bone augmentation area was higher immediately and 6 months after bone grafting than before bone grafting(P<0.05).The horizontal width of the alveolar bone at various sites in the bone augmentation area immediately and 6 months after bone grafting was higher than that before bone grafting(P<0.05).(2)There was no significant difference in the volume of bone graft resorption at various sites in the bone augmentation area between males and females immediately and 6 months after bone grafting(P>0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between age and the change in bone augmentation area volume immediately and 6 months after bone grafting,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(3)Twenty-five dental implants with completed implant restorations functioned normally,and the survival rate of the implants was 100%.To conclude,Onlay bone graft implant restoration in the upper anterior region can significantly improve insufficient bone with favorable outcomes.However,there is some amount of bone resorption in the bone augmentation area at 6 months after Onlay bone grafting and it is necessary to open up the second surgical area.Clinicians should consider different bone augmentation procedures in accordance with the specific circumstances.
8.Effect and mechanism of peroxiredoxin 1 in microglial inflammation after spinal cord injury
Yongcheng YIN ; Xiangrui ZHAO ; Zhijie YANG ; Zheng LI ; Fang LI ; Bin NING
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1106-1113
BACKGROUND:The inflammatory response of microglia is closely related to neuronal survival,regeneration,and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Peroxiredoxin 1 is not only involved in the regulation of oxidative stress,but also has an important effect on cell proliferation,apoptosis,and inflammatory response.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role and mechanism of peroxiredoxin 1 in the inflammatory response of microglia following spinal cord injury.METHODS:(1)Twelve female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-operated(n=6)and spinal cord injury(n=6)groups.The sham-operated group was not modeled and acute spinal cord injury models were constructed in the spinal cord injury group using the modified Allen's method.Spinal cord tissue at the injured site was taken at 7 days after modeling and transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes.The expression of peroxiredoxin 1 in spinal cord tissues was verified using western blot and RT-qPCR.(2)Mouse microglia BV2 were divided into two groups:the control group was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide for 6 hours,and in the knockout group,lipopolysaccharide stimulation was applied for 6 hours at 24 hours after peroxiredoxin 1 was knocked down in the cells.RT-qPCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of peroxiredoxin 1,inflammatory factors(interleukin 1β,interleukin 6,inducible nitric oxide synthase,tumor necrosis factor α,C-C motif chemokine ligand 2,and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2),and western blot was performed to detect the expression of peroxiredoxin 1,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and reactive oxygen/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway proteins.Mouse microglia BV2 were treated in two groups:the control group was stimulated by hydrogen peroxide for 4 hours,and the knockout group was stimulated by hydrogen peroxide for 4 hours at 24 hours after knockdown of peroxiredoxin 1.The level of reactive oxygen species was detected by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probe.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Results from transcriptome sequencing,western blot and RT-qPCR confirmed that peroxiredoxin 1 expression levels in mouse spinal cord tissues were significantly higher in the spinal cord injury group than the sham-operated group(P<0.05).(2)Peroxiredoxin 1 knockdown in microglial cells led to decreased expression of peroxiredoxin 1 mRNA and protein(P<0.05),increased mRNA expression of interleukin 1β,interleukin 6,inducible nitric oxide synthase,tumor necrosis factor α,C-C motif chemokine ligand 2,and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2(P<0.05),increased protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase,P-P38,P-JNK and P-ERK proteins(P<0.05),and increased level of reactive oxygen species(P<0.05).To conclude,peroxiredoxin 1 regulates microglial inflammation by targeting the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.
9.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
10.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.

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