1.Construction and Functional Validation of GTKO/hCD55 Gene-Edited Xenotransplant Donor Pigs
Jiaoxiang WANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Shuhan CHEN ; Deling JIAO ; Heng ZHAO ; Taiyun WEI ; Jianxiong GUO ; Kaixiang XU ; Hongjiang WEI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):379-392
Objective To develop GTKO (α-1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout, GTKO)/hCD55 (human CD55) gene-edited xenotransplant donor pigs and verify their function. Methods In this study, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated nuclease 9), PiggyBac transposon technology and somatic cell nuclear transfer technology were used to construct GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited Diannan miniature pigs. The phenotype and function of GTKO/hCD55 pigs were analyzed by Sanger sequencing, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, bisulfite sequencing, antigen-antibody binding assays, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays. Results After transfection of PX458 and PiggyBac gene editing vectors into wild-type fetal pig fibroblasts, 48 single-cell colonies were obtained through puromycin drug screening. Two single-cell colonies were selected for somatic cell nuclear transfer, resulting in two fetal pigs at 33 days of gestation. The GGTA1(α-1,3-galactosyltransferase) genotypes of fetal pig F01 were -17 bp and wild type (WT), while the GGTA1 genotypes of fetal pig F02 were -26 bp/+2 bp and -3 bp. The hCD55 mRNA expression levels of both fetal pigs were significantly higher than those of WT pigs (P<0.01). The fetal pig F02 was selected as the donor cell source for recloning, 11 surviving piglets were obtained, all identified as GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited pigs. These pigs showed absence of α-Gal antigen expression, but weak or no expression of hCD55 was observed. Methylation analysis of the hCD55 gene's CpG island showed hypermethylation in kidney tissue lacking hCD55 expression, whereas it was not methylated or partially methylated in kidney tissue expressing hCD55. Moreover, codon optimization of the CpG island of the hCD55 gene to reduce CG content could achieve stable expression of the hCD55 gene. In addition, antigen-antibody binding experiment showed that the amount of human IgM binding to GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited pig fibroblasts was significantly lower than that of WT pigs (P<0.01). Complement-dependent cytotoxicity experiment showed that the survival rate of fibroblasts in GTKO/hCD55 pigs was significantly higher than that in WT pigs (P<0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrates the successful generation of GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited xenotransplant donor pigs. Methylation-induced gene silencing of the hCD55 gene can be effectively avoided by reducing the CG content of the CpG island through codon optimization. This study provides a reference for the development of xenotransplant donor pigs and guides subsequent research on xenotransplantation.
2.Production of GTKO pigs and kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques
Yan WANG ; Yue CHANG ; Chang YANG ; Taiyun WEI ; Xiaoying HUO ; Bowei CHEN ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Heng ZHAO ; Jianxiong GUO ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiong ZHANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Wenmin CHENG ; Hongye ZHAO ; Kaixiang XU ; Ameen Jamal MUHAMMAD ; Zhendi WANG ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):526-537
Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68+ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.
3.The research progress and application potential of exosomes in the treatment of sarcopenia
Mengran QIN ; Yan WANG ; Benchao DONG ; Peichuan YANG ; Jianxiong MA
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(4):549-554
Sarcopenia, characterized by the loss of muscle mass and function, significantly impacts the quality of life in older adults and has emerged as a major global public health challenge.With the aging population, the incidence of sarcopenia continues to rise, necessitating urgent in-depth studies on effective treatments and its pathogenesis.Exosomes serve as effective carriers for intercellular substance transfer, participating in the physiological regulation and pathological changes of organic cells by transporting specific nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids.Although the potential role of exosomes in sarcopenia has been identified, the specific mechanisms remain poorly understood, and clinical applications are still in the early stages of exploration.This review outlines the role of exosomes from various sources in the communication of skeletal muscle satellite cells and their impact on the occurrence and development of sarcopenia.It also explores their potential applications as biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, providing new ideas and directions for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.As research progresses, exosomes are expected to lead to novel treatment options for patients with sarcopenia, ultimately improving their quality of life and health.
4.Three-class machine learning model based on 18F-FDG PET/CT for predicting EGFR mutation subtypes in lung adenocarcinoma
Xinyu GE ; Jianxiong GAO ; Rong NIU ; Yunmei SHI ; Zhenxing JIANG ; Yan SUN ; Jinbao FENG ; Yuetao WANG ; Xiaonan SHAO
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(9):530-536
Objective:To develop and assess a three-class machine learning model for predicting wild-type, 19 del, and 21 L858R mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in lung adenocarcinoma using 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomic features and clinical features. Methods:The retrospective data was collected from 703 patients (346 males, 357 females; age (64.3±9.0) years) with lung adenocarcinoma at the First People′s Hospital of Changzhou from January 2018 to June 2023. Patients were divided into the training set (563 cases) and test set (140 cases) at the ratio of 8∶2. Clinical features were selected using recursive feature elimination (RFE). Radiomic features were extracted from PET and CT images, and the optimal feature sets were selected using minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) methods. Base models were constructed by using random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and the stacking method was applied to establish the CT and PET ensemble models. Delong test was used to compare the AUC differences between the PET/CT combined model and the clinical + PET/CT integrated model.Results:Among 703 patients, 273 were with EGFR wild-type, 202 were with 19 del mutation, and 228 were with 21 L858R mutation. In the single-modal analysis, the AUCs of CT ensemble model in the training and test sets were 0.893 and 0.667, respectively, while the AUCs of PET ensemble model were 0.692 and 0.660. The AUC of PET/CT combined model were 0.897 in training set and 0.672 in test set. The AUC of clinical + PET/CT integrated model showed further improvement, with AUCs of 0.902 and 0.721 in training and test sets, respectively. Notably, the clinical + PET/CT integrated model outperformed PET/CT combined model in predicting wild-type EGFR (test set AUC: 0.784 vs 0.707; Z=3.28, P=0.001). Conclusion:The three-class model (clinical + PET/CT integrated model) based on 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics and clinical features effectively predicts EGFR mutation subtypes in lung adenocarcinoma.
5.Research progress on cross-modality generation of CT and PET images using generative adversarial networks
Xiaonan SHAO ; Rong NIU ; Jianxiong GAO ; Xinyu GE ; Yuetao WANG ; Jun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(12):765-768
With the rapid development of generative adversarial networks (GAN), learning the mapping between CT and PET images enables cross-modality generation. This not only integrates anatomical and functional information to improve image quality, but also helps reduce the radiation exposure to some extent. Based on a review of representative GAN architectures such as conditional GAN and CycleGAN, this paper discusses their research progress and limitations in various application scenarios, including initial tumor diagnosis and staging, treatment evaluation and follow-up, as well as methods for reducing PET/CT radiation dose. Additionally, challenges related to small-sample learning, model interpretability, and cross-institutional standardization are highlighted, and the clinical application prospects of GAN-based cross-modality generation technology are explored.
6.Discovery and investigation of six polio vaccine derived viruses in Guangzhou City
Min CUI ; Chunhuan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Jialing LI ; Jianxiong XU ; Wenji WANG ; Qing HE ; Lihong NI ; Xuexia YUN ; Huanying ZHENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):22-25
Objective To understand the surveillance situation of poliovirus in Guangzhou from 2011 to 2024, and to further strengthen polio surveillance and ensure the continued maintenance of a polio-free status. Methods An analysis was conducted on the discovery and investigation results of six cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) detected in Guangzhou. Results A total of 6 VDPV incidents were reported in Guangzhou from 2011 to June 2024, among which 5 incidents were from sewage sample testing in the Liede Sewage Treatment Plant in Guangzhou, all of which were confirmed as VDPV, with 1 for type I, 1 for type II, and 3 for type III. In addition, one confirmed HFMD case was identified as a type VDPV II carrier. No presence of any wild poliovirus (WPV), VDPV cases, or circulating VDPV (cVDPV) was reported. Conclusion Guangzhou City has maintained a high level of vigilance and effectiveness in the monitoring and prevention of polio. Continuously strengthening the construction of the polio monitoring network, optimizing vaccination strategies, and comprehensively improving public health awareness are still the focus of the prevention and control work in the future.
7.External application of traditional Chinese medicine in combination with three-step analgesic ladder therapy for cancer-induced bone pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Fei WANG ; Guihua LAI ; Fang ZHOU ; Duorui NIE ; Xiongtao CHENG ; Yue WANG ; Jianxiong CAO
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(1):59-75
[Objective] :
To systematically evaluate the overall efficacy of external application of traditional Chinese medicine (EA-TCM) in combination with oral three-step analgesic ladder therapy for patients suffering from cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP).
[Methods] :
We conducted a literature search of randomized controlled trials on the combination of EA-TCM and three-step analgesic ladder therapy for CIBP across ten databases and two registration systems. It included four Chinese databases [Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) ], six English databases (Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and OpenGrey), and two registration systems (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and ClinicalTrials.gov). The timeframe for the literature search extended from the inception of each database to December 31, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (v5.4.1), and the outcome indicators (pain relief rate, analgesic duration, quality of life, pain intensity, breakthrough pain frequency, and adverse reactions) were graded using GRADE profiler (v3.6).
[Results] :
According to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 43 studies was deemed eligible, involving 3 142 participants with CIBP. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with oral three-step analgesic ladder therapy alone, the combined therapy of EA-TCM and three-step analgesic ladder has a significant improvement in pain relief rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24 to 1.41, P < 0.000 01], analgesic duration [mean difference (MD) = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.69, P < 0.000 01], and quality of life (MD = 5.66, 95% CI: 4.88 to 6.44, P < 0.000 01). Furthermore, the combined therapy significantly reduced pain intensity (MD = – 1.00, 95% CI: – 1.19 to – 0.80, P < 0.000 01), breakthrough pain frequency (MD = – 0.43, 95% CI: – 0.51 to – 0.36, P < 0.000 01), and adverse reactions (RR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.68, P < 0.000 01) in CIBP patients. Based on the GRADE assessment, the level of evidence varied from low to moderate.
[Conclusion]
EA-TCM combined with the three-step analgesic ladder therapy can effectively alleviate pain symptoms in patients with CIBP and improve their quality of life. Additionally, the EA-TCM can effectively reduce the incidence of adverse reactions associated with three-step analgesic therapy.
8.Research status and prospects of treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Kaile ZHAO ; Lei WANG ; Jianxiong GENG ; Chengwei CUI ; Yan YU
China Oncology 2025;35(3):326-332
Malignant pleural mesothelioma(MPM)is strongly associated with a history of asbestos exposure and is characterized by high malignancy,high mortality,and poor prognosis.Current treatments for MPM are limited and generally suboptimal,resulting in a median overall survival(OS)of approximately one year for MPM patients.However,advancements in treatment options,including surgery,radiotherapy,chemotherapy,immunotherapy and targeted therapy,have brought new hope to patients with MPM.For early-stage MPM patients categorized under the TNM staging system,surgical treatment is feasible and can improve survival rates and quality of life.However,there is still debate regarding the optimal surgical approach for MPM.In addition to surgery,radiotherapy plays a vital role in MPM treatment.It is often used as prophylactic treatment or for alleviating local symptoms in advanced stages.Radiotherapy can also serve as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy in surgical contexts.For patients experiencing local progression or isolated distant metastases after systemic treatment,radiotherapy is a viable option.The advent of advanced radiotherapy techniques,such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)and volumetric intensity-modulated arc therapy(VMAT),has significantly improved the precision and efficacy of radiotherapy while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.Furthermore,brachytherapy can relieve pain or act as a localized supplemental therapy.Chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for MPM.The combination of pemetrexed and platinum-based drugs is widely applied as first-line therapy and has been shown to significantly extend survival.However,commonly used second-line regimens often yield suboptimal results.In recent years,immunotherapy has developed rapidly.Dual immunotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab has demonstrated impressive clinical efficacy and safety.The combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has also notably extended patients'median survival.Multiple clinical trials have confirmed that this combination therapy benefits patients.Currently available targeted therapies for MPM primarily focus on anti-angiogenesis.Bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy has established its position as a first-line treatment.Research on ramucirumab and apatinib suggests that these drugs have certain efficacy and safety profiles.Beyond conventional treatment options,the UV1 cancer vaccine combined with dual immunotherapy offers new hope for patients.Chimeric antigen receptor T(CAR-T)cell therapy is an emerging treatment method being investigated in MPM patients,with phase Ⅰ clinical trials demonstrating good antitumor effects.Additionally,some antibody-drug conjugates are becoming therapeutic options for MPM through precise targeting.Tumor treating fields combined with chemotherapy has also shown efficacy in extending survival.Despite the increasing variety of treatment options for MPM,its diagnosis and treatment still face numerous challenges,including difficulties in early detection,treatment resistance,and a lack of large-scale evidence-based clinical studies.Future research should focus on improving early diagnosis rates,developing new treatment strategies,overcoming resistance,and advancing personalized therapy.Strengthening the integration of basic research and clinical trials will also be essential.Through multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous innovation,it is hoped that more effective and safer treatment options will become available,ultimately improving the prognosis of MPM patients.
9.Correlation between serum apolipoprotein A1, tumor abnormal protein and recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor in patients with bladder cancer
Jianxiong WANG ; Ruochen QI ; Zhengxiang QI
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(5):385-392
Objective:To investigate the association of serum apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) and tumor abnormal protein (TAP) with recurrence risk after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in patients with bladder cancer.Methods:The data of 120 patients with bladder cancer who received TURBT treatment and were followed up in Xi′an Daxing Hospital from April 2018 to April 2021 were retrospectively collected. According to the recurrence data after 3 years of follow-up, the patients were divided into recurrence group (29 cases) and non-recurrence group (91 cases). Baseline data, serum Apo-A1, TAP levels and other laboratory indicators at the last preoperative examination were collected and compared between the two groups. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the association of serum Apo-A1, TAP with recurrence in these patients after TURBT. The dose-response relationship between serum Apo-A1, TAP and risk of recurrence after TURBT in patients with bladder cancer was analyzed by restricted cubic spline method. The interaction of serum Apo-A1 and TAP on recurrence after TURBT in patients with bladder cancer was analyzed.Results:During the follow-up period of 3 years, the disease recurred in 29 patients, with recurrence time from 16 to 33 months, and with the median recurrence time of 25.00 (20.50, 29.50) months. The proportion of tumor TNM stageⅡ, tumor pathological grade G 2, non intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin perfusion after operation and serum Apo-A1, TAP, nuclear matrix protein 22, bladder tumor antigen levels in the recurrence group were higher than those in the non-occurrence group: 72.41% (21/29) vs. 50.55% (46/91), 34.48% (10/29) vs. 14.29% (13/91), 31.03% (9/29) vs. 12.09% (11/91), (29.45 ± 4.78) μg/L vs. (24.81 ± 4.25) μg/L, (165.37 ± 10.28) μm 2 vs. (156.33 ± 9.92) μm 2, (31.11 ± 5.21) μg/L vs. (28.29 ± 5.13) μg/L, (27.93 ± 4.18) μg/L vs. (25.57 ± 4.95) μg/L, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that the recurrence after TURBT was related to the levels of serum Apo-A1, TAP and nuclear matrix protein 22 ( P<0.05). The results of restricted cubic spline analysis showed that there was a linear dose-response relationship between serum Apo-A1, TAP levels and the risk of recurrence after TURBT in patients with bladder cancer ( P<0.05). When serum Apo-A1≥25.50 μg/L and TAP≥159.20 μm 2, the risk of postoperative recurrence increased with the increase of their expression. There was a positive interaction between serum Apo-A1 and TAP on the recurrence after TURBT in patients with bladder cancer. The risk of recurrence in patients with high expression of both was 25.25 times that of patients with low expression of both, and the synergistic effect was 1.521 times that of the sum of the effects of the two alone. In the risk of tumor recurrence, 32.95% was caused by the interaction between the two. Conclusions:The risk of recurrence after TURBT in patients with bladder cancer may be related to the levels of serum Apo-A1 and TAP. Increase of the two levels may be a risk factor for postoperative recurrence, and there is a significant dose-response relationship between the two, and there is a positive interaction with tumor recurrence.
10.Impact of Postoperative Reduction Quality on Biomechanics of the Femoral Head Following Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures
Shixiong ZHANG ; Jianxiong MA ; Bin LU ; Ying WANG ; Aixian TIAN ; Lei SUN ; Zhe HAN ; Jiahui CHEN ; Jing DAI ; Haohao BAI ; Hongzhen JIN ; Jie ZHAO ; Pengfei LI ; Xinlong MA
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(5):1144-1149
Objective To investigate the effect of postoperative reduction quality in femoral neck fracture internal fixation on mechanical properties of the femoral head from the perspective of trabecular bone biomechanics.Methods From patients who underwent hip replacement surgery for femoral neck fractures,a total of 26 femoral head slice specimens were obtained.The central axis of the primary compressive trabeculae was defined as the 0° group,with the intersection point of the primary compressive trabeculae and the femoral calcar serving as the center.By rotating the specimens to simulate different reduction angles,the cut femoral head slice specimens were randomly divided into five groups:-10°,-5°,0°,5°,and 10°,representing femoral heads with varying reduction qualities.The specimens were subjected to single compression load tests and fatigue load tests.The load was set from 70 N to 1 400 N,at a frequency of 1 Hz,with 10 000 cycles.Axial stiffness,displacement,and the number of collapse cycles were measured,to compare the biomechanical properties of femoral head specimens under different reduction qualities.Results There were differences in the axial stiffness,displacement,and number of collapse cycles among the femoral head specimens in different groups.Under 800 N load,the axial stiffness of 0° group was significantly greater than that of±10° groups(P<0.05).The axial stiffness of 0° group was also greater than that of the±5° groups,but the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The axial stiffness of±5° groups was greater than that of±10° groups(P<0.05).0° group had a lower displacement than±5° groups and±10° groups.However,the differences in displacement between 0° group and±5° groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05),while the differences between the 0° group and±10° groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The differences in displacement between±5° groups and±10° groups were also statistically significant(P<0.05).0° group had a significantly higher number of collapse cycles than±10° groups(P<0.05).The number of collapse cycles in 0° group was also higher than that in±5° groups,but the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The number of collapse cycles in±5° groups was significantly higher than that±10° groups(P<0.05).Conclusions The quality of reduction after internal fixation of femoral neck fractures significantly affects the biomechanical properties of the femoral head.This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing treatment and postoperative management,aiming to improve clinical outcomes and patients' quality of life.


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