1.Whole-genome sequencing analysis of co-existing bacteria in platelet products: genomic features and biological implications
Qiqi WANG ; Yuwei ZHAO ; Xue CHEN ; Zhan GAO ; Miao HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):305-316
Objective: To establish a rapid, accurate, and decentralized workflow for bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and risk profiling within the shelf-life of platelet concentrates, and to characterize the species, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and immune evasion mechanisms of co-existing bacteria in qualified platelet products, thereby providing a scientific basis for transfusion safety assessment. Methods: Three units of platelet concentrates, which tested negative by routine bacterial screening, were collected from the Chengdu Blood Center between May and June 2025. Samples were enriched at 37℃under six aerobic and nine anaerobic conditions for 7 days. Using a culturomics strategy, aliquots were plated for isolation on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to obtain cultivable isolates, with negative culture controls included to exclude contamination. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA was extracted via mechanical grinding, purified, and size-selected. Sequencing libraries were constructed and sequenced on the G-seq500 single-molecule nanopore sequencing platform. Genomes were assembled using Flye and polished with NextPolish, with quality evaluated by BUSCO and CheckM. Taxonomic identification was performed using GTDB-Tk. Functional annotation and database comparisons were conducted to analyze virulence factors, AMR genes, and genes related to immune evasion and environmental adaptation. Results: Viable bacteria were successfully isolated from all three qualified platelet units within their shelf life. The isolates were identified as Bacillus albus, Niallia taxi, and Staphylococcus warneri. Nanopore sequencing generated 92 227-109 813 reads (totaling 680-758 Mb) with an N50 of 7 625-8 584 bp and Q20/Q30 scores of 97%/93%, respectively. All three genomes were assembled into complete circular chromosomes with 1-3 plasmids, achieving >93% completeness. Functional analysis revealed that B. albus carried multiple hemolysins, metalloproteases, and multidrug resistance genes, indicating the highest potential pathogenicity and AMR risk. S. warneri exhibited a typical multidrug resistance profile and regulatory network characteristic of coagulase-negative staphylococci, suggesting intermediate virulence. N. taxi harbored few canonical virulence factors and lacked functional AMR determinants, presenting a "low-virulence, low-resistance" profile. Notably, all three strains were enriched in genes encoding antimicrobial peptide resistance systems (e.g., dltABCD, mprF, GraRS, BceAB) and antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a strong capacity to withstand immune stress in the blood environment. Conclusion: Viable bacteria can be recovered from qualified platelet concentrates that test negative by routine screening. Nanopore WGS enables rapid strain-level identification and comprehensive risk profiling of virulence, resistance, and immune adaptation traits. The functional repertoires of these "co-existing" isolates range from environmental adaptation to potential pathogenicity, representing an underappreciated risk for transfusion-transmitted infections in susceptible recipients.
2.Differential expressions of exosomal miRNAs in patients with chronic heart failure and hyperuricemia: diagnostic values of miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p.
Zhiliang CHEN ; Yonggang YANG ; Xia HUANG ; Yan CHENG ; Yuan QU ; Qiqi HENG ; Yujia FU ; Kewei LI ; Ning GU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(1):43-51
OBJECTIVES:
To analyze the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) complicated by hyperuricemia (HUA) and explore their potential as novel diagnostic molecular markers and their target genes.
METHODS:
This study was conducted among 30 CHF patients with HUA (observation group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) enrolled between September, 2020 and September, 2023. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 6 CHF patients with HUA for analyzing exosomal miRNAs by high-throughput sequencing, and the results were validated in the remaining 24 patients using qRT-PCR. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to predict the the target genes of the identified differential miRNAs. We also validated the differentially expressed miRNAs by animal experiment.
RESULTS:
A total of 42 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were detected in observation group by high-throughput sequencing; among them, miR-27a-5p was significantly upregulated (P=0.000179), and miR-139-3p was significantly downregulated (P=0.000058). In the 24 patients with both CHF and PUA, qRT-PCR validated significant upregulation of miR-27a-5p (P=0.004) and downregulation of miR-139-3p (P=0.005) in serum exosomes. When combined, miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p had a maximum area under the curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% CI: 0812-0.987) for predicting CHF complicated by HUA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that the differential expressions of miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p was associated with the activation of the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway to activate the autophagic response. We obtained the same conclusion from animal experiment.
CONCLUSIONS
Upregulated exosomal miR-27a-5p combined with downregulated exosomal miR-139-3p expression can serve as a novel molecular marker for diagnosis of CHF complicated by HUA, and their differential expression may promote autophagy in cardiomyocytes by activating the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.
Humans
;
Hyperuricemia/diagnosis*
;
Heart Failure/genetics*
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Exosomes/metabolism*
;
Chronic Disease
;
Male
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Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Animals
3.Ameliorating vascular endothelial injury for lipolysacharide-induced via mitochondrial targeting function of octaarginine-modified essential oil from Fructus Alpiniae zerumbet (EOFAZ) lipid microspheres.
Lingyan LI ; Zengqiu YANG ; Qiqi LI ; Qianqian GUO ; Xingjie WU ; Yu'e WANG ; Xiangchun SHEN ; Ying CHEN ; Ling TAO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(2):340-351
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the therapeutic potential of octaarginine (R8)-modified essential oil from Fructus Alpiniae zerumbet (EOFAZ) lipid microspheres (EOFAZ@R8LM) for cardiovascular therapy.
METHODS:
EOFAZ@R8LM was developed by leveraging the volatilization of EOFAZ and integrating it with the oil phase of LM, followed by surface modification with cell-penetrating peptide R8 to target the site of vascular endothelial injury. The therapeutic effects of this formulation in alleviating lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular endothelial inflammation were evaluated by assessing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as well as inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels.
RESULTS:
EOFAZ@R8LM effectively delivered EOFAZ to the site of injury and specifically targeted the mitochondria in vascular endothelial cells, thereby ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction through regulation of MMP and reduction of intracellular ROS levels. Moreover, it attenuated the expression levels of IL-6 and IL-1β, exerting protective effects on the vascular endothelium.
CONCLUSION
Our findings highlight the significant therapeutic potential of EOFAZ@R8LM in cardiovascular therapy, providing valuable insights for developing novel dosage forms utilizing EOFAZ for effective treatment against cardiovascular diseases.
4.Application of Zebrafish in Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi LI ; Xiaolu CHEN ; Jiarui WU ; Xiaoyu TAO ; Qiqi FAN ; Shengyun DAI ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):58-70
As a new type of model organism, zebrafish is gradually gaining prominence in the field of scientific research. The unique biological characteristics and advantages of zebrafish make them play an increasingly important role in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. Compared with other common experimental animals, zebrafish have a fast reproductive and growth speed and high embryo transparency, making them an ideal model for evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. This provides a new perspective and method for research on traditional Chinese medicine. With the growing global interest in traditional Chinese medicine, it has become crucial to find scientific and accurate methods to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. The introduction of the zebrafish model has brought new breakthroughs in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. To further promote the application of zebrafish in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine, this article systematically searched and sorted out the previous studies related to the application of zebrafish for this purpose since 2023. The commonly used disease models and indicators of zebrafish in evaluating the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the mechanism of zebrafish in exploring the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, were primarily reviewed. The application of zebrafish in evaluating the safety of traditional Chinese medicine and the typical examples in ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicine were demonstrated. The limitations encountered by zebrafish models in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine were highlighted. The resolution of these problems will help further improve the accuracy and reliability of zebrafish in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. The article discussed the evaluation of effectiveness, safety, and quality control of zebrafish applied in traditional Chinese medicine, so as to provide a reference for establishing standards for traditional Chinese medicine and promoting its modernization in the future.
5.Hepatotoxicity and Anti-osteoporotic Mechanism of Evodiamine
Jiaqi LI ; Xiaolu CHEN ; Xiaoyu TAO ; Shan LU ; Qiqi FAN ; Jiarui WU ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):79-86
ObjectiveBased on the zebrafish model, the hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporotic activity of evodiamine (EVO) were studied. The mechanism of EVO in treating osteoporosis was explored by using network pharmacology and real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). MethodsThree days after fertilization (3 dpf), zebrafish were randomly selected and exposed to different concentrations of EVO solution for 96 hours. The mortality rate of zebrafish at different concentrations was calculated at the exposure endpoint, and a "dose-toxicity" curve was drawn. The 10% lethal concentration (LC10) was calculated. Liver phenotype, acridine orange staining, and pathological tissue sections of liver-transgenic zebrafish [CZ16 (gz15Tg.Tg (fabp 10a: ds Red; ela31: EGFP))] were used to confirm hepatotoxicity of EVO. On this basis, prednisolone was used to create a model of osteoporosis in zebrafish. The skull development, area of the skull stained by alizarin red, and cumulative optical density were used as indicators to evaluate the anti-osteoporotic activity of EVO in a safe dose. Based on network pharmacology, the mechanism of action of EVO in the treatment of osteoporosis was predicted and verified through Real-time PCR. ResultsThe LC10 of EVO on zebrafish (7 dpf) was determined to be 0.4 mg·L-1. Compared with the control group, sublethal concentrations (
6.Value of bedside capsule endoscopy in patients with acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding
Qiqi ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Lu CHEN ; Bitao LIN ; Zhenyu CHEN ; Xinke WANG ; Wan TIANMO ; Xicheng FENG ; Zhenjiang2 WANG ; Aimin LI ; Baoping WU ; Side LIU ; Xiaobei LUO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2025;42(2):137-141
Objective:To analyze the diagnostic value of bedside capsule endoscopy in patients with acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:Clinical data from patients who underwent bedside capsule endoscopy due to acute or severe suspected gastrointestinal bleeding in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2018 to September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The efficacy of capsule endoscopy in detecting upper gastrointestinal tract and small intestinal bleeding was evaluated.Results:A total of 74 patients underwent bedside capsule endoscopy for suspected acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Five patients were excluded due to failure of examination due to retention of capsule endoscope in the gastric lumen, and 69 were included in the study, of whom 54 patients with a definitive diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The positive detection rate of the capsule endoscopy was 83.33% (45/54), including 17 cases of ulcer, 5 cases of erosion, 5 cases of vascular malformation, 4 protrusion mass, 4 diverticulum, 5 obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, 1 stenosis , 1 active mucosal blood exudation, 1 gastric retention, 1 mucosal swelling, and 1 mucosal wrinkle change. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were 92.31% (12/13) and 75.00% (3/4) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy for diagnosing small intestinal bleeding were 80.49% (33/41) and 90.91% (10/11) respectively.Conclusion:Bedside capsule endoscopy demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding, showing potential advantages in bedside applications for acute and severe gastrointestinal bleeding.
7.Disulfiram inhibits necroptosis in podocytes and macrophages by suppressing RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway
Shujun WANG ; Qiqi LIANG ; Siyuan CHEN ; Qingbing ZHA
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(7):1665-1672
Objective:To explore effect and potential mechanism of disulfiram on necrotizing apoptosis of renal podocytes and macrophages.Methods:Mouse renal podocyte MPC-5 and macrophages J774A.1 and BMDM cells were cultured in vitro and treated with TNF-α,Smac mimetic LCL-161 and pan-caspase inhibitor IDN-6556(TSI)to induce necroptosis.Cell necrosis was detected by propi-dium iodide staining.Western blot was used to detect protein levels of necroptosis markers MLKL,RIPK3 and RIPK1.Immuno-fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the subcellular distribution of RIPK3 and p-MLKL in MPC-5 cells.Results:TSI treat-ment induced significant necroptosis in both MPC-5 cells and macrophages.Disulfiram was able to inhibit necroptosis in these cells in a dose-dependent manner.Moreover,disulfiram markedly blocked the phosphorylation of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL.The aggregation of RIPK3 and p-MLKL were also suppressed by disulfiram.Conclusion:Disulfiram inhibits necroptosis in podocytes and macrophages by suppressing RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway.
8.Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients with Initial Treatment Tuberculosis
Haixia GU ; Jiangli PENG ; Anxin CHEN ; Rui YIN ; Qiqi XIAO ; Jie CHEN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(4):129-135
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics,treatment and prognosis of patients undergoing the maintenance hemodialysis and treatment-naive tuberculosis and to explore the prognostic factors,so as to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of patients undergoing hemodialysis due to tuberculosis.Methods The clinical data of 70 patients undergoing hemodialysis with treatment-naive tuberculosis admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Kunming from October 31,2020~October 31,2023 were retrospectively collected,the clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed,and the occurrence of adverse reactions,treatment outcomes and prognostic factors were observed.Results Among the 70 patients,pulmonary tuberculosis was the primary type(64 cases,accounting for 91.43%),and extrapulmonary tuberculosis was also quite common(56 cases,accounting for 80.00%).The most widely used anti-tuberculosis regimen was isoniazid,rifampicin,ethambutol,and moxifloxacin in a four-drug combination;During the anti-tuberculosis treatment,55 patients(78.57%)improved.A total of 13 adverse reactions occurred in 11 patients(15.71%),and the most common ones were itching,rash and blurred vision.The hemoglobin,lymphocyte count and CD8+T lymphocyte count in the treatment improvement group were higher than those in the ineffective group(P<0.05).Conclusion Dialysis patients have a high risk of tuberculosis infection,mainly pulmonary tuberculosis,and extrapulmonary tuberculosis is more common.78.57%of the patients hare improved after the tuberculosis treatment,but the overall prognosis is poor,and the low hemoglobin level is associated with ineffective treatment.
9.Research Status and Clinical Application Progress of Peptide Drugs
Qiqi PEI ; Qian CHEN ; Hanying WANG ; Li TIAN ; Guizhu FENG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(11):148-159
With the increasing difficulty of traditional chemical drug research and development,peptide drugs have gradually become a hot spot in drug research and development due to their advantages of high specificity,significant efficacy,easy metabolism and low toxicity.This review systematically expounds the physicochemical properties,main advantages and limitations of peptide drugs,and summarizes the currently common strategies for structural modification and delivery.It focuses on the application and target of approved peptide drugs in various diseases such as diabetes,cancer,bacterial and viral infections,multiple sclerosis,and osteoporosis.Furthermore,the research analyzes the challenges in the research and development of peptide drugs,including poor in vivo stability,low bioavailability,and limited routes of administration.It also discusses the prospects of new technologies based on molecular modification,nanodelivery systems,and computer-aided design.In summary,peptide drugs have shown unique advantages in multi-field therapy,but they still need to break through bottlenecks in preparation,delivery and drug resistance to provide new ideas and directions for future precision therapy.
10.Efficacy and safety of different preparations of amphotericin B in the treatment of AIDS complicated with talaromycosis
Qiqi XIAO ; Min YU ; Jianrong LUO ; Yonggang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(3):259-264
Objective To compare the anti fungal efficacy and safety of amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex(amphotericin B colloidal dispersion,ABCD)and amphotericin B for injection(amphotericin B deoxycholate,AmB-D)in the treatment of AIDS complicated with talaromycosis(TSM).Methods A total of 80 patients who were diagnosed with AIDS and complicated with TSM from December 2021 to January 2024 in Department of Infection,Kunming Third People's Hospital were included in the study.The patients were randomized to receive ABCD(n=40)via intravenous infusion or AmB-D(control,n=40)via Ⅳ infusion protected from light.The overall treatment efficacy rate,CD4+T lymphocyte count,routine blood tests,liver and kidney function tests,K+concentration,and the incidence of adverse drug reactions(ADR)during study were compared between the two treatment groups.Results The overall efficacy rate was 87.5%(35/40)in ABCD group and 80.0%(32/40)in the control(AmB-D)group(P>0.05).WBC,hemoglobin,and platelet count were significantly higher after treatment compared with pretreatment levels(P<0.05)in both groups.The CD4+T lymphocyte count was higher after treatment compared with pretreatment levels in both groups.And the CD4+T lymphocyte count in ABCD group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of total bilirubin,aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,blood urea nitrogen,and serum creatinine increased after treatment in both groups.Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased significantly in control group compared with ABCD group(P<0.05).After treatment,serum K+concentration decreased significantly in control group compared with the pretreatment level and compared with ABCD group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse events in ABCD group was significantly lower than that in the control group.The time to renal injury was delayed significantly(P<0.05).Conclusions In the treatment of AIDS complicated with TSM,the efficacy of ABCD was comparable to AmB-D.The incidence of hepatic impairment did not show significant difference between ABCD and AmB-D.However,ABCD is associated with less renal impairment,lower incidence of adverse events,and better safety,which is valuable for clinical use.

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