1.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
2.Effect of Carbohydrate Intake Order on Metabolic Profiles of Endurance Exercise Mice in a High-temperature Environment
Huan-Yu WANG ; Guo-Dong ZHOU ; Ru-Wen WANG ; Jun QIU ; Ru WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1529-1543
ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of carbohydrate intake order on post-exercise recovery and metabolic regulation under heat stress, particularly in models of exercise induced fatigue. Given the increasing significance of optimizing nutritional strategies to support performance in extreme environmental conditions, this study aimed to provide experimental evidence that contributes to a better understanding of how the sequence in which carbohydrates are consumed impacts exercise recovery, metabolic homeostasis, and fatigue alleviation in a high-temperature environment. MethodsA mouse model of exercise-induced fatigue was established under high-temperature (35°C) to simulate heat stress. The subjects were divided into 3 distinct groups based on their carbohydrate intake order: the “mixed intake” group (HOT_MIX), where all macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) were consumed in a balanced ratio; the “carbohydrate-first intake” group (HOT_CHO), where carbohydrates were consumed first followed by other macronutrients; the “carbohydrate-later intake” group (HOT_PRO), where proteins and fats were consumed prior to carbohydrates. Each group underwent a 7 d intervention period with daily intake according to their designated group. Exercise performance was assessed using rotarod retention time test, and biomarkers of muscle damage, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), lactate (LD), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), were measured. Furthermore, targeted metabolomics analyses were conducted to investigate metabolic shifts in response to different dietary strategies, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was employed to explore the biological mechanisms underlying these changes. ResultsThe findings demonstrated that the HOT_PRO group exhibited a significantly improved performance in the rotarod test, with a longer retention time compared to both the HOT_MIX and HOT_CHO groups (P<0.05). Additionally, this group showed significantly reduced levels of muscle damage markers such as LDH and CK, indicating that the carbohydrate-later intake strategy helped alleviate exercise-induced muscle injury. Metabolomic profiling of the HOT_PRO group showed marked increases in alanine, creatine, and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), indicating shifts in amino acid metabolism and oxidative metabolism. Conversely, metabolites such as spermidine, cholesterol sulfate, cholesterol, and serine were significantly reduced in the HOT_PRO group, pointing to alterations in lipid and sterol metabolism. Further analysis of the differential metabolites revealed that these changes were primarily associated with key metabolic pathways, including glycine-serine-threonine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. These pathways are essential for energy production, antioxidant defense, and muscle recovery, suggesting that the carbohydrate-later feeding strategy may promote metabolic homeostasis and improve exercise recovery by enhancing these critical metabolic processes. ConclusionThe results of this study support the hypothesis that consuming carbohydrates after proteins and fats during exercise recovery enhances metabolic homeostasis and accelerates recovery under heat stress. This strategy effectively modulates energy, amino acid, and lipid-related pathways, which are crucial for improving endurance performance and mitigating fatigue in high-temperature environments. The findings suggest that carbohydrate-later intake could be a promising nutritional strategy for athletes and individuals exposed to heat during physical activity. Furthermore, the study provides valuable insights into how different nutrient timing strategies can impact exercise recovery and metabolic regulation, paving the way for more personalized and effective nutritional interventions in extreme environmental conditions.
3.Comparative analysis of characteristics and functions of exosomes from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelets and apheresis platelets
Weihua HUANG ; Yan ZANG ; Aihua QIN ; Ziyang FENG ; Heshan TANG ; Fei GUO ; Chuyan WU ; Qiu SHEN ; Baohua QIAN ; Haihui GU ; Zhanshan CHA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1154-1161
Objective: To compare the biological characteristics of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelet exosomes (hiPSC-Plt-Exos) with those of conventional apheresis platelet exosomes (Plt-Exos), specifically focusing on their differential abilities to enhance the proliferation and migration of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). Methods: Exosomes were isolated from hiPSC-derived Plt and apheresis Plt concentrate using size exclusion chromatography. These exosomes were then characterized through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting. Co-culture experiments into hUC-MSCs were conducted with hiPSC-Plt-Exos and apheresis Plt-Exos, respectively. Their effects on the proliferation and migration of hUC-MSCs were assessed via cell proliferation assays and scratch tests. Results: hiPSC-Plt-Exos and apheresis Plt-Exos exhibited comparable particle sizes, morphological features (such as the characteristic cup-shaped structure), and surface markers (including CD9 and HSP70). Notably, hiPSC-Plt-Exos demonstrated a significantly greater ability to enhance the proliferation and migration of hUC-MSCs compared to apheresis Plt-Exos (P<0.05). These differences provide critical comparative data for their application in various clinical contexts. Conclusion: This study establishes a theoretical foundation for developing precise therapeutic strategies based on hiPSC-Plt-Exos. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of selecting the appropriate type of exosomes according to the specific disease microenvironment to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
4.Practical research on the training of intensive care medicine talents in Xizang based on cloud teaching rounds
Wei DU ; Guoying LIN ; Xiying GUI ; Li CHENG ; Xin CAI ; Jianlei FU ; Xiwei LI ; Pubu ZHUOMA ; Yang CI ; Danzeng QUZHEN ; Lü JI ; Ciren SANGZHU ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(8):1065-1068
In view of the problem of slow development of intensive care medicine in Xizang, the research team made full use of the national partner assistance to Xizang, gathered resources across all cities in Xizang, and formed a national academic platform for critical care medicine in plateau areas. Adhering to the academic orientation with hemodynamics as the main topic, critical care ultrasound as the bedside dynamic monitoring and evaluation method, and blood flow-oxygen flow resuscitation as the core connotation, we have achieved the goals of improving the critical care talent echelon throughout Xizang, driving the overall progress of intensive care medicine in Xizang, making a figure in China, and focusing on training of top-notch talents.
5.Research progress of inducing ferroptosis of cancer stem cells against colorectal cancer
Li-Na GONG ; Meng-Ling YUAN ; Xue-Ying CHENG ; Chen-Yang XU ; Jun PAN ; Qiu-Tong CHEN ; Ling WANG ; Zi-Li ZHANG ; Mei GUO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1030-1034
Cancer stem cell(CSC)are the"seed"cells in the occurrence,development,metastasis and recurrence of colorectal cancer.Targeted killing of CSC provides a new target for anti-colorectal cancer therapy.Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death mode due to the abnormal accumulation of intracellular i-ron ions,which results in the massive reactive oxygen species(ROS)and lipid peroxides,leading to cell death.Studies have shown that cancer stem cells are more enriched in iron ions than non-CSC,which provides a new perspective for targeting ferropto-sis in cancer stem cells against colorectal cancer.This article re-views the research progress of inducing CSC ferroptosis in the treatment of colorectal cancer,such as targeted regulation of SLC7A11 expression in CSC,chelating iron in CSC lysosomes,targeting CSC phenotypic plasticity,reversing CSC iron homeo-stasis,and targeting CSC lipid droplet metabolism induce CSC ferroptosis,which provides new ideas for anti-tumor therapy.
6.Improvement and mechanism of PF-04957325,an 8-type phosphodiesterase inhibitor,in cognitive impairment induced by okadaic acid in mice with Alzheimer's disease
Yu-Li LYU ; Tian-Yang GUO ; Nian-Zhuang QIU ; Han-Ting ZHANG ; Hao WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1719-1726
Aim To investigate the effects of the phos-phodiesterase 8(PDE8)inhibitor PF-04957325 on learning and memory,anxiety and depression in Alzhe-imer's disease(AD)mice induced by Okadaic acid(OA),and to explore its mechanism.Methods Twenty-one 2-month-old male C57BL/6J mice were se-lected for the experiment and randomly divided into the control group,AD model group,and PDE8 inhibitor group(0.1 mg·kg-1).AD model was induced by bi-lateral hippocampal localization injection of OA(50 ng on each side)in the model and PDE8 inhibitor groups of mice.Two days after the injection of OA,PDE8 in-hibitor group was given 0.1 mg·kg-1 drug,while the AD model groups and control group were given with the same volume of vehicle for 21 consecutive days.On day 13 of inhibitor administration,behavioral tests re-lated to learning and memory abilities,anxiety and de-pressive behaviors were performed in mice.HE stai-ning was used to observe the morphology of neuronal cells in the DG,CA1,and CA3 regions of the hippo-campus of mice,and Western blot was used to detect the levels of phosphorylated Tau proteins at different sites within the hippocampus of mice as well as the ex-pression of proteins related to the PDE8/cAMP/CREB pathway.Results Compared with the control group,the Y-maze Spontaneous alternation,Recognition index of NOR and Latency of PAT were significantly shorter(P<0.01),and Entries times、Time in the target quadrant of MWM were reduced(P<0.05)in the AD model group,which showed a decrease in the ability of learning and memory,whereas the administration of PF-04957325 significantly improved the ability of learning and memory in the AD mice;mice in the AD model group showed a significant decrease in the num-ber of entries into the central area of the OFT and the time spent in the central area(P<0.05),and a sig-nificant increase in the Immobility time of TST(P<0.01),suggesting that the mice had anxiety and de-pression,and the administration of PF-04957325 did not improve the anxious behavior of the mice,but im-proved the depressed behavior to a certain extent;the hippocampus of the AD model group mice showed ker-nel solidification in the DG,CA1 and CA3 regions,and neurons were not neatly arranged,and the admin-istration of PF-04957325 could alleviate the damage of hippocampal nerve cells in mice.Compared with the control group,the phosphorylation levels of Tau protein Ser1 99,Ser396 and Ser202 sites in the hippocampus of mice in the AD model group were significantly in-creased(P<0.01),the expression of PDE8A and PDE8B proteins was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression of p-PKA/PKA and BDNF proteins was decreased(P<0.05),after administra-tion of PF-04957325,the phosphorylation levels of Tau protein Ser396 and Ser202 sites were significantly re-duced(P<0.01),PDE8A and PDE8B protein ex-pression was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and p-PKA/PKA,p-CREB/CREB and BDNF protein ex-pression was significantly increased(P<0.01).Con-clusion PDE8 inhibitor PF-04957325 can improve learning memory ability,reduce cognitive dysfunction,restore Tau protein function,and attenuate neuronal cell damage in the hippocampus of AD mice with amel-iorative effects.The mechanism of action may be relat-ed to the activation of PDE8/cAMP/CREB pathway and inhibition of Tau protein phosphorylation.
7.Correlation between changes of sagittal spinopelvic parameters after hip arthroplasty and facet joint-derived low back pain
Xuan WANG ; Wei-Guo BIAN ; Hong-Bo QIU ; Guo-Dong JIN ; Fei GUO ; Lin-Juan ZHANG ; Xue-Zhe HAN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(5):444-447
Objective To study the relationship between the changes of sagittal spinopelvic parameters and facet joint-derived low back pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis after hip arthroplasty.Methods The clinical data of 30 patients with facet joint-derived low back pain induced by hip osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral hip arthroplasty(observation group)from June 2019 to November 2020 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed,and 50 healthy subjects who underwent lumbar X-ray examination in the physical examination center of our hospital at the same time were randomly selected as the control group.The sagittal spinopelvic parameters were measured based on the X-ray,including pelvic incidence(PI),pelvic tilt(PT),sacral slope(SS),lumbar lordosis(LL),sacrum pubic incidence(SPI)and sacrum pubic posterior angle(SPPA).The correlation between the changes of sagittal spinopelvic parameters and facet joint-derived low back pain was analyzed by multiple linear regression,and its diagnostic efficacy to facet joint-derived low back pain was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The PI,LL,SPI or SPA before and 1 year after surgery of the observation group had no significant difference combined with those of the control group(P>0.05).The PT before surgery of the observation group was smaller than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the SS before surgery was larger than that of the control group(P<0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that PT and SS before surgery were correlated with facet joint-derived low back pain(P<0.05).The sensitivity of PT and SS before surgery in diagnosing facet joint-derived low back pain were 50.00%and 73.30%,with the specificity of 88.00%and 78.00%,respectively.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of PT and SS before surgery in diagnosing facet joint-derived low back pain were 0.708(95%CI:0.595 to 0.822)and 0.775(95%CI:0.673 to 0.877),respectively.Conclusion Patients with hip osteoarthritis pain have significantly larger SS and significantly smaller PT.Hip arthroplasty can alleviate the symptoms of low back pain without affecting the sagittal spinopelvic balance;the PT and SS before surgery are correlated with the facet joint-derived low back pain,and they are of high value in the diagnosing facet joint-derived low back pain.
8.Comparison on radiation doses of in vitro pre-fenestration and in situ fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair in treatment of aortic disease
Fang XUE ; Xiaofeng HAN ; Gang WANG ; Lei SHAO ; Guangrui LIU ; Tiezheng LI ; Xi GUO ; Wei QIU ; Xiaohai MA
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(9):553-556
Objective To compare the radiation dose of in vitro pre-fenestration and in situ fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair(TEVAR)in treatment of aortic disease.Methods Data of 51 patients with aortic diseases who received in vitro pre-fenestration(group A)and 21 cases who underwent in situ fenestration(group B)TEVAR were retrospectively analyzed.The fluoroscopy duration,total reference air kerma(AK),total dose area product(DAP)and TEVAR time were compared between groups.Results TEVAR was successfully completed in all 72 patients.Fluoroscopy duration([21.42±8.04]min vs.[34.57±9.07]min)and total DAP(44315.0[31157.0,56307.5]μGy·m2 vs.72153.0[45460.0,82354.0]μGy·m2)in group A were both significantly lower than those in group B(both P<0.05),while total AK(2423[1638,3533]mGy vs.3600[1898,3921]mGy)and TEVAR time([83.41±22.89]min vs.[81.00±22.13]min)in group A were not significant different from those in group B(both P>0.05).Conclusion Compared with in situ fenestration TEVAR,both the fluoroscopy time and total DAP of in vitro pre-fenestration TEVAR significantly reduced for treating aortic diseases.
9.Construction of experimental animal models and evaluation of spleen deficiency syndrome:a review
Yonglong ZHANG ; Weigang MA ; Xingyu QIAN ; Suhong ZHAO ; Shanshan LI ; Yongming GUO ; Zhifang XU ; Xingfang PAN ; Jiwen QIU ; Yi GUO ; Zhongzheng LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(3):385-396
The construction of experimental animal models plays an important supporting role in research into the mechanisms of action of Chinese medicines.There have been increasing reports of the construction and evaluation of animal models of spleen deficiency;however,the construction method have involved different standards and there has been insufficient objectification of the evaluation indexes.In this review,we summarize the construction and evaluation method of animal models of spleen deficiency from the aspects of animal selection,model establishment,macroscopic characterization,behavioral experiments,and objective indexes of spleen deficiency,with a view to providing theoretical guidance for the construction of experimental animal models of spleen deficiency and references for the selection of animal model platforms for spleen deficiency.
10.Synergistic antimicrobial effect of demethylzeylasteral and meropenem against NDM-1-positive Escherichia coli
Zhiying LIU ; Yan GUO ; Lei XU ; Hongtao LIU ; Xuming DENG ; Jiazhang QIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(8):1765-1772
This study aims to investigate the synergistic antimicrobial effect of demethylzeylasteral meropenem against NDM-1-positive Escherichia coli.Firstly,the nitrocefin hydrolysis assay and molecular docking assay were used to determine the inhibitory effect and mechanism of demethyl-zeylasteral on the hydrolytic activity of the NDM-1 protein.Secondly,the synergistic bacteriostatic effect of demethylzeylasteral with the carbapenem antibiotic meropenem was confirmed by the checkerboard minimum inhibitory concentration assay,growth curve assay,and inhibition zone as-say.The synergistic bactericidal effect of the combination was further determined by the time-kill-ing assay,live/dead bacterial staining assay,and membrane integrity assay.Finally,the G.mellonel-la infection model demonstrated the protective effect of demethylzeylasteral and meropenem.The results indicated that demethylzeylasteral significantly inhibited the hydrolytic activity of NDM-1(IC50=0.32 mg/L)and competitively affected the binding of NDM-1 to meropenem.In vitro tests showed that demethylzeylasteral had good a synergistic antibacterial effect with meropenem and could exert a synergistic bactericidal effect by enhancing the membrane damage of bacteria caused by meropenem.In vivo assays demonstrated that demethylzeylasteral increased the protective effect of meropenem from 67%to 80%.The results obtained in this study provide a therapeutic strategy and antibacterial synergist for treating NDM-1-positive bacterial infections.

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