1.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
2.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
3.The Role of FASN in Tumors and Its Targeted Therapy
Wen-Jing JIANG ; Ruo-Xi ZHANG ; Yu-Qing TAI ; Ya-Wen SUN ; Xi-Yu ZHANG ; Xiao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):920-935
Malignant tumors represent a major threat to global health. Conventional anti-tumor pharmacotherapy often encounters challenges such as drug resistance, highlighting an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Fatty acid synthase (FASN), the key enzyme catalyzing de novo fatty acid synthesis, is subject to precise regulation at multiple levels, including transcriptional control, various post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation, as well as modulation by diverse signaling pathways. Recent studies have revealed that FASN is aberrantly overexpressed in various malignant tumors and is closely associated with tumor progression and poor patient prognosis. FASN is a homodimer composed of seven functional domains that catalyzes the NADPH-dependent condensation of acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA to generate saturated fatty acids, primarily palmitic acid. Its stability is regulated by multiple ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes. Additionally, FASN is subject to upstream regulation via neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 8 (Nedd8) modification and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, thereby establishing a metabolic-signaling positive feedback loop. As a core executor of metabolic reprogramming, FASN promotes tumorigenesis through dual mechanisms. First, its fatty acid synthesis product, palmitate, participates in membrane phospholipid synthesis, lipid raft formation, and protein palmitoylation, thereby activating several key oncogenic signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, wingless-type MMTV integration site family member (Wnt)/β‑catenin, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), leading to tumor development and progression. Second, FASN plays a pivotal role in modulating the anti-tumor functions of immune cells and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. Specifically, FASN enhances immune checkpoint inhibition by inducing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) palmitoylation, suppresses the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, and promotes the polarization of M2-type macrophages, consequently facilitating tumor immune evasion and malignant progression. Precisely due to its significant overexpression in tumor cells, its critical functional role, and its differential expression compared to normal cells, FASN has emerged as a highly promising target for anti-tumor drug development. Highly selective small-molecule inhibitors, notably represented by TVB-2640, have advanced to clinical trial stages and demonstrated favorable anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, the combination of FASN inhibitors with other chemotherapeutic agents or targeted drugs can overcome the limitations of monotherapy through synergistic effects or by resensitizing tumor cells to conventional drugs, achieving a “1+1>2” therapeutic outcome. With the advancement of modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), numerous active ingredients derived from TCM have been confirmed to exert anti-tumor effects by modulating FASN-related pathways. This integrated approach leverages the precision of Western medicine while simultaneously harnessing the holistic regulatory benefits of TCM to alleviate the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite the promising prospects of FASN-targeted therapies, challenges remain, including tumor cell metabolic plasticity, tumor context-dependent responses, and heterogeneity. This review systematically summarizes the molecular structure, physiological functions, and mechanisms of FASN in tumorigenesis, as well as recent advances in targeted therapies. Future directions—including the precise identification of responsive patient populations using spatial transcriptomics, the development of novel combination regimens, and the active exploration of integrative strategies combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine—will facilitate the clinical translation of FASN-targeted therapies and open new avenues for improving the quality of life and prognosis of cancer patients.
4.Efficacy and safety of high-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Guang-an LIU ; Wang-long WU ; Lin-xiao ZHOU ; Jing CUI ; Bo SHAO ; Ruo-xi ZHANG ; Feng LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):266-271
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.Methods This retrospective study included 392 patients diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent catheter radiofrequency ablation at Suzhou Kowloon Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2019 to December 2023.Of these,256 patients were treated with high-power,short-duration ablation,and 136 patients with low-power,long-duration ablation.The following parameters were compared:radiofrequency ablation time,total procedure time,single-circle pulmonary vein isolation rate,immediate procedural success rate,number of ablation points,and perioperative complications(including pericardial tamponade,pseudoaneurysm,arteriovenous fistula,stroke,etc.).Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3,6,and 12 months post-surgery to evaluate the 12-month sinus rhythm maintenance rate.Results The ablation time in the high-power group was significantly shorter than that in the low-power group[(14.6±2.3)min vs.(30.3±4.2)min,P<0.001],as was the total procedure time[(113.8±24.8)min vs.(128.5±26.7)min,P=0.001].There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pulmonary vein isolation rate(97.7%vs.94.9%,P=0.823),number of ablation points[(71.2±8.0)vs.(74.3±14.3),P=0.168],or perioperative complications(3.1%vs.4.4%,P=0.571).Regarding the maintenance rate of sinus rhythm at 12 months post-operation,the high-power group showed a higher rate than the low-power group,but no statistically significant difference was observed(82.8%vs.79.4%,P=0.399).Conclusions High-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation can improve procedural efficiency in the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.Its efficacy and safety are similar to those of the low-power,long-duration technique.
5.Efficacy and safety of high-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Guang-an LIU ; Wang-long WU ; Lin-xiao ZHOU ; Jing CUI ; Bo SHAO ; Ruo-xi ZHANG ; Feng LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):266-271
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.Methods This retrospective study included 392 patients diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent catheter radiofrequency ablation at Suzhou Kowloon Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2019 to December 2023.Of these,256 patients were treated with high-power,short-duration ablation,and 136 patients with low-power,long-duration ablation.The following parameters were compared:radiofrequency ablation time,total procedure time,single-circle pulmonary vein isolation rate,immediate procedural success rate,number of ablation points,and perioperative complications(including pericardial tamponade,pseudoaneurysm,arteriovenous fistula,stroke,etc.).Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3,6,and 12 months post-surgery to evaluate the 12-month sinus rhythm maintenance rate.Results The ablation time in the high-power group was significantly shorter than that in the low-power group[(14.6±2.3)min vs.(30.3±4.2)min,P<0.001],as was the total procedure time[(113.8±24.8)min vs.(128.5±26.7)min,P=0.001].There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pulmonary vein isolation rate(97.7%vs.94.9%,P=0.823),number of ablation points[(71.2±8.0)vs.(74.3±14.3),P=0.168],or perioperative complications(3.1%vs.4.4%,P=0.571).Regarding the maintenance rate of sinus rhythm at 12 months post-operation,the high-power group showed a higher rate than the low-power group,but no statistically significant difference was observed(82.8%vs.79.4%,P=0.399).Conclusions High-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation can improve procedural efficiency in the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.Its efficacy and safety are similar to those of the low-power,long-duration technique.
6.Oroxylin A induces apoptosis in Ishikawa cell line of endometrial cancer via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Huan-huan ZHAO ; Yu-qian JIAO ; Ruo-qi QIAO ; Xue BAI ; Na WANG ; Yun-jie TIAN ; Wen-ling FAN ; Li LI ; Su-wen SU ; Yan FU ; Hui ZHANG ; Hong-fang YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):555-560
Aim To investigate the effect of oroxylin A(OA)on apoptosis in Ishikawa cell line of endometrial cancer and the underlying mechanism through the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway.Methods Ishikawa cells were treated with different concentrations of OA(0,4,8,10,12,and 20 μmol·L-1)for 24 h-72 h,the cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,and the protein ex-pression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),PI3K/AKT,recombinant cytochrome P450 1B1(CYP1B1),and catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT)were detected by Western blot technique.Results OA inhibited the prolifera-tion of Ishikawa cells in a concentration-and time-de-pendent manner.Compared with the blank control group,the expression of Bax protein increased signifi-cantly,while the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased significantly with the increase of OA concentration.The expression of COMT protein increased significant-ly,while the expression of CYP1B1 protein decreased significantly.PI3K/AKT:IGF-1(PI3 K agonist)sup-plementation reversed the effect,the expression of COMT protein significantly decreased,and the expres-sion of CYP1B1 protein significantly increased.Con-clusions OA exerts anti-tumor effects in Ishikawa cells of endometrial cancer,which may be related to cell apoptosis mediated by the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
7.Observation on the therapeutic effects of ultrasound assisted administration of nusinersen in spinal muscular atrophy patients with scoliosis
Ruo ZHANG ; Qi RU ; Xiaoguang LI
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;38(3):203-206
Objective To assess the therapeutic effects of ultrasound(US)assisted administration of nusinersen in spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)patients with scoliosis.Methods The clinical data of 7 SMA patients with scoliosis treated with US assisted administration of nusinersen were retrospectively reviewed.The locating time,level of puncture points,puncture time,the number of puncture attempts,pain scores and adverse events were recorded.Meantime,the learning curve(LC)of US assisted administration of nusinersen for SMA patients with scoliosis was analyzed using cumulative sum(CUSUM).Results Thirty-one procedures were performed on 7 SMA patients with scoliosis.The success rate was 100%.The locating time was 11.9(5.1,15.4)min,the puncture time was 12.6(6.0,16.9)min,the number of puncture attempts were 2.0(1.0,3.0),the pain scores were 2.1(1.0,3.0).During the follow-up period of six months,only 1 patient had dizziness and soreness of waist.No serious adverse events were observed.The locating time,puncture time and the number of puncture attempts decreased as the number of procedures increased.Evaluation of the CUSUM curve revealed that 14 cases were needed to achieve proficiency.Conclusion US assisted administration of nusinersen is a valid and safe technique,deserving further clinical promotion and application on SMA patients with scoliosis.
8.A mixed-methods study on the barriers to the application of non-pharmacological prevention evidence for venous thromboembolism in multiple myeloma patients from the perspective of nurses
Xiaoping ZHANG ; Ruo ZHUANG ; Liangying CHEN ; Liqun ZHU ; Lijuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(32):2501-2508
Objective:To explore the barriers to nurses applying the best evidence for non-pharmacologic prophylactic management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), and to provide a basis for the development of clinical responses.Methods:A parallel mixed-methods study was conducted in January 2024 to facilitate the selection of nurses from the hematology department of Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews. Concurrently, convenience sampling was employed to select nursing staff from the same departineat for a quantitative questionnaire survey. The interview outlines based on the theoretical domains framework and the questionnaires based on the Barriers to the Application of the Evidence and Facilitators Scale. The questionnaire was developed based on the Barriers and Facilitators to Evidence Application Scale and combined with qualitative and quantitative analyses to derive barriers to nurses' implementation of best evidence.Results:The qualitative study conducted interviews with 9 female nurses in the hematology department, aged 25-49. The quantitative study surveyed 17 female nurses in the hematology department with an average age of (33.18 ± 9.09) years. Nurses scored high overall in evidence application (156.65 ± 20.09) points, with high scores on the organizational form dimension (34.47 ± 1.48) points, the evidence application leader dimension (44.24 ± 1.30) points, the nurses' team dimension (42.53 ± 1.41) points, and the implementation scenario dimension (11.18 ± 0.61) points, which suggests that nurses were process was well supported overall. Low scores on the evidence dimension (11.94 ± 0.91) points and patient dimension (12.41 ± 1.03) points indicated that nurses had barriers in knowledge acquisition and practical application. The results of qualitative interviews further revealed that nurses encourter multiple challenges when applying best evidence, including insufficient knowledge base, low professional identity within societym, absence of standardized departmental protocols, negative outcome expectations, and inadequate motivation coupled with ulcear objectives.Conclusions:There are multiple clinical factors affecting nurses' application of best evidence, and departments should propose targeted coping strategies based on the barrier factors to ensure the successful implementation of evidence-based practice changes, and thus advance the clinical application of best evidence for non-pharmacological prevention of VTE in MM patients.
9.Observation on the therapeutic effects of ultrasound assisted administration of nusinersen in spinal muscular atrophy patients with scoliosis
Ruo ZHANG ; Qi RU ; Xiaoguang LI
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;38(3):203-206
Objective To assess the therapeutic effects of ultrasound(US)assisted administration of nusinersen in spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)patients with scoliosis.Methods The clinical data of 7 SMA patients with scoliosis treated with US assisted administration of nusinersen were retrospectively reviewed.The locating time,level of puncture points,puncture time,the number of puncture attempts,pain scores and adverse events were recorded.Meantime,the learning curve(LC)of US assisted administration of nusinersen for SMA patients with scoliosis was analyzed using cumulative sum(CUSUM).Results Thirty-one procedures were performed on 7 SMA patients with scoliosis.The success rate was 100%.The locating time was 11.9(5.1,15.4)min,the puncture time was 12.6(6.0,16.9)min,the number of puncture attempts were 2.0(1.0,3.0),the pain scores were 2.1(1.0,3.0).During the follow-up period of six months,only 1 patient had dizziness and soreness of waist.No serious adverse events were observed.The locating time,puncture time and the number of puncture attempts decreased as the number of procedures increased.Evaluation of the CUSUM curve revealed that 14 cases were needed to achieve proficiency.Conclusion US assisted administration of nusinersen is a valid and safe technique,deserving further clinical promotion and application on SMA patients with scoliosis.
10.Association between PM 2.5 Chemical Constituents and Preterm Birth: The Undeniable Role of Preconception H19 Gene Variation.
Ya Long WANG ; Pan Pan SUN ; Xin Ying WANG ; Jun Xi ZHANG ; Xiang Yu YU ; Jian CHAI ; Ruo DU ; Wen Yi LIU ; Fang Fang YU ; Yue BA ; Guo Yu ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):1016-1022

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