2.Exosomal Pparα derived from cancer cells induces CD8 + T cell exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma through the miR-27b-3p /TOX axis.
Wenjun ZHONG ; Nianan LUO ; Yafeng CHEN ; Jiangbin LI ; Zhujun YANG ; Rui DONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(23):3139-3152
BACKGROUND:
Cluster of differentiation 8 positive (CD8 + ) T cells play a crucial role in the response against tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where their dysfunction is commonly observed. While the association between elevated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) expression in HCC cells and exosomes and unfavorable prognosis in HCC patients is well-established, the underlying biological mechanisms by which PPARα induces CD8 + T cell exhaustion mediated by HCC exosomes remain poorly understood.
METHODS:
Bioinformatics analyses and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the regulation of microRNA-27b-3p ( miR-27b-3p ) and thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box ( Tox ) by Pparα . In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to validate the effects of HCC-derived exosomes, miR-27b-3p overexpression, and Pparα on T cell function. Exosome characterization was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and particle size analysis. Exosome tracing was performed using small animal in vivo imaging and confocal microscopy. The expression levels of miR-27b-3p , Pparα , and T cell exhaustion-related molecules ( Tox , Havcr2 , and Pdcd1 ) were detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, Western blotting analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry analysis.
RESULTS:
Pparα expression was significantly increased in HCC and negatively correlated with prognosis. It showed a positive correlation with Tox and a negative correlation with miR-27b-3p . The overexpressed Pparα from HCC cells was delivered to CD8 + T cells via exosomes, which absorbed miR-27b-3p both in vitro and in vivo , acting as "miRNA sponges". Further experiments demonstrated that Pparα can inhibit the negative regulation of Tox mediated by miR-27b-3p through binding to its 3'untranslated regions.
CONCLUSIONS
HCC-derived exosomes deliver Pparα to T cells and promote CD8 + T cell exhaustion and malignant progression of HCC via the miR-27b-3p /TOX regulatory axis. The mechanisms underlying T-cell exhaustion in HCC can be utilized for the advancement of anticancer therapies.
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
PPAR alpha/genetics*
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Liver Neoplasms/genetics*
;
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Exosomes/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Mice
;
High Mobility Group Proteins/genetics*
;
Male
;
T-Cell Exhaustion
3.Protein C activator derived from snake venom protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against hypoxia-reoxygenation injury by suppressing ROS via upregulating HIF-1α and BNIP3.
Ming LIAO ; Wenhua ZHONG ; Ran ZHANG ; Juan LIANG ; Wentaorui XU ; Wenjun WAN ; Chao Li Shu WU ; 曙 李
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):614-621
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the antioxidative mechanism of snake venom-derived protein C activator (PCA) in mitigating vascular endothelial cell injury.
METHODS:
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in DMEM containing 1.0 g/L D-glucose and exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) for 6 h followed by reoxygenation for 2 h to establish a cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The cell model was treated with 2 μg/mL PCA alone or in combination with 2-ME2 (a HIF-1α inhibitor) or DMOG (a HIF-1α stabilizer), and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein expression levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and Beclin-1 were detected using DCFH-DA fluorescence probe, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. The OGD/R cell model was transfected with a BNIP3-specific siRNA or a scrambled control sequence prior to PCA treatment, and the changes in protein expressions of HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 and intracellular ROS production were examined.
RESULTS:
In the OGD/R cell model, PCA treatment significantly upregulated HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 expressions and reduced ROS production. The effects of PCA were obviously attenuated by co-treatment with 2-ME2 but augmented by treatment with DMOG (a HIF-1α stabilizer). In the cell model with BNIP3 knockdown, PCA treatment increased BNIP3 expression and decreased ROS production without causing significant changes in HIF-1α expression. Compared with HUVECs with PCA treatment only, the cells with BNIP3 knockdown prior to PCA treatment showed significantly lower Beclin-1 expression and higher ROS levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Snake venom PCA alleviates OGD/R-induced endothelial cell injury by upregulating HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling to suppress ROS generation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress in vascular pathologies.
Humans
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
;
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects*
;
Membrane Proteins/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism*
;
Up-Regulation
;
Cell Hypoxia
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Snake Venoms/chemistry*
;
Beclin-1
4.Application of the " three streams in one" integrated management based on dual code carriers in the whole lifecycle management of medical consumables
Qin ZHANG ; Hui ZHONG ; Xiaokun GAO ; Jian ZHANG ; Shancheng YU ; Feng SHI ; Wenjun GE ; Yue ZHUANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(7):554-557
In order to improve the level of refined management of medical consumables, a hospital used radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to map the unique device identification barcode of medical devices to the supply-processing-distribution (SPD) code, generating a medical consumables RFID tag code with dual code carrier function and a unique serial number. The " three streams in one" mutual integration management mode of hospital information flow, material flow and financial flow was constructed, which realized the whole lifecycle traceability of medical consumables, effectively improved the intelligence and accuracy of inventory control, further optimized the integration function of medical consumables industry and finance, and provided strong data support for the decision-making analysis of hospital operation and management.
5.Challenges and coping strategies in the SPD management model of medical supplies
Shancheng YU ; Hui ZHONG ; Qin ZHANG ; Yue ZHUANG ; Guoli QIU ; Wenjun GE
Modern Hospital 2024;24(11):1702-1705
Objective To explore the prevalent challenges in the construction and operation of SPD(Supply,Process-ing,and Distribution)projects for medical consumables and to propose corresponding strategies,thereby offering hospital supply managers insights for references.Methods Based on the questionnaire survey,the scope of difficulties was assessed across 23 hospitals.scores of each difficult point were calculated with descriptive statistics methods according to various stages,and the causes were analyzed.Results The overall scores of the survey ranged from 50 to 77 points,with the highest in each category being system interface docking(77 points),system stability(73 points),inventory carry-over(61 points),and the professional capability of SPD service provider(66 points).Conclusion In the construction and operation of SPD projects,it is essential to select an SPD model and service provider that aligns with the hospital's own characteristics.Establishing robust assessment mechanisms for SPD service providers and personnel training,as well as a comprehensive system audit and testing framework,can ensure system stability.Additionally,effective work assignment and performance evaluation of SPD personnel should be well-man-aged.
6.Effect and mechanism of eriodictyol on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating MAPK and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Kaiyang WANG ; Lie YUAN ; Yi SONG ; Qinglong LIU ; Peiling ZHONG ; Wenjun LI ; Yongqing CAI ; Xiaoli LI ; Menghua ZENG ; Jianhong CHEN
China Pharmacy 2023;34(23):2880-2885
OBJECTIVE To study the effect and potential mechanism of eriodictyol on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS Sixteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, NAFLD model group, and eriodictyol low-dose and high-dose groups (50, 100 mg/kg), with 4 mice in each group. Except for control group, the other groups were fed with high fat diet to induce NAFLD model. After four weeks of preprocessing, they were given relevant medicine intraperitoneally (0.01 mL/g), once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. The body weight and liver weight of mice were measured, and the pathological damage of liver tissue in mice was observed. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), and triglycerides (TG) in serum, as well as the protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in liver tissue were determined. In vitro NAFLD model was established by using 0.5 mmol/L oleic acid (OA) in HepG2 cells. Normal control group, NAFLD model group and eriodictyol low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (50, 100, 150 μmol/L) were set up. HepG2 cells in drug groups were treated with eriodictyol for 24 h at the time of modeling. The lipid deposition was observed in cells, and the levels of TG, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as the phosphorylation levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway related proteins [extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c- Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)] and the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were all determined. RESULTS In the in vivo experiment, compared with the NAFLD model group, the body weight, liver weight, the serum levels of AST, ALT and TG were all decreased significantly in eriodictyol low- and high-dose groups (except for serum level of AST in eriodictyol low-dose group) (P<0.01); liver lipid deposition was reduced significantly and the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 in liver tissues were further up-regulated (P<0.01). In the in vitro experiment, compared with the NAFLD model group, the lipid deposition in hepatocytes was reduced in eriodictyol low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (P<0.01), and the levels of ROS, MDA and TG were down-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the phosphorylation levels of ERK and JNK were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), while the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were up-regulated significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Eriodictyol can inhibit MAPK signaling pathway and activate Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to alleviate NAFLD.
7.Development of a portable radiation detector for nuclide identification based on CdZnTe
Wenjun XIONG ; Qiang YAN ; Ying WANG ; Jinfeng HUANG ; Huaqiang ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2023;32(4):387-392
Objective To develop a portable nuclear radiation detector with low-energy γ-nuclide recognition capability for rapid measurement of the dose levels in low-energy radiation fields and identification of nuclides. Methods A digital multi-channel circuit was developed for a detector based on the room temperature semiconductor cadmium zinc telluride, nuclide recognition was achieved using an intelligent nuclide recognition algorithm, and the energy response function G(E) was used to calculate the real-time ambient dose equivalent rate H*(10). Results The portable spectrometer had a minimum detectable energy of 20 keV, and the typical energy resolution for low-energy X-rays was > 4.10% at 59.5 keV and 20℃, enabling accurate identification of 241Am nuclide. Conclusion The device has a good measurement performance for low-energy γ/X rays, effectively addressing the limitations of existing devices for monitoring low-energy radiation fields, and provide reliable technical methods for monitoring and emergency response in spent fuel reprocessing plants or nuclear material production plants.
8.Analysis of SALL1 gene variant in a boy with Townes-Brocks syndrome without anal atresia.
Haixia WEI ; Liangzhong SUN ; Min LI ; Huamu CHEN ; Wei HAN ; Wenjun FU ; Jinglin ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2022;39(4):401-404
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic basis for a child presented with renal failure and multi-cystic dysplastic kidney without anal atresia.
METHODS:
Peripheral blood sample of the child and his parents were collected and subjected to whole exome sequencing. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing.
RESULTS:
The 40-day-old infant had presented with vomiting brown matter in a 7 days neonate and was transferred for kidney failure. Clinical examination has discovered renal failure, polycystic renal dysplasia, congenital hypothyroidism, bilateral thumb polydactyly, sensorineural hearing loss and preauricular dermatophyte. Genetic testing revealed that he has harbored a previously unreported c.824delT, p.L275Yfs*10 frameshift variant of SALL1 gene, which was confirmed by Sanger sequencing as de novo.
CONCLUSION
The patient was diagnosed with Townes-Brocks syndrome due to the novel de novo variant of SALL1 gene. Townes-Brocks syndrome without anal atresia is rare. Above finding has also enriched the mutational spectrum of the SALL1 gene.
Abnormalities, Multiple
;
Anus, Imperforate/genetics*
;
Child
;
Female
;
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Infant
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Male
;
Renal Insufficiency
;
Thumb/abnormalities*
;
Transcription Factors/genetics*
9.Lingguizhugan Decoction, a Chinese herbal formula, improves insulin resistance in overweight/obese subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a translational approach.
Liang DAI ; Jingjuan XU ; Baocheng LIU ; Yanqi DANG ; Ruirui WANG ; Lijie ZHUANG ; Dong LI ; Lulu JIAO ; Jianying WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Linda L D ZHONG ; Wenjun ZHOU ; Guang JI
Frontiers of Medicine 2022;16(5):745-759
Lingguizhugan Decoction (LGZG) has been investigated in basic studies, with satisfactory effects on insulin resistance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This translational approach aimed to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of LGZG in clinical setting. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed. A total of 243 eligible participants with NAFLD were equally allocated to receive LGZG (two groups: standard dose and low dose) or placebo for 12 weeks on the basis of lifestyle modifications. The primary efficacy variable was homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Analyses were performed in two populations in accordance with body mass index (BMI; overweight/obese, BMI ⩾ 24 kg/m2; lean, BMI < 24 kg/m2). For overweight/obese participants, low-dose LGZG significantly decreased their HOMA-IR level compared with placebo (-0.19 (1.47) versus 0.08 (1.99), P = 0.038). For lean subjects, neither dose of LGZG showed a superior effect compared with placebo. Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and real-time qPCR found that the DNA N6-methyladenine modification levels of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3A (PPP1R3A) and autophagy related 3 (ATG3) significantly increased after LGZG intervention in overweight/obese population. Low-dose LGZG effectively improved insulin resistance in overweight/obese subjects with NAFLD. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of DNA N6-methyladenine modification of PPP1R3A and ATG3. Lean subjects may not be a targeted population for LGZG.
Humans
;
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/drug therapy*
;
Overweight/drug therapy*
;
Insulin Resistance
;
Obesity/drug therapy*
;
China
;
DNA/therapeutic use*
10.The Tertiary Hospital's Medical Materials Supply in the Prevention of Public Health Emergencies.
Xianli MA ; Jun LU ; Hui ZHONG ; Dingsheng CHENG ; Wenjun GE ; Jing YU ; Lixing CHEN ; Guoli QIU ; Min LIU ; Runze WEI
Chinese Journal of Medical Instrumentation 2022;46(4):469-472
OBJECTIVE:
To ensure the supply of prevention materials in the tertiary public hospitals in prefecturelevel cities, and to make the process of allocating prevention materials more scientific and reasonable.
METHODS:
Open the green passage, simplify the procurement process, carry out emergency procurement of related materials, ensure timely delivery of prevention materials, distribute them at different levels, and strengthen the warehouse management of prevention materials.
RESULTS:
The scheme of emergancy supplies was constantly improved, and the supply of prevention materials was completed with good quality.
CONCLUSIONS
Using scientific and efficient management methods, the supply of prevention materials in medical institutions has been guaranteed, which has experience and reference significance for the prevention and control of similar public health emergencies in the future.
Emergencies
;
Humans
;
Public Health
;
Tertiary Care Centers

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