1.Role of extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular communication in female follicle reproduction,preimplantation embryo development and implantation
Jing LIU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Tian XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):218-228
BACKGROUND:Extracellular vesicles mediate intercellular signal transduction through the proteins,nucleic acids,and lipids they carry,thereby influencing the function of target cells.This vesicle-mediated communication mechanism is involved in regulating female reproductive development.OBJECTIVE:To summarize and analyze the regulatory roles of extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular communication in female reproductive development.METHODS:A search was conducted in the PubMed database using the search terms"extracellular vesicles,exosomes,reproduction,maternal-embryo communication,maternal-fetal crosstalk,embryo implantation,endometrium,oviduct,follicle."The initial screening was carried out by reading the titles and abstracts of the literature,and then the literature with poor relevance to the research purpose,outdated content,and duplication was excluded according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Ultimately,69 relevant articles were included for comprehensive analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in key processes of female reproductive development,from folliculogenesis to implantation.(1)Extracellular vesicles mediate intercellular communication within the follicle,particularly the interactions between oocytes and follicular cells,which are essential for follicle development and maturation.(2)Extracellular vesicles and their contents facilitate interactions between the embryo and the fallopian tube,influencing the trajectory of embryonic development.(3)Extracellular vesicles and their contents promote implantation by mediating bidirectional communication between the embryo and the endometrium.Uterine-derived extracellular vesicles regulate processes such as embryo adhesion,invasion,and decidualization,while embryo-derived extracellular vesicles modulate endometrial receptivity,convey embryonic signals,and adjust the endometrial microenvironment.Studying the roles of extracellular vesicles in female reproductive development can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of infertility and support the development of new therapeutic strategies.
2.Role of extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular communication in female follicle reproduction,preimplantation embryo development and implantation
Jing LIU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Tian XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):218-228
BACKGROUND:Extracellular vesicles mediate intercellular signal transduction through the proteins,nucleic acids,and lipids they carry,thereby influencing the function of target cells.This vesicle-mediated communication mechanism is involved in regulating female reproductive development.OBJECTIVE:To summarize and analyze the regulatory roles of extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular communication in female reproductive development.METHODS:A search was conducted in the PubMed database using the search terms"extracellular vesicles,exosomes,reproduction,maternal-embryo communication,maternal-fetal crosstalk,embryo implantation,endometrium,oviduct,follicle."The initial screening was carried out by reading the titles and abstracts of the literature,and then the literature with poor relevance to the research purpose,outdated content,and duplication was excluded according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Ultimately,69 relevant articles were included for comprehensive analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in key processes of female reproductive development,from folliculogenesis to implantation.(1)Extracellular vesicles mediate intercellular communication within the follicle,particularly the interactions between oocytes and follicular cells,which are essential for follicle development and maturation.(2)Extracellular vesicles and their contents facilitate interactions between the embryo and the fallopian tube,influencing the trajectory of embryonic development.(3)Extracellular vesicles and their contents promote implantation by mediating bidirectional communication between the embryo and the endometrium.Uterine-derived extracellular vesicles regulate processes such as embryo adhesion,invasion,and decidualization,while embryo-derived extracellular vesicles modulate endometrial receptivity,convey embryonic signals,and adjust the endometrial microenvironment.Studying the roles of extracellular vesicles in female reproductive development can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of infertility and support the development of new therapeutic strategies.
3.Impact of FASN-enriched EVs on endothelial cell function in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.
Yuan TIAN ; Dan ZHANG ; Huaian YANG ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Shengqun XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):101251-101251
Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor linking obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) with cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we used advanced proteomics and metabolomics approaches to investigate the impact of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the serum of OSAHS patients on endothelial function. Our multi-omics analysis identified dysregulated pathways related to fatty acid metabolism, apoptosis regulation, and inflammatory responses, highlighting fatty acid synthase (FASN) as a crucial player in OSAHS-induced endothelial dysfunction. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that FASN-enriched EVs impair endothelial cell viability and disrupt metabolic homeostasis, offering new insights for the development of targeted therapies for cardiovascular complications associated with OSAHS.
4.Clinical features and early warning of the sepsis in immunocompromised host sepsis.
Yanqing CHEN ; Runjing GUO ; Xiao HUANG ; Xiaoli LIU ; Huanhuan TIAN ; Bingjie LYU ; Fangyu NING ; Tao WANG ; Dong HAO
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(3):245-250
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical features of the sepsis in immunocompromised hosts and establish an early warning equation.
METHODS:
A retrospective study was conducted on sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Binzhou Medical University Hospital from October 2011 to October 2022. General information, infection site, etiology results and drug susceptibility, clinical symptoms, inflammatory indicators, acute physiology and chronic health status evaluation II (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), incidence of immune paralysis, and outcome during hospitalization were collected. Based on whether they met the diagnostic criteria for immunocompromised hosts, patients were divided into immunocompromised group and immune normal group. The clinical information of the two groups were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of patients with immunocompromised sepsis and the regression equation model was initially established. Omnibus test and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to evaluate the model.
RESULTS:
A total of 169 patients with sepsis were included, including 61 in the immunocompromised group and 108 in the normal immune group. The top 3 infection sites in the immunocompromised group were bloodstream infection, pulmonary infection and abdominal infection. The top 3 infection sites in the normal immune group were pulmonary infection, bloodstream infection and abdominal infection. The infection rate of Gram-negative bacteria in the immunocompromised group was significantly lower than that in the normal group [49.2% (30/61) vs. 64.8% (70/108), P < 0.05]. The infection rate of Gram-positive bacteria [27.9% (17/61) vs. 13.9% (15/108)] and multidrug-resistant bacteria [54.1% (33/61) vs. 29.6% (32/108)] were significantly higher than those in normal immune group (both P < 0.05). In terms of clinical symptoms, the proportion of fever in the immunocompromised group was significantly lower than that in the immune normal group [49.2% (30/61) vs. 66.7% (72/108), P < 0.05]. Neutrophil count (NEU) and neutrophil percentage (NEU%) in the immunocompromised group were significantly lower than those in the normal immune group. Lymphocyte percentage (LYM%), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), APACHE II score, combined shock rate, incidence of immune paralysis, and mortality during hospitalization in the immunocompromised group were significantly higher than those in the normal immune group. Logistic regression analysis showed that NLR, CRP and PCT were risk factors for patients with immunocompromised sepsis (all P < 0.05). The above indicators were used as covariables to construct a Logistic regression equation, that was, Logit (P) = 0.025X1+0.010X2+0.013X3-2.945, where X1, X2 and X3 represent NLR, CRP and PCT respectively. Omnibus test and Hosmer-Lemeshow test show that the model fits well and has certain early warning value.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with immunocompromised sepsis have more intense inflammatory response, with Gram-negative bacteria being the predominant pathogen, and a higher incidence of Gram-positive bacterial infections and multi-drug resistant infections. The severity of the disease, in-hospital mortality, the incidence of shock and the incidence of immune paralysis after sepsis were significantly higher. NLR, CRP and PCT were independent risk factors for sepsis in immunocompromised hosts. The regression equation constructed based on this may have early warning significance for patients with immunocompromised sepsis.
Humans
;
Sepsis/immunology*
;
Immunocompromised Host
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Risk Factors
;
Intensive Care Units
;
Logistic Models
;
Male
;
APACHE
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
5.HAPLN1 secreted by synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis promotes macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype.
Chenggen LUO ; Kun HUANG ; Xiaoli PAN ; Yong CHEN ; Yanjuan CHEN ; Yunting CHEN ; Mang HE ; Mei TIAN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):413-419
Objective To investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan-linked protein 1 (HAPLN1) secreted by synovial fibroblasts (FLS) on the polarization of macrophages (Mϕ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) were differentiated into Mϕ, which were subsequently exposed to recombinant HAPLN1 (rHAPLN1). RA-FLS were transfected separately with HAPLN1 overexpression plasmid (HAPLN1OE) or small interfering RNA targeting HAPLN1 (si-HAPLN1), and then co-cultured with Mϕ to establish a co-culture model. The viability of Mϕ was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and the proportions of pro-inflammatory M1-type and anti-inflammatory M2-type Mϕ were analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression levels of inflammatory markers, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Results The viability of Mϕ was increased in the rHAPLN1 group compared to the control group. Furthermore, both the M1/Mϕ ratio and inflammatory factor levels were elevated in the rHAPLN1 and HAPLN1OE groups. In contrast, the si-HAPLN1 group exhibited a decrease in the M1/Mϕ ratio and inflammatory factor expression. Notably, the introduction of rHAPLN1 in rescue experiments further promoted Mϕ polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Conclusion HAPLN1, secreted by RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS), enhances Mϕ polarization towards the M1 phenotype.
Humans
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics*
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
Fibroblasts/metabolism*
;
Phenotype
;
Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics*
;
Proteoglycans/genetics*
;
Synovial Membrane/cytology*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
;
Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
;
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics*
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Coculture Techniques
;
THP-1 Cells
6.m6A modification regulates PLK1 expression and mitosis.
Xiaoli CHANG ; Xin YAN ; Zhenyu YANG ; Shuwen CHENG ; Xiaofeng ZHU ; Zhantong TANG ; Wenxia TIAN ; Yujun ZHAO ; Yongbo PAN ; Shan GAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1559-1572
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays a critical role in cell cycle regulation, while the mechanism of m6A in regulating mitosis remains underexplored. Here, we found that the total m6A modification level in cells increased during mitosis by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry and m6A dot blot assays. Silencing methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) or METTL14 results in delayed mitosis, abnormal spindle assembly, and chromosome segregation defects by the immunofluorescence. By analyzing transcriptome-wide m6A targets in HeLa cells, we identified polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a key gene modified by m6A in regulating mitosis. Specifically, through immunoblotting and RNA pulldown, m6A modification inhibits PLK1 translation via YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1, thus mediating cell cycle homeostasis. Demethylation of PLK1 mRNA leads to significant mitotic abnormalities. These findings highlight the critical role of m6A in regulating mitosis and the potential of m6A as a therapeutic target in proliferative diseases such as cancer.
Humans
;
Polo-Like Kinase 1
;
Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
;
Mitosis/physiology*
;
HeLa Cells
;
Adenosine/genetics*
;
Methyltransferases/metabolism*
;
RNA, Messenger/metabolism*
;
RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism*
7.Analysis of trace elements in whole blood in children aged 0-12 years in Henan province
Ke ZHAO ; Dongyang LI ; Xiaoli TIAN ; Dongmei YOU ; Yuling ZHAO ; Lixia DING
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(9):1114-1120
Objective To investigate the the levels of magnesium,lead,iron,zinc,copper,manganese,calci-um in whole blood in children aged 0-12 years in Henan province,understand the health status of children and provide a basis for their nutrition and health management.Methods Data were collected from totally 135 385 children aged 0-12 years who underwent trace element testing at Zhengzhou Kingmed Clinical Labo-ratory Inc.from 2019 to 2023 were selected,and agilent inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to detect seven elements(magnesium,lead,iron,zinc,copper,manganese,and calcium).The elemental detection method in the laboratory has been strictly methodologically verified,and has participated in the ex-ternal quality assessment organized by National Center for Clinical Laboratories.Grouping was conducted based on gender,age,season,region,and year to compare the deficiencies and lead exceedances of six elements(magnesium,iron,zinc,copper,manganese,calcium)under different conditions.Results In this study,the mean P-values of seven elements in different age groups,gender groups,year groups,and regional groups were all<0.001.Except for lead with a P-value of 0.002,all other elements in different season groups were<0.001.The P-values were all less than 0.05,indicating statistically significant differences.Among them,Mag-nesium,iron,and zinc in children's whole blood showed an increasing trend with age,while copper,manga-nese,and calcium showed a decreasing trend with age.The proportions of children aged 0-1 years with iron,zinc,and manganese deficiencies were the highest,at 24.70%,48.20%,and 0.65%,respectively.The highest proportion of copper and calcium deficiency was in the age range of 11-12 years old,accounting for 20.43%and 0.17%respectively.The highest proportion of lead exceeding the standard was 0.87%among children aged 0-1.Except for manganese and calcium levels,the levels of the other five elements were higher in boys than in girls.Magnesium and copper levels were highest in spring,iron,zinc,and calcium levels were highest in winter,and manganese and lead levels were highest in summer.Magnesium deficiency,calcium deficiency,and lead excess were showing a decreasing trend year by year.Among them,the lead levels of children in Sanme-nxia and Jiyuan were relatively high compared to other areas.Conclusion 0-2 years children are mainly char-acterized by calcium and zinc deficiency in Henan province.Attention should be paid to iron and zinc supple-mentation in infants and young children.At the same time,it should also be noted that the deficiency rate of copper increases with age,and attention should be paid to the supplementation of copper in children.
8.Interactive effects of prenatal and postnatal factors on overweight and obesity in preschool children
CHENG Pei, FAN Xiaoli, CAO Pei, TIAN Xinyi, ZHANG Jing, ZHANG Juan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1796-1799
Objective:
To investigate the interactive effects of prenatal and postnatal factors on overweight and obesity in preschool children, so as to provide evidence for subsequent planning of prevention strategies and intervention measures.
Methods:
Between October 2020 and June 2021, a convenience cluster sample of 918 preschool children from four kindergartens in Xuzhou urban area underwent questionnaire surveys and physical examinations. The Chi square test was used to compare intergroup differences in overweight and obesity prevalence. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the effects of prenatal and postnatal factors, as well as their interactions, on overweight and obesity in preschool children.
Results:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschool children was 30.8%, with boys exhibiting a higher rate (37.0%) than girls (24.8%). Statistically significant differences in overweight and obesity prevalence were observed across age groups, genders, paternal pre pregnancy body mass index (BMI), paternal educational level, delivery mode, antibiotic use within the six months after birth, and rapid weight gain during infancy ( χ 2=5.08-17.67, all P <0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gender, the only child, parental educational level and parental average monthly income, interaction analysis revealed that when the father was overweight or obese before conception, children delivered by caesarean section had an increased risk of overweight or obesity ( OR= 2.05 , 95%CI =1.02-3.39), and children with rapid weight gain during infancy also had an increased risk ( OR=2.05, 95%CI = 1.08 -3.88) (both P <0.05). Gender stratified analysis revealed that the interaction between paternal pre pregnancy BMI and mode of delivery on overweight and obesity was more pronounced among girls ( OR=4.00, 95%CI=1.51-10.58, P <0.05). While the interaction between the father s pre pregnancy BMI and rapid weight gain during infancy was more pronounced in boys ( OR= 2.85 , 95%CI=1.14-7.08, P <0.05). No significant interactions between prenatal and postnatal factors on overweight and obesity in preschool children were observed (all P >0.05).
Conclusions
Multiple prenatal and postnatal factors influence overweight and obesity in preschool children. Attention should be paid to mode of delivery and infant weight gain, particularly when the father is overweight or obese, to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children.
9.Disease burden and clinical status of congenital heart disease combined with heart failure in China: a survey and analysis
Zixian SHENG ; Yuxing YUAN ; Fangjie WANG ; Zhi CHEN ; Ying GUO ; Xing SHEN ; Xuecun LIANG ; Lingjuan LIU ; Jiajin LI ; Xiaoli YAN ; Bo PAN ; Jie TIAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(2):148-156
Objective:To investigate the disease burden, clinical characteristics and independent risk factors affecting in-hospital outcomes of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) combined with heart failure (HF) in China.Methods:(1) Descriptive study: based on the global burden of disease study 2021, available data on children under 15 years of age with CHD and HF in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected. The prevalence and trends in different age subgroups (<1 year, 1-<2 years, 2-<5 years, 5-<10 years, 10-<15 years) were analyzed, and the annual percentage change (EAPC) was estimated using linear regression. (2) Retrospective cohort study: a total of 1 062 children with CHD and HF from a multicenter study on pediatric HF in China were included. The children were divided into two groups:<2 years group and 2-<18 years group. Data on demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for group comparisons.Multivariable Logistic regression was applied to identify factors influencing outcomes (in-hospital mortality and adverse cardiovascular events). Results:(1) From 1990 to 2021, the number of children with CHD and HF in China increased from 333 000 (95% uncertainty interval ( UI) 271 000-405 000) to 368 000 (95% UI 296 000-459 000), a growth of 10.8% (95% UI 5.0%-16.6%). Concurrently the prevalence rate increased from 104.5 (95% UI 85.1-127.3) per 100 000 to 142.0 (95% UI 114.0-176.8) per 100 000, a growth of 35.9% (95% UI 28.7%-43.0%), with an EAPC of 1.5% (95% CI 1.2%-1.8%). Although the number of cases in the<1 year and 1-<2 years groups decreased by 41.0% and 25.6%, respectively, the prevalence in all age groups showed an upward trend:<1 year EAPC 0.6% (95% CI 0.5%-0.7%); 1-<2 years EAPC 0.9% (95% CI 0.8%-1.0%); 2-<5 years EAPC 1.2% (95% CI 1.0%-1.4%); 5-<10 years EAPC 1.5% (95% CI 1.2%-1.8%); 10-<15 years EAPC 2.1% (95% CI 1.9%-2.3%). (2) The multicenter study revealed that among 1 062 hospitalized children, 528 (49.7%) were male and 534 (50.3%) were female, with the age at admission of 5.4 (2.2,18.2) months. The majority of the children (77.9%, 827/1 062) were under 2 years of age, whereas 22.1% (235/1 062) were aged between 2-<18 years. Children with complex congenital heart defects accounted for the highest proportion (48.6%, 516/1 062), while those with isolated CHD made up 31.5% (335/1 062). Statistically significant differences were observed in several variables in demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes between the two age groups (all P<0.05). The use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (41.1%, 436/1 062) and beta-blockers (8.7%, 92/1 062) was lower in hospitalized children with CHD and HF. Logistic regression identified complex CHD ( OR=7.73, 95% CI 2.24-26.63; OR=3.17, 95% CI 1.92-5.23), pulmonary hyperperfusion ( OR=2.15, 95% CI 1.01-4.18; OR=2.00, 95% CI 1.35-2.97), left ventricular ejection fraction<55% ( OR=2.13, 95% CI 1.08-4.21; OR=2.80, 95% CI 1.45-5.56), arterial oxygen partial pressure ( OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99), and serum calcium levels ( OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.17-0.58; OR=0.42, 95% CI 0.28-0.62) as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events. Conclusions:The disease burden of CHD combined with HF in China has shown a continuous upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with higher growth rates in older age groups. Complex CHD, pulmonary hyperperfusion, left ventricular ejection fraction <55%, arterial oxygen partial pressure, and serum calcium concentration are independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events.
10.The regulatory role of tissue-resident memory T cells in chronic liver diseases and associated therapeutic targets
Jin LIN ; Yu ZENG ; Zhanfei TIAN ; Xiaoli FAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;42(5):975-982
Tissue-resident memory T cells(TRM cells)are a subset of memory T cells that reside in tissues,exhibit tissue specificity,and do not recirculate.When potential hazards threaten the liver,such as pathogen invasion(bacteria,viruses,etc.)and excessive autoimmune responses,TRM cells are essential as the first line of immune defense,playing an important role in viral hepatitis,autoimmune liver disease,metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,liver cirrhosis,and liver transplantation.Here,we present the immunophenotypes of TRM cells in the liver and their surface markers and transcriptional profiles,aiming to clarify the role of TRM cells in chronic liver diseases and explore their potential function as therapeutic targets in immunotherapy.


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