1.Herbal Textual Research on Quisqualis Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiuping WEN ; Shiying CHEN ; Ying TAN ; Guanwen ZHENG ; Huilong XU ; Wen XU ; Chengzi YANG ; Zehao HUANG ; Yu LIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):225-237
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the origin, scientific name, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Quisqualis Fructus by consulting the ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books, local literature and combining with the modern literature and standards, summarized and explored the development rules of its medicinal properties and efficacy along with their underlying causes, in order to provide support for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shijunzi was first recorded as Liuqiuzi in Nanfang Caomuzhuang of the Jin dynasty, and the name of Shijunzi was first used in Kaibao Bencao of the Song dynasty, which has been consistently used throughout subsequent dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Junziren, Sijunzi, and Dujilizi. The mainstream source of Quisqualis Fructus used in the past dynasties has been the dried mature fruits of Quisqualis indica, a plant belonging to the family Combretaceae. In modern times, its variety Q. indica var. villosa has also been recorded as the medicinal material of Quisqualis Fructus. In 2007, the Flora of China(English edition) designated Q. indica var. villosa as a synonym of Q. indica. Today, the accepted name of Shijunzi is updated to Combretum indicum. According to ancient herbal records, the producing areas of Quisqualis Fructus were Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and Fujian, and then gradually expanded to Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangxi and Guizhou. Since the Song dynasty, two major production regions have gradually emerged in Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian. Currently, it is primarily cultivated in Chongqing, Guangxi and other areas, with Chongqing yielding the highest output. Since modern times, superior quality has been defined by large size, a purple-black surface, plump grains, and a yellowish-white kernel. According to ancient herbal records, the harvesting period of Quisqualis Fructus was the July and August of the lunar calendar, mostly used raw after shelling or with the shell intact, it underwent processing methods such as cleaning, slicing, mixing, steaming, roasting, stewing, and frying. Currently, the harvesting period is autumn, followed by sun-drying or low-heat drying, with processing methods including cleaning, stir-frying, and stewing. In ancient and modern literature, the records of the properties, functions and indications of Quisqualis Fructus are basically the same, that is, sweet in taste, warm in nature, predominantly non-toxic, belonging to the spleen and stomach meridians. It possesses effects of insecticide, decontamination and invigorating spleen for ascariasis, enterobiasis, abdominal pain due to worm accumulation and infantile malnutrition.The contraindications for use primarily include avoiding consumption by individuals without parasitic infestations, limiting use for those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, refraining from drinking hot tea during medication, and avoiding excessive intake. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that the dried mature fruits of Q. indica should be used as the medicinal material for the development of famous classical formulas containing Quisqualis Fructus. Processing methods may be chosen according to prescription requirements, and the raw products is recommended for medicinal use if not specified.
2.Effect and Mechanisms of Luteolin on Gout
Jinlai CHENG ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yuyan XU ; Huajing WANG ; Yuqing TAN ; Feng SUI ; Miyi YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):140-149
ObjectiveTo integrate network pharmacology prediction with multi-level experimental verification methods, and to explore in depth the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of luteolin in treating gout. MethodsDatabases were used to obtain potential pharmacodynamic targets of luteolin. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and network pharmacology analysis techniques were used to screen key core targets of luteolin in gout treatment. Further biological function enrichment analysis and signaling pathway analysis were performed on these targets. Molecular docking simulation was used to calculate the binding energy between luteolin and potential core targets, clarifying the strength of their interactions. In the in vivo experiment for hyperuricemia, 48 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an allopurinol group (5 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (10 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (30 mg·kg-1), and high-dose (90 mg·kg-1) luteolin groups. For the first three days, the blank and model groups were gavaged with an equal volume of normal saline, while the allopurinol group and luteolin groups were gavaged with corresponding drugs. From day 4 onwards, modeling was performed by intraperitoneal injection at 12:00 daily (normal saline for the blank group, and oxonic acid potassium-hypoxanthine mixture for other groups, with 300 mg·kg-1 for each group). Gavage intervention was administered at 18:00 daily (normal saline for the blank/model groups, and corresponding drugs for the treatment groups) until day 7. After sampling, levels of serum uric acid (UA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. Levels of xanthine oxidase (XO) in the liver and kidney, ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidney, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver were determined. Renal HE staining was also performed. In the pharmacodynamic study of gouty arthritis, 36 rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a colchicine group (0.315 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (7 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (21 mg·kg-1), and high-dose (63 mg·kg-1) luteolin groups. The model was established by vertically injecting 100 µL of 25 g·L-1 monosodium urate suspension into the posterior lateral aspect of the right ankle joint (the blank group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline), with repeated injections every two days for reinforcement. From day 2 after modeling, daily gavage administration was performed (normal saline for the blank/model groups, and corresponding drugs for the treatment groups) for a total of 16 days. During the experiment, ankle swelling and pain threshold were measured regularly. After sampling, levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined. Ankle joints were subjected to HE, Masson, and safranin O-fast green staining, and HE staining was also performed on ankle synovial tissue and various organs. Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of key proteins in gout-related signaling pathways. ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis predicted that luteolin may regulate over 20 core targets, such as XO, ABCG2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and SOD, through acting on signaling pathways including NF-κB, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and ABC transporters, thereby affecting uric acid metabolism and inflammatory responses. In the hyperuricemia model, compared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly increased serum UA level, liver and kidney XO activity, renal ABCG2 expression, and liver SOD activity (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose luteolin group significantly reduced serum UA level (P<0.01), inhibited liver and kidney XO activity (P<0.01), and significantly increased renal ABCG2 expression and liver SOD activity (P<0.01), effectively alleviating renal oxidative stress damage and improving renal histopathological status. In the gouty arthritis model, compared with the blank group, the model group showed significant ankle swelling, decreased pain threshold, and significantly increased levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum and synovial tissue (P<0.01). The high-dose luteolin group significantly reduced ankle swelling, prolonged hot plate pain threshold, effectively decreased the levels of the above inflammatory factors in serum and synovial tissue (P<0.01), and significantly improved ankle pathological damage, showing good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Western blot results further confirmed that luteolin significantly upregulated Nrf2 protein expression and downregulated XO and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression in animals. ConclusionLuteolin can improve symptoms of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis, and its potential mechanism may be related to inhibiting XO activity, increasing ABCG2 and SOD levels, and regulating Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress-related pathways.
3.Research progress in perioperative immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Yuanyuan XU ; Feng MAO ; Xiaoke CHEN ; Qiang TAN ; Qingquan LUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):318-325
It is very limited that the benefit of perioperative chemotherapy in early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the 5-year survival rate is only 5% higher than surgery. Antibodies that block programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 significantly improve the survival of advanced NSCLC. The value of immunotherapy in early NSCLC is also being explored. This paper firstly summarized and analyzed the progress of immunotherapy in the perioperative period of NSCLC. Secondly, the safety and feasibility of surgical resection after neoadjuvant immunotherapy were discussed. Finally, the clinical value of different therapeutic efficacy prediction indicators was summarized, in order to clarify the current status of immunotherapy in the perioperative period, so as to improve the clinical benefits of early NSCLC patients.
4.Effects and mechanism of asperuloside on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis
Chao XU ; Xiaoping TAN ; Jie LI ; Minghua AI ; Yueyue LU ; Chaoyong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):166-171
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of asperuloside (Asp) on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS The male SD rats were randomly divided into Control group, model group (UC group), ASP low-dose and high-dose groups [Asp-L, Asp-H groups, Asp 35, 70 mg/(kg·d)], ASP high-dose group+AMPK inhibitor Compound C group [Asp-H+Compound C group, Asp 70 mg/(kg·d)+Compound C 0.2 mg/(kg·d)], with 12 rats in each group. Except for Control group, the other groups were injected with 50% ethanol (0.25 mL)+5% 2,4, 6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid solution (2 mL/kg) into the intestinal cavity to construct UC model. After modeling, the rats in each drug group were given corresponding drug solution by gavage or (and) tail vein injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, the weight of rats in each group was measured, and the length of their colons was measured; disease activity index (DAI) score and colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) score were performed, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-18, -1β, -6) were detected. The pathological changes of the colon tissue were observed. The expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins [caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD)] in colon tissue, and pathway-related proteins such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) were all detected. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the colon tissue structure of rats in UC group was damaged, with obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema. Their body weight, colon length and phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were significantly reduced or shortened; DAI and CMDI scores, serum levels of inflammatory factors, and the protein expressions of caspase-1, GSDMD, TXNIP, NLRP3 and ASC in colon tissue were increased or upregulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with UC group, the pathological damage of colon tissue in rats was relieved in Asp-L and Asp-H groups, and all quantitative indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05); the improvement effect of Asp-H group was more significant (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose of Asp on the above indicators in UC rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Asp can improve inflammatory damage in colon tissue and inhibit pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in UC rats, which is associated with the activation of AMPK and inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
5.Status survey of uncrossmatched type O suspended RBCs in patients with emergency transfusion
Zhuoyue PENG ; Shilan XU ; Xinxin YANG ; Chunxia CHEN ; Bin TAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):48-53
[Objective] To investigate the implementation of emergency transfusion strategy of uncrossmatched type O suspended RBCs based on the single-center clinical practice, which is "emergency transfusion is initiated by the authorized doctor of the emergency department, and no more than 4 U of type O uncrossmatched suspended RBCs are issued within 15 minutes in the transfusion department"(referred as the Practice), so as to provide reference for blood management. [Methods] A retrospective analysis of the information of patients who received uncrossmatched type O suspended RBCs in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from August 2019 to April 2024 was conducted. The analysis included reasons for emergency blood transfusion, time of receiving transfusion application and blood distribution, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase before and after transfusion, blood group of patients, and disease outcome. [Results] From August 2019 to April 2024, 39 cases applied for emergency transfusion of type O suspended RBCs, and a total of 90 U uncrossmatched suspended RBCs were transfused. All patients were Rh(D) positive, including 14 cases of blood group A, 6 cases of blood group B, 16 cases of blood group O, 2 cases of blood group AB, one case of undetermined blood group, and 2 cases with positive antibody screening. The main cause of emergency transfusion of type O suspended RBCs was traffic accident, accounting for 46% (18/39), with a mortality rate at 51.28% (20/39). The cause of death was primary injury, and no adverse reactions were reported. There was no significant difference in total bilirubin (TBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) before and after blood transfusion (P>0.05). The median duration from admission to receiving transfusion application was 30.20 minutes, and 5.30 minutes from receipt of the application to blood distribution. [Conclusion] The single-center based Practice is safe, but there is room for optimization before the link of blood transfusion application sent to the transfusion department when applying for emergency transfusion of type O suspended RBCs.
6.Effects and mechanism of asperuloside on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis
Chao XU ; Xiaoping TAN ; Jie LI ; Minghua AI ; Yueyue LU ; Chaoyong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):166-171
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of asperuloside (Asp) on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS The male SD rats were randomly divided into Control group, model group (UC group), ASP low-dose and high-dose groups [Asp-L, Asp-H groups, Asp 35, 70 mg/(kg·d)], ASP high-dose group+AMPK inhibitor Compound C group [Asp-H+Compound C group, Asp 70 mg/(kg·d)+Compound C 0.2 mg/(kg·d)], with 12 rats in each group. Except for Control group, the other groups were injected with 50% ethanol (0.25 mL)+5% 2,4, 6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid solution (2 mL/kg) into the intestinal cavity to construct UC model. After modeling, the rats in each drug group were given corresponding drug solution by gavage or (and) tail vein injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, the weight of rats in each group was measured, and the length of their colons was measured; disease activity index (DAI) score and colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) score were performed, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-18, -1β, -6) were detected. The pathological changes of the colon tissue were observed. The expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins [caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD)] in colon tissue, and pathway-related proteins such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) were all detected. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the colon tissue structure of rats in UC group was damaged, with obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema. Their body weight, colon length and phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were significantly reduced or shortened; DAI and CMDI scores, serum levels of inflammatory factors, and the protein expressions of caspase-1, GSDMD, TXNIP, NLRP3 and ASC in colon tissue were increased or upregulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with UC group, the pathological damage of colon tissue in rats was relieved in Asp-L and Asp-H groups, and all quantitative indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05); the improvement effect of Asp-H group was more significant (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose of Asp on the above indicators in UC rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Asp can improve inflammatory damage in colon tissue and inhibit pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in UC rats, which is associated with the activation of AMPK and inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
7.Chemical constituents of bulbs of Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis.
Ling-Xia XU ; Xin-Xin HUANG ; Ji-Cheng SHU ; Ting TAN ; Yun LUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2404-2410
The 95% ethanol extract from bulbs of Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis(BNTC) was eluted with 30%, 60%, and pure methanol on D-101 macroporous resin. The elution fractions were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, D-101 macroporous resin, semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), and HPLC. The purified compounds were identified using one-dimensional and two-dimensional spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and other techniques. A total of 15 compounds were isolated and identified as 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-methyl-3,6-dihydropyridine-2(1H)-one(1), 3,5-di(hydroxyphenyl)-N-methyl-3,6-dihydropyridine-2(1H)-one(2), protocatechualdehyde(3), protocatechuic acid(4), 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone(5), syringic acid(6), vanillic acid(7), p-hydroxybenzoic acid(8),(2S)-4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavan(9), 2,4,6-trimethoxyacetophenone(10), N-trans-ferulic acid p-hydroxyphenylethylamine(11), N-cis-p-coumaroyltyramine(12), N-trans-p-coumaroyltyramine(13), piscidic acid(14), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(15). Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds with similar structure that have not been reported yet, named narcissus A and narcissus B. Compounds 8-13 were isolated and identified from the genus Narcissus for the first time, and compounds 14 and 15 were isolated from BNTC for the first time. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited the release of NO from RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)(P<0.001), with compound 1 having an IC_(50) value of(72.76±2.97) μmol·L~(-1) and compound 2 having an IC_(50) value of(63.59±0.96) μmol·L~(-1).
Mice
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Animals
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Narcissus/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Plant Roots/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Macrophages/immunology*
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RAW 264.7 Cells
8.Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Rui SHENG ; Zhen FAN ; Fang WANG ; Ping DI ; Junyu SHI ; Duohong ZOU ; Dehua LI ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhuofan CHEN ; Guoli YANG ; Wei GENG ; Lin WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuanding HUANG ; Baohong ZHAO ; Chunbo TANG ; Dong WU ; Shulan XU ; Cheng YANG ; Yongbin MOU ; Jiacai HE ; Xingmei YANG ; Zhen TAN ; Xiaoxiao CAI ; Jiang CHEN ; Hongchang LAI ; Zuolin WANG ; Quan YUAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):51-51
Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans
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Consensus
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Dental Implants
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Mouth Mucosa/surgery*
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Keratins
9.Sini decoction alleviates inflammation injury after myocardial infarction through regulating arachidonic acid metabolism.
Cuiping LONG ; Qian ZHOU ; Min XU ; Xin DING ; Xingxing ZHANG ; Ya ZHANG ; Yuping TANG ; Guangguo TAN
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):148-155
OBJECTIVE:
Myocardial inflammation during myocardial infarction (MI) could be inhibited by regulating arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. Recent studies demonstrated that Sini Decoction (SND) was identified to be an effective prescription for treating heart failure (HF) caused by MI. But the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SND remained unclear. The work was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SND through the AA metabolism pathway in vitro and in vivo experiments.
METHODS:
An inflammatory injury model of H9c2 cells was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage-conditioned medium (CM). The MI model was built by the ligation of left anterior descending (LAD) branch of coronary artery in rat. Meanwhile, the rats were divided into five groups: sham group, MI group, MI + Celecoxib group, MI + low-dose SND group (SND-L) and MI + high-dose SND group (SND-H). Cardiac function, histopathological changes and serum cytokines were examined four weeks later. Western blot analysis was conducted to verify the key enzymes levels in the AA metabolic pathway, including phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenases (COXs) and lipoxygenases (LOXs).
RESULTS:
These in vivo results demonstrated that SND could improve the cardiac function and pathological changes of rats with MI, and regulate the key inflammatory molecules in the AA metabolism pathway, including sPLA2, COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX and 15-LOX. In vitro, SND could decrease the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 and inhibit cell apoptosis in CM-induced H9c2 cells. Moreover, SND could protect H9c2 cells from the damage of CM by regulating nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signal pathway and the expression of COX-2.
CONCLUSION
SND may be a drug candidate for anti-inflammatory treatment during MI by regulating the multiple targets in the AA metabolism pathway.
10.Optimized derivation and culture system of human naïve pluripotent stem cells with enhanced DNA methylation status and genomic stability.
Yan BI ; Jindian HU ; Tao WU ; Zhaohui OUYANG ; Tan LIN ; Jiaxing SUN ; Xinbao ZHANG ; Xiaoyu XU ; Hong WANG ; Ke WEI ; Shaorong GAO ; Yixuan WANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(10):858-872
Human naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) hold great promise for embryonic development studies. Existing induction and culture strategies for these cells, heavily dependent on MEK inhibitors, lead to widespread DNA hypomethylation, aberrant imprinting loss, and genomic instability during extended culture. Here, employing high-content analysis alongside a bifluorescence reporter system indicative of human naïve pluripotency, we screened over 1,600 chemicals and identified seven promising candidates. From these, we developed four optimized media-LAY, LADY, LUDY, and LKPY-that effectively induce and sustain PSCs in the naïve state. Notably, cells reset or cultured in these media, especially in the LAY system, demonstrate improved genome-wide DNA methylation status closely resembling that of pre-implantation counterparts, with partially restored imprinting and significantly enhanced genomic stability. Overall, our study contributes advancements to naïve pluripotency induction and long-term maintenance, providing insights for further applications of naïve PSCs.
Humans
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DNA Methylation/drug effects*
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Genomic Instability
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Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism*
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Cell Culture Techniques/methods*
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Cells, Cultured

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