1.Standardization Challenges in Outcome Evaluation Systems of Animal Experiments and Considerations for Core Outcome Set Construction Strategies
Qingyong ZHENG ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Chen TIAN ; Hui LIU ; Min TIAN ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Yating CUI ; Junfei WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):138-148
Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.
2.Temporal therapy utilizing exosomes derived from M2 macrophages demonstrates enhanced efficacy in alleviating neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Wei WEI ; Jun FANG ; Baozhong YANG ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiacheng WEI ; Yating XUE
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(1):14-28
Background:
Diabetic pain patients have increased pain at night. Exosomes can relieve neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of exosome administration at different time points in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.
Methods:
M2 macrophages from bone marrow were induced in mice and exosomes were extracted. A diabetic rat model was induced using streptozotocin, with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats beingmeasured at ≤ 80% of the basal value after 14 days, indicating successful construction of the DNP rat model.Exosomes were administered on three consecutive days at ZT0 (zeitgeber time) and ZT12. Parameters including blood glucose levels, body weight, MWT, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed in the rats. The lumbar spinal cord of rats was examined on days 21 and 28 to measure inflammatory factors and observe the expression of M1 and M2 microglia. Furthermore, microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS + exosomes in a controlled in vitro setting to assess alterations in microglia phenotype involving the NF-kB p65 andIKBα inflammatory signaling pathways.
Results:
The findings revealed that administration of exosomes during the rat resting period at ZT12 resulted in increased MWT and TWL, as well as a shift in microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro analysis indicated that exosomes influenced microglia polarization and suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 andIKBα.
Conclusions
Temporal therapy with exosomes effectively reduces pain in DNP rats by polarizing microglia andaffecting NF-kB p65 and IKBα signaling pathways.
3.Temporal therapy utilizing exosomes derived from M2 macrophages demonstrates enhanced efficacy in alleviating neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Wei WEI ; Jun FANG ; Baozhong YANG ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiacheng WEI ; Yating XUE
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(1):14-28
Background:
Diabetic pain patients have increased pain at night. Exosomes can relieve neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of exosome administration at different time points in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.
Methods:
M2 macrophages from bone marrow were induced in mice and exosomes were extracted. A diabetic rat model was induced using streptozotocin, with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats beingmeasured at ≤ 80% of the basal value after 14 days, indicating successful construction of the DNP rat model.Exosomes were administered on three consecutive days at ZT0 (zeitgeber time) and ZT12. Parameters including blood glucose levels, body weight, MWT, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed in the rats. The lumbar spinal cord of rats was examined on days 21 and 28 to measure inflammatory factors and observe the expression of M1 and M2 microglia. Furthermore, microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS + exosomes in a controlled in vitro setting to assess alterations in microglia phenotype involving the NF-kB p65 andIKBα inflammatory signaling pathways.
Results:
The findings revealed that administration of exosomes during the rat resting period at ZT12 resulted in increased MWT and TWL, as well as a shift in microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro analysis indicated that exosomes influenced microglia polarization and suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 andIKBα.
Conclusions
Temporal therapy with exosomes effectively reduces pain in DNP rats by polarizing microglia andaffecting NF-kB p65 and IKBα signaling pathways.
4.Temporal therapy utilizing exosomes derived from M2 macrophages demonstrates enhanced efficacy in alleviating neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Wei WEI ; Jun FANG ; Baozhong YANG ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiacheng WEI ; Yating XUE
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(1):14-28
Background:
Diabetic pain patients have increased pain at night. Exosomes can relieve neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of exosome administration at different time points in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.
Methods:
M2 macrophages from bone marrow were induced in mice and exosomes were extracted. A diabetic rat model was induced using streptozotocin, with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats beingmeasured at ≤ 80% of the basal value after 14 days, indicating successful construction of the DNP rat model.Exosomes were administered on three consecutive days at ZT0 (zeitgeber time) and ZT12. Parameters including blood glucose levels, body weight, MWT, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed in the rats. The lumbar spinal cord of rats was examined on days 21 and 28 to measure inflammatory factors and observe the expression of M1 and M2 microglia. Furthermore, microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS + exosomes in a controlled in vitro setting to assess alterations in microglia phenotype involving the NF-kB p65 andIKBα inflammatory signaling pathways.
Results:
The findings revealed that administration of exosomes during the rat resting period at ZT12 resulted in increased MWT and TWL, as well as a shift in microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro analysis indicated that exosomes influenced microglia polarization and suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 andIKBα.
Conclusions
Temporal therapy with exosomes effectively reduces pain in DNP rats by polarizing microglia andaffecting NF-kB p65 and IKBα signaling pathways.
5.Temporal therapy utilizing exosomes derived from M2 macrophages demonstrates enhanced efficacy in alleviating neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Wei WEI ; Jun FANG ; Baozhong YANG ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiacheng WEI ; Yating XUE
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(1):14-28
Background:
Diabetic pain patients have increased pain at night. Exosomes can relieve neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of exosome administration at different time points in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.
Methods:
M2 macrophages from bone marrow were induced in mice and exosomes were extracted. A diabetic rat model was induced using streptozotocin, with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats beingmeasured at ≤ 80% of the basal value after 14 days, indicating successful construction of the DNP rat model.Exosomes were administered on three consecutive days at ZT0 (zeitgeber time) and ZT12. Parameters including blood glucose levels, body weight, MWT, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed in the rats. The lumbar spinal cord of rats was examined on days 21 and 28 to measure inflammatory factors and observe the expression of M1 and M2 microglia. Furthermore, microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS + exosomes in a controlled in vitro setting to assess alterations in microglia phenotype involving the NF-kB p65 andIKBα inflammatory signaling pathways.
Results:
The findings revealed that administration of exosomes during the rat resting period at ZT12 resulted in increased MWT and TWL, as well as a shift in microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro analysis indicated that exosomes influenced microglia polarization and suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 andIKBα.
Conclusions
Temporal therapy with exosomes effectively reduces pain in DNP rats by polarizing microglia andaffecting NF-kB p65 and IKBα signaling pathways.
6.Saikosaponin A affects differentiation and function of M1/M2 macrophages by regulating NF-κB and STAT6 signaling pathways
Zhao CUI ; Yating SHU ; Fan LEI ; Meiyu PENG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(18):2197-2210
Objective To investigate the effect of Saikosaponin A(SSA)on the differentiation,apoptosis and function of mouse bone marrow derived macrophages(BMDM)-derived M1/M2 macrophages,and to explore its molecular mechanism.Methods BMDM was induced to differentiate into M1/M2 macrophages in vitro,and SSA was added at the same time:CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of BMDM and M1/M2 macrophages.The morphology of M1/M2 macrophages was observed by inverted fluorescence microscopy.Flow cytometry(FCM)and ELISA were used to detect the levels of surface markers and cytokines in M1/M2 macrophages.Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(qPCR)was used to detect the mRNA levels of IL-6,TNF-α and arginase-1(Arg-1).FCM was used to detect the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages to fluorescent microsphere particles.Immunofluorescence(IF)assay and Western blotting were used to detect the molecular mechanism of SSA regulating M1/M2 macrophages.Results No significant effect on viability of M1/M2 macrophages was observed at SSA concentration of 10.0 mg/L,and obvious inhibition was seen at a concentration of 15.0 mg/L(P<0.01).Treatment of 10.0 mg/L SSA induced obvious morphologic changes in M1/M2 macrophages,with M1 macrophages in irregular shape,a few having pseudopods,and some showing unclear boundaries;while some M2 macrophages presenting round or irregular(P<0.001)with unclear boundaries.SSA treatment also resulted in significantly decreased proportion of M1/M2 macrophages after BMDM differentiation(P<0.05),with reduced contents of IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by M1 macrophages and their mRNA levels(P<0.05),but increased secretion of Arg-1 and mRNA levels by M2 macrophages(P<0.05).SSA treatment also inhibited the phagocytosis ability of peritoneal macrophages to fluorescent microsphere particles(P<0.01)in a concentration-dependent manner.SSA decreased the phosphorylation of NF-kappaB(p-NF-κB)(P<0.01)and enhanced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(p-STAT6)in M2 macrophages(P<0.05).Conclusion SSA may affect the differentiation and function of M1/M2 macrophages by regulating NF-κB and STAT6 signaling pathways.
7.Study on transmission characteristics and genetic variation of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia based on whole genome sequencing
Jiachen LI ; Yanying CHEN ; Yanlei GE ; Jinrui HU ; Xiaoli DU ; Jinyue LIU ; Huan XING ; Pengfang GAO ; Xiao HAN ; Yuelong LI ; Yating TANG ; Juan LI ; Zhigang CUI ; Jinhui ZHANG ; Haijian ZHOU ; Aiying DONG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(6):892-900
Objective:To analyze the short-term hospital-based transmission characteristics and gene variation of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) by genome-wide technique to provide evidence for transmission control. Methods:The experimental strain was derived from all the CRKP isolated in Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology from October 2022 to December 2023. Strain identification and drug susceptibility were tested with VITEK 2-Compact automatic bacterial identification drug susceptibility analyzer or disk method, and the results were interpreted through whole genome sequencing. The ST type, carbapenem resistance gene, virulence factor, and O serotype of the collected strains were analyzed.Results:Among the 115 strains of CRKP, 94 strains were isolated from the intensive care unit (ICU), accounting for 81.7%, and 21 strains were isolated from the non-intensive care unit (NICU), accounting for 18.3%. The 115 strains of CRKP can be divided into 11 ST types, of which ST11 type was the most (54.8%, 63/115), followed by ST15 type (22.6%, 26/115) and ST5492 type (15.7%, 18/115). Type ST5492 was a new clonal group in the region. The 115 strains of CRKP could be divided into 7 O serotypes, most of which were O2a type(32.2%,37/115), followed by O5 type(30.4%,35/115) and O1 type(27.8%,32/115). The resistance genes of carbapenem antibiotics showed that there were 107 strains carrying the blaKPC-2 gene, one strain with the blaNDM-1 gene, and one strain with both the blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-13 genes. Virulence genes were detected in 55 CRKP strains (47.8%, 55/115), among which six strains detected peg-344, iucA, iroB, rmpA, and rmpA2 virulence genes (5.2%, 6/115). Four virulence genes ( peg-344, iucA, rmpA, and rmpA2) were detected in 34 strains (29.6%, 34/115). Three virulence genes ( iucA, iroB and rmpA) were detected in two strains (1.7%, 2/115). Three virulence genes ( peg-344, iucA and rmpA) were detected in one strain (0.8%, 1/115). IucA and rmpA virulence genes were detected in 12 strains (10.4%, 12/115). KPC-2_ST11_O2a, KPC-2_ST15_O1 and KPC-2_ST5492_O5 were dominant clones, and their distribution was mainly in the intensive care unit. The whole genome sequence analysis showed that there were three dominant clones, among which ST11 clones were subdivided into three dominant O serotypes, all of which were mainly in the intensive care unit. Conclusion:The popular strain in the hospital of CRKP is a KPC-2_ST11 clone group carrying iucA, rmpA/rmpA2, with cross-department transmission and mutation. ST5492 is a newly-launched clone type. The intensive care unit of hvKP carrying five virulence genes, including peg-344, should be alert to the epidemic risk of CR-hvKP outbreak.
8.M2 macrophage-derived exosomes promote microglia M2-type polarization
Jun FANG ; Wei WEI ; Yating XUE ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiasheng WEI ; Xiao SHI ; Lijuan YANG ; Baozhong YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(25):5320-5327
BACKGROUND:Much of the current research on M2 macrophage-derived exosomes focuses on their effects on wound healing and osteoblast proliferation and differentiation,while few studies have focused on their role in regulating microglia phenotype.OBJECTIVE:To discuss the role and molecular mechanisms of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes in the phenotypic regulation of microglia.MERHODS:(1)Bone marrow primary macrophages were extracted and then stimulated with 50 ng/mL interleukin 4 for 24 hours to promote macrophage M2-type polarization.Flow cytometry and cellular immunofluorescence were used to identify the M2-type macrophage marker CD206.(2)M2 macrophage-derived exosomes were extracted and identified.(3)Microglia BV2 were randomly divided into three groups:control group,lipopolysaccharide group,and treatment group.No treatment was done in the control group.500 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide was added to the intervention for 24 hours in the lipopolysaccharide group.500 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide and 25 μg/mL M2 macrophage-derived exosomes were added simultaneously to the treatment group for 24 hours.ELISA was performed to detect the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 10 in the culture supernatant.qRT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase,arginase 1,interleukin 1β,and interleukin 10 in the cells.Western blot assay was performed to detect the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase,arginase 1,and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway related protein expression.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)ELISA results showed that the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α was significantly increased in the lipopolysaccharide group compared with the control group.The secretion of tumor necrosis factor α was reduced and the secretion of interleukin 10 was increased in the treatment group compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.(2)The qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the control group,the mRNA expression of interleukin 1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase increased in the lipopolysaccharide group.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the mRNA expression of interleukin 1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase decreased,and the mRNA expression of interleukin 10 and arginase 1 increased in the treatment group.(3)Western blot assay results showed that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein was increased in the lipopolysaccharide group compared with the control group.The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein was decreased and the expression of arginase 1 protein was elevated in the treatment group compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.(4)Compared with the control group,the expression of p65 and p-IκB-α proteins in the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was reduced in the lipopolysaccharide group,whereas the expression of p65 and p-IκB-α proteins was elevated in the treatment group compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.The results showed that M2-type macrophage-derived exosomes could significantly inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in microglia,enhance the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin 10,suppress the expression of the pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β,and promote microglial cell phenotypes polarized from the M1-type to the M2-type.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway activation by M2-type macrophage-derived exosomes.
9.Immunological efficacy of OprI as a component in a multi-subunit vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Jinqiong YAN ; Zifan ZHU ; Yating WANG ; Meilin WU ; Bo HUANG ; Ziyu WU ; Hongrong CUI ; Yueyue ZHANG ; Weijun ZHANG ; Gang CHEN ; Jiang GU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):65-71,79
Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the role and mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine subunit OprI in the fusion protein vaccine rePO(PcrV-OprI).Methods The in vitro stability of rePO,PcrV and OprI at 4 ℃,25 ℃,and 37 ℃ was examined.After immunizing mice with rePO,OprI and PcrV,respectively,the specific antibody potency in serum and the proportion of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 in the spleen were examined;Additionally,detection of the levels of protein uptake by DC2.4 cells in vitro using laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry,and their ability to promote the maturation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(BMDC).Results The heat stability of fusion protein rePO was significantly better than that of PcrV.The induced anti-PcrV IgG and anti-OprI IgG potency of rePO was significantly higher than that of monomeric PcrV and OprI.Additionally,the number of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 induced by immunization with rePO was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.The uptake rate of fusion protein rePO by DC2.4 cells was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.Furthermore,rePO promoted the maturation of mouse BMDC more effectively than PcrV and OprI.Conclusion OprI in the fusion protein rePO can significantly improve its thermal stability and immunogenicity,which lays the foundation for the successful development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine.
10.Temporal therapy utilizing exosomes derived from M2 macrophages demonstrates enhanced efficacy in alleviating neuropathic pain in diabetic rats
Wei WEI ; Jun FANG ; Baozhong YANG ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiacheng WEI ; Yating XUE
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(1):14-28
Background:
Diabetic pain patients have increased pain at night. Exosomes can relieve neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of exosome administration at different time points in relieving diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.
Methods:
M2 macrophages from bone marrow were induced in mice and exosomes were extracted. A diabetic rat model was induced using streptozotocin, with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats beingmeasured at ≤ 80% of the basal value after 14 days, indicating successful construction of the DNP rat model.Exosomes were administered on three consecutive days at ZT0 (zeitgeber time) and ZT12. Parameters including blood glucose levels, body weight, MWT, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed in the rats. The lumbar spinal cord of rats was examined on days 21 and 28 to measure inflammatory factors and observe the expression of M1 and M2 microglia. Furthermore, microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS + exosomes in a controlled in vitro setting to assess alterations in microglia phenotype involving the NF-kB p65 andIKBα inflammatory signaling pathways.
Results:
The findings revealed that administration of exosomes during the rat resting period at ZT12 resulted in increased MWT and TWL, as well as a shift in microglia polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro analysis indicated that exosomes influenced microglia polarization and suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 andIKBα.
Conclusions
Temporal therapy with exosomes effectively reduces pain in DNP rats by polarizing microglia andaffecting NF-kB p65 and IKBα signaling pathways.

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