1.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Signaling Pathways Related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Review
Shenglong LI ; Ganggang LU ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xu MA ; Meisheng GONG ; Hui LI ; Yuanbo ZHAO ; Dacheng TIAN ; Yongqiang ZHAO ; Xixiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):287-295
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common chronic progressive disease in middle-aged and elderly men, characterized by prostate enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating. The pathogenesis of BPH involves factors such as aging, hormonal metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory responses, and imbalances in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Currently, the main treatment methods for BPH include medication, physical therapy, and surgical intervention. However, medication may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction and hypotension, physical therapy has limited efficacy, and surgery carries risks and postoperative complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safer and more effective treatment options. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its focus on treatment based on syndrome differentiation and a holistic approach, offers therapeutic advantages through multiple pathways and mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that TCM regulates pathways such as phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), androgen receptor (AR), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF-1α/VEGF) to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response, reduce prostate cell proliferation, and promote apoptosis, thus exerting therapeutic effects. This article summarizes and analyzes the roles of these signaling pathways in the occurrence and development of BPH and the mechanisms of TCM intervention, aiming to provide scientific evidence for clinical treatment and drug development for BPH.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Signaling Pathways Related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Review
Shenglong LI ; Ganggang LU ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xu MA ; Meisheng GONG ; Hui LI ; Yuanbo ZHAO ; Dacheng TIAN ; Yongqiang ZHAO ; Xixiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):287-295
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common chronic progressive disease in middle-aged and elderly men, characterized by prostate enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating. The pathogenesis of BPH involves factors such as aging, hormonal metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory responses, and imbalances in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Currently, the main treatment methods for BPH include medication, physical therapy, and surgical intervention. However, medication may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction and hypotension, physical therapy has limited efficacy, and surgery carries risks and postoperative complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safer and more effective treatment options. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its focus on treatment based on syndrome differentiation and a holistic approach, offers therapeutic advantages through multiple pathways and mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that TCM regulates pathways such as phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), androgen receptor (AR), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF-1α/VEGF) to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response, reduce prostate cell proliferation, and promote apoptosis, thus exerting therapeutic effects. This article summarizes and analyzes the roles of these signaling pathways in the occurrence and development of BPH and the mechanisms of TCM intervention, aiming to provide scientific evidence for clinical treatment and drug development for BPH.
4.Analysis of changes and influencing factors of activation rate of peripheral blood monocytes after liver transplantation
Yu GONG ; Hui WU ; Jie ZHU ; Ting WANG ; Xiaowu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):101-107
Objective To analyze the effect of the activation rate of peripheral blood monocytes on the recovery of patients after liver transplantation and to initially explore the possible influencing factors for differences in monocyte activation rates. Methods A total of 139 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation from September 2020 to June 2023 at Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were selected. The proportion of CD14+HLA-DR+ monocytes in peripheral blood was defined as the monocyte activation rate. The difference in monocyte activation rates between postoperative day 7 (POD7) and postoperative day 1 (POD1) was calculated as Δ, and patients were divided into Δ>0 group (n=73) and Δ<0 group (n=66). The two groups were compared in terms of complete blood count, liver and kidney function, coagulation indicators, infection indicators, ICU length of stay, total length of hospitalization, and 90-day mortality. Changes in the proportions of different monocytes subsets (Mo0, Mo1, Mo2, and Mo3) and HLA-DR expression in peripheral blood on POD1 and POD7 were detected using flow cytometry. Results The ICU length of stay in the Δ<0 group was significantly longer than that in the Δ>0 group (18[12, 26] days vs 14[10, 20.5] days, P=0.018). On POD1, the proportion of Mo0 in the Δ>0 group was significantly lower than that in the Δ<0 group (P<0.05); on POD7, the proportion of Mo0 in the Δ>0 group was significantly lower than that in the Δ<0 group (P<0.001), while the proportions of Mo1, Mo2, and Mo3 were significantly higher than those in the Δ<0 group (P<0.001). Compared to POD1, the HLA-DR expression level of Mo0 in peripheral blood of patients with liver transplantation significantly decreased on POD7 (P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in HLA-DR expression levels of Mo1, Mo2, and Mo3. Conclusions Increased proportion of Mo0 (CD14lowCD16−HLA-DRlow) among peripheral blood monocyte subsets may be one of the influencing factors for the differences in monocyte activation rates in patients with liver transplantation. The difference in monocyte activation rate can serve as a new clinical indicator for assessing changes in the immune status and postoperative recovery of patients with liver transplantation.
5.Research Progress on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Jin GONG ; Jinjin ZHANG ; Lili CHEN ; Hui WANG ; Yanchao XING
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):75-82
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by synovial inflammation, cartilage loss. Often manifesting as joint pain and limited mobility, it severely affects the quality of life of patients. Traditional treatment methods such as pharmacological injections and surgical interventions primarily aim to alleviate symptoms but have limited effects on cartilage repair. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), due to their anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic capabilities, is considered a new hope for the treatment of KOA. This article synthesizes the latest research findings from both domestic and international sources to discuss the theoretical basis for the clinical application of hUC-MSCs in treating KOA, clinical study design, and efficacy evaluation. It also addresses the challenges in the clinical application of hUC-MSCs and explores future directions, in the hope of providing feasible theoretical support for the treatment of KOA with hUC-MSCs.
6.Effect of dapagliflozin in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation combined with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a randomized controlled trial
Xiaoyu LIAN ; Fei PENG ; Hui GONG ; Juying QIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):342-349
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) combined with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods A total of 120 patients with PAF combined with HFpEF treated at Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University from July 2022 to July 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the dapagliflozin group (n=60, standard treatment combined with dapagliflozin) and the control group (n=60, standard treatment combined with placebo). After 12 months of follow-up, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Total Symptom Score (KCCQ-TSS), PAF duration, recurrence rate and frequency of PAF, left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, P-wave dispersion, blood pressure, plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) were compared between the two groups. Cardiovascular outcomes and adverse events were observed. Results A total of 10 patients lost to follow-up, and 110 patients were included in the analysis (55 in each group). After 12 months of treatment, the KCCQ-TSS in the dapagliflozin group was significantly higher than that in the control group ([61.68±2.65] points vs [44.98±4.76] points, P<0.001). The PAF duration in the dapagliflozin group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ([144±18] min vs [270±24] min, P=0.045). After treatment, frequency of PAF, NT-proBNP levels, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter, P-wave dispersion, and HbA1C levels showed statistical differences between the two groups (P<0.05). The heart failure readmission rate and PAF recurrence rate in the dapagliflozin group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups during treatment. Conclusions Dapagliflozin improves patients’ quality of life, reduces PAF duration and recurrence rate, decreases heart failure readmission rate, lowers NT-proBNP levels, reverses cardiac remodeling, and demonstrates favorable safety in patients with PAF combined with HFpEF.
7.Application of intra-articular graft length measurement in total anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Shi-Guo GONG ; Rong-Hui XIE ; Jian-Yang WANG ; Mu-Zi LIU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(7):655-663
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic measurement of intra-articular graft length in the application of total internal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL).Methods The 60 patients with ACL injury treated between January 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 37 males and 23 females,aged from 22 to 44 years.According to the different surgical methods,they were divided into two groups:conventional surgery group(conventional group)and pull-line measurement group(measurement group),with 30 cases in each group.In the conventional group,there were 20 males and 10 females,with an average age of(30.00±3.95)years old;the body mass index(BMI)was(22.58±1.41)kg·m-2;there were 9 cases on the left side and 21 cases on the right side;the time from injury to operation was(3.00±1.35)days.In the measurement group,there were 17 males and 13 females,with an average of(32.00±4.29)years;BMI was(23.29±1.39)kg·m-2;there were 12 cases on the left side and 18 cases on the right side;the time from injury to oper-ation was(3.00±1.27)days.The clinical data of the patients before surgery,6 months after surgery and 12 months after surgery were collected and recorded.The clinical efficacy of the two methods was compared in terms of postoperative VAS,KOOS,Lysholm score,IKDC score,knee stability(Lachman test,anterior drawer test and axial shift test),the degree of widening of bone tunnel diameter measured by CT at different stages of the postoperative period and MRI scoring system.Results At 12 months after surgery,the VAS of the measurement group was lower than that of the conventional group(P<0.001).At 12 months after surgery,KOOS scores in the measurement group were higher than those in the conventional group,and there were statistical-ly significant differences in all scores except symptom scores(P<0.05).Six months after operation,Lysholm total score and IKDC total score in the measurement group were higher than those in the conventional group,and the difference was statistically signifi-cant(P<0.05).At 12 months after surgery,knee stability tests were performed,and the differences between the Lachman test,anterior drawer test and axial shift test measurement group and the conventional group were not statistically significant(P>0.05).However,overall knee instability analysis showed that the knee stability of the measurement group was better than that of the con-trol group,and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(P=0.038).The imaging assessment of patients in both groups at 6 months after surgery showed that the widening of tendon tunnel diameter in both femur and tibia was reduced in the measurement group compared with the conventional group after surgery,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);MRI scores were higher in all patients in the measurement group those in the conventional group,at 6 months and 12 months agter surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion Arthroscopic measurement of intra-articular cavity graft length in total internal technique for ACL reconstruction,high tendon utilization,good stability,the knee joint function has recovered satisfactorily within one year,and the therapeutic effect is affirmed.
8.Summary of best evidence for non-pharmacological management of postoperative delirium in adult liver transplant recipients
Ao FENG ; Dan ZHOU ; Bingliang ZHANG ; Yinghao ZHOU ; Hui LIN ; Yufei GONG ; Lin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(3):365-371
Objective:To summarize the best evidence for non-pharmacological management of postoperative delirium in adult liver transplant recipients, providing reference for postoperative delirium management in liver transplant recipients.Methods:Evidence on non-pharmacological management of postoperative delirium in adult liver transplant recipients was retrieved through computer in databases such as UpToDate, British Medical Journal (BMJ) Best Practice, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Health Care Center Database, Guidelines International Network, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, and VIP. The search period was from database establishment to January 31, 2023. The types of literature included guidelines, clinical decision-making, best practices, systematic review, summary of evidence, and expert consensus. Two researchers conducted quality evaluation and evidence extraction on the included literature.Results:A total of 10 articles were included, involving 1 clinical decision-making, 4 guidelines, 3 systematic reviews, and 2 expert consensuses. A total of 25 best pieces of evidence for non-pharmacological management of postoperative delirium in adult liver transplant recipients were summarized from four aspects, including screening, evaluation, non-pharmacological prevention, and non-pharmacological treatment.Conclusions:The best evidence on non-pharmacological management of postoperative delirium in adult liver transplant recipients summarized provides a reference for postoperative delirium management in liver transplant recipients.
9.Impact of embryonic uveitis exposure on response of mouse offspring to interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein-induced experimental autoimmune uveitis
Fei XU ; Jianping LIU ; Shifang DONG ; Hui HUANG ; Xinyi GONG ; Kaijiao HU ; Feilan CHEN
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(3):297-306
Objective To investigate the effect of embryonic inflammatory exposure on the response of mouse offspring to interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein(IRBP)-induced experimental autoimmune uveitis(EAU).Methods RNA transcriptome sequencing data from eyeballs of C57BL/6J mouse offspring born to mothers with active EAU were used to screen immune-associated differentially expressed genes in the eyes of the exposed offspring.Gene fragments overlapping in the two datasets were screened using Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses to identify biological pathways associated with the gene fragments.Hub genes were identified from these intersecting genes by protein-protein interaction network analysis.EAU models of maternal uveitis were established by immunization with IRBP651-670,and expression levels of the pivotal genes in the offspring exposed to inflammation by maternal uveitis were examined by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.EAU severity,T lymphocyte proliferation,and serum cytokines were detected to investigate the immune effect in offspring from mothers with an active inflammation response to IRBP induction.Results Microarray analysis identified 72 immune-related differentially expressed genes in exposed samples compared with the findings in control samples.These genes were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling,mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling,and B cell receptor signaling pathways.Protein-protein interaction network interaction analysis screened out four hub genes,Psmc5,Psmc3,Psmd4,and Psmd8,and mRNA levels of these four genes were increased in the adult offspring from mothers with active uveitis compared with the findings in healthy offspring.In addition,the group induced with 150 μg IRBP showed an increase in the severity of clinical and pathological outcomes in offspring with EAU affected by active inflammation,compared with the healthy offspring group(P=0.0087,P=0.0410).Meanwhile,T cell proliferation in the offspring was enhanced during the inflammatory activity stage and secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-17 and IL-6 was increased(P=0.0450,P=0.0300).Conclusions Psmc5,Psmc3,Psmd4,and Psmd8 may be important genes exacerbating uveitis in offspring of mothers with active uveitis,associated with increased T cell proliferation and production of IL-17 and IL-6.
10.Effect of Chlorambucil Combined with Ibrutinib on Mantle Cell Lymphoma Cell Line Jeko-1 and Its Related Mechanism
Ni-Na CAI ; Wan-Yi LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Jia-Hui GONG ; Yi-Ling LIN ; Ze-Chuan WANG ; Yue-Qin HUANG ; Jian-Xin GUO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):132-137
Objective:To investigate the toxic effect of chlorambucil combined with ibrutinib on mantle cell lymphoma(MCL)cell line Jeko-1 and its related mechanism.Methods:The MCL cell line Jeko-1 was incubated with different concentrations of chlorambucil or ibrutinib or the combination of the two drugs,respectively.CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation of the cells,and Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of BCL-2,caspase-3,PI3K,AKT and P-AKT.Results:After Jeko-1 cells were treated with chlorambucil(3.125,6.25,12.5,25,50 μmol/L)and ibrutinib(3.125,6.25,12.5,25,50 μmol/L)alone for 24,48,72h respectively,the cell proliferation was inhibited in a time-and dose-dependent manner.Moreover,the two drugs were applied in combination at low doses(single drug inhibition rate<50%),and the results showed that the combination of two drugs had a more significant inhibitory effect(all P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the apoptosis rate of the single drug group of chlorambucil(3.125,6.25,12.5,25,50 μmol/L)and ibutinib(3.125,6.25,12.5,25,50 μmol/L)was increased in a dose-dependent manner.The combination of the two drugs at low concentrations(3.125,6.25,12.5 μmol/L)could significantly increase the apoptosis rate compared with the corresponding concentration of single drug groups(all P<0.05).Compared with control group,the protein expression levels of caspase-3 in Jeko-l cells were upregulated,while the protein expression levels of BCL-2,PI3K,and p-AKT/AKT were downregulated after treatment with chlorambucil or ibrutinib alone.The combination of the two drugs could produce a synergistic effect on the expressions of the above-mentioned proteins,and the differences between the combination group and the single drug groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Chlorambucil and ibrutinib can promote the apoptosis of MCL cell line Jeko-1,and combined application of the two drugs shows a synergistic effect,the mechanism may be associated with the AKT-related signaling pathways.

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