1.Quantification of Atmospheric Total Reactive Nitrogen Oxides by Thermal Decomposition-Broadband Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy
Dou SHAO ; Min QIN ; Wu FANG ; Bao-Bin HAN ; Ke TANG ; Jian-Ye XIE ; Xia-Dan ZHAO ; Zhi-Tang LIAO ; En-Bo REN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):387-396
Nitrogen oxides(NOx=NO+NO2)are important precursors of ozone(O3),and NOx and its oxides together constitute reactive nitrogen oxides(NOy)in the atmosphere.A comprehensive understanding of the total NOy level in the atmosphere is of great significance for a deeper understanding of the atmospheric nitrogen cycle and oxidation,as well as for formulating strategies for air pollution prevention and control.In this work,a thermal decomposition-broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy(TD-BBCEAS)technique for online measurement of total NOy in the atmosphere was developed.With this method,the NOy was efficiently converted into NO2,and the total NOy concentration in the atmosphere was indirectly obtained by measuring NO2.Focusing on the key factors affecting the measurement of total NOy,the influence of NO titration efficiency and other NOy component TD efficiency on measurement accuracy was emphasized.By changing the oxygen(O2)flow rate through the mercury lamp to alter the O3 concentration for titrating NO,the conversion efficiency of NO was evaluated.At O2 flow rate of 6 mL/min,the conversion efficiency of NO was greater than 99%.TD efficiency testing and analysis on NO2,peroxyacetyl nitrate(PAN),nitric acid(HNO3),and nitrous acid(HONO),which account for a large proportion of atmospheric NOy components,was carried out using 680℃as the optimal TD temperature for efficient conversion of NOy.With NO and HONO sample gases as typical verification gases,the conversion efficiency of NOy and the accuracy of NOy measurement by TD-BBCEAS system were verified by switching the on and off modes of mercury lamp and TD device.At integration time of 60 s,the detection limit of the system for NOy was 2.83×1010 molecules/cm3(60 s,2σ).A comparative measurement of actual atmospheric NOy was conducted between the TD-BBCEAS system and the NOy analyzer.The observation results showed a correlation coefficient(R2)of 0.98 and a slope of 0.93,further verifying the feasibility and accuracy of applying the TD-BBCEAS system to measurement of total NOy.
2.The role and mechanism of IQGAP1 in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation induced microglial polarization
Bo Chao ; Junhao Ren ; Ruoyu Guo ; Youle Su ; Ying Ma
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(11):2011-2018
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) -induced polarization of BV-2 microglia cells .
Methods:
The IQGAP1 overexpression plasmid ( oe-IQGAP1 ) and its negative control plasmid ( Vector) were transfected into BV-2 cells , and then the polarization of BV-2 cells was induced by OGD/R , and exogenous inter- feron-γ(IFN-γ) recombinant protein was used for intervention . Cell proliferation rate was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the supernatant was detected using a test kit. The mRNA expression levels of IQGAP1 , IFN-γand microglial polarization markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) , CD86 , CD206 and arginase1 (Arg1) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) . The levels of IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) , interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4 and IL-10 in the cell supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . The protein expression levels of IQGAP1 and IFN-γwere detected by Western blot.
Results:
Following OGD/R treatment , the proliferation rate of BV-2 cells , the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in the supernatant , and the mRNA expression levels of CD206 and Arg1 were significantly reduced (all P < 0. 05) . In contrast , the levels of LDH , TNF-αand IL-1βin the supernatant , as well as the mRNA expression levels of iNOS and CD86 in the cells significantly increased (all P < 0. 05) . More- over , both the mRNA and protein expression levels of IQGAP1 in the cells significantly decreased ( P < 0. 05) . Following IQGAP1 overexpression , the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in the supernatant of BV-2 cells , along with the mRNA expression levels of CD206 and Arg1 in the cells , were significantly elevated under OGD/R conditions (all P < 0. 05) . Meanwhile , the levels of TNF-αand IL-1βin the supernatant and the mRNA expression levels of iNOS and CD86 in the cells significantly decreased (all P < 0. 05) . Additionally , both the intracellular expression and secretion of IFN-γprotein were reduced ( all P < 0. 05) , whereas the mRNA expression of IFN-γremained un- changed . However , combined intervention with exogenous IFN-γrecombinant protein obviously reversed the inhibi- tory effect of IQGAP1 overexpression on OGD/R-induced M1 polarization of microglia.
Conclusion
IQGAP1 over- expression inhibits M1 polarization of microglia under OGD/R conditions through the suppression of IFN-γexpres- sion and secretion .
3.Investigation of therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Shenqi Buqi Granules on patients with chronic heart failure of Qi deficiency based on proteomics.
Zhi-Bo WANG ; Ying LI ; Lan MIAO ; Jun-Guo REN ; Jian-Xun LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3168-3179
This study explored the efficacy and mechanisms of Shenqi Buqi Granules in treating chronic heart failure(CHF) of Qi deficiency using proteomics and bioinformatics methods. A total of 18 healthy participants(health group) and 19 patients with Qi deficiency-type CHF(experimental group) were enrolled and treated with Shenqi Buqi Granules for 12 weeks. Clinical indicators, including Qi deficiency scores, complete blood count, biochemical parameters, lipid profiles, and cardiac function, were collected from pre-and post-experimental groups. Serum proteomics analysis was performed. Differential proteins were screened through differential analysis and K-means clustering. Further analyses, including subcellular localization, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction(PPI) network construction, were conducted to identify pathways and proteins associated with Shenqi Buqi Granules treatment. Spearman correlation analysis focused on proteins most correlated with the core phenotype of CHF of Qi deficiency. The results show that Shenqi Buqi Granules treatment reduced Qi deficiency scores and brain natriuretic peptide levels of pre-experimental group. A total of 1 594 proteins were quantified in the proteomics analysis, with 98 proteins showing differential expression between healthy group and experimental group before and after treatment. Subcellular localization analysis revealed 6 protein sources, while KEGG pathway enrichment highlighted biological processes including angiogenesis, immune inflammation, calcium homeostasis, cytoskeletal regulation, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism. Core genes identified included CD34, CSF1, CALM1, CALML3, PPP1CA, PFN1, and 3 ribosomal large subunit proteins. Correlation analysis between core proteins and Qi deficiency scores revealed that CD34(r=-0.67, P<0.05) and PPP1CA(r=0.62, P<0.01) were most strongly associated with Qi deficiency scores. This study suggests that Shenqi Buqi Granules improves Qi deficiency scores and CHF symptoms by regulating angiogenesis, immune inflammation, calcium homeostasis, cytoskeletal regulation, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism. CD34 and PPP1CA are identified as core proteins involved in the therapeutic effects of Shenqi Buqi Granules on Qi deficiency.
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Heart Failure/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Proteomics
;
Middle Aged
;
Qi
;
Aged
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Adult
;
Chronic Disease
4.NFKBIE: Novel Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Immunity in Colorectal Cancer: Insights from Pan-cancer Analysis.
Chen Yang HOU ; Peng WANG ; Feng Xu YAN ; Yan Yan BO ; Zhen Peng ZHU ; Xi Ran WANG ; Shan LIU ; Dan Dan XU ; Jia Jia XIAO ; Jun XUE ; Fei GUO ; Qing Xue MENG ; Ren Sen RAN ; Wei Zheng LIANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1320-1325
5.Associations of Exposure to Typical Environmental Organic Pollutants with Cardiopulmonary Health and the Mediating Role of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Crossover Study.
Ning GAO ; Bin WANG ; Ran ZHAO ; Han ZHANG ; Xiao Qian JIA ; Tian Xiang WU ; Meng Yuan REN ; Lu ZHAO ; Jia Zhang SHI ; Jing HUANG ; Shao Wei WU ; Guo Feng SHEN ; Bo PAN ; Ming Liang FANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(11):1388-1403
OBJECTIVE:
The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress.
METHODS:
A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators.
RESULTS:
Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
CONCLUSION
Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Cross-Over Studies
;
Female
;
Young Adult
;
Environmental Pollutants/toxicity*
;
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*
;
Biomarkers/blood*
;
Adult
;
Blood Pressure/drug effects*
;
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine*
;
Beijing
6.Establishment and optimization of a high-performance size-exclusion chromatography method for quantifying the classical swine fever virus E2 protein.
Xiaojuan ZHANG ; Bo YANG ; Gaoyuan XU ; Mingxing REN ; Ji TANG ; Hongshuo LIU ; Zhankui LIU ; Yafei LI ; Xiangru WANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2774-2788
This study aims to establish a high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) method for determining the content of the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) E2 protein and screen the optimal stabilizer to enhance the stability of this protein. The optimal detection conditions were determined by optimizing the composition of the mobile phase, and characteristic chromatographic peaks were identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The specificity, repeatability, precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the method were assessed. The method established was used to determine the content of CSFV E2 protein antigen and vaccine. Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) was employed to screen the buffer system, pH, and salt ion concentrations, and sugar, amino acid, and alcohol stabilizers were further screened. The results showed that using a 200 mmol/L phosphate buffer provided the best column efficiency. An antigen-specific chromatographic peak appeared at the retention time of 18 min, which was identified as the CSFV E2 protein by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The method exhibited high specificity for detecting the CSFV E2 protein, with no absorbance peak observed in the blank control. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the peak area for six repeated injections of the CSFV E2 protein was 0.74%, indicating good repeatability of the method. The RSD for repeated detection of two different concentrations of CSFV E2 protein samples by different operators at different time points was less than 2%, suggesting good intermediate precision of the method. The peak area of the CSFV E2 protein was linearly related to its concentration, with the regression equation showing R2 of 1.000. The LOD and LOQ of the method were 14.88 μg/mL and 29.75 μg/mL, respectively. Application of the developed method in the detection of three batches of CSFV E2 protein antigen and three batches of vaccine demonstrated results consistent with those from the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, which meant that the method could accurately determine the content of CSFV E2 protein antigen and vaccine. The DSF method identified 50 mmol/L Tris-HCl at pH 8.0 as the optimal buffer, and the addition of sugar and alcohol stabilizers further improved the stability of the CSFV E2 protein. The HPSEC method established in this study is simple, fast, and exhibits good accuracy and repeatability, enabling precise measurement of the CSFV E2 protein content. It is expected to play a crucial role in the quality control of the CSFV E2 vaccine. Furthermore, the strategy for improving the CSFV E2 protein stability, identified through DSF screening, has significant implications for enhancing the stability of the CSFV E2 vaccine.
Classical Swine Fever Virus/chemistry*
;
Chromatography, Gel/methods*
;
Animals
;
Swine
;
Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology*
7.Promotive effect of high expression of nerve growth factor in Schwan-like cells induced by adipose-derived stem cells on growth of rat dorsal root ganglion cell protrusion
Qinghua ZHU ; Bo YUAN ; Yilun WANG ; Miao REN ; Xiaofei LI ; Simiao WANG ; Zixuan ZHEN ; Xiumei FU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):984-995
Objective:To discuss the promotive effect of nerve growth factor(NGF),which is highly expressed in the adipose-derived stem cell(ADSC)-induced Schwann-like cells(SCLCs),on the growth of dorsal root ganglion(DRG)cell processes in the rats,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:The ADSCs were extracted from the epididymal adipose tissue of the SD rats,and their multidirectional differentiation potential was identified through osteogenic,adipogenic,and chondrogenic induction.The ADSCs were induced to differentiate into the SCLCs,and the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and S100 calcium-binding protein β(S100β)protein in the ADSCs and SCLCs were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting methods.The DRG cells were isolated and cultured,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the βⅢ-tubulin expression in the DRG cells for identification.The SCLCs were co-cultured with the DRG cells(co-culture group),the single-culture DRG cells were regared as DRG group and toluidine blue staining was used to observe and measure the length of DRG cell processes under the optical microscope in co-culture group and DRG group.Small interfering RNA(siRNA)transfection was used to knock down NGF,and plasmid transfection was used to over-express NGF.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the NGF mRNA expression levels in the cells in various groups;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was used to detect the NGF protein levels in the cell supernatants.The transfected SCLCs were co-cultured with DRG cells and divided into control group,siNC/vector group,NGF knockdown group(si-NGF group),and NGF over-expression group(oe-NGF group).The lengths of DRG cell processes in various groups were observed.Results:The primary ADSCs adhered within 24 h after seeding,with a small number of lipid droplets remaining.After 3 d of culture,the cells were mostly short spindle-shaped,fusiform,or polygonal,growing rapidly in a vortex pattern.After passaging,the cells exhibited a uniform morphology,appearing as long spindles arranged in a fish-school pattern.After 14 d of adipogenic induction,the cell morphology changed from spindle-shaped to flat-round,with translucent lipid droplets forming in the cytoplasm,which were stained red by Oil Red O.After 28 d of osteogenic induction,the cells appeared sand-like with blurred morphology,and calcified nodules were observed,which were stained red by Alizarin Red and deposited in the extracellular matrix.After 28 d of chondrogenic induction in a 3D culture system,millet-sized chondrogenic spheres formed.Frozen sections of the spheres were stained with Alcian Blue,and acidic mucopolysaccharides in the cartilage tissue were stained blue under the microscope.Under the fluorescence microscope,the third-passage purified ADSCs showed positive expression of CD29[fluorescein isothiocy anate(FITC)-labeled green fluorescence]and CD44(Cy3-labeled red fluorescence).The immunofluorescence staining results showed that GFAP was labeled with FITC(green fluorescence),and S100β was labeled with Cy3(red fluorescence).The Western blotting results showed that compared with ADSCs,the expression levels of S100β and GFAP proteins in the SCLCs were increased(P<0.05).The primary DRG cells began to adhere 6 h after conventional culture,and after 3 d,the cell bodies appeared round and bright,with two linear processes extending from them.Under fluorescence microscope,the cells positively expressed the neuron-specific marker βⅢ-tubulin,confirming that the isolated cells were DRG cells.Compared with the ADSCs,the NGF protein expression level in the SCLCs was increased(P<0.05).Compared with DRG group,the length of DRG cell processes in co-culture group was the highest when DRG cells and SCLCs were co-cultured at a 1∶2 ratio(P<0.05).The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with si-NC group,the expression levels of NGF mRNA in the cell supernatant in si-NGF-1,si-NGF-2,and si-NGF-3 groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05),with si-NGF-1 showing the highest knockdown efficiency,which was selected for subsequent experiments.The ELISA results showed that compared with si-NC group,the NGF levels in the cell supernatant of si-NGF-1,si-NGF-2,and si-NGF-3 groups were decreased(P<0.05).Compared with Vector group,the expression level of NGF mRNA and NGF protein level in the supernatant in oe-NGF group were increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group and siNC/vector group,the length of DRG cell processes in si-NGF group was decreased(P<0.05),while the length of DRG cell processes in oe-NGF group was increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:ADSCs can be directionally differentiated into SCLCs,and the differentiated cells highly express NGF.Knockdown or overexpression of NGF can affect the growth of DRG cell processes.
8.Zero-incision treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in extremely unstable Gartland type Ⅳ children by percutaneous prying combined with modified rotary reduction with Kirschner wire.
Qiang SUN ; Ying ZHOU ; Wei CHEN ; Bo REN ; Xing-Kun LIU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(1):92-96
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous prying combined with modified rotary reduction with needle in the treatment of supracondylar fracture of humerus in Gartland type Ⅳ children, and to evaluate the postoperative elbow joint function, the incidence of elbow varus deformity and the application prospect of this technique.
METHODS:
A total of 98 children diagnosed with Gartland type Ⅳ supracondylar humeral fractures between June 2020 and January 2023 were included in this study, comprising of 57 males and 41 females. The age ranged from 2 to 14 years old with an average of (6.24±4.76) years old. There were 48 cases on the left side and 50 on the right side. The time interval from injury to surgery ranged from 2 hours to 2 days, and emergency operation was performed in 26 cases. During the operation, the Kirschner wire was inserted bluntly into the broken end of the fracture using the lever principle, and the reduction was performed by percutaneous prying. Then the modified rotary reduction method with kirschner wire was used to close and reset the Kirschner wire internal fixation, and zero incision was achieved in all cases. Flynn score was used to evaluatal the function and appearance of the elbow joint at 6 months after operation.
RESULTS:
The operation was successfully completed by all 98 children, and they were followed up for a duration from 6 to14 months with an average of (9.82±3.51) months. The fractures in all cases healed, the time ranged from 6 to 8 weeks with an average of (6.72±1.17) weeks. The Flynn function score of the elbow joint was rated as excellent in 95 cases and good in 3 cases at the 6-month postoperative evaluation. No related complications occurred, such as cubitus varus deformity, osteofascial compartment syndrome, Kirschner wire rupture or rejection, iatrogenic vascular and nerve injury, Volkmann's contracture or ossification myositis.
CONCLUSION
Percutaneous pry extraction combined with modified rotary reduction with needle in the treatment of humeral supracondylar fracture in extremely instability Gartland type Ⅳ children has the advantages of zero incision, little trauma, safety and good efficacy, and minimization of surgical trauma and scar formation. The postoperative elbow joint function recovery is good.
Humans
;
Female
;
Child
;
Male
;
Humeral Fractures/physiopathology*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Bone Wires
;
Adolescent
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
9.Study on the efficacy of automatic-controlled pressure cupping for lumbar disc herniation.
Bo-Chen PENG ; Min-Shan FENG ; Li LI ; Gui-Ju REN ; Yi-Zhen YUAN ; Li-Jie CHANG ; Shu-Ying REN ; Liu ZENG ; Guang-Wei LIU ; Li-Guo ZHU ; Na YUAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(11):1133-1138
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping in patients with lumbar disc herniation, and compare it with traditional cupping.
METHODS:
A total of 100 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation from January 2022 to August 2024 were selected and divided into two groups:the automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping group (controlled pressure cupping group) and the traditional cupping group (control group), 50 cases in each group. In the controlled pressure cupping group, there were 18 males and 32 females, with an age of (51.98±12.69) years;in the control group, there were 16 males and 34 females, with an age of (51.32±12.05) years. The visual analogue scale(VAS), comfort score, and lumbar range of motion were observed before treatment and after the 1st, 3rd, and 7th treatments to evaluate the efficacy and safety.
RESULTS:
All patients completed the treatment intervention, with complete follow-up data collected. No adverse reactions or complications occurred during treatment and follow-up. After the 3rd treatment, the VAS score of the controlled pressure cupping group was (2.38±0.49), which was lower than that of the control group (2.94±0.68), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). In the controlled pressure cupping group, the VAS scores after the 1st, 3rd, and 7th treatments were significantly better than those before treatment (P=0.026);in the control group, the VAS scores after the 3rd and 7th treatments were better than those before treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.182). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) on VAS scores at different time points in both groups showed that there were statistically significant differences in inter-group, time, and interaction effects (P<0.05). After the 1st treatment, in the controlled pressure cupping group, 0 patients felt comfortable, 42 patients (84%) felt mild discomfort, and 8 patients (16%) felt moderate discomfort;in the control group, 0 patients felt comfortable, 28 patients (56%) felt mild discomfort, and 22 patients(44%) felt moderate discomfort;the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.005). After the 3rd treatment, in the controlled pressure cupping group, 30 patients(60%) felt comfortable, 20 patients (40%) felt mild discomfort, and 0 patients felt moderate discomfort; in the control group, 9 patients (18%) felt comfortable, 41 patients (82%) felt mild discomfort, and 0 patients felt moderate discomfort;the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in comfort between the two groups after the 7th treatment(P>0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in lumbar range of motion between the two groups before and after treatment(P>0.05);compared with before treatment, the lumbar range of motion of both groups after treatment was significantly improved, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping can effectively relieve symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation, with excellent safety.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/physiopathology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology*
;
Cupping Therapy/methods*
;
Pressure
;
Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
10.A novel glycolysis-related prognostic risk model for colorectal cancer patients based on single-cell and bulk transcriptomic data.
Kai YAO ; Jingyi XIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yun SUN ; Junjie MA ; Bo ZHU ; Li REN ; Congli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(2):105-115
Objective To explore the prognostic value of glycolysis-related genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and formulate a novel glycolysis-related prognostic risk model. Methods Single-cell and bulk transcriptomic data of CRC patients, along with clinical information, were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Glycolysis scores for each sample were calculated using single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to analyze the relationship between glycolysis scores and overall survival. Novel glycolysis-related subgroups were defined among the cell type with the highest glycolysis scores. Gene enrichment analysis, metabolic activity assessment, and univariate Cox regression were performed to explore the biological functions and prognostic impact of these subgroups. A prognostic risk model was built and validated based on genes significantly affecting the prognosis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore differences in biological processes between high- and low-risk groups. Differences in immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity between these groups were assessed using R packages. Potential targeted agents for prognostic risk genes were predicted using the Enrichr database. Results Tumor tissues showed significantly higher glycolysis scores than normal tissues, which was associated with a poor prognosis in CRC patients. The highest glycolysis score was observed in epithelial cells, within which we defined eight novel glycolysis-related cell subpopulations. Specifically, the P4HA1+ epithelial cell subpopulation was associated with a poor prognosis. Based on signature genes of this subpopulation, a six-gene prognostic risk model was formulated. GSEA revealed significant biological differences between high- and low-risk groups. Immune microenvironment analysis demonstrated that the high-risk group had increased infiltration of macrophages and tumor-associated fibroblasts, along with evident immune exclusion and suppression, while the low-risk group exhibited higher levels of B cell and T cell infiltration. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that high-risk patients were more sensitive to Abiraterone, while low-risk patients responded to Cisplatin. Additionally, Valproic acid was predicted as a potential targeted agent. Conclusion High glycolytic activity is associated with a poor prognosis in CRC patients. The novel glycolysis-related prognostic risk model formulated in this study offers significant potential for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
Humans
;
Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Glycolysis/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Transcriptome
;
Tumor Microenvironment/genetics*
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Single-Cell Analysis
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Male
;
Female
;
Kaplan-Meier Estimate


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