1.Effect of atosiban on hemodynamic parameters of uterine arteries and clinical effect evaluation in patients with previous implantation failure undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer
Lanlan CHENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Yungai XIANG ; Lijing WAN ; Chao LIU ; Zonggang FENG ; Li TAN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):702-708
Objective:To investigate the effect of atosiban on hemodynamic parameters of uterine arteries and clinical effect evaluation in patients with previous implantation failure undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze 298 cycles of FET in the Department of Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to June 2023. Patients were categorized into atosiban group ( n=149) and control group ( n=149) according to whether administered atosiban or not. The related indicators and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Hemodynamic parameters of the uterine arteries, including bilateral uterine artery peak systolic velocity/diastolic velocity (S/D), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and serum levels of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and oxytocin were compared before and after atosiban treatment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to assess the effect of atosiban on pregnancy outcomes. The effect of atosiban on live birth rate was analyzed by age stratification. Results:The implantation rate [51.92% (135/260)], the clinical pregnancy rate [67.11% (100/149)] and the live birth rate [59.06% (88/149)] in atosiban group were significantly higher than those in control group [41.13% (102/248), P=0.015; 51.01% (76/149), P=0.005; 40.27% (60/149), P=0.001]; and the early miscarriage rate [9.00% (9/100)] was lower than that of control group [19.74% (15/76), P=0.040]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that atosiban was an independent influencing factor of live birth rate ( OR=2.236, 95% CI: 1.371-3.646, P=0.001). The post-treatment right uterine artery blood flow S/D [4.61 (4.00, 5.36)], PI [1.81 (1.58, 2.05)], RI [0.79 (0.75, 0.82)], and left uterine artery blood flow S/D [4.62 (3.83, 5.61)], PI (1.84±0.38), RI [0.79 (0.74, 0.82)] were all lower than those before treatment [right S/D 4.93 (4.06, 6.04), P<0.001; PI 1.93 (1.60, 2.17), P=0.001; RI 0.80 (0.76, 0.83), P<0.001; left S/D 5.05 (4.20, 6.32), P<0.001; PI 1.95±0.43, P<0.001; RI 0.81 (0.76, 0.84), P<0.001]. Besides, the levels of PGF2α [97.01 (85.15, 109.93) ng/L] and oxytocin [41.18 (37.16, 46.78) ng/L] after treatment in atosiban group were significantly lower than those before treatment [119.71 (108.85, 129.99) ng/L, P<0.001; 51.87 (46.44, 55.54) ng/L, P<0.001). Moreover, the endometrial peristalsis waves in atosiban group were significantly less after treatment [1.00 (0.00, 2.00) times/min] than before treatment [2.00 (1.00, 3.00) times/min], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). Conclusion:Atosiban can improve uterine artery blood flow and reduce endometrial peristalsis waves in women with previous implantation failure, which increases endometrial blood perfusion. Additionally, it can also reduce the levels of PGF2α and oxytocin, and optimize the pregnancy outcome of the frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
2.Impact of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells intrauterine perfusion on endometrial thickness and endometrial receptivity in mice with thin endometrium
Chao LIU ; Lanlan CHENG ; Li TAN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(8):809-817
Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of intrauterine perfusion of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MNCs) on thin endometrium.Methods:SPF-grade Kunming mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected. A mouse model of thin endometrium was established by infusing 95% ethanol into the uterine cavity for a duration of 5 min. Using a completely randomized grouping method, 40 female mice with regular estrous cycles were randomly divided into four groups: untreated group (no intervention, n=10), sham-operated group (operation without modeling, n=10), experimental group (intrauterine infusion of UCB-MNCs during estrus after one estrous cycle post-modeling, n=10) and negative control group (intrauterine infusion of saline during estrus after one estrous cycle post-modeling, n=10). Following the administration of UCB-MNCs or physiological saline, all groups' uterine tissues were collected two estrous cycles later during their respective estrus phases. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess endometrial morphology, measure thickness, and count glands. Western blotting and reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were utilized to measure the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), integrin (ITG) α V, ITG β 3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the endometrium across different groups for intergroup comparisons. Results:The endometrial thickness and the number of glands in the untreated group [(507.32±85.66) μm, 18.67±6.66] showed no statistically significant differences compared with those in the sham-operated group [(502.78±73.26) μm, 19.33±7.73, all P>0.05]. The experimental group showed significantly increased endometrial thickness [(347.71±82.24) μm vs. (118.85±29.19) μm, P<0.001] and gland number (15.00±2.65 vs. 2.00±2.00, P=0.030) compared with the negative control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of LIF, VEGF, ITG α v, ITG β 3, and PCNA in the endometrium between the untreated group and the sham-operated group (all P>0.05). The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of endometrial LIF, VEGF, ITG α V, ITG β 3 and PCNA of the experimental group were all significantly higher than those in the negative control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Intrauterine perfusion with UCB-MNCs may promote endometrial regeneration and repair, as well as improve endometrial receptivity, through the upregulation of the expression levels of PCNA, LIF, VEGF, and ITG α V, ITGβ 3.
3.TMT Screening and Bioinformatic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins of Hippocampus in AD Rat Model
Chao KE ; Shengtao SHAN ; Yan TAN ; Yang CAO ; Zhengrong XIE ; Jiang PAN ; Wei ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3350-3361
Objective To analyze differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)in the hippocampal tissue of an amyloid-beta 1-42(Aβ1-42)-induced Alzheimer's disease(AD)rat model using Tandem mass tag(TMT)-based quantitative proteomics,followed by bioinformatic analysis to explore potential AD mechanisms.Methods Twelve male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly assigned to a control group(n=6)and a model group(n=6).The AD model was established by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 in the model group,while the control group received an equivalent volume of saline.Cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test,and hippocampal Aβ deposition was detected by immunofluorescence.DEPs were identified using TMT-based proteomics and subsequently analyzed via Gene Ontology(GO)annotation,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment,and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis.Key DEPs were validated using parallel reaction monitoring(PRM)technology.Results The model group exhibited a significantly lower novel object recognition index(P<0.01)and significantly increased hippocampal Aβ deposition(P<0.01)compared to the control group.Proteomic analysis identified 183 DEPs(87 upregulated,96 downregulated).GO analysis revealed that DEPs were primarily enriched in processes such as amyloid-beta binding and ion transmembrane transport.KEGG analysis indicated significant enrichment in 42 pathways,including dopaminergic synapse,glutamatergic synapse,cholinergic synapse,and long-term potentiation.Ten core DEPs were identified from the PPI network,and PRM validation confirmed expression trends consistent with the TMT results.Conclusion Aβ1-42-induced AD involves the synergistic action of multiple targets,biological processes,and pathways.The activation of glutamatergic and dopaminergic synaptic signaling pathways,mediated by core DEPs(e.g.,Th、D1、VGLUT2、GluN2A、GluA1、GluA3、Shank1、DARPP-32、PKC-δ、PKC-α、PKA C-β、CaMKⅡα、PTK2B),likely represents a key molecular mechanism in this AD model,providing a basis for identifying potential therapeutic targets.
4.Functional Analysis of the Promoter of the deSUMOylation Enzyme senp8 and Its Relationship with Lipid Metabolism in Yellow Catfish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)
Fu-Xuan DUAN ; Zhi-Wei HAO ; Tao LIU ; Chang-Chun SONG ; Tian-Hua ZHANG ; Chong-Chao ZHONG ; Xiao-Ying TAN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(4):607-616
To investigate the transcriptionally regulatory mechanism of the senp8 promoter in yellow cat-fish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco);this study used P.fulvidraco as the research subject.Dual-luciferase re-porter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were employed to analyze the functional activity of the promoter;coupled with in vivo experiments.The results indicated that the 2 045 bp senp8 promoter se-quence contained key transcription factor binding sites such as SP1;TATA-Box;CCAAT-Box;SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ.The binding sites of SREBP1(-901/-910 bp);PPARα(-1 291/-1 308 bp);and PPARγ(-1 292/-1 306 bp)in the senp8 promoter positively regulate its activity;and oleic acid or palmitic acid promote this binding.Furthermore;high-fat feeding promoted the expression of the senp8 gene and its protein in the liver of P.fulvidraco;oleic acid or palmitic acid treatment significantly en-hanced the activity of the senp8 promoter;and this enhancement could be achieved through the regulatory effects of SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ response elements.Additionally;high-fat feeding influenced the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to deSUMOylation modification in the liver of P.fulvidraco.This study provides new insights into the relationship between deSUMOylation modification and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the vertebrates.
5.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
6.Functional Analysis of the Promoter of the deSUMOylation Enzyme senp8 and Its Relationship with Lipid Metabolism in Yellow Catfish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)
Fu-Xuan DUAN ; Zhi-Wei HAO ; Tao LIU ; Chang-Chun SONG ; Tian-Hua ZHANG ; Chong-Chao ZHONG ; Xiao-Ying TAN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(4):607-616
To investigate the transcriptionally regulatory mechanism of the senp8 promoter in yellow cat-fish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco);this study used P.fulvidraco as the research subject.Dual-luciferase re-porter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were employed to analyze the functional activity of the promoter;coupled with in vivo experiments.The results indicated that the 2 045 bp senp8 promoter se-quence contained key transcription factor binding sites such as SP1;TATA-Box;CCAAT-Box;SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ.The binding sites of SREBP1(-901/-910 bp);PPARα(-1 291/-1 308 bp);and PPARγ(-1 292/-1 306 bp)in the senp8 promoter positively regulate its activity;and oleic acid or palmitic acid promote this binding.Furthermore;high-fat feeding promoted the expression of the senp8 gene and its protein in the liver of P.fulvidraco;oleic acid or palmitic acid treatment significantly en-hanced the activity of the senp8 promoter;and this enhancement could be achieved through the regulatory effects of SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ response elements.Additionally;high-fat feeding influenced the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to deSUMOylation modification in the liver of P.fulvidraco.This study provides new insights into the relationship between deSUMOylation modification and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the vertebrates.
7.13-Docosenamide Enhances Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Differentiation via USP33-Mediated Deubiquitination of CNR1 in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion.
Yuhao XU ; Yi TAN ; Zhi ZHANG ; Duo CHEN ; Chao ZHOU ; Liang SUN ; Shengnan XIA ; Xinyu BAO ; Haiyan YANG ; Yun XU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(11):1939-1956
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion leads to white matter injury (WMI), which plays a significant role in contributing to vascular cognitive impairment. While 13-docosenamide is a type of fatty acid amide, it remains unclear whether it has therapeutic effects on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. In this study, we conducted bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) surgery to simulate chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced WMI and cognitive impairment. Our findings showed that 13-docosenamide alleviates WMI and cognitive impairment in BCAS mice. Mechanistically, 13-docosenamide specifically binds to cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). This interaction results in an upregulation of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 33 (USP33)-mediated CNR1 deubiquitination, subsequently increasing CNR1 protein expression, activating the phosphorylation of the AKT/mTOR pathway, and promoting the differentiation of OPCs. In conclusion, our study suggests that 13-docosenamide can ameliorate chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced WMI and cognitive impairment by enhancing OPC differentiation and could serve as a potential therapeutic drug.
Animals
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Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells/metabolism*
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Mice
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Male
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Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/metabolism*
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Ubiquitination/drug effects*
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Carotid Stenosis/complications*
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Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy*
8.Feixin Decoction Treats Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension by Regulating Pyroptosis in PASMCs via PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Junlan TAN ; Xianya CAO ; Runxiu ZHENG ; Wen ZHANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jian YI ; Feiying WANG ; Xia LI ; Jianmin FAN ; Hui LIU ; Lan SONG ; Aiguo DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):1-9
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Feixin decoction treats hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal, hypoxia, and low-, medium- and high-dose (5.85, 11.7, 23.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Feixin decoction groups, with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group, the remaining five groups were placed in a hypoxia chamber with an oxygen concentration of (10.0±0.5)% for 8 h per day, 28 days, and administrated with corresponding drugs during the modeling process. After 4 weeks of treatment, echocardiographic parameters [pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAT), pulmonary artery ejection time (PET), right ventricular anterior wall thickness (RVAWd), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)] were measured for each group. The right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by the right heart catheterization method, and the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) was calculated by weighing the heart. The pathological changes in pulmonary arterioles were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The co-localization of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) with NLRP3, N-terminal gasdermin D (N-GSDMD), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1) in pulmonary arteries was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of PPARγ, NF-κB, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), N-GSDMD, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18), and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot. The ultrastructural changes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the hypoxia group showed increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.01), decreased right heart function (P<0.01), increased pulmonary vascular remodeling (P<0.01), increased co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3, N-GSDMD, and Caspase-1 in pulmonary arterioles (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, N-GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), a down-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01), and pyroptosis in PASMCs. Compared with the hypoxia group, Feixin decoction reduced RVSP and RVHI, improved the right heart function and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3, N-GSDMD, and Caspase-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, N-GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the protein level of PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01), and alleviated pyroptosis in PASMCs. ConclusionFeixin decoction can ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart dysfunction in chronically induced HPH rats by regulating pyroptosis in PASMCs through the PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.
9.Lung transplantation for lung cancer: History, current status, and future
Jinghong TAN ; Chao CHENG ; Jingyu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(06):760-765
Lung cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor worldwide. For lung cancer patients with multiple intrapulmonary metastases or impaired lung function, complete tumor resection is challenging, and the prognosis is poor. Lung transplantation demonstrates potential therapeutic value in achieving complete tumor resection, improving lung function, and enhancing quality of life. Advances in tumor detection technologies such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography and circulating tumor DNA, along with the development of comprehensive treatment strategies for lung cancer, provide powerful tools for accurately predicting tumor recurrence and treatment outcomes following lung transplantation. The feasibility of lung transplantation as a treatment for lung cancer is receiving increasing attention. This article reviews the history and clinical management of lung transplantation for lung cancer.

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