1.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
2.Microscopic Identification of Micro-Traits and Microscopic Identification of Peucedani Radix and Its Common Varieties
Lisi ZOU ; Liang NI ; Jie RAN ; Yi YAO ; Yanan PAN ; Rouxing CHEN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):946-960
OBJECTIVE To study the characteristics,micro-traits and microscopic characteristics of Peucedani radix and seven kinds of its common varieties and summarize the key identification characteristics so as to provide a reference for the effective identifica-tion of Peucedani radix and its common varieties.METHODS The key identification features and high-definition images of Peucedani radix and its common varieties were obtained by using the identification methods of traits,microtraits and microscopy,combined with the techniques of depth-of-field extended imaging and image stitching,and some of the features were digitally extracted and statistical-ly analyzed by SPSS26.0 software.RESULTS The high-definition color image data of Peucedani radix and its common varieties were obtained.Its specific identification features were:root head length and annular sparseness,skin pore shape and area,root texture,and fracture surface oil spot density,etc.under the property identification;the diameter and number of oil chambers,the number of cathe-ters,the presence or absence of bast fibers and wood fibers,etc.under the microscopic identification.The results of statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in skin pore area,oil chamber diameter and density,and conduit density among different varieties of Peucedani radix(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Micro-traits and microidentification methods can be comprehensively ap-plied to distinguish Peucedani radix and its common varieties.In particular,the microscopic features of polarized light holographic col-or images in cross section have significant distinguishing significance,and some of the features are digitally extracted and statistically analyzed,which makes up for the shortcomings of subjective factors in the traditional empirical identification research,and provides a reference for the circulation,testing,clinical medication,and standard drafting of Peucedani radix.
3.Etiologic and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory tract infections after COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai
Pan-pan LYU ; Ming-liang CHEN ; Zhen ZHAO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(2):242-248
Objective To investigate the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae(Mp),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),influenza A(FluA),and influenza B(FluB)in a single center in Minhang District,Shanghai after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A retrospective analysis of data from Apr 2023 to Jul 2024 of patients who underwent testing for Mp,RSV,FluA,and FluB due to respiratory tract infections in Minhang Hospital,Fudan University was conducted.Differences in pathogen infections were analyzed among different seasons and age groups.Results A total of 39 103 individuals of respiratory tract infections with simultaneous testing for all four pathogens were included in this analysis,with a total detection rate of 44.7%(17 490/39 103).The detection rates were as follows:Mp 25.2%,FluA 13.1%,FluB 10.9%,and RSV 1.5%.Co-infections accounted for 5.9%,predominantly with Mp and FluA.The detection rate of Mp was>38%in children under 14 years old,gradually decreasing with age.In the child group(≤14 years),both FluA and FluB had the highest detection rates in the 7-14 years age group(FluA,16.5%;FluB,10.4%).In the adult group(≥15 years),the highest detection rates for FluA and FluB were found in the 15-24 years age group(12.5%)and the 35-44 years age group(15.9%),respectively.The detection rates of pathogens varied significantly across different months(P<0.001),with an increasing trend in the total number and overall detection rate of the four pathogens after Sept 2023(P<0.001).Conclusion After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic,there was an abnormal increase in Mp in a single center in Minhang District,Shanghai.Mp,along with influenza viruses,became the main pathogens causing respiratory tract infections.Targeted prevention and control measures based on the epidemiological characteristics of infections should be implemented to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.
4.Nanoplastics and microplastics impair spatial memory ability in mice by inhibiting autophagy
Huimei LIANG ; Jiarui PAN ; Xueer LIN ; Minyi ZHAO ; Huan ZENG ; Yuqiang CHEN ; Hou-hui SONG ; Wei WANG ; Jinghua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(10):2246-2255
Approximately 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year,which has a serious impact on human health,marine life and the livestock industry.Microplastics have also been detected in meat and milk samples.Research has shown that nanoplastics(NP)(<1 μm)and mi-croplastics(MP)(1 μm-5 mm)can affect the digestive,immune and reproductive systems of ani-mals.This experiment aims to investigate whether NP and MP regulate autophagy and damage the nervous system and spatial memory of animals.This experiment was divided into control group,nanoplastic group(PS-NP group,0.1 μm)and microplastic group(PS-MP group,1 μm),with 20 mice in each group.The mice were given 0.5 mL of PS-NP and PS-MP every day for 35 consecutive days,followed by neck amputation and brain analysis.The results showed that NPs and MPs of dif-ferent diameters caused varying degrees of damage to the brains of mice.In the behavioral tests of new object recognition,barnes maze and Y-shaped maze spatial memory,compared with the control group,the PS-NP group and PS-MP group showed a significant decrease in spatial memory ability of mice.HE staining results showed that neuronal cells in the PS-NP and PS-MP groups of mice exhibited shrinkage,decreased cell volume and deepened staining.The number of Nissl bodies de-creased,leading to dissolution and disappearance.RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the control group,the expression of glutamate receptors NR1,NR2A and NR2B in-creased in mice administered NP and MP orally,while the expression of autophagy related proteins Parkin,LC3B and Beclin1 was inhibited.In summary,this study suggests that nanoplastics and mi-croplastics stimulate glutamate receptors in mice by inhibiting the autophagy pathway,leading to impaired spatial memory.
5.Progress in research on the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy by the intervention of the nuclear red blood cell related factor 2 signaling pathway with effective components of traditional Chinese medicine
Yixin CHEN ; Chen LI ; Bin SONG ; Liping ZUO ; Jianjun LIU ; Lumin LIANG ; Ruixiong NAN ; Jiahao WANG ; Libin PAN ; Jingrong WANG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(8):667-672
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a kind of microvascular disease caused by the long-term influence of diabetes mellitus(DM),and it is one of the main cause of global visual impairment and blindness.Its typical characteristics include microaneurysms,hard exudates,macular edema(DME)and neovascularization.Its pathogenesis is diverse,and the root cause is oxidative stress and advanced glycosylation end products.The nuclear red blood cell related factor 2(Nrf2)signa-ling pathway plays an important role in preventing various diseases.As one of the characteristics of DM,hyperglycemia will activate the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in mitochondria.These oxidative stress factors activate the nucle-ar transcription factor κB pathway,becoming the main inducement of various complications of DM.This pathway will in-duce increased transcription of proinflammatory cytokines,including tumor necrosis factor-alpha,transforming growth fac-tor-beta and interleukin-1.The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine have significant antioxidant,anti-inflam-matory,anti-apoptotic and angiogenesis-promoting effects,and can block the progression of DR through various mecha-nisms.In this article,the research status of traditional Chinese medicine targeting the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the preven-tion and treatment of DR is reviewed to guide clinical and scientific research.
6.To evaluate the clinical efficacy of"dynamic and static combination"of shaking,pulling and poking ma-nipulation of lateral malleolus combined with brace fixation in the treatment of Hepple type Ⅰ-Ⅲ OLT
Shulong WANG ; Dongxiao LI ; Huan LIANG ; Ruizheng ZHU ; Junde WU ; Xuyue PAN ; Zhanhua MA ; Yinze QI ; Feng ZHAO ; Ayong HUANG ; Zhimin YANG ; Zhaojun CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(14):2210-2216
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of the"dynamic and static combination"approach in the treatment of Hepple Ⅰ-Ⅲ type osteochondral lesions of the talus(OLT),utilizing external ankle shaking,pulling,and poking manipulations in conjunction with ankle brace fixation.Methods A total of 82 patients diagnosed with OLT,who sought treatment at four hospitals between June 2022 and December 2023,were included in the study.Both the experimental and control groups received ankle immobilization using braces through-out the treatment period.The control group was administered Voltaren Emulgel topically twice daily(morning and evening),with each treatment course lasting 30 days,for a total of one course.The experimental group received additional therapeutic intervention involving shaking,pulling,and poking manipulations,conducted twice weekly,with the same duration and number of treatment courses as the control group.Follow-up assessments were scheduled at 2 weeks,4 weeks,and 2 months post-treatment.Outcome measures included the pain rating index(PRI),visual analogue scale(VAS)for pain intensity,current pain intensity(PPI),American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society(AOFAS)ankle and hindfoot scores,proprioceptive function,and the size of OLT.Results During the longitudinal assessment conducted at 2-week,4-week,and follow-up intervals,the experimental group exhibited superior clinical outcomes compared to the control group,with statistically significant decreases in PRI,PPI,and AOFAS scores(all P<0.05).VAS scores showed progressive improvement over time,with significant intergroup differences observed at both the 4-week and follow-up assessments(P<0.05).Biomechanical analysis performed post-intervention indicated improved kinematic repositioning accuracy in the experimental group,as reflected by significantly reduced active-passive error angles(P<0.05).Importantly,measurements of OLT area revealed notable therapeutic effects in the experimental group(P<0.05),whereas no statistically significant changes were observed in the control group throughout the study period(all P>0.05).Conclusions Under the guidance of the"dynamic and static combination"concept,the integration of shaking,pulling,and poking manipu-lation with conventional Western medicine-based conservative treatment for OLT demonstrates more pronounced advantages in alleviating pain,improving ankle joint function,restoring proprioception,facilitating lesion recovery,and enhancing overall quality of life.
7.To evaluate the clinical efficacy of"dynamic and static combination"of shaking,pulling and poking ma-nipulation of lateral malleolus combined with brace fixation in the treatment of Hepple type Ⅰ-Ⅲ OLT
Shulong WANG ; Dongxiao LI ; Huan LIANG ; Ruizheng ZHU ; Junde WU ; Xuyue PAN ; Zhanhua MA ; Yinze QI ; Feng ZHAO ; Ayong HUANG ; Zhimin YANG ; Zhaojun CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(14):2210-2216
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of the"dynamic and static combination"approach in the treatment of Hepple Ⅰ-Ⅲ type osteochondral lesions of the talus(OLT),utilizing external ankle shaking,pulling,and poking manipulations in conjunction with ankle brace fixation.Methods A total of 82 patients diagnosed with OLT,who sought treatment at four hospitals between June 2022 and December 2023,were included in the study.Both the experimental and control groups received ankle immobilization using braces through-out the treatment period.The control group was administered Voltaren Emulgel topically twice daily(morning and evening),with each treatment course lasting 30 days,for a total of one course.The experimental group received additional therapeutic intervention involving shaking,pulling,and poking manipulations,conducted twice weekly,with the same duration and number of treatment courses as the control group.Follow-up assessments were scheduled at 2 weeks,4 weeks,and 2 months post-treatment.Outcome measures included the pain rating index(PRI),visual analogue scale(VAS)for pain intensity,current pain intensity(PPI),American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society(AOFAS)ankle and hindfoot scores,proprioceptive function,and the size of OLT.Results During the longitudinal assessment conducted at 2-week,4-week,and follow-up intervals,the experimental group exhibited superior clinical outcomes compared to the control group,with statistically significant decreases in PRI,PPI,and AOFAS scores(all P<0.05).VAS scores showed progressive improvement over time,with significant intergroup differences observed at both the 4-week and follow-up assessments(P<0.05).Biomechanical analysis performed post-intervention indicated improved kinematic repositioning accuracy in the experimental group,as reflected by significantly reduced active-passive error angles(P<0.05).Importantly,measurements of OLT area revealed notable therapeutic effects in the experimental group(P<0.05),whereas no statistically significant changes were observed in the control group throughout the study period(all P>0.05).Conclusions Under the guidance of the"dynamic and static combination"concept,the integration of shaking,pulling,and poking manipu-lation with conventional Western medicine-based conservative treatment for OLT demonstrates more pronounced advantages in alleviating pain,improving ankle joint function,restoring proprioception,facilitating lesion recovery,and enhancing overall quality of life.
8.Anti-osteoporotic mechanisms of kaempferol based on gut microbiota and comprehensive targeted metabolomics
Zhou LIANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Chengzhen PAN ; Bo YANG ; Zhanglin PU ; Hua LIU ; Jinhui PENG ; Lichun WEN ; Guanhan LING ; Feng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(20):4190-4204
BACKGROUND:Kaempferol has anti-osteoporotic effects,but the mechanisms by which kaempferol regulates gut microbiota and metabolites to prevent and treat osteoporosis remain unclear.OBJECTIVE:To exploring the potential mechanisms by which kaempferol inhibit osteoporosis based on gut microbiota and comprehensive targeted metabolomics.METHODS:Eighteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group,model group,and kaempferol group,with 6 rats in each group.Animal models of osteoporosis were made in the latter two groups through removal of bilateral ovaries.Eight weeks after modeling,the sham operation and model groups were gavaged with distilled water,and the kaempferol group was gavaged with 40 mg/kg kaempferol.Continuous administration in each group was carried out for 12 weeks.Rat fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing to observe changes in the gut microbiota structure.Serum samples were subjected to comprehensive targeted metabolomics analysis using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology,along with a proprietary database and multivariate statistical analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After 12 weeks of continuous intervention,the results of 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing showed that compared with the sham operation group,the abundance of gut microbiota increased in the model group.Compared with the model group,kaempferol group exhibited a statistically significant increase in the abundance of the genus Latilactobacillus(P=0.021),while the abundances of Pantoea(P=0.034),Enterorhabdus(P=0.000),Monoglobus(P=0.024),Butyricimonas(P=0.034),Rothia(P=0.043),and Clostridia(P=0.004)were significantly downregulated.After 12 weeks of continuous intervention,the results of the serum samples analyzed by broad-targeted metabolomics revealed that 120 and 79 metabolites were identified between the sham operation and model groups and between the model and kaempferol groups,respectively.Among the three groups,there were 17 overlapping differentially expressed metabolites,including Cis-aconitic acid,barbituric acid,L-homocitrulline,3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid,L-3-phenyllactic acid,cyclo(pro-pro),L-phenylalanine-L-serine,proline-isoleucine,L-donoraminoacetic acid-L-phenylalanineacetic acid,and phenylalanine-aspartic acid.Most of them belong to amino acids and their metabolites,glycerophospholipids and fatty acyls.The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways involved in the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in D-amino acid metabolism,histidine metabolism,propionate metabolism,lysine degradation,fatty acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism.After 12 weeks of continuous intervention,combined analysis revealed that genera such as Enterorhabdus,Latilactobacillus,Rothia,and Ruminococcus were closely associated with differential serum metabolites.To conclude,kaempferol may exert its anti-osteoporotic effects by modulating the abundance,diversity,and structure of gut microbiota,thereby regulating the metabolism of amino acids,their metabolites,and fatty acids.
9.Nanoplastics and microplastics impair spatial memory ability in mice by inhibiting autophagy
Huimei LIANG ; Jiarui PAN ; Xueer LIN ; Minyi ZHAO ; Huan ZENG ; Yuqiang CHEN ; Hou-hui SONG ; Wei WANG ; Jinghua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(10):2246-2255
Approximately 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year,which has a serious impact on human health,marine life and the livestock industry.Microplastics have also been detected in meat and milk samples.Research has shown that nanoplastics(NP)(<1 μm)and mi-croplastics(MP)(1 μm-5 mm)can affect the digestive,immune and reproductive systems of ani-mals.This experiment aims to investigate whether NP and MP regulate autophagy and damage the nervous system and spatial memory of animals.This experiment was divided into control group,nanoplastic group(PS-NP group,0.1 μm)and microplastic group(PS-MP group,1 μm),with 20 mice in each group.The mice were given 0.5 mL of PS-NP and PS-MP every day for 35 consecutive days,followed by neck amputation and brain analysis.The results showed that NPs and MPs of dif-ferent diameters caused varying degrees of damage to the brains of mice.In the behavioral tests of new object recognition,barnes maze and Y-shaped maze spatial memory,compared with the control group,the PS-NP group and PS-MP group showed a significant decrease in spatial memory ability of mice.HE staining results showed that neuronal cells in the PS-NP and PS-MP groups of mice exhibited shrinkage,decreased cell volume and deepened staining.The number of Nissl bodies de-creased,leading to dissolution and disappearance.RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the control group,the expression of glutamate receptors NR1,NR2A and NR2B in-creased in mice administered NP and MP orally,while the expression of autophagy related proteins Parkin,LC3B and Beclin1 was inhibited.In summary,this study suggests that nanoplastics and mi-croplastics stimulate glutamate receptors in mice by inhibiting the autophagy pathway,leading to impaired spatial memory.
10.Characteristic ion Identification of Different Original Haliotidis Concha and Its Counterfeits
Xiaojie LIANG ; Guowei LI ; Lin ZHOU ; Qiping HU ; Muxiang LUO ; Jiehao TANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Liye PAN ; Dongmei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):263-269
ObjectiveTo establish a method for the identification of Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and to improve its quality evaluation method. MethodsA total of 17 batches of Haliotis discus hannai, 4 batches of H. ruber, 3 batches of H. laevigata, 3 batches of H. ovina, 3 batches of H. diversicolor, 3 batches of H. asinina, 3 batches of H. iris were collected. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS) was used to analyze the hydrolysates of different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and the potential characteristic ions of each species were screened by Venn diagram. UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to validate the characteristic ions, and the specific detection method of the characteristic ions was established. ResultsA total of 1 182, 167, 47, 89, 104, 203, 424 potential characteristic ions were screened from H. discus hannai, H. ruber, H. laevigata, H. ovina, H. diversicolor, H. asinina and H. iris, respectively. And 9 characteristic ions were selected. The precision, stability and repeatability of the 9 characteristic ions in the established identification method met the requirements. Different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits could detect their own characteristic ions, including m/z 631.83-886.48(double charge) and m/z 631.83-443.74(double charge) of H. discus hannai, m/z 699.28-232.11(double charge) and m/z 699.28-544.27(double charge) of H. ruber, m/z 535.76-752.37(double charge) and m/z 535.76-548.28(double charge) of H. laevigata, m/z 708.35-442.28(double charge) and m/z 708.35-215.14(double charge) of H. ovina, m/z 561.33-614.86(triple charge), m/z 561.33-468.28(triple charge), m/z 608.29-618.32(double charge) and m/z 608.29-390.21(double charge) of H. diversicolor, m/z 769.85-274.10(double charge), m/z 769.85-532.75(double charge), m/z 827.43-646.36(single charge), m/z 827.43-257.12(single charge) of H. asinina, and m/z 468.24-576.29(double charge) and m/z 468.24-505.26(double charge) of H. iris. ConclusionIn this study, a total of 9 characteristic ions are screened from 6 kinds of original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and a specific identification method is established, which is helpful to solve the limitations of the existing quality evaluation methods of Haliotidis Concha, and provide a basis for the production, circulation and medication quality.

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