1.Ferrostatin-1 prevents transfusion-related acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis
Siwei LIU ; Ling XIAO ; Haixia XU ; Jiale CHENG ; Li TIAN ; Zhong LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1008-1015
Objective: To investigate the role of ferroptosis in transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and evaluate the efficacy of the specific inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), thereby to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of TRALI. Methods: This study utilized a ”2-hit” model to induce TRALI in mice. The mouse model of TRALI was validated through survival curve analysis, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio (W/D), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and total protein concentration in lung tissue. Samples from the TRALI model group, LPS group, and control group (n=6) were collected. The occurrence of ferroptosis in TRALI was confirmed by measuring key ferroptosis indicators, including iron concentration in lung tissue, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, lipid peroxidation products (LPO) level, and expression levels of related proteins (GPX4, ACSL4). Additionally, a Fer-1 intervention group was added to evaluate its preventive and therapeutic effects. The survival rates and clinical symptoms of the four groups (n=6) were dynamically monitored, and the degrees of lung injury were assessed. Ferroptosis-related indicators were also measured to elucidate the protective mechanism of Fer-1. Results: A mouse model of TRALI was successfully established. Compared to the control and LPS groups, the TRALI group showed significantly higher levels of ferrous iron [(18.32±1.11) nmol/well, MDA [(14.68±0.96) μmol/L], and LPO [(1.60±0.02) μmol/L] in lung tissue (all P<0.01), along with a downregulation of GPX4 and an upregulation of ACSL4. Fer-1 pretreatment significantly reversed these abnormalities: the W/D ratio decreased to 4.01±0.43, and MPO activity significantly decreased [Fer-1 group: (21 606±4 235) pg/mL vs TRALI group: (30 724±2 616) pg/mL], the total protein concentration in lung tissue of the Fer-1 group decreased by approximately 40.8% compared to the TRALI group (all P<0.01). These changes indicate that the lung injury in mice was alleviated after treatment. Following Fer-1 intervention, ferrous iron concentration [(7.46±1.83) nmol/well] was restored to a level close to that of the control group [(5.48±0.70) nmol/well]. Lipid peroxidation tests further revealed that Fer-1 intervention reduced MDA and LPO levels by 35.8% and 29.4%, respectively (P<0.001). Additionally, the expression levels of GPX4 and ACSL4 proteins returned to near-normal levels in the treated mice (both P>0.05). Conclusion: The progression of TRALI is closely related to the activation of ferroptosis, characterized by iron overload, lipid peroxidation accumulation, and the imbalance of GPX4/ACSL4. Ferrostatin-1 significantly alleviates pulmonary edema and inflammatory damage by inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway, suggesting that targeting ferroptosis may provide a new therapeutic strategy for TRALI.
2.Transzonal Projections and Follicular Development Abnormalities in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Di CHENG ; Yu-Hua CHEN ; Xia-Ping JIANG ; Lan-Yu LI ; Yi TAN ; Ming LI ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2499-2511
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.
3.Role and mechanism of miR-519d in brain metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer
Ying SU ; Li-Li MA ; Jiang LIU ; Zhong-Cheng HAN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(11):974-979
Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of miR-519d in brain metastasis(BM)of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-519d in normal lung tissues adjacent to cancer,NSCLC lung tissues,NSCLC brain tissues in NSCLC patients with or without BM,human NSCLC cell lines(SK-MES-1,NCI-H226,NCI-H1299,and NCL-H820),normal human bronchial epithelial cells(HBECs),human brain microvascular endothelial cells(HBMECs),and normal human astrocytes(NHA).NSCLC cell line NCI-H1299 was transfected with either miR-519d overexpression lentivirus(OE-miR-519d-LV)or empty vector lentivirus(NC-LV),and set as the OE-miR-519d-LV group and the NC-LV group;cells co-transfected with OE-miR-519d-LV and pcDNA3.1-HER3 were designated as the OE-miR-519d-LV+pcDNA3.1-HER3 group.The cells of the OE-miR-519d-LV group and the NC-LV group were injected intracardially into nude mice to establish an animal model of NSCLC with BM,and the mice were divided into the Ctrl group and the miR-519d group based on the injected cells.Bioluminescence imaging was used to observe NCI-H1299 cell metastasis in the brain of mice.The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the proliferation of NCI-H1299 cells in the OE-miR-519d-LV group and the NC-LV group.An in vitro blood-brain barrier(BBB)model was established using HBMECs and NHA-coated Transwell chambers,and the transendothelial migration ability of NCI-H1299 cells was detected.Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins of MMP-2,MMP-9,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,and Vimentin in each group.Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the potential binding sites between miR-519d and HER3,and their targeted regulatory relationship was validated by dual-luciferase gene reporter assays.Results Compared with the normal lung tissues adjacent to cancer,miR-519d expression was reduced in the NSCLC lung tissues and NSCLC brain tissues(P<0.05);miR-519d expression was lower in NSCLC brain tissues compared with the NSCLC lung tissues(P<0.05).Compared with HBECs,miR-519d expression was reduced in NSCLC cell lines(P<0.05),with lower levels in NCI-H1299,NCI-H226,and NCL-H820 cells compared with SK-MES-1 cells(P<0.05).Nude mice in the miR-519d group had a lower incidence of BM and longer survival compared with those in the Ctrl group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Compared with the NC-LV group,NCI-H1299 cells in the OE-miR-519d-LV group showed decreases in the proliferation viability,transendo-thelial migration ability,and protein expression of MMP-2,MMP-9,N-cadherin,and Vimentin(P<0.05),and an increase in the protein expression of E-cadherin(P<0.05).miR-519d had a targeted regulatory effect on HER3 protein expression.Compared with the OE-miR-519d-LV group,the migration ability of cells in the OE-miR-519d-LV+pcDNA3.1-HRE3 group was increased(P<0.05),the protein expression of MMP-2,MMP-9,N-cadherin and Vimentin was increased(P<0.05),and the expression of E-cadherin was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion miR-519d expression is reduced in NSCLC with BM,and its upregulation can inhibit the BM of NSCLC by targeting HER3.
4.A case of emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement treatment for aortic stenosis complicated with acute heart failure shock in primary hospital
Huan GUO ; Yu-Dong LI ; Nian-Guo DONG ; Xiao-Ke SHANG ; Yu-Cheng ZHONG ; Chang-Dong ZHANG ; Ling-Bo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(5):291-294
Aortic valve stenosis,as a common heart valve disease,progresses rapidly and has a poor clinical prognosis.In the case of combined acute heart failure,the pumping function of the heart is severely impaired,which may lead to a significant decrease in cardiac output,resulting in a state of shock.Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)has become a first-line treatment for elderly patients with aortic valve stenosis since its first successful case in 2002.In China,with the advancement of technology and the strengthening of physician training,the capacity of grassroots hospitals in TAVR treatment is increasing.This case reports a patient with severe aortic valve stenosis accompanied by acute heart failure and shock status who received emergency TAVR treatment at a grassroots hospital.Due to limitations in conditions,TAVR was urgently implemented without extracorporeal circulation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.The patient's blood pressure immediately rose to 105/65 mmHg after valve dilation during surgery,and the postoperative symptoms were significantly relieved.Follow up color Doppler ultrasound showed that the stenosis was relieved and the heart function was significantly improved.The success of this surgery provides a reference for emergency TAVR treatment in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and heart failure in grassroots hospitals.
5.D-shant atrial shunt device implantable in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure:one case report and literature review
Shu-Na XIAO ; Wen-Jie GAO ; Xiao-Ke SHANG ; Chang-Dong ZHANG ; Yu-Cheng ZHONG ; Ying ZHI ; Lin-Li QIU ; Yan-Fei DONG ; Yan HE ; Wei TIAN ; Wen-Wen TANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(8):472-477
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of implantable D-shant atrial shunt device in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)and right heart failure.A 53-year-old female patient diagnosed with severe idiopathic PAH and right heart failure,her WHO FC grade was Ⅳ.The right heart catheter and implantation of D-shant atrial shunt device were performed under local anesthesia on November 30,2021.A 6 mm×4 cm peripheral artery balloon was selected to dilate the atrial septum and a D-shant atrial shunt device with a fixed 4 mm diameter orifice was implanted into the heart.The clinical symptoms and hemodynamics of the patient was improved after the intervention.Implantation of atrial shunt device as a palliative therapy to established a right to left shunt is another strategy for treating patients with severe PAH in late period,which has good effectiveness and safety.It could be the last replacement therapy to improve symptoms and prolonged lives to drug resistant and severe PAH patients.
6.Analysis of Plasma Metabolic Profile in Children with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia
Xiao-Lan LIU ; Wen-Zhong LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Yu-Ru ZHOU ; Cheng-Gao WU ; Si-Min XIONG ; Ai-Ping LE ; Zhang-Lin ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(2):525-531
Objective:To explore the plasma metabolomic characteristics of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia(TDT),and reveal the changes of metabolic pattern in children with TDT.Methods:23 children with TDT who received regular blood transfusion in Ganzhou Women and Children's Health Care Hospital in 2021 were selected,and 11 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group.The routine indexes between children with TDT and the control group were compared,and then the metabolic composition of plasma samples from children with TDT and the control group was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.An OPLS-DA model was established to perform differential analysis on the detected metabolites,and the differential metabolic pathways between the two groups were analyzed based on the differential metabolites.Results:The results of routine testing showed that the indexes of ferritin,bilirubin,total bile acid,glucose and triglycerides in children with TDT were significantly higher than those in healthy controls,while hemoglobin and total cholesterol were significantly lower(all P<0.05).However there was no significant difference in lactate dehydrogenase between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,190 differential metabolites(VIP>1)were identified in TDT children.Among them,168 compounds such as arginine,proline and glycocholic acid were significantly increased,while the other 22 compounds such as myristic acid,eleostearic acid,palmitic acid and linoleic acid were significantly decreased.The metabolic pathway analysis showed that the metabolic impact of TDT on children mainly focused on the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and downregulation of lipid metabolism.Conclusion:The amino acid and lipid metabolism in children with TDT were significantly changed compared with the healthy control group.This finding is helpful to optimize the treatment choice for children with TDT,and provides a new idea for clinical treatment.
7.Clinical effects of Yiqi Shengjin Prescription on patients with primary Sj?gren's syndrome due to Dual Deficiency of Qi and Yin
Zhong-Fu TANG ; Chuan-Bing HUANG ; Li-Li CHENG ; Jun-Jie CHEN ; Shuang-Shuang SHANG ; Si-Di LIU ; Ming LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(6):1857-1861
AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Yiqi Shengjin Prescription on patients with primary Sj?gren's syndrome due to Dual Deficiency of Qi and Yin.METHODS Ninety-two patients were randomly assigned into control group(46 cases)for 8-week intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(46 cases)for 8-week intervention of both Yiqi Shengjin Prescription and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,ESSDAI score,ESSPRI score,salivary flow rate,immunoinflammatory indices(ESR,hs-CRP,IgG,C3,C4),SAS score,SDS score,T lymphocytes(CD4+,CD8+,Treg,Th17)and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the observation group exhibited decreased TCM syndrome scores(P<0.05),which was lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);the two groups displayed decreased ESSDAI score,ESSPRI score,ESR,hs-CRP,IgG,SAS score,SDS score,CD8+,Th17(P<0.05),and increased salivary flow rate,C3,C4,Treg(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(except for CD4+)(P<0.05).No obvious adverse reactions were observable in the two groups.CONCLUSION For the patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome due to Deficiency of Qi and Yin,Yiqi Shengjin Prescription can safely and effectively improve dry mouth and eye symptoms,and reduce inflammatory indices,whose mechanism may contribute to the regulation of T lymphocyte balance in vivo.
8.Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of a Novel Sacroiliac Lag Screw
Cheng LIANG ; Chuanchuan ZHUO ; Guan WANG ; Wen LI ; Ke DUAN ; Zhong LI ; Xiaobo LU ; Naiqiang ZHUO
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2024;39(2):265-271
Objective To investigate the biomechanical properties of a novel sacroiliac lag screw with a spiral blade.Methods Percutaneous sacroiliac lag screws were used as the controls.Polyurethane material was used to simulate the trabecular bone,and the pullout resistance performance was tested on an Instron mechanical testing machine.Subsequently,pelvic specimens were utilized to analyze the static stiffness and dynamic stability of the novel sacroiliac lag screw in repairing sacroiliac joint injuries under normal standing conditions,with normal pelvis,single-sided sacroiliac joint injury pelvis,percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw-single screw repair,and percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw-double screw repair as controls.Results The damage to the polyurethane material after screw extraction was smaller in the novel sacroiliac lag screw group.The average effective holding displacement of the novel sacroiliac lag screw was significantly greater than that of the percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw(P<0.05).However,the maximum resistance to the pullout force for the percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw was significantly higher than that for the novel sacroiliac lag screw(P<0.05).The stiffness after repair of sacroiliac joint injuries was significantly higher when using a single sacroiliac lag screw than when using two percutaneous sacroiliac lag screws(P<0.05).The displacement amplitude was the highest in the sacroiliac joint injury group,followed by that in the normal group.The displacement amplitudes in the other groups were similar;however,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The dynamic stability of the sacroiliac lag screw repair group was the best,slightly better than that of the percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw-double screw repair group,and the dynamic stability of the sacroiliac joint injury group was the worst.The novel sacroiliac lag screw effectively repaired the sacroiliac joint injuries.Conclusions The novel sacroiliac lag screw can effectively hold the trabecular bone and has practical clinical utility.
9.Machine learning algorithms for identifying autism spectrum disorder through eye-tracking in different intention videos
Rong CHENG ; Zhong ZHAO ; Wen-Wen HOU ; Gang ZHOU ; Hao-Tian LIAO ; Xue ZHANG ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(2):151-157
Objective To investigate the differences in visual perception between children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)and typically developing(TD)children when watching different intention videos,and to explore the feasibility of machine learning algorithms in objectively distinguishing between ASD children and TD children.Methods A total of 58 children with ASD and 50 TD children were enrolled and were asked to watch the videos containing joint intention and non-joint intention,and the gaze duration and frequency in different areas of interest were used as original indicators to construct classifier-based models.The models were evaluated in terms of the indicators such as accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity.Results When using eight common classifiers,including support vector machine,linear discriminant analysis,decision tree,random forest,and K-nearest neighbors(with K values of 1,3,5,and 7),based on the original feature indicators,the highest classification accuracy achieved was 81.90% .A feature reconstruction approach with a decision tree classifier was used to further improve the accuracy of classification,and then the model showed the accuracy of 91.43% ,the specificity of 89.80% ,and the sensitivity of 92.86% ,with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.909(P<0.001).Conclusions The machine learning model based on eye-tracking data can accurately distinguish ASD children from TD children,which provides a scientific basis for developing rapid and objective ASD screening tools.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):151-157]
10.A multicenter study of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China
Li-Xiu SHI ; Jin-Xing FENG ; Yan-Fang WEI ; Xin-Ru LU ; Yu-Xi ZHANG ; Lin-Ying YANG ; Sheng-Nan HE ; Pei-Juan CHEN ; Jing HAN ; Cheng CHEN ; Hui-Ying TU ; Zhang-Bin YU ; Jin-Jie HUANG ; Shu-Juan ZENG ; Wan-Ling CHEN ; Ying LIU ; Yan-Ping GUO ; Jiao-Yu MAO ; Xiao-Dong LI ; Qian-Shen ZHANG ; Zhi-Li XIE ; Mei-Ying HUANG ; Kun-Shan YAN ; Er-Ya YING ; Jun CHEN ; Yan-Rong WANG ; Ya-Ping LIU ; Bo SONG ; Hua-Yan LIU ; Xiao-Dong XIAO ; Hong TANG ; Yu-Na WANG ; Yin-Sha CAI ; Qi LONG ; Han-Qiang XU ; Hui-Zhan WANG ; Qian SUN ; Fang HAN ; Rui-Biao ZHANG ; Chuan-Zhong YANG ; Lei DOU ; Hui-Ju SHI ; Rui WANG ; Ping JIANG ; Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(5):450-455
Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75%(27/36);boys accounted for 64%(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86%)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53%)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61%)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36%)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75%)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72%)and seizures in 10 neonates(34%).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33%,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44%(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

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