1.Efficient Loading and Targeted Delivery of Plant Exosomes
Meng XU ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Chong-Bin LEI ; Yang-Zi ZHANG ; Hong-Tao TIAN ; Wen-Tao XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1597-1608
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by plant cells, characterized by a lipid bilayer structure. These vesicles carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and play essential roles in intercellular communication and physiological regulation in plants. Compared to animal-derived extracellular vesicles, PDEVs offer several advantages, such as a broad range of sources, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low production costs. Furthermore, PDEVs have demonstrated remarkable potential as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery, due to their ability to efficiently traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, making them promising candidates for drug delivery systems. This review systematically elaborates on the complex composition of PDEVs, which consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, the typical structural characteristics of their lipid bilayers ranging from 30 to 150 nm, and their versatile loading capabilities as drug carriers, efficiently encapsulating various types of therapeutic agents such as hydrophilic small molecules, hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. We systematically summarize the recent advancements in strategies for enhancing the loading efficiency of PDEVs, which include methods such as co-incubation, ultrasound-assisted loading, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycles, and microfluidic technology. These techniques are evaluated based on their underlying principles, suitable drug types, and their respective advantages. In addition to loading strategies, we focus on the engineered approaches to achieve targeted delivery using PDEVs, such as genetic engineering modifications, chemical ligand conjugation, membrane fusion technology, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. We discuss the mechanisms of these strategies in enhancing targeting efficiency, prolonging in vivo circulation time, and improving therapeutic efficacy. Further, this review highlights the application of PDEVs in various disease models, including tumor, skin inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential as multifunctional delivery platforms. The ability of PDEVs to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents and target specific tissues or cells opens up new avenues for the treatment of complex diseases, offering advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. However, despite the promising applications of PDEVs, several challenges remain in their development and clinical translation. These challenges include variability in source materials, standardization of preparation processes, quality control, scalability of production, and the need for clinical validation. To overcome these obstacles, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted design and multi-omics analysis is proposed as a way to facilitate the precise development of PDEVs. These emerging technologies hold the potential to further enhance the precision and effectiveness of plant-based drug delivery systems, ultimately advancing the field of precision medicine. In conclusion, the use of PDEVs as a platform for drug delivery represents a promising area of research with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of bioactive molecules, along with their inherent advantages in biocompatibility and versatility, makes them a valuable tool in the development of more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions. Continued research and innovation in this field will pave the way for the clinical implementation of PDEVs in the treatment of various diseases, offering new hope for more effective and sustainable therapeutic options.
2.Genetic differentiation of Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae) based on COⅠ and ITS2 sequences
Gang WANG ; Chun-juan SHI ; Dan KONG ; Xuan ZHU ; Ji HE ; Ming-hui ZHAO ; Chong-cai WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):90-95
Objective Exploring genetic differences among geographic strains of Anopheles sinensis in China. Methods Based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I(COⅠ )and ribosomal the second internal transcribed spacer(ITS2), genetic distance analyses were conducted on An. sinensis samples collected nationwide. Results Genetic differentiation was observed within An. sinensis geographic strains, primarily reflected in the genetic distances of COⅠ sequences, with some distances between samples exceeding those between closely related species. However, ITS2 sequences showed relatively low levels of differentiation within geographic strains. No significant separation was observed, and gene exchange exhibited a random pattern among geographic strains. Conclusions Significant differences in genetic distance were observed among An. sinensis samples, along with evidence of interspecific continuity among sibling species. For the identification of closely related species using wild-collected Anopheles mosquitoes samples, reliance solely on commonly used barcodes such as COⅠ and ITS2 may be insufficient. Additional molecular markers, including COⅡ and D3 gene fragments, should also be considered. Caution should be exercised when using COⅠ genes to identify cryptic species, especially within Anopheles mosquitoes.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Active Components Treat Pancreatic Cancer via Regulation of Programmed Cell Death: A Review
Wenna XIAO ; Hanqian SHI ; Xinqiu CHEN ; Xilin ZHAO ; Shuwei LIU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Junhai HUANG ; Chong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):277-288
Pancreatic cancer (PC), a highly malignant tumor of the digestive system, is characterized by extremely high incidence and mortality rates, imposing a severe burden on the healthcare system. Despite significant advancements in comprehensive therapeutic strategies for PC, clinical benefits for patients remain limited due to the high heterogeneity and unique microenvironment of the tumor. Therefore, further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PC progression and developing novel, effective therapeutic strategies have become an urgent necessity in the current research. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically orchestrated process of autonomous cell demise that is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor cells can remodel the tumor microenvironment by modulating various PCD pathways—including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis—thereby driving tumor proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses unique advantages in anti-tumor therapy, characterized by multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway regulation. Accumulating evidence suggests that TCM formulas and their natural active compounds can effectively delay the malignant progression of PC by modulating PCD in tumor cells. This article systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms of PCD in PC progression and reviews the mechanisms by which TCM formulas and natural active compounds intervene in PC through PCD modulation. This review aims to provide theoretical support and future research directions for the prevention and treatment of PC with TCM.
4.Relationship between serum miRNA-132 and miRNA-345 expression and tumor markers and prognosis in gastric cancer patients
Chong ZHU ; Kefeng GUO ; Yun ZHAO ; Dan HUANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(9):1104-1107,1113
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum microRNA-132(miRNA-132)and mi-croRNA-345(miRNA-345)expression,tumor markers and prognosis in gastric cancer patients.Methods A total of 103 gastric cancer patients from the hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected as study group.82 patients with benign gastric diseases in the hospital during the same period were selected as the benign group.Another 61 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations in the hospital during the same period were selected as control group.Real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)was used to measure the expression of miRNA-132 and miRNA-345.The levels of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate anti-gen 199(CA199)and glycoprotein antigen 724(CA724)were measured using electrochemiluminescence.All patients were followed up until June 2024,and the overall survival(OS)of gastric cancer patients was calcu-lated through outpatient or telephone follow-up.Results The relative expression level of miRNA-132 in the serum of the study group was higher than that of the benign group and the control group(P<0.05),while the relative expression level of miRNA-345 was lower than that of the benign group and the control group(P<0.05).The serum levels of CEA,CA199,and CA724 in the study group were higher than those in the be-nign group and the control group(P<0.05).Pearson analysis showed that miRNA-132 was positively correla-ted with CEA,CA199,and CA724(P<0.05),while miRNA-345 was negatively correlated with CEA,CA199,and CA724(P<0.05).Patients with a relative expression level of miRNA-132≤2.76 had better OS than those with a relative expression level of miRNA-132>2.76(P<0.05).Patients with a relative expres-sion level of miRNA-132 greater than 0.37 have better OS than those with a relative expression level of miR-NA-132≤0.37(P<0.05).High expression of miRNA-132 and low expression of miRNA-345 were risk fac-tors affecting the prognosis of gastric cancer patients(P<0.05).Conclusion Patients with gastric cancer have high expression of miRNA-132 and low expression of miRNA-345,and the expression of miRNA-132 and miRNA-345 is closely related to tumor markers and prognosis,which is worthy of clinical reference.
5.Newborn screening, clinical characteristics and genetic variant analysis of Glutaric acidemia type I in Henan Province.
Xinyun ZHU ; Dehua ZHAO ; Yizhuo XU ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiaole LI ; Suna LIU ; Min NI ; Yihui REN ; Chong ZHANG ; Yaqing GUO ; Junqi LI ; Shubo LYU ; Chenlu JIA ; Ying SHI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(6):641-647
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the incidence, clinical features, genetic variant characteristics and prognosis of Glutaric acidemia type I (GA1) among neonates from Henan Province.
METHODS:
A total of 814 625 neonates undergoing screening for inherited metabolic diseases by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2016 to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects. A retrospective method was adopted to collect the clinical data of the patients. Whole exome sequencing was carried out to detect GCDH gene variants in individuals with positive results by GA1 newborn screening, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the candidate variants. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of candidate variants was rated. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics Number: 2019 Medical Ethics Review No. 67).
RESULTS:
Eight cases of GA1 were diagnosed among the 814 625 neonates. Blood glutaryl carnitine (C5DC) and urine glutaric acid (GA) levels of the 8 children were higher than the normal reference values. In total 12 variants were detected, all of which were missense variants. c.1064G>A (p.Arg355His) was the most common one, accounting for 21.4% (3/14). Three GCDH gene variants, including 1297G>C (p.Ala433Pro), c.467G>A (p.Gly156Asp) and c.1125T>G (p.Cys375Trp), were previously unreported. REVEL software analysis predicted that all of the three variants were harmful. 3D protein structure modeling indicated that the three variants may cause amino acid residue alterations, and c.1297G>C (p.Ala433Pro) and c.1125T>G (p.Cys375Trp) may result in increase in hydrogen bonds and affect the function of GCDH protein. By December 2023, one of the eight children had deceased, and another child had severe clinical symptoms with poor prognosis. Six children had a good prognosis, of which two had mild motor development delay and four had normal development without clinical symptoms.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of GA1 in newborns screened by MS/MS in Henan Province is 1/101 828, and the carrier rate of pathogenic GCDH variants is 1/160. The c.1064G>A (p.Arg355His) may be the hotspot variant of the GCDH gene among children with GA1 in Henan. Discovery of the three novel variants has enriched the mutational spectrum of the GCDH gene and provide a basis for the early diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and genetic counseling of this disease.
Humans
;
Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/epidemiology*
;
Glutaryl-CoA Dehydrogenase/chemistry*
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Female
;
Neonatal Screening/methods*
;
Male
;
Brain Diseases, Metabolic/epidemiology*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Mutation
;
Genetic Variation
;
Glutarates
6.Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Kala-azar in Kashgar Region from 2013 to 2023
Jiaoling LI ; MOMING ZULIPIYA ; TUERXUN MAIMAITIAILI ; Jie GAO ; Chengyuan LIU ; Yutian CHONG ; Jianyun ZHU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(4):708-713
[Objective]To explore the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of kala-azar patients in Kashgar region,so as to improve the diagnosis and treatment.[Methods]A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 71 kala-azar patients admitted to the First People's Hospital of Kashgar Region between January 2013 and December 2023.[Results]Among the 71 patients,the majority were aged 0-5 years(52.11%,37/71),with a male-to-female ratio of 0.92:1.Most cases occurred in winter and spring.Common clinical manifestations included fever,fatigue,decreased appetite,splenomegaly and hepatomegaly.Laboratory investigations mainly found pancytopenia,reversed albumin-to-globulin ratio,elevated transaminases,and increased C-reactive protein and procalcitonin.The positive rates of anti-rK39 antibody detection and bone marrow microscopy were 100%(23/23)and 91.38%(53/58),respectively.Metagenomics next-generation sequencing(mNGS)of liver tissue identified Leishmania donovani in one case.The common complications were infectious toxic hepatitis 49.30%(35/71),myocarditis 29.56%(21/71),and bronchopneumonia 23.94%(17/71).[Conclusions]Potential kala-azar should be taken into consideration for patients from the endemic areas with long-term irregular fever accompanied by splenomegaly,hemocytopenia,and reversed albumin-to-globulin ratio.Bone marrow smear microscopy and anti-rK39 antibody detection are recommended for the diagnosis,and mNGS provides a novel diagnostic solution.
7.Jianpi-Huayu decotion combined with gemcitabine induces ferroptosis and inhibits growth of pancreatic cancer cells through Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis
Xinqiu CHEN ; Zhengze ZHANG ; Shuwei LIU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Yongheng LAI ; Chongkai FANG ; Junhai HUANG ; Xilin ZHAO ; Chong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(6):1077-1087
AIM:To investigate the effect of Jianpi-Huayu decoction(JPHYD)combined with gemcitabine(GEM)on ferroptosis of pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells and its mechanism.METHODS:PANC-1 cells were cultured in vitro,and CCK8 method was used to detect the cell viability after different concentrations of JPHYD and GEM,and ap-propriate concentrations were selected for follow-up experiments.EDU assay and clonogenesis assay were used to detect cell proliferation.The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)were de-tected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe and lipid peroxidation was detected by BODIPY 581/591C11 staining.The contents of glutathione(GSH),ferrous ion(Fe2+)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the cells were detected by the kit.The mRNA levels and protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11,GPX4,TFR1 and ACSL4 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the cell viability of PANC-1 treated with JPHYD and GEM was significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner.And the combined use of the two can significantly im-prove the cytotoxic effect of GEM and have a synergistic effect;Compared with control group,JPHYD group,GEM group and JPHYD+GEM group can significantly reduce EDU positive efficiency,colony formation numbers and promote cell apoptosis,and the combined group has the most obvious effect.After adding JPHYD+GEM into the cells,the cells be-came rounded and the cell viability decreased.The addition of ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),an inhibitor of ferroptosis,had no significant effect on cell morphology and viability,and the co-treatment with JPHYD+GEM and Fer-1 could reverse the ef-fects of JPHYD+GEM on cell morphology and viability.Compared with control group and GEM group,JPHYD+GEM group can significantly increase the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)and lipid peroxidation,increase the levels of Fe2+and MDA,decrease the levels of GSH,further promote lipid peroxidation and induce ferroptosis.JPHYD+GEM also significantly down-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11 and GPX4,and up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of TFR1 and ACSL4.The addition of Fer-1 significantly reversed the activation of iron death in the combined treatment group and reversed its efficacy,and the difference was statistically signif-icant.CONCLUSION:Jianpi Huayu decoction and gemcitabine may induce ferroptosis of PANC-1 cells by inhibiting Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in vitro,thus playing a synergistic anticancer role.
8.Effect of perineural butororphanol tartrate on rebound pain after brachial plexus block in patients under-going upper limb surgery
Rubi SU ; Yan FENG ; Defeng SUN ; Meijing ZHU ; Chong CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(12):1783-1790
Objective To explore whether butorphanol tartrate as an adjuvant of ropivacaine for brachial plexus block can reduce the incidence of rebound pain after brachial plexus block.Methods Based on sample size calculation,174 patients undergoing upper limb bone surgery were included in this study and randomized into three groups using statistical software:butorphanol tartrate compound local anesthetic(group B1),brachial plexus block with 0.25%ropivacaine 20 mL(including adjuvant butorphanol 1mg);intravenous butorphanol group(group B2),brachial plexus block with 0.25%ropivacaine 20 mL,in addition,1mg of butorphanol was administered i.v;control(group C),only 0.25%ropivacaine 20ml for brachial plexus block.The patients were visited the day before operation,and the basic information of the patients was obtained.At the same time,the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questions(DN4)was used to evaluate whether there were neuropathic components(DN4≥4)in the site to be operated on,and the Numerical rating scale(NRS)was introduced to the patients,and the preoperative NRS value was obtained.30 minutes before the operation,the same anesthesiologist with rich experience in nerve block completed the ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block(interscalene approach),and tested whether the block effect was perfect.After entering the operating room,the patients were given general anesthesia,and the duration of operation,vital signs during operation,dosage of analgesics and whether or not using tourniquet were recorded.After the operation,the patients were sent to the postanesthesia care unit,and then sent to the ward when the patients reached the standard of leaving the room.Distribute pain diaries to patients and their families and instruct them to fill in relevant matters.The patients were followed up at 0 h,6 h,12 h,18 h,24 h and 36 h after operation to obtain the NRS value at each time point after operation,the time when the block disappeared and the highest NRS value within 12 hours,the first use of rescue analgesics,the use of postoperative analgesics,postoperative adverse events and the quality of patient recovery.Results The incidence of rebound pain was 31.6%in B1,48.2%in B2,and 54.4%in C.The pairwise comparison showed statistical difference between B1 and C(P<0.05).Rebound pain score in the three groups was B1 group
9.Newborn screening, clinical characteristics and genetic variant analysis of Glutaric acidemia type I in Henan Province
Xinyun ZHU ; Dehua ZHAO ; Yizhuo XU ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiaole LI ; Suna LIU ; Min NI ; Yihui REN ; Chong ZHANG ; Yaqing GUO ; Junqi LI ; Shubo LYU ; Chenlu JIA ; Ying SHI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(6):641-647
Objective:To explore the incidence, clinical features, genetic variant characteristics and prognosis of Glutaric acidemia type I (GA1) among neonates from Henan Province.Methods:A total of 814 625 neonates undergoing screening for inherited metabolic diseases by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2016 to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects. A retrospective method was adopted to collect the clinical data of the patients. Whole exome sequencing was carried out to detect GCDH gene variants in individuals with positive results by GA1 newborn screening, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the candidate variants. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the pathogenicity of candidate variants was rated. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Approval Number: 2019 Medical Ethics Review No. 67). Results:Eight cases of GA1 were diagnosed among the 814 625 neonates. Blood glutaryl carnitine (C5DC) and urine glutaric acid (GA) levels of the 8 children were higher than the normal reference values. In total 12 variants were detected, all of which were missense variants. c. 1064G>A (p.Arg355His) was the most common one, accounting for 21.4% (3/14). Three GCDH gene variants, including 1297G>C (p.Ala433Pro), c. 467G>A (p.Gly156Asp) and c. 1125T>G (p.Cys375Trp), were previously unreported. REVEL software analysis predicted that all of the three variants were harmful. 3D protein structure modeling indicated that the three variants may cause amino acid residue alterations, and c. 1297G>C (p.Ala433Pro) and c. 1125T>G (p.Cys375Trp) may result in increase in hydrogen bonds and may affect the function of GCDH protein. By December 2023, one of the eight children had deceased, and another child had severe clinical symptoms with poor prognosis. Six children had a good prognosis, of which two had mild motor development delay and four had normal development without clinical symptoms. Conclusion:The incidence of GA1 in newborns screened by MS/MS in Henan Province is 1/101 828, and the carrier rate of pathogenic GCDH variants is 1/160. The c. 1064G>A (p.Arg355His) may be the hotspot variant of the GCDH gene among children with GA1 in Henan. Discovery of the three novel variants has enriched the mutational spectrum of the GCDH gene and provide a basis for the early diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and genetic counseling of this disease.
10.Virulence genes and molecular epidemiological characteristics of extensively drug-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains carrying blaKPC-2
Zhijun HU ; Huifeng CHONG ; Jizhong CHEN ; Hui ZHOU ; Juanjuan ZHU ; Kai PAN ; Shifang JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(17):2613-2617
OBJECTIVE To understand the drug resistance genes,virulence genes and molecular epidemiological characteristics of extensively drug-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae(XDR-hvKP)strains causing hospital-associated infection.METHODS The clinical isolates of XDR-hvKP were collected from Tongling People's Hospital from Jul.2020 to Dec.2022.The strains were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight(MALDI-TOF)mass spectrometry,the common drug resistance genes and virulence genes were an-alyzed by Sanger sequencing,the capsular serotypes were determined by wzi gene sequencing;the drug resistance genes,virulence genes and ST subtypes were observed by means of whole-genome sequencing(WGS)technique.RESULTS Totally 18 strains of XDR-hvKP were collected,55.56%(10/18)of which were isolated from blood specimens,and 61.11%(11/18)were isolated from critical care medicine department.Sanger sequen-cing analysis showed that all of the strains carried blaKPC-2 drug resistance gene;rmpA2(100.00%)and rmpA,i-roN,iutA(94.44%,17/18)were the major virulence genes carried by the strains.WGS analysis indicated that all of the 18 XDR-hvKP isolates carried multiple drug resistance genes such as blaKPC-2 carbapenemase and the viru-lence genes like capsule(rmpA/rmpA2),aerobacterin(iucABCD-iutA),Salmonella(iroN)and yersinin(ybt).All of the ST subtypes were ST 11,and all of the capsular serotypes were KL 64.CONCLUSIONS The ST11-KL64 type XDR-hvKP strains carry blaKPC-2;rmpA,rmpA2,iroN and iutA are the major virulence genes.It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of key population of the key departments and make joint efforts of multiple departments to contain the transmission of the strains.


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