1.Construction and Functional Validation of GTKO/hCD55 Gene-Edited Xenotransplant Donor Pigs
Jiaoxiang WANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Shuhan CHEN ; Deling JIAO ; Heng ZHAO ; Taiyun WEI ; Jianxiong GUO ; Kaixiang XU ; Hongjiang WEI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):379-392
Objective To develop GTKO (α-1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout, GTKO)/hCD55 (human CD55) gene-edited xenotransplant donor pigs and verify their function. Methods In this study, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated nuclease 9), PiggyBac transposon technology and somatic cell nuclear transfer technology were used to construct GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited Diannan miniature pigs. The phenotype and function of GTKO/hCD55 pigs were analyzed by Sanger sequencing, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, bisulfite sequencing, antigen-antibody binding assays, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays. Results After transfection of PX458 and PiggyBac gene editing vectors into wild-type fetal pig fibroblasts, 48 single-cell colonies were obtained through puromycin drug screening. Two single-cell colonies were selected for somatic cell nuclear transfer, resulting in two fetal pigs at 33 days of gestation. The GGTA1(α-1,3-galactosyltransferase) genotypes of fetal pig F01 were -17 bp and wild type (WT), while the GGTA1 genotypes of fetal pig F02 were -26 bp/+2 bp and -3 bp. The hCD55 mRNA expression levels of both fetal pigs were significantly higher than those of WT pigs (P<0.01). The fetal pig F02 was selected as the donor cell source for recloning, 11 surviving piglets were obtained, all identified as GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited pigs. These pigs showed absence of α-Gal antigen expression, but weak or no expression of hCD55 was observed. Methylation analysis of the hCD55 gene's CpG island showed hypermethylation in kidney tissue lacking hCD55 expression, whereas it was not methylated or partially methylated in kidney tissue expressing hCD55. Moreover, codon optimization of the CpG island of the hCD55 gene to reduce CG content could achieve stable expression of the hCD55 gene. In addition, antigen-antibody binding experiment showed that the amount of human IgM binding to GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited pig fibroblasts was significantly lower than that of WT pigs (P<0.01). Complement-dependent cytotoxicity experiment showed that the survival rate of fibroblasts in GTKO/hCD55 pigs was significantly higher than that in WT pigs (P<0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrates the successful generation of GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited xenotransplant donor pigs. Methylation-induced gene silencing of the hCD55 gene can be effectively avoided by reducing the CG content of the CpG island through codon optimization. This study provides a reference for the development of xenotransplant donor pigs and guides subsequent research on xenotransplantation.
2.Oxidative Stress-related Signaling Pathways and Antioxidant Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Li TANG ; Yun-Long SHEN ; De-Jian PENG ; Tian-Lu RAN ; Zi-Heng PAN ; Xin-Yi ZENG ; Hui LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2486-2498
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It represents the most prevalent form of dementia among the elderly population. Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Notably, elevated levels of oxidative stress have been observed in the brains of AD patients, where excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause extensive damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately compromising neuronal structure and function. Amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) has been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium overload, thereby promoting the generation of ROS. This, in turn, exacerbates Aβ aggregation and enhances tau phosphorylation, leading to the formation of two pathological features of AD: extracellular Aβ plaque deposition and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). These events ultimately culminate in neuronal death, forming a vicious cycle. The interplay between oxidative stress and these pathological processes constitutes a core link in the pathogenesis of AD. The signaling pathways mediating oxidative stress in AD include Nrf2, RCAN1, PP2A, CREB, Notch1, NF‑κB, ApoE, and ferroptosis. Nrf2 signaling pathway serves as a key regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, exerts important antioxidant capacity and protective effects in AD. RCAN1 signaling pathway, as a calcineurin inhibitor, and modulates AD progression through multiple mechanisms. PP2A signaling pathway is involved in regulating tau phosphorylation and neuroinflammation processes. CREB signaling pathway contributes to neuroplasticity and memory formation; activation of CREB improves cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress. Notch1 signaling pathway regulates neuronal development and memory, participates in modulation of Aβ production, and interacts with Nrf2 toco-regulate antioxidant activity. NF‑κB signaling pathway governs immune and inflammatory responses; sustained activation of this pathway forms “inflammatory memory”, thereby exacerbating AD pathology. ApoE signaling pathway is associated with lipid metabolism; among its isoforms, ApoE-ε4 significantly increases the risk of AD, leading to elevated oxidative stress, abnormal lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation. The ferroptosis signaling pathway is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and the subsequent release of lipid peroxidation products and ROS exacerbate oxidative stress and neuronal damage. These interconnected pathways form a complex regulatory network that regulates the progression of AD through oxidative stress and related pathological cascades. In terms of therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, among the drugs currently used in clinical practice for AD treatment, memantine and donepezil demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy and can improve the level of oxidative stress in AD patients. Some compounds with antioxidant effects (such asα-lipoic acid and melatonin) have shown certain potential in AD treatment research and can be used as dietary supplements to ameliorate AD symptoms. In addition, non-drug interventions such as calorie restriction and exercise have been proven to exerted neuroprotective effects and have a positive effect on the treatment of AD. By comprehensively utilizing the therapeutic characteristics of different signaling pathways, it is expected that more comprehensive multi-target combination therapy regimens and combined nanomolecular delivery systems will be developed in the future to bypass the blood-brain barrier, providing more effective therapeutic strategies for AD.
3.Association between intraoperative nasojejunal tube placement and delayed gastric emptying after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Meng LIU ; Heng WANG ; Xiaohan KONG ; Faji YANG ; Zheyu NIU ; Yijie HAO ; Xin WANG ; Huaqiang ZHU ; Hengjun GAO ; Jun LU ; Xu ZHOU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1934-1945
Background and Aims:Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)has become a preferred approach for periampullary tumors,yet delayed gastric emptying(DGE)remains a frequent complication that hampers postoperative recovery.The nasojejunal feeding tube(NJT)is commonly used for early enteral nutrition,but its impact on DGE is controversial.This study aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative NJT placement increases the risk of DGE after LPD and to assess its influence on postoperative recovery outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort of 319 patients who underwent LPD at Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from April 2017 to November 2023 was analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups based on intraoperative NJT placement(NJT group,n=200;non-NJT group,n=119).The incidence of DGE and postoperative outcomes were compared.Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching(PSM)were performed to identify independent risk factors for DGE.Results:The incidence of grade B/C DGE was significantly higher in the NJT group than in the non-NJT group(36.5%vs.21.8%,P=0.006).NJT placement was associated with longer postoperative hospital stay and higher hospitalization costs(both P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed intraoperative NJT placement(OR=1.960,95%CI=1.142-3.363,P=0.015)and intraoperative blood loss>400 mL(OR=1.921,95%CI=1.155-3.194,P=0.012)as independent risk factors for DGE.These findings were consistent after PSM.Conclusions:Prophylactic intraoperative NJT placement confers no additional benefit for postoperative recovery after LPD and is associated with a higher risk of DGE,prolonged hospitalization,and increased medical costs.Routine NJT placement should therefore be avoided,and individualized strategies should be adopted to minimize postoperative complications and enhance recovery.
4.Preliminary study on the role and mechanism of ISG15 in exosomes in platinum resistance in ovarian cancer
Yanan TIAN ; Hui ZHENG ; Tianqing YAN ; Heng ZHANG ; Renquan LU ; Lin GUO
China Oncology 2025;35(4):346-354
Background and purpose:Epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC)has a poor prognosis and is prone to developing resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.Exosomes are currently believed to be involved in platinum resistance in ovarian cancer.This study explored the role and mechanism of exosomes on platinum resistance of ovarian cancer.Methods:Through ultracentrifugation,exosomes were isolated and analyzed using electron microscopy,particle size studies,and Western blot for detailed exosome analysis.We detected the expression levels of exosomal proteins and related signaling pathways.Exosomal protein expression profile was analyzed by proteomics.Key differential proteins were screened by intersecting with existing drug resistance datasets.Furthermore,patients diagnosed with EOC via pathological analysis at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from August 2023 to August 2024,who underwent surgery and fulfilled the eligibility requirements,were gathered to examine the link between the expression of interferon-stimulated gene 15(ISG15)in serum exosomes and resistance to platinum medication.The expression levels of related proteins in serum exosomes were quantitatively detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to explore the predictive value of serum exosomal protein in ovarian cancer resistance.Results:Exosomes derived from platinum-sensitive and drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells were extracted and proteomic analysis was further performed.We identified 9 differential proteins associated with platinum-resistance and found the key molecule interferon-stimulated gene 15(ISG15).Compared with sensitive cells,the expression of ISG15 in exosomes of drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells was significantly upregulated.Exosome tracer tests showed that exosomes were successfully taken up by ovarian cancer receptor cells.After coculture with drug-resistant exosomes,the expression level of ISG15 in ovarian cancer receptor cells was increased.Knockdown ISG15 in EOC cells decreased the expression of ISG15 in exosomes,and incubation of ISG15-knockdown exosomes decreased the cell viability on the condition of platinum drugs,indicating that ISG15 in exosomes regulated platinum resistance of ovarian cancer cells.Moreover,ISG15 could regulate the expression of multidrug resistance protein 1(MDR1)through phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enchancer of activated B cells(NF-κB)signaling pathway.This study included a total of 87 patients.Clinical serum samples also showed that the expression of ISG15 in exosomes was higher in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients than in sensitive ovarian cancer patients.Using serum exosomal ISG15 as an indicator to distinguish between sensitivity and resistance,the area under ROC curve was 0.779(P<0.05),cutoffvalue was 27.35ng/mL,sensitivity was 70.2%,and specificity was 76.4%.Conclusion:ISG15 in exosomes can regulate the expression of MDR1 in ovarian cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway,and promote platinum resistance in ovarian cancer cells.
5.Association between intraoperative nasojejunal tube placement and delayed gastric emptying after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Meng LIU ; Heng WANG ; Xiaohan KONG ; Faji YANG ; Zheyu NIU ; Yijie HAO ; Xin WANG ; Huaqiang ZHU ; Hengjun GAO ; Jun LU ; Xu ZHOU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1934-1945
Background and Aims:Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)has become a preferred approach for periampullary tumors,yet delayed gastric emptying(DGE)remains a frequent complication that hampers postoperative recovery.The nasojejunal feeding tube(NJT)is commonly used for early enteral nutrition,but its impact on DGE is controversial.This study aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative NJT placement increases the risk of DGE after LPD and to assess its influence on postoperative recovery outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort of 319 patients who underwent LPD at Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from April 2017 to November 2023 was analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups based on intraoperative NJT placement(NJT group,n=200;non-NJT group,n=119).The incidence of DGE and postoperative outcomes were compared.Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching(PSM)were performed to identify independent risk factors for DGE.Results:The incidence of grade B/C DGE was significantly higher in the NJT group than in the non-NJT group(36.5%vs.21.8%,P=0.006).NJT placement was associated with longer postoperative hospital stay and higher hospitalization costs(both P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed intraoperative NJT placement(OR=1.960,95%CI=1.142-3.363,P=0.015)and intraoperative blood loss>400 mL(OR=1.921,95%CI=1.155-3.194,P=0.012)as independent risk factors for DGE.These findings were consistent after PSM.Conclusions:Prophylactic intraoperative NJT placement confers no additional benefit for postoperative recovery after LPD and is associated with a higher risk of DGE,prolonged hospitalization,and increased medical costs.Routine NJT placement should therefore be avoided,and individualized strategies should be adopted to minimize postoperative complications and enhance recovery.
6.Preliminary study on the role and mechanism of ISG15 in exosomes in platinum resistance in ovarian cancer
Yanan TIAN ; Hui ZHENG ; Tianqing YAN ; Heng ZHANG ; Renquan LU ; Lin GUO
China Oncology 2025;35(4):346-354
Background and purpose:Epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC)has a poor prognosis and is prone to developing resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.Exosomes are currently believed to be involved in platinum resistance in ovarian cancer.This study explored the role and mechanism of exosomes on platinum resistance of ovarian cancer.Methods:Through ultracentrifugation,exosomes were isolated and analyzed using electron microscopy,particle size studies,and Western blot for detailed exosome analysis.We detected the expression levels of exosomal proteins and related signaling pathways.Exosomal protein expression profile was analyzed by proteomics.Key differential proteins were screened by intersecting with existing drug resistance datasets.Furthermore,patients diagnosed with EOC via pathological analysis at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from August 2023 to August 2024,who underwent surgery and fulfilled the eligibility requirements,were gathered to examine the link between the expression of interferon-stimulated gene 15(ISG15)in serum exosomes and resistance to platinum medication.The expression levels of related proteins in serum exosomes were quantitatively detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to explore the predictive value of serum exosomal protein in ovarian cancer resistance.Results:Exosomes derived from platinum-sensitive and drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells were extracted and proteomic analysis was further performed.We identified 9 differential proteins associated with platinum-resistance and found the key molecule interferon-stimulated gene 15(ISG15).Compared with sensitive cells,the expression of ISG15 in exosomes of drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells was significantly upregulated.Exosome tracer tests showed that exosomes were successfully taken up by ovarian cancer receptor cells.After coculture with drug-resistant exosomes,the expression level of ISG15 in ovarian cancer receptor cells was increased.Knockdown ISG15 in EOC cells decreased the expression of ISG15 in exosomes,and incubation of ISG15-knockdown exosomes decreased the cell viability on the condition of platinum drugs,indicating that ISG15 in exosomes regulated platinum resistance of ovarian cancer cells.Moreover,ISG15 could regulate the expression of multidrug resistance protein 1(MDR1)through phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enchancer of activated B cells(NF-κB)signaling pathway.This study included a total of 87 patients.Clinical serum samples also showed that the expression of ISG15 in exosomes was higher in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients than in sensitive ovarian cancer patients.Using serum exosomal ISG15 as an indicator to distinguish between sensitivity and resistance,the area under ROC curve was 0.779(P<0.05),cutoffvalue was 27.35ng/mL,sensitivity was 70.2%,and specificity was 76.4%.Conclusion:ISG15 in exosomes can regulate the expression of MDR1 in ovarian cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway,and promote platinum resistance in ovarian cancer cells.
7.Antimicrobial susceptibility and phylogenetic analysis of 31 Nocardia isolates
Xin-yan DONG ; Li-heng ZHENG ; Wei-li GAO ; Hong ZHANG ; Fei LU ; Yu-mei GUO
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):636-640
This study investigated the disease characteristics and clinical traits of Nocardia infection,and analyzed the antibiotic resistance phenotypes,antibiotic resistance genes,and evolutionary characteristics of the strains,to provide a basis for Nocardia diag-nosis and treatment.A total of 31 Nocardia strains from a hospital in Hebei Province were collected from 2020 to 2023.The strains were identified through mass spectrometry and whole genome sequencing.Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted with the broth macrodilution method,and whole genome sequencing data were used to predict antibiotic resistance genes and comprehensively ana-lyze antibiotic resistance phenotypes.The 31 strains of Nocardia comprised 21 strains of Nocardia farcinica,3 strains of Nocardia ter-penica,three strains of Nocardia brasiliensis,two strains of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica,and two strains of Nocardia nova.The ceftriaxone susceptibility of 21 Nocardia farcinica strains was 85.7%,and all 31 strains were susceptible to imipenem,except for three strains of Nocardia brasiliensis.Rifampicin,aminoglycoside,and β-lactam resistance genes were found in Nocardia farcinica.Pathogenic tests should be carried out in a timely manner for suspected Nocardia infections.In clinical treatment of Nocardia infection,infected strains should be confirmed,and antibiotics should be used rationally according to the antibiotic susceptibility test results.
8.A randomized controlled trial on effects of Baduanjin and brisk walking on sleep quality in female college students
Ningning LIU ; Lingming HU ; Xiaohan ZHANG ; Yanyan LU ; Xiongbo CHEN ; Heng SUN ; Xinyu NIU ; Siyu WANG ; Xinghong DAI ; Yan LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(8):691-697
Objective:To explore the effects of Baduanjin and brisk walking on the sleep quality among fe-male college students.Methods:Ninety female college students with poor sleep quality[Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)≥ 8]were recruited randomly assigned to Baduanjin,brisk walking,and control groups,with 30 par-ticipants in each.The Baduanjin and brisk walking groups participated in 10-week intervention(five 45-minute ses-sions per week),while the control group did not receive any intervention.Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the PSQI,a lung capacity test,echocardiography,and the Fatigue Scale(FS-14).Results:Af-ter 10 weeks,participants in both the Baduanjin and brisk walking groups got significantly lower PSQI and FS-14 total scores compared to baseline(Ps<0.001).Cardiopulmonary function indicators,including stroke volume(SV),forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1.0),the vital capacity-to-body mass index(VC/W),and maximum voluntary ventilation per minute(MVV),also significantly improved(Ps<0.001).Furthermore,the Baduanjin group had significantly lower PSQI and FS-14 scores than both the brisk walking and control groups(P<0.001),along with superior improvements in cardiopulmonary function(P<0.001).Conclusion:This study in-dicates that Baduanjin is particularly effective in improving sleep quality,cardiopulmonary function,and reducing fatigue among female college students,showing advantages over brisk walking.
9.Postoperative full-frequency bone conduction hearing loss in the operated ear after tympanoplasty:6 cases and literature review
Heng LIU ; Lingyun MEI ; Chufeng HE ; Xinzhang CAI ; Xuewen WU ; Lu JIANG
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(4):344-347
Objective To invegtigate the possible etiology,clinical characteristics,and treatment effects of post tympanoplasty full-frequency bone conduction hearing loss in the operated ear.Methods A retrospective analy-sis was conducted on the possible causes,clinical manifestations,and diagnosis and treatment of 6 cases of full-fre-quency bone conduction hearing loss in the operated ear after tympanoplasty.Results The use of diluted epineph-rine during surgery,controlled hypotension during the operation,ethylene oxide in gelatin sponges,and the exces-sive pro-inflammatory factors produced postoperatively may be associated with the occurrence of full-frequency bone conduction hearing loss in the operated ear after tympanoplasty.Among the six patients,the main initial symptom was dizziness without vertigo or nystagmus.Two cases were ineffectively treated,one case was effectively treated,and three cases were cured.Among the four cases that received timely medication,three were effectively treated.Conclusion Full-frequency bone conduction hearing loss in the operated ear after tympanoplasty is related to various factors,and the clinical manifestations of patients are atypical,often manifesting as dizziness.Timely diagnosis through pure tone audiometry and timely treatment according to the sudden deafness treatment plan often leads to fa-vorable outcomes.
10.Construction of Predictive Models for Upper-Limb Strength and Explosive Power in Young Males Based on Ballistic Push-Up Test
Heng LU ; Murong YU ; Xiaoyan XIANG ; Wenjing TANG ; Xiaolu ZHA ; Ran WANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(3):561-569
Objective To evaluate the test-retest reliability of the ballistic push-up(BPU)test and establish predictive models for upper-limb strength and explosive power in young males.Methods A total of 71 male college students performed assessments of upper-limb bench press 1 repetition maximum(1RM)strength,bench press explosive power,and two BPU tests with a 48-hour interval.BPU test data were recorded using a three-dimensional(3D)force platform and motion capture system to calculate concentric metrics such as peak force(PF)and mean velocity(MV).The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was used to examine the retest reliability of the BPU test.The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation of the BPU metrics with upper-limb strength and explosive power.Predictive models for upper-limb strength and explosive power were created using stepwise regression analysis.Results BPU metrics showed a good test-retest reliability(ICC=0.764-0.935).PF and MV,along with body weight(BW),were effective predictors of bench press 1RM in young males:bench press 1RM=0.129PF-16.772[R2=0.790,standard error of the estimate(SEE)=8.17 kg];bench press 1RM=1.511BW+87.15 MV-110.136(R2=0.767,SEE=8.60 kg).PF and BW were also predictors of bench press explosive power:bench press explosive power=2.755BW+0.287PF-17.351(R2=0.620,SEE=46.1 W).Conclusions The BPU test demonstrates a good test-retest reliability,and PF and MV from the BPU test can be used to predict upper-limb strength and explosive power in young males.

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