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.Development and application of albumin-binding indocyanine green for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of lung cancer
Hongliang WU ; Ze TAO ; Hao YANG ; Hong ZHU ; LU Xiaofeng LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1101-1110
Objective To develop albumin-binding indocyanine green (ICG) and assess its potential for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and intraoperative navigation in lung cancer. Methods ABD-tri was recombinantly expressed by genetic engineering. Its albumin-binding capability was determined using size-exclusion chromatography, and its albumin-dependent binding to lung cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. ICG was conjugated to ABD-tri to generate the fluorescent probe ABD-tri-ICG. The potential of ABD-tri-ICG for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and imaging-guided tumor resection was evaluated in mice bearing subcutaneous tumor grafts of lung cancer. Results ABD-tri was highly expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and was purified to homogeneity via a simple affinity chromatography. ABD-tri bound both human and murine serum albumin, contributing to its binding to lung cancer cells. ICG was effectively conjugated to ABD-tri to produce the fluorescence probe ABD-tri-ICG after mixing and incubation at room temperature for 1 h. In mice bearing lung cancer tumor grafts, intravenously injected ABD-tri-ICG enabled clear visualization of tumors with diameters ranging from 5 to 7 mm within 0.5-24 h post-injection. The tumor grafts were resected under the guidance of ABD-tri-ICG-mediated near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Conclusion Intravenous injection of ABD-tri-ICG allows rapid and sustained visualization of lung cancer tumor grafts and enables intraoperative navigation in mice, warranting further evaluation on the clinical translation of ABD-tri-ICG.
3.Analysis of immunogenicity of African swine fever virus p37 recombinant protein in mice
Ying HUANG ; Wenzhu ZHAI ; Chunhao TAO ; Yuheng HE ; Zhen WANG ; Yuanyuan CHU ; Zhongbao PANG ; Hongfei ZHU ; Hong JIA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):889-895
The aim of this study is to explore the immunogenicity of African swine fever virus p37 recombinant protein in mice.C57BL/6J mice were immunized subcutaneously in the abdomen using p37 recombinant protein as antigen.The second immunization was performed 21 d after the first immunization.Serum-specific antibody levels were detected by ELISA;serum cytokine levels were detected using a multifactor assay technique;mice splenic lymphocytes were isolated 7 d after sec-ondary immunization,and the number of splenic lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ after recombinant protein stimulation was detected by ELISpot;and the ratio of CD4+T cells to CD8+T cells was detected by flow cytometry.The results of indirect ELISA showed that p37 recombinant protein could stimulate mice to produce high levels of specific antibodies;ELISpot showed that p37 recom-binant protein could significantly stimulate splenic lymphocytes to produce IFN-γ(P<0.001)and activate cellular immune responses;the results of flow cytometry showed that it could signifi-cantly stimulate the differentiation of T-lymphocytes to CD4+T-lymphocytes(P<0.001).In ad-dition,serum levels of IL-2,IL-4,IFN-γ,and TNF-α immune-related cytokines were significantly higher after the second immunization.Immunization of mice with p37 recombinant protein induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses with good immunogenicity,providing reference for the subsequent epitope identification and functional study of p37 protein and the antigen screening of ASF mRNA vaccine.
4.Construction of circular RNA vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and optimization of circularization conditions
Chunhao TAO ; Ying HUANG ; Zhen WANG ; Yitong JIANG ; Hongfei ZHU ; Hong JIA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):896-904
In order to establish a highly efficient,convenient,and effective circular RNA(circRNA)vaccine preparation system,enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)circRNA was constructed using permuted intron exon(PIE)strategy based on type Ⅰ introns.Then,circRNA circularization rates of RNA after in vitro transcription(IVT),primary circularization(IVC1),and secondary circularization(IVC2)were compared after purification.The constructed circRNA system was fur-ther applied to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV),and two circRNAs based on PRRSV GP5 protein were constructed and developed for in vitro expression.Results showed that circularization rates and protein expression effects of EGFP circRNA in IVC1 RNA and IVC2 RNA were similar,but both were significantly better than those of IVT RNA.Purity of EGFP circRNA reached 74%,and purities of two PRRSV GP5 protein circRNAs constructed using this preparation system were 71%and 64%,respectively.Western blot and indirect immunofluo-rescence assay(IFA)results indicated that both of the PRRSV GP5 protein circRNAs were suc-cessfully expressed.The results demonstrated that an easy-to-operate,low-cost circRNA prepara-tion system with high circularization rate was successfully constructed.Two PRRSV GP5 protein circRNA vaccines were successfully prepared using this system and expressed efficiently,which provides a reference for the development of animal circRNA vaccines and novel candidate vaccines against PRRSV.
5.Molecular Mechanism of Thymoquinone Inhibition on Malignant Proliferation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells.
Jie LIN ; Fan-Lin ZENG ; Yan-Quan LIU ; Zhi-Min YAN ; Zuo-Tao LI ; Qing-Lin XU ; Hong-Quan ZHU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):311-318
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of thymoquinone on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and its molecular mechanism, so as to provide theoretical basis for the basic research on the anti-leukemia of traditional Chinese medicine.
METHODS:
The HL-60 and THP-1 cells were treated with thymoquinone at different concentration gradients, cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method, morphological changes were detected by Wright-Giemsa method, apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry, and apoptosis and signal pathway protein expression were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression changes of high mobility family members of SRY-related proteins (SOX).
RESULTS:
Thymoquinone inhibited the malignant proliferation of HL-60 and THP-1 cells, up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and Survivin, and hydrolyzed Caspase-3 to induce the apoptosis of HL-60 and THP-1 cells. Thymoquinone could also significantly down-regulate the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and inhibit the malignant biological characteristics of HL-60 and THP-1 cells by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. After thymoquinone intervention in HL-60 and THP-1 cells, the expression of SOX2 and SOX4 could be down-regulated significantly. At low concentration ( < 10 μmol/L), the expression of SOX12 was weakly affected by thymoquinone. With increasing concentration, the expression of SOX12 could be down-regulated, however, thymoquinone had no effect on SOX11 expression.
CONCLUSION
Thymoquinone can inhibit the proliferation of AML cells, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, regulating the expression of apoptotic proteins and core members of SOX family.
Humans
;
Benzoquinones/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
HL-60 Cells
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism*
;
bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
THP-1 Cells
6.Efficacy and safety of a facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Tian-yu WU ; Wen-hao ZHANG ; Peng-sheng CHEN ; Chen LI ; Tian WU ; Zhan LÜ ; Tong WANG ; Kun LIU ; Zhi-wen TAO ; Xiao-xuan GONG ; Liang YUAN ; Yong LI ; Bo CHEN ; Xin CHEN ; Zeng-guang CHEN ; Nai-quan YANG ; Yuan-yuan SANG ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Bai-hong LI ; Li ZHU ; Guo-yu WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Chuan LU ; Jun JIANG ; Rui-na HAO ; Chun-jian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(8):431-438
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P<0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P>0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.
7.The integration of machine learning into traditional Chinese medicine
Yanfeng HONG ; Sisi ZHU ; Yuhong LIU ; Chao TIAN ; Hongquan XU ; Gongxing CHEN ; Lin TAO ; Tian XIE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1724-1737
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is an ancient medical system distinctive and effective in treating cancer,depression,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and other diseases.However,the relatively abstract diagnostic methods of TCM lack objective measurement,and the complex mechanisms of action are difficult to comprehend,which hinders the application and internationalization of TCM.Recently,while breakthroughs have been made in utilizing methods such as network pharmacology and virtual screening for TCM research,the rise of machine learning(ML)has significantly enhanced their inte-gration with TCM.This article introduces representative methodological cases in quality control,mechanism research,diagnosis,and treatment processes of TCM,revealing the potential applications of ML technology in TCM.Furthermore,the challenges faced by ML in TCM applications are summarized,and future directions are discussed.
8.Research Progress of Metal-organic Framework Composites in Drugs Detection
Qin-Hong YIN ; Shuo-Ling ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Tao-Ren WANG ; Yan-Qin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(11):1784-1796
Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)are a class of organic-inorganic hybrid materials formed by the self-assembly of metal ions or metal clusters with organic ligands through coordination,and possess high specific surface area,tunable pore size and diverse structures.In recent years,MOFs and their composites have shown great application potential in the field of drug detection,especially in selective recognition,enhancing detection sensitivity and on-site rapid detection.This paper summarized the structural characteristics,synthesis methods and detection principles of MOFs and their composites,and reviewed the latest research progresses in detection of various drugs such as opioids,amphetamines,cannabinoids,cathinones,cocaine,ketamine,fentanyls and psychotropic drugs.The advantages and challenges of MOFs materials in the pretreatment of complex biological samples,sensor construction and on-site rapid detection were discussed,and the prospects for future development were analyzed,with the aim of providing theoretical support and technical references for promoting the applications of MOFs in anti-drug practice.
9.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
10.Clinical efficacy of "four-step" aortic valve anatomic repair for regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve
Jun LI ; Zheng ZUO ; Hao LAI ; Lili DONG ; Kai ZHU ; Junyu ZHAI ; Yongxin SUN ; Wenjun DING ; Tao HONG ; Chunsheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(6):334-340
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of "four-step" aortic valve anatomic repair for bicuspid aortic valve(BAV) with aortic regurgitation(AR).Methods:From August 2021 to November 2024, a total of 298 consecutive patients with BAV-AR underwent aortic valve anatomic repair(AVr) in Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 266 males and 32 females, with age of 39(29.5, 48.5) years. All patients underwent " four-step" three-dimensional anatomic repair of the aortic annulus and leaflets, 129(43.3%) patients via upper mini-sternotomy and 169(56.7%) patients via conventional median sternotomy, with the main steps including: (1) deep dissecting and annuloplasty of the virtual basal ring(VBR); (2) symmetrical repairing of leaflets; (3) replacement or remodeling of the sinus of Valsalva; (4) annuloplasty of the sinotubular junction(STJ). Basal and perioperative data were retrospectively collected, and statistical analysis was performed in conjunction with follow-up data.Results:All patients successfully underwent anatomical repair without transferring to valve replacement during operation. Among them, 43 patients underwent aortic root reimplantation technique(Reimplantation group), while 255 patients underwent modified aortic root sleeve remodeling technique(Sleeve group). The median cardiopulmonary bypass time for the Reimplantation and Sleeve groups were 154(134, 169) minutes and 111(95, 129) minutes, respectively( P<0.05); the median aortic cross-clamp time were 112(100, 131) minutes and 80(67, 94) minutes, respectively( P<0.05). Preoperative TEE showed 35 patients(81.4%) and 229 patients(89.8%) with moderate and severe AR in Reimplantation and Sleeve groups, respectively. Postoperative TEE showed 41 patients(95.3%) with no/trace AR and 2 patients(4.7%) with central mild AR in Reimplantation group, while 212 patients(83.1%) with no/trace AR and 43 patients(16.9%) with central mild AR in Sleeve group. Follow-up was completed in all patients, with a median follow-up of 12.9(4.7, 21.2) months. Echocardiography was obtained in 271 patients(90.9%) at the latest follow-up, including no/trace AR in 167 patients(56.0%), mild AR in 89 patients(29.9%), moderate AR in 14 patients(4.7%), and severe AR in 1 patient(0.3%). Conclusion:Aortic valve anatomic repair by standardized "four-step" approach is safe and reproducible. Satisfied short- and mid-term outcome have obtained in selected BAV-AR patients.

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