1.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
2.Production of GTKO pigs and kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques
Yan WANG ; Yue CHANG ; Chang YANG ; Taiyun WEI ; Xiaoying HUO ; Bowei CHEN ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Heng ZHAO ; Jianxiong GUO ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiong ZHANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Wenmin CHENG ; Hongye ZHAO ; Kaixiang XU ; Ameen Jamal MUHAMMAD ; Zhendi WANG ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):526-537
Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68+ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.
3.Application of single-cell RNA sequencing technology in Parkinson's disease
Ziyu LIU ; Dandan GENG ; Runjiao ZHANG ; Qing LIU ; Yibo LI ; Hongfang WANG ; Wenmeng XIE ; Wenyu WANG ; Jiaxin HAO ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):193-201
BACKGROUND:Parkinson's disease has the main pathological changes in the midbrain,especially in the dense substantia nigra,leading to impaired motor and non-motor function in patients.At present,research is limited by cellular heterogeneity,and its pathogenesis still needs to be further elucidated.In recent years,single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)has gradually been applied in neurodegenerative diseases,which is of great significance for understanding intercellular heterogeneity,disease development mechanisms,and treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of scRNA-seq technology applied to Parkinson's disease in recent years,providing a theoretical basis for the application of scRNA-seq in the treatment and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. METHODS:The first author used a computer system to search for relevant literature in the CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases,with the Chinese search terms"single-cell RNA sequencing,Parkinson's disease,cell heterogeneity,cell subtypes,dopaminergic neurons,glial cells"and English search terms"single-cell RNA seq,Parkinson disease,heterogenicity,subtypes,dopaminergic neurons,glial cells."71 articles were ultimately included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)scRNA-seq is a high-throughput experimental technique that utilizes RNA sequencing at the single-cell level to quantify gene expression profiles in specific cell populations,revealing cellular mysteries at the molecular level.Compared with traditional sequencing techniques,scRNA-seq technology is used to reveal the diversity of cell types and changes in specific gene expression in complex tissues under various physiological and pathological conditions through automatic clustering analysis of cell transcriptome.(2)By using scRNA-seq,the development process of dopaminergic neurons and the unique functional characteristics of various cell subtypes are elucidated,in order to better understand potential therapeutic molecular targets.(3)The use of scRNA-seq analysis has improved our understanding of the response of Parkinson's disease glial cells,enabling us to comprehensively map and characterize different cell type populations,identify specific glial cell subpopulations related to neurodegeneration,and draw valuable single cell maps as reference data for future research.(4)The application of scRNA-seq to detect embryonic mice and stem cells will help improve the in vitro differentiation protocol and quality control of cell therapy,as well as evaluate the overall cell quality and developmental stage of dopaminergic neurons derived from stem cells.
4.The Role and Clinical Application Progress of Exosomes in Gynecological Malignancies
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):266-274
Exosomes are small vesicles with a lipid bilayer membrane structure that have applied in precision medicine due to their non-invasive nature, high accessibility, and stability. Exosomes play a crucial role in processes such as tumor metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Gynecological malignancies primarily include cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer, and their early diagnosis and treatment have long been a focus of research. As novel biological markers, exosomes exhibit high specificity and can effectively block the occurrence and progression of gynecological malignancies. This article explores the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of exosomes in cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer in detail. In cervical cancer, exosomes are involved in processes such as HPV infection, angiogenesis, and immune evasion, with specific miRNAs (such as miR-30d-5p and let-7d-3p) serving as diagnostic markers. Furthermore, exosomes can act as targeted drug delivery vehicles and vaccine development platforms. In ovarian cancer, the miRNAs carried by exosomes (such as miR-21 and the miR-200 family) have reference value for early diagnosis, and exosomes play an important role in chemotherapy resistance and tumor progression. For endometrial cancer, miRNAs in exosomes (such as miR-15a-5p and miR-106b-5p) can serve as biomarkers for early detection. Additionally, this article highlights the challenges faced by exosomes in clinical applications, such as the complexity of isolation and extraction and the identification of cell sources, and emphasizes the necessity for further basic research and clinical trials. This study provides new ideas and methods for the early diagnosis and precision treatment of gynecological malignancies, holding significant theoretical and clinical importance.
5.Effect of Exosomes CXCL1 on the Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration of Cervical Cancer Cells
Fengmei ZHANG ; Yanan¹ ZUO ; Juncheng¹ ZHANG ; Qianqian² HU ; Hongfang² LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(6):1021-1028
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of exosomal CXCL on the biological behavior of cervical cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms. MethodsChemokine CXCL was first screened through bioinformatics databases. The GEPIA database was analyze CXCL expression in cervical cancer tissues and adjacent normal cervical tissues. Western blot was performed to detect CXCL expression levels in cervical cancer cells (Caski) and normal cervical epithelial cells (H8). The successful isolation of exosomes was confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Western blot. ELISA was employed to detect the expression level of exosomes CXCL was determined by ELISA. After CXCL knockdown via siRNA transfection, cells were divided into three groups: blank control, negative control and experimental groups. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay, while cell migration and invasion were assessed by Transwell assays. ResultsExosomal CXCL expression was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer cells compared with normal cervical epithelial cells (P<0. 01), and also markedly elevated in cervical cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. After low expression of CXCL knockdown significantly reduced CXCL expression in both cancer cells and their derived exosomes(P<0. 05). Low expression markedly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities ConclusionSilencing exosomal CXCL may inhibit the malignant biological behavior of cancer cells.
6.Effect of High-Altitude Hypoxia on the Pharmacokinetics and Brain Distribution of Phenytoin Sodium in Epileptic Rats
Xiaojing ZHANG ; Yan ZHONG ; Hongfang MU ; Wenbin LI ; Xiaomin YANG ; Rong WANG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):825-830
Objective To investigate the effects of high-altitude hypoxic environment on the pharmacokinetic characteristics and brain tissue distribution of phenytoin sodium in epileptic rats.Methods A total of 70 male SPF-grade Wistar rats aged 2 months and weighing(200±20)g were used in the study.An epilepsy model was induced in the rats using the lithium chloride-pilocarpine method.The successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to a normoxic treatment group and a high-altitude hypoxic treatment group.Phenytoin sodium was administered via intragastric gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg in both groups.Blood samples were collected from the orbital venous plexus before treatment and 0.5,1,2,3,4,6,8,10,and 24 h post treatment.The animals were euthanized after the final blood collection,and samples of the liver and the whole brain tissue were collected.In the brain tissue distribution experiment,brain tissue samples were collected at 0.5,1,2,and 4 h after drug administration.The concentration of phenytoin sodium in rat plasma and brain tissue was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS),and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using WinNolin 8.1 software.The expression levels of CYP2C9 in liver tissue and those of P-gp in brain tissue of epileptic rats were determined by Western blot.Results Compared with those in the normoxia group,the peak concentration,peak time,and half-life of phenytoin sodium in the high-altitude hypoxia group were significantly decreased by 46.0%,42.3%,and 55.5%,respectively(all P<0.05);the clearance rate was significantly increased by 162.0%(P<0.05);and the area under the curve of plasma concentration-time curve was decreased by 45.6%(P<0.01).At 0.5,1,and 2 hours after administration,compared with that in the normoxia treatment group,the concentration of phenytoin sodium in the brain tissue of the high-altitude hypoxia treatment group was significantly decreased by 78.1%,63.5%,and 32.5%,respectively(all P<0.05).Western blot results showed that the expression levels of CYP2C9 in the liver tissue and P-gp in the brain tissue of rats in the high-altitude hypoxia group were approximately 1.78 and 1.65 times higher than those in the normoxia group,respectively(both P<0.05).Conclusion The hypoxic environment at high altitudes can promote the metabolism of phenytoin sodium,reduce its absorption efficiency,and change the characteristics its distribution in the brain,which may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of CYP2C9 in the liver and that of P-gp in the brain.
7.Impact of self-efficacy on quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:the chained mediating role of physical activity and disease burden
Yue ZHANG ; Yiqin CAO ; Yanyan WANG ; Yanqing ZHENG ; Hongfang YE ; Chang ZHENG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(2):119-123
Objective To investigate the effects of physical activity and disease burden on self-ef-ficacy and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Methods A total of 312 IBD patients were selected by convenience sampling method.General information of patients was col-lected.Self-efficacy[Chronic Disease Management Self-Efficacy Scale(CDM-SES)],physical activi-ty[International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form(IPAQ-SF)],disease burden[Inflamma-tory Bowel Diseases Disk(IBD-disk)Scale]and quality of life[Inflammatory Bowel Disease Ques-tionnaire(IBDQ)]were assessed in IBD patients.The chain-mediating effects of physical activity and disease burden on self-efficacy and quality of life in IBD patients were analyzed.Results There were statistically significant differences in self-efficacy of IBD patients with different ages,body mass index(BMI),places of residence,marital status,educational background and disease stages(P<0.05);there were statistically significant differences in physical activity among IBD patients with different gen-der,age,place of residence,marital status,education background,disease stage and whether to use biological agents(P<0.05);there were statistically significant differences in the disease burden of IBD patients with different BMI,place of residence,marital status,education background,payment method and disease stage(P<0.05);there were statistically significant differences in the quality of life of IBD patients with different ages,places of residence,marital status,education levels,pay-ment methods,disease stages and whether to use biological agents(P<0.05).The quality of life of IBD patients was positively correlated with self-efficacy and physical activity(r=0.605,0.482,P<0.01),and negatively correlated with disease burden and disease stage(r=-0.550,-0.362,P<0.01).Physical activity and disease burden partially mediated between self-efficacy and quality of life in IBD patients.Conclusion IBD patients exhibited moderate levels of self-effi-cacy,low levels of physical activity,and high disease burdens.Clinical healthcare professionals should actively take measures to improve patients'self-efficacy and physical activity levels to reduce disease burden.
8.Qidi Tangshen Prescription (QDTS) Regulate Akt1/HIF-1α/Bcl-xl Signaling Pathway to Improve Podocyte Autophagy in Diabetic Nephropathy
Fei GAO ; Huidi XIE ; Borui YU ; Ying ZHOU ; Yang SHI ; Xianhui ZHANG ; Hongfang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):90-97
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Qidi Tangshen prescription (QDTS) in alleviating podocyte injury and reducing urinary protein in diabetic nephropathy (DN). MethodUsing network pharmacology methods, we collected the chemical components and targets of QDTS, as well as the targets related to DN. Subsequently, we constructed a "drug-ingredient-target-disease" network for QDTS in the treatment of DN to systematically elucidate the mechanism. The db/db mice were assigned into the model, QDTS (3.34 g·kg-1), and losartan capsules (10.29 mg·kg-1) groups, and db/m mice served as the normal group. Each group consisted of 8 mice, and they underwent continuous intervention for 8 weeks. After the last administration, mice were euthanized, and the urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and renal pathological changes were measured and observed. The expression levels of protein kinase B1 (Akt1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), phosphorylated B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (p-Bcl-xl), as well as autophagy-related indicators microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), ubiquitin-binding protein p62 (p62), and autophagy-related gene 6 homolog (Beclin1), were determined. Furthermore, mouse podocytes were divided into the normal glucose (5.5 mmol·L-1), high glucose (35 mmol·L-1), DMSO (35 mmol·L-1 glucose+200 mg·L-1 DMSO), and QDTS (35 mmol·L-1 glucose+200 mg·L-1 QDTS freeze-dried powder) groups. After 48 h of intervention, the protein levels of Akt1, HIF-1α, p-Bcl-xl, LC3, p62, and Beclin1 in podocytes were measured. ResultQDTS had 34 active components acting on 143 targets in the treatment of DN, and 55 targets were related to autophagy, in which Akt1, HIF-1α, and Bcl-xl were the key targets. Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group exhibited significantly increased UAER, glomerular hypertrophy, deposition of blue collagen fibers, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, and noticeable fusion of podocyte foot processes in some segments. Furthermore, the modeling up-regulated the protein levels of p-Akt1, HIF-1α, and p62 and down-regulating the protein levels of p-Bcl-xl, LC3, and Beclin1 in the renal tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, QDTS and losartan decreased UAER (P<0.05) and alleviated the pathological damage in the renal tissue. Moreover, QDTS and losartan down-regulated the protein levels of p-Akt1, HIF-1α, and p62 and up-regulated the protein levels of p-Bcl-xl, LC3, and Beclin1 in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In comparison to the normal glucose group, the high glucose group displayed up-regulated protein levels of p-Akt1, HIF-1α, and p62 and down-regulated protein levels of p-Bcl-xl, LC3, and Beclin1 in podocytes (P<0.05). Compared with the high glucose group, QDTS down-regulated the protein levels of p-Akt1, HIF-1α, and p62 and up-regulated the protein levels of p-Bcl-xl, LC3, and Beclin1 in podocytes (P<0.05). ConclusionQDTS alleviates podocyte damage and reduced urinary protein in DN by regulating the Akt1/HIF-1α/Bcl-xl signaling pathway, thereby enhancing podocyte autophagy.
9.Epidemiological investigation of a brucellosis outbreak transmitted through a lamb slaughtering site
ZHANG Hongfang ; WANG Guohua ; LIU Jian ; QIAN Hua ; TANG Tao
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(10):887-888,892
Abstract
On August 11, 2022, Tongxiang Center for Disease Control detected a case of brucellosis, and the case was not engaged in related work. Case finding and risk factor investigation were immediately conducted to trace the source of infection. It was revealed that the case sold aquatic products at a farmer's market and frequently picked up goods at a seafood warehouse adjacent to a lamb slaughtering site. There was a potential risk of infection due to indirect contact with slaughtered lambs or contaminants. Serological tests were conducted on 9 employees of the slaughtering site and 48 residents nearby, and the brucellosis cases diagnosed in hospitals in the same area were searched. A total of 11 brucellosis cases were identified, including 9 confirmed cases and 2 asymptomatic infections. There were 2 cases of slaughtering workers and 9 cases of non-occupational individuals from the surrounding area of the slaughtering site. Brucella melitensis biovar 3 were isolated from a slaughtering worker and a non-occupational individual. The slaughtered lambs primarily came from northern regions such as Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang. It was concluded that it was a cluster caused by Brucella melitensis biovar 3 and spread through direct or indirect contact with imported infected lambs or contaminated environments from a lamb slaughtering site. It is suggested to strengthen the quarantine of imported sheep, legally shut down non-compliant lamb slaughtering sites, implement designated slaughtering and enhance occupational protection.
10.Study on the Relationship Between OAT1 Expression and Renal Osteodystrophy in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure
Wenjuan SHEN ; Wenxin LIANG ; Qing LI ; Hongfang XU ; Weiqin ZHANG ; Haixin LI
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(2):32-38
Objective To investigate the changes of OAT expression in bone cells in chronic renal failure(CRF)and involved mechanism,and to explore the effect of OAT expression on bone metabolism.Methods Ra-ndomly divide the rats into a control group(n=6)and a model group(n=6).The model group established a rat chronic renal failure model using"single nephrectomy+adenine gavage"method,and the red blood cell(RBC)and hemoglobin(HGB)of the rat body were measured using a blood routine analyzer;Measure indicators such as creatinine(Cr),urea nitrogen(BUN),uric acid(UA),blood calcium(Ca2+),and blood phosphorus(P3+)using a fully automated biochemical analyzer;Pathological examination of rat kidneys;X-ray examination of rat tibia;Immunohistochemical examination of bone tissue OAT1 level.Results The bone density of the model group rats is lower than that of the control group;The calcium and phosphorus metabolism of rats in the model group was in metabolic disorder,and the OAT1 value of bone tissue binding was much lower than that of the control group(P= 0.0018),which was statistically significant.(P=0.0018)Conclusion Chronic renal failure affected the binding ability of OAT1 in bone tissue,leading to the metabolic disorder for calcium absorption and phosphorus metabolism,thus aggravating renal osteodystrophy(P<0.05).


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