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.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.
3.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.
4.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.
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.Experimental study of mouse alveolar macrophages cultured in vitro under different conditions
Hongfang YUN ; Hui JIANG ; Chunxiao NIU ; Jiyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(6):1121-1125
Obiective:To compare characteristics of alveolar macrophages(AMs)or AM-like cells in vitro cultured from different progenitors in mice of different ages in presence of GM-CSF,TGF-β and PPAR-γ agonist rosiglitazone(in brief,GTR),according to a previously reported optimized culture procedure.Methods:After bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)and bone marrow were isolated from mice of different ages and fetal livers were isolated from embryonic-day-15~17 mice,mononuclear cells were seeded into 12-well plates and cultured in presence of GTR.Generated cells were subjected to flow cytometry analysis to analyze expressions of AM markers F4/80,CD11b,CD170 and CD11c.Results:After culture,almost all BALF-derived cells were round-shaped under light microscope,about half bone marrow-derived cells appeared round-shaped,and about 85% fetal liver-derived cells showed round-shaped morphology.Frequency of BALF-AMs from 4-week-old mice was nearly 90%.Frequency and number of BALF-AMs increased with age of mice.Number of BALF-AMs from 12-week-old mice was nearly 1×106.Frequency of bone marrow-derived AM-like cells from 4-week-old mice was lower than 20% and increased to about 40%~45% for 8-week-old and 12-week-old mice.Number of bone marrow-derived AM-like cells increased with age of mice,and about 0.8×106 cells/well bone marrow-derived AM-like cells were produced from 12-week-old mice.Frequency of fetal liver-derived AM-like cells was around 84% and their number could reach 4×106 cells/well.Conclusion:Purity and number of AMs or AM-like cells in vitro cultured from different progenitors in mice of different ages vary dramatically.Detailed condition should be chosen according to specific study requirements.
7.Prone position-cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults: a scoping review
Xuhong LAN ; Longfei GUO ; Hongfang ZHOU ; Hengyang WANG ; Qian WANG ; Donghui JIA ; Wenjuan YUAN ; Yuchen WU ; Zhigang ZHANG ; Caili PENG
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(10):1049-1055
Objective:To comprehensively search the relevant literature on prone position-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (PP-CPR) in adults at home and abroad, analyze the content, summarize the evidence, and provide reference for clinical health care professionals.Methods:Systematic search of CNKI, China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), Wanfang Data, VIP database, PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochran Library, Web of Science, Scopus literature database and other Chinese and English databases was conducted. The search period was from inception to June 15 in 2024. The contents of PP-CPR from randomized controlled trial (RCT), non-RCT (prospective or retrospective), cohort studies and case reports were extracted and systematically analyzed. The search results were standardized by the method of scoping review.Results:A total of 523 articles were obtained through preliminary search, and 14 references and gray literature were retrieved, totaling 537 articles. After strict screening by two researchers, a total of 26 literatures were included, 3 were non-RCT and 23 were case reports, involving 12 countries, including 3 in Chinese, 19 in English, 2 in French, 1 in German, and 1 in Korean. Three non-RCT demonstrated that compared with standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), PP-CPR could produce higher pressure, and provide good respiratory and circulatory support. A total of 25 adult patients were included in the 23 case reports, of which 17 reported total recovery time and 13 reported PP-CPR time ≤ 5 minutes, all of which recovered spontaneous circulation, indicating the effectiveness of PP-CPR technology. In terms of final outcome, 4 patients (16.0%) died and 21 patients (84.0%) survived, indicating that PP-CPR technology could provide timely blood circulation and improve clinical outcomes for prone cardiac arrest patients. Among the 11 patients who reported complications after resuscitation, no neurological damage was found in the short-term outcomes, indicating that PP-CPR technology had a certain level of safety.Conclusions:PP-CPR can provide timely blood circulation for patients with cardiac arrest who are unable to lie supine quickly, and win "golden time" for defibrillation and further treatment. In clinical practice, medical staff need to evaluate the emergency environment, the number of rescuers and the specific condition of the patient, and implement first aid as soon as possible, so as to reduce the time of no blood flow in the vital organs of patients with cardiac arrest in prone position, and improve the clinical prognosis.
8.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).
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.Implication of Qidi Tangshen Prescription (QDTS) on Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetes Nephropathy by Regulating MAPK14/RELA/Caspase-8 Signaling Pathway
Fei GAO ; Borui YU ; Huidi XIE ; Ying ZHOU ; Yang SHI ; Xianhui ZHANG ; Hongfang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):67-75
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of Qidi Tangshen prescription (QDTS) in regulating podocyte pyroptosis in diabetes nephropathy (DN). MethodThrough in vivo experiment, db/db mice were divided into the model group, QDTS group (3.34 g·kg-1), valsartan capsule group (10.29 mg·kg-1), with db/m mice serving as the normal control. Each group consisted of 8 mice, and they underwent continuous intervention for 8 weeks. After the last administration, mice were euthanized, and kidney pathological changes were observed. Additionally, the expression levels of pyroptosis-related indicators, including NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Gasdermin D protein (GSDMD), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) protein, were examined. Through in vitro experiment, mouse podocytes were divided into the normal glucose group (5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose), high glucose group (35 mmol·L-1 glucose), DMSO group (35 mmol·L-1 glucose+200 mg·L-1 DMSO), and QDTS group (35 mmol·L-1 glucose+200 mg·L-1 QDTS freeze-dried powder). After 48 hours of intervention, the expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD, and IL-1β proteins were measured in podocytes. A drug-ingredient-target-disease interaction network for QDTS in the treatment of DN was constructed by network pharmacology methods. The key signaling pathways regulating podocyte pyroptosis were analyzed, and validation was conducted through in vivo and in vitro experiments. ResultCompared with normal group, glomerular hyperplasia and glomerular basement membrane thickening were observed in model group, and some segments were accompanied by obvious podocellular process fusion. The protein expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD and IL-1β in mouse kidney were increased, the protein expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), V-Rel reticuloendotheliosis virus oncogene homology A (RELA) and Caspase-8 in mouse kidney were increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, kidney pathological injury of mice in QDTS group was significantly reduced, and the expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD and IL-1β in kidney of mice in QDTS group and valsartan group were decreased (P<0.05). The protein expressions of MAPK14, RELA and Caspase-8 in kidney of mice in QDTS group and valsartan group were decreased (P<0.05). Network pharmacology results showed that there were 16 targets for QDTS to regulate DN cell pyrodeath, among which MAPK14, RELA and Caspase-8 were the key targets. Compared with normal glucose group, the protein expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD and IL-1β in high glucose group were increased (P<0.05), and the protein expressions of MAPK14, RELA and Caspase-8 in mouse podocytes were increased (P<0.05). Compared with high glucose group, the expressions of NLRP3, GSDMD and IL-1β in podocytes of mice in QDTS group were decreased (P<0.05), and the expressions of MAPK14, RELA and Caspase-8 in podocytes of mice in QDTS group were decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionQDTS reduces damage to DN podocytes, which is associated with its regulation of the MAPK14/RELA/Caspase-8 signaling pathway and inhibition of podocyte pyroptosis.


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