1.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
3.Proctor's Reporting Guideline for Implementation Strategies: Interpretation, Application, and Challenges
Jiangyun CHEN ; Jinghan LIU ; Youping ZHUANG ; Xueying CHEN ; Siyuan LIU ; Xiaoshan CHEN ; Yeqing ZHAN ; Dongmei ZHONG ; Huadan HUANG ; Dong XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):263-273
The Proctor's reporting guideline for implementation strategies represents a landmark framework in the field of implementation science, aiming to address the issue of inconsistent reporting in implementation research by standardizing the naming, definition, and operationalization of implementation strategies, thereby enhancing the credibility and utility of research findings. This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the core connotations of this reporting guideline and illustrates its application in developing interview outlines and specifying implementation strategies, using a brief smoking cessation intervention project as a case study. Through this reporting guideline, abstract recommendations for implementation are systematically transformed into clear, multidimensional operational guides, significantly improving the transparency of strategy connotations and the replicability of actual execution. Meanwhile, the case study highlights the flexibility of the guideline, which allows researchers to adapt the content and format of strategies based on local resources and cultural contexts, thus enhancing practical adaptability while maintaining scientific rigor. However, the application of Proctor's reporting guideline still faces challenges, primarily manifested in the potential confusion surrounding the constructs of temporality and dose in practice, as well as the challenges that the inherent flexibility of the guideline may pose to the assessment of fidelity and effectiveness. Despite these limitations, the reporting guideline remains a vital tool for implementation research; future efforts should focus on optimizing its application—through refining operational guidelines, standardizing flexible adaptations, and involving stakeholders—to better guide implementation studies and continuously promote high-quality development in the field.
4.Analysis of high-frequency plateletpheresis on age-dependent bone metabolism in female donors
Huibin ZHONG ; Huaheng LI ; Wei YANG ; Jieting HUANG ; Zhen WANG ; Fenfang LIAO ; Yongmei NIE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):97-102
Objective: To explore whether the long-term and frequent use of citrate anticoagulants negatively affects the bone metabolism balance of female frequent plateletpheresis donors, so as to better protect their health. Methods: A total of 65 female plateletpheresis donors and 55 female whole-blood donors from Guangzhou Blood Center (May to December 2024) were enrolled as experimental and control groups respectively, stratified into age subgroups (18-39 years and 40-60 years). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), osteocalcin (OC), and type I collagen carboxy-terminal telopeptide (CTX) were measured. Differences in bone metabolism markers between experimental and control groups across age subgroups were compared. ANOVA was used to analyze dose-response relationships between donation age, annual apheresis donation frequency, and biochemical indicators. Results: In the 40-60 age subgroup, 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the experimental group (P<0.05), exhibiting a linear increase with age and a linear decrease with annual donation frequency. No significant differences in CTX or PINP levels were observed between experimental and control groups in either age subgroup. Conclusion: High-frequency plateletpheresis donation does not disrupt bone metabolic balance in female donors. However, it is associated with reduced vitamin D levels in female donors aged >40 years, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for high-frequency female plateletpheresis donors in this age group.
5.Mechanism of Fresh Cutting of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Discussion on Integration of Traditional Wisdom and Modern Technology
Wenjie BAO ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Wenhua WU ; Congmin LIU ; Zixin CHEN ; Xingmei LU ; Hengli TONG ; Yi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):282-290
Fresh-cut processing constitutes a pivotal technique in the origin processing of Chinese medicinal materials, with a long history documented in multiple materia medica. In recent years, it has garnered national policy support for its ability to prevent component loss and low processing efficiency associated with traditional drying-before-cutting methods. As of August 2025, 26 provinces and municipalities nationwide have cumulatively published 789 species for fresh-cut processing. Among these, 78 were included in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the practice continues to face common challenges and difficulties, including ambiguous scientific understanding, fragmented standards, limited quality control approaches, and poor process stability. Based on this, this paper synthesises years of research findings to systematically elucidate the core mechanisms of fresh-cut processing. These encompass alterations to herbal tissue structure during cutting, post-processing changes in constituents, and physiological-biochemical processes such as plant stress responses and shifts in endogenous enzyme activity. It also summarises influencing factors, including inherent herbal properties, cutting timing and methods, and environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and microbial presence. Based on this overview of fresh-cutting mechanisms, subsequent research should advance in four directions:Clarifying the scientific principles of fresh-cutting, overcoming technical bottlenecks, upgrading intelligent equipment, and establishing quality standards and evaluation systems. This study provides a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for future research on fresh-cutting in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), promoting its deeper practical application within the industry and contributing to the high-quality development of TCM industry and the modernization of TCM.
6.Relationship between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features of middle school students: the moderating effect of emotional regulation strategies
Run ZHONG ; Congwen YANG ; Junhong LIU ; Maoqian SUN ; Yujia WENG ; Jian WEN ; Guoping HUANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):76-82
BackgroundThe middle school stage represents a crucial period for the development of borderline personality features. Negative parenting styles and emotional regulation strategies are associated with the formation of borderline personality features. However, the moderating role of emotional regulation strategies between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features among middle school students remains unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the moderating influence of emotional regulation strategies in the relationship between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features among middle school students, and to provide references for the intervention of borderline personality features. MethodsIn October 2023, a total of 5 965 middle school students from three middle schools in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were selected by cluster sampling, and assessed by the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children (BPFS-C), the Egna Minnen Barndoms Uppfostran (EMBU), and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Chinese Revised Version (ERQ-CRV). Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlation between the scores of each scale, and the model 1 of the Process macro program was used to conduct the moderating effect test. ResultsA total of 5 572 middle school students (93.41%) completed this study, and 1 388 of them (24.91%) were identified as having high borderline personality features. The BPFS-C score of middle school students was positively correlated with the score of the negative parenting style dimension of EMBU (r=0.367, P<0.01), negatively correlated with the score of the cognitive reappraisal dimension of ERQ-CRV (r=-0.168, P<0.01), and positively correlated with the score of the expression inhibition dimension of ERQ-CRV (r=0.344, P<0.01). Cognitive reappraisal played a negative moderating effect between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features (β=-0.072, 95% CI: -0.104–-0.041, P<0.01), while expressive suppression played a positive moderating effect (β=0.076, 95% CI: 0.055–0.097, P<0.01). ConclusionCognitive reappraisal strategy may help mitigate the negative influence of negative parenting styles on middle school students' borderline personality features, while expressive suppression may exacerbate the harm of negative parenting styles to the borderline personality features of middle school students.
7.Study on the correlation between HLA antibodies and pregnancy-related factors, and the predictive value of a random-forest model among female blood donors in Nanning
Fang LU ; Huihui MO ; Wujin SU ; Zhoulin ZHONG ; Hengcong LI ; Yuchen HUANG ; Yuxi CHEN ; Lilan LI ; Yan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):367-372
Objective: To explore the association between the HLA antibody positivity rate in female blood donors and pregnancy history, number of pregnancies, interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation, and age, to identify associated variables using a univariate generalized additive model (GAM), and to further analyze the predictive role of characteristic variables for HLA antibody positivity using a random forest model. Methods: HLA antibody detection was performed on 391 female blood donors using the Luminex immunomagnetic bead method. The correlation between pregnancy-related factors and HLA antibodies was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Based on R software, a univariate GAM was first constructed to analyze the association types between characteristic variables and the HLA antibody positivity rate, followed by the construction of a random forest model to evaluate the predictive value of the variables. Results: Among the 391 female blood donors without a transfusion history, the overall HLA antibody positivity rate was 26.34%. The positivity rate in donors with a pregnancy history was significantly higher than that in those without (30.09% vs 9.72%, P<0.05), and HLA antibody positivity rate increased linearly with the number of pregnancies (P<0.05). In the univariate GAM, age and number of deliveries exhibited a non-linear association with the HLA antibody positivity rate (the positivity rate increased sharply between 25-35 years of age and stabilized after 3 deliveries). Besides, the interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation showed a linear association with the HLA antibody positivity rate, and the positivity rate decreased as the interval prolonged (P<0.05). In the random forest model, age (mean decrease gini=29.26) and interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation (mean decrease gini=22.02) were core predictive variables: age was more conducive to identifying positive samples, while the interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation was more helpful for excluding negative samples. The number of deliveries (mean decrease accuracy=16.98) made a significant contribution to predicting positive samples, whereas the number of abortions had no impact. The model had an AUC of 0.583 (95% CI: 0.593 8-0.770 2), indicating a certain predictive value. Conclusion: The associated variables identified by the univariate GAM model, including age, interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation, and number of deliveries, provide a basis for key variables in the random forest model. All three variables have predictive value for HLA antibody positivity, which can provide evidence-based support for personalized transfusion management and stratified screening of female blood donors in this region.
8.Key points of the International consensus guidelines on the implementation and monitoring of vosoritide therapy in individuals with Achondroplasia.
Hangyu PING ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Yue PENG ; Zikang ZHONG ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(1):5-12
Achondroplasia (ACH) is a common inherited skeletal dysplasia (inherited dwarfism) that compromises quality of life across the lifespan. In 2021, vosoritide became the first approved precision therapy for ACH and is now available in more than 40 countries. Compared with prior symptomatic measures, vosoritide has demonstrated favorable efficacy and a reassuring safety profile. Nevertheless, existing international ACH guidelines largely emphasize complication management and symptomatic care, and there is no unified consensus on pharmacologic therapy. To address this gap, an international expert group developed the International Consensus Guidelines for the Implementation and Monitoring of Vosoritide Therapy in Patients with Achondroplasia providing systematic recommendations that span the continuum of care - from initial patient contact and pre-treatment assessment to medication counseling, injection training, and long-term outcome monitoring. These recommendations complement and refine current management and nursing protocols for individuals with ACH and offer practical guidance for clinicians across diverse regions. This article highlights key elements of the guideline to provide evidence-based support and clinical direction for healthcare professionals in China treating children with ACH using vosoritide.
Humans
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Achondroplasia/drug therapy*
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Consensus
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Practice Guidelines as Topic
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Child
9.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
10.Effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor on survival,proliferation,and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells
Ting HUANG ; Xiaohan ZHENG ; Yuanji ZHONG ; Yanzhao WEI ; Xufang WEI ; Xudong CAO ; Xiaoli FENG ; Zhenqiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1380-1387
BACKGROUND:Macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)is a pleiotropic cytokine,which is secreted in different types of stem cells and can regulate the proliferation,differentiation and migration of various types of stem cells.Our previous research has confirmed that human embryonic stem cells secrete MIF and that its concentration in the culture medium is relatively stable.However,whether MIF is involved in the survival,proliferation and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of MIF on survival,proliferation,and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. METHODS:(1)Human embryonic stem cells H9 were cultured.The growth curve of cells was detected and plotted by CCK-8 assay.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the level of MIF in the medium.(2)To determine the effects of exogenous MIF on the survival and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells,different groups were established:the control group,which was cultured in stem cell medium without any modifications;the exogenous MIF group,which was treated with different concentrations(30,100,300 ng/mL)of MIF in the stem cell medium;the MIF inhibitor ISO-1 group,which was treated with different concentrations(2,7,21 μmol/L)of ISO-1 in the stem cell medium;and the MIF+ISO-1 group,which was treated with different concentrations of ISO-1 along with 100 ng/mL of MIF.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.(3)To further elucidate the effect of MIF gene on survival and proliferation of human embryonic stem cell,the MIF knockout H9 cell line was constructed by CRISPR-Cas 9 technology to observe the lineage establishment.(4)To determine the effect of high concentrations of MIF on human embryonic stem cell differentiation,100 ng/mL MIF and 100 ng/mL of CXCR4 neutralizing antibody were separately added to the normal stem cell culture medium.The expression levels of self-renewal factors(KLF4,c-MYC,NANOG,OCT4,and SOX2)and differentiation transcription factors(FOXA2,OTX2)were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunofluorescence staining,and western blot analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The logarithmic growth phase of H9 cells was between 3-6 days.Under normal growth conditions,human embryonic stem cells secreted MIF at a concentration of approximately 20 ng/mL,independent of cell quantity.(2)Compared to the control group,the addition of different concentrations of MIF had no effect on the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells(P>0.05).ISO-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells,with a stronger inhibition observed at higher concentrations of ISO-1(P<0.05).The addition of MIF in the presence of ISO-1 reduced the inhibitory effect of ISO-1(P<0.05).(3)Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that knocking out 50%of the MIF gene resulted in a significant decrease in the growth vitality of human embryonic stem cells and failure to establish cell lines.(4)Adding 100 ng/mL exogenous MIF to the culture medium resulted in a decrease in the mRNA,protein,and fluorescence expression levels of the self-renewal transcription factor KLF4,while the mRNA,protein,and fluorescence expression levels of the differentiation factor FOXA2 increased.(5)When 100 ng/mL CXCR4 neutralizing antibody was added to the culture medium,the mRNA and protein expression levels of KLF4 increased,while the mRNA and protein expression levels of FOXA2 decreased,contrary to the expression trend observed in the MIF group.In conclusion,the endogenous secretion of MIF by human embryonic stem cells is essential for their survival.The addition of MIF to the culture medium does not promote the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells.However,it can lead to a decrease in the expression of the self-renewal factor KLF4 and an increase in the expression of the transcription factor FOXA2.This provides a clue for further investigation into the effects and mechanisms of MIF on the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.The MIF-CXCR4 axis plays a regulatory role in this process.

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