1.Research on the role of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Jing TANG ; Ping QIU ; Renjie CHEN ; Yaqing LIU ; Hui LIU ; Yu LIU ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):819-826
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) in promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells and the underlying signaling mechanisms. MethodsThe expression level of DHCR7 in lung adenocarcinoma and its prognosis were analyzed by using public databases. DHCR7 protein expression levels in the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines H1299 and A549 were assessed by Western blot, using the normal lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B as a control. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down DHCR7 expression in H1299 and A549 cells. Assays including colony formation, CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell experiments were conducted to assess the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the knockdown cells. Next, Western blot was employed to assess the phosphorylation levels of key signaling molecules in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3),mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway (MAPK/ERK) (p-AKT, p-STAT3, p-ERK). ResultsBioinformatics results indicated that both DHCR7 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma compared with normal tissues adjacent to cancer. Furthermore, higher DHCR7 mRNA level was associated with poor prognosis (P<0.001). The expression levels of DHCR7 were significantly higher in both H1299 and A549 cells than that in BEAS-2B cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with si-control, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of si-DHCR7 H1299 and A549 cells significantly decreased. Among the phosphorylated signaling molecules detected, p-ERK was significantly downregulated (P<0.000 1, P<0.01) whereas p-AKT and p-STAT3 levels were not significantly changed. ConclusionDHCR7 has prominent effects in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells, and the underlying mechanisms are related to the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
2.Flavonoids Intervene in Diabetic Nephropathy by Regulating TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway: A Review
Qihui QIU ; Chang LIU ; Xiaotong YAN ; Jinwei HAN ; Hui SUN ; Fengting YIN ; Yuhang WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):300-309
Diabetic nephropathy (DKD), as a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is a major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Its clinical manifestations include increased urinary protein excretion, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex and involves multiple factors, including disordered glucose metabolism, hemodynamic alterations, and oxidative stress. Although modern medical approaches can alleviate certain symptoms, they still have limitations such as insufficient therapeutic targeting and prominent adverse effects. The transforming growth factor-β/Smad (TGF-β/Smad) signaling pathway is not only a tissue fibrosis pathway that has attracted considerable attention in recent years, but also regulates multiple protein molecules, including the glomerular podocyte slit diaphragm protein Podocin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), thereby participating in various pathological processes and ultimately mediating renal injury. Flavonoid compounds, owing to their sustained pharmacological effects, broad spectrum of action, and high safety profile, have become ideal candidates for targeted therapy research in DKD. Existing studies have shown that these compounds can exert inhibitory effects on renal fibrosis, alleviate inflammatory responses, protect podocytes, and reduce oxidative stress by regulating the interactions between the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and the aforementioned protein molecules, thereby maintaining renal structure and function, reducing proteinuria, and significantly improving DKD lesions. This review briefly outlines the composition and functions of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, elucidates the mechanisms by which this pathway regulates DKD, and focuses on summarizing major studies from the past decade on flavonoid-based interventions in DKD through targeted inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Furthermore, it discusses the considerable therapeutic potential of flavonoids in the treatment of this disease, aiming to provide a scientific basis for future clinical prevention and treatment of DKD and to promote the development of targeted drugs.
3.Photodynamic performance and anti-lung cancer effect of novel chlorin compounds
Yan QIU ; Hao WU ; Yafen DONG ; Ye CHEN ; Jian WANG ; Hui JIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(1):39-45
Objective To study the photodynamic performance and the killing effect of photodynamic therapy on lung cancer of novel chlorin compounds 2-(4-(5,15,20-triphenyl-7H,8H-porphyrin-10-yl) phenoxy) acetic acid(D1)and 4-(4-(5,15,20-triphenyl-7H,8H-porphyrin-10-yl) phenoxy) butanoic acid (D2). Methods The ultraviolet visible absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectrum of D1 and D2 were determined. The singlet oxygen generation capacity of D1 and D2 was measured by using DPBF as singlet oxygen capture agent. Fluorescence assay was used to detect the cellular phagocytosis rate of the compounds in A549 cells, and MTT assay was used to detect their dark toxicity and phototoxicity. A nude mouse model of lung cancer was established to investigate the antitumor activity of the compounds mediated photodynamic action in vivo, and the blood concentration of D2 in nude mice, its distribution in tumor tissue and skin tissue were further detected. Results D1 and D2 had strong absorption at 652 nm with the best excitation wavelength at 429 nm and 427 nm, and the optimal emission wavelength was at about 659 nm. They also had a higher singlet oxygen generation rate than the control drug m-THPC. D1 and D2 had no dark toxicity at concentrations below 10 μmol/L, and could be ingested by A549 cells, basically reaching saturation in 18~24 hours. After laser irradiation at 650 nm wavelength, D1 and D2 showed significant antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro (P<0.01). However, D2 could selectively accumulate in tumor tissues after administration, and the optimal treatment time was less than 30 min after administration. Conclusion D2 had excellent photodynamic antitumor activity and could selectively aggregate in tumor tissues, which had the potential to be a candidate drug for photosensitizer and treatment of lung cancer with independent intellectual property rights, and was worth further research.
4.Response to Comments on “Pretreatment 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT to Predict the Response to Treatment With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma”
Shao-Hao CHEN ; Xiao-Hui WU ; Qian-Ren-Shun QIU ; Shao-Ming CHEN ; Jie ZANG ; Jun-Ming ZHU ; Cheng-Long ZENG ; Wei-Bing MIAO ; Xue-Yi XUE ; Ning XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):188-190
5.Construction and genotypic identification of Il9 knockout mice
Zimeng XUE ; Hui XUE ; Weile CHEN ; Jiaqi QIU ; Mengjuan ZHU ; Jiajie TU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1069-1074
ObjectiveTo construct an interleukin-9 (Il9) gene knockout mouse model on a C57BL/6N background, establish a reliable genotyping method, and provide a standardized animal model for investigating Il9-related immune mechanisms and diseases. MethodsIl9 knockout mouse strain (C57BL/6N-Il9em1Cya) was generated using conventional gene knockout technology. The method for DNA extraction from mouse tails was optimized to ensure template quality. Two sets of specific primers (F1/R1 and F1/R2) were designed to amplify target fragments by PCR, and mouse genotypes were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. Specifically, primer pair F1/R1 targeted the knockout sequence with an expected product of 465 bp, while F1/R2 targeted the wild-type sequence with an expected product of 703 bp. Subsequently, Western blot was performed to verify the knockout efficiency of Il9 in primary immune cells and key organs of the offspring mice, and flow cytometry was used to assess the effects of Il9 deficiency on the function of the immune system in major immune cell populations. ResultsIl9 knockout mice were successfully bred and genotyped. PCR identification showed that homozygous mice (-/-) exhibited only a 465 bp band, wild-type mice (+/+) displayed only a 703 bp band, and heterozygous mice (+/-) showed both bands simultaneously. Meanwhile, Western blot analysis revealed significantly decreased IL-9 expression in various organs of the offspring mice (P<0.001). Flow cytometric results demonstrated that Il9 deficiency exerted no obvious effects on the proportions of peripheral blood lymphocytes, splenic lymphocytes, and peritoneal macrophages. ConclusionAn Il9 gene knockout mouse model on a C57BL/6N background is successfully constructed. The established PCR genotyping system is highly efficient and accurate, which can effectively distinguish mice of different genotypes. This model provides a stable and reliable experimental basis for subsequent functional studies of Il9 and exploration of the mechanisms underlying Il9-related diseases.
6.Construction and validation of a targeted IL-13Rα CAR macrophage based on OX40L intracellular domain
Hui XUE ; Zimeng XUE ; Weile CHEN ; Jiaqi QIU ; Mengjuan ZHU ; Yizhao CHEN ; Jiajie TU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1170-1175
ObjectiveTo construct a chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) targeting interleukin-13 receptor α (IL-13Rα) and intracellular domain integration, which can double activate the signal adaptor protein OX40L of macrophages and T cells. MethodsThe CAR molecule targeting IL-13Rα (IL-13Rα-OX40L-CAR) with OX40L as the intracellular signal domain was designed and synthesized, and it was cloned into the adenovirus expression vector. After THP-1 cells were induced to differentiate into macrophages (THP-1-M) by phorbol ester, the cells were infected with recombinant adenovirus to construct THP-1 macrophages stably expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeled anti-IL-13RαCAR. The expression efficiency of CAR molecules was monitored by flow cytometry. The empty vector group was used as the negative control, the CD3ζ group was used as the positive control, and the CD3ζ-OX40L group was used as the experimental group. The phagocytic function of macrophages in each group on IL-13Rα high expression glioma cells (U251) and low expression glioma cells (T98G) was detected by in vitro co-culture experiments. ResultsCAR adenovirus was efficiently transfected into THP-1-M to obtain anti-IL-13RαCAR-M. After co-cultured with glioma cells with different expression levels of IL-13Rα, the results of flow cytometry showed that there was no significant difference among the three groups for T98G cells with low expression of IL-13Rα. After co-culture with U251 cells with high expression of IL-13Rα, the CD3ζ group showed enhanced phagocytosis compared with the empty vector group (P<0.05). Compared with the CD3ζ group, the phagocytosis ability of the CD3ζ-OX40L group was further enhanced (P<0.05). ConclusionAnti-IL13Rα- OX40L-CAR-M is successfully constructed by constructing IL-13Rα-OX40L-CAR adenovirus and transfecting PMA-induced differentiated THP-1-M. It can engulf glioma cells with high expression of IL-13Rα by specific targeting, and shows activation of intracellular domain superior to traditional CD3ζ.
7.Construction and effectiveness analysis of a medication management model by urological pharmacists under the DRGs payment system
Jingwei QIU ; Huishi PANG ; Qiuyong ZHENG ; Hui YAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2181-2186
OBJECTIVE To explore the working model and practical effectiveness of surgical pharmacists participating in the rational medication management of urology department under the background of diagnosis related groups (DRGs) payment system.METHODS In the context of DRGs, surgical pharmacists have constructed a rational drug use control model for key DRGs disease groups with a high number of urological cases in three stages: the pre stage, which includes developing perioperative drug use guidelines and implementing a rational drug use management system intervention; the mid-term stage, which includes conducting specialized evaluations in conjunction with DRGs disease groups, conducting pharmaceutical ward rounds and medical order reviews, conducting rational drug use training and science popularization; the post event stage, which includes establishing a performance evaluation system for clinical departments and surgical pharmacists, and collecting reasons why surgical physicians did not adopt surgical pharmacist recommendations. Patients who entered DRGs groups and were discharged from the urology department of Foshan Second People’s Hospital were selected as the research subjects. The changes in departmental DRGs indicators [including number of DRGs groups, total weight, case mix index (CMI), average length of stay, time consumption index, average cost per case, cost consumption index, average drug cost per case, drug consumption index, and mortality in low- and medium-risk] were compared before pharmacist intervention (June to December 2022), after 1 year of intervention (June to December 2023), and after 2 years of intervention (June to December 2024). The improvement in medication rational rates (for antibiotics, hemocoagulase, and proton pump inhibitors) and pharmacy performance assessment indicators [average drug cost per case, defined daily doses (DDDs, excluding traditional Chinese medicine), and antibiotic use density (AUD)] in the top 5 DRGs groups by case volume were statistically analyzed. The reasons for non-adoption of medication intervention recommendations by urologists were further analyzed.RESULTS With the participation of surgical pharmacists in the rational medication management of urology department, the number of DRGs groups, total weight, and CMI in the urology department increased year by year, while the average length of stay, average cost per case, and average drug cost per case decreased year by year, there were no low- to medium-risk deaths before and after the medication management. The average drug cost per case, DDDs, and AUD in the top 5 key DRGs groups (LE15, LE13, MC15, MC13, and LK19) were significantly decreased compared with those before intervention ( P <0.05). The medication rational rates (for antibiotics, hemocoagulase, and proton pump inhibitors) in the above 5 key DRGs groups were significantly increased compared with those before intervention ( P <0.05). After 2 years of pharmacist intervention, the non-adoption rates of urologists for medication interventions related to antibiotics, hemocoagulase, and proton pump inhibitors were significantly lower than those after 1 year of intervention ( P <0.05); the main reason for not adopting interventions related to hemocoagulase was that surgeons believed “increasing the daily dose could shorten the hemostasis course”, the main reason for not adopting interventions related to antibiotics was “postoperative elevation of inflammatory indicators necessitates prolonged treatment”.CONCLUSIONS The hospital has successfully established a model of surgical pharmacists participating in the rational medication management of urology department. This model has improved departmental DRGs indicators and pharmacy performance assessment indicators, and enhanced the medication rational rate.
8.Genomic characterization and evolutionary analysis of hepatitis B virus subgenotype D3 in China in 2020
Hui XIANG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Feng WANG ; Feng QIU ; Fuzhen WANG ; Liping SHEN ; Qiudong SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):62-68
Objective:To analyze the genetic characteristics and evolutionary origin of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotype D3 in China in 2020.Methods:Serum samples and demographic details from patients infected with HBV D3 subgenotype were collected. HBV genomic sequences were obtained by nested PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis, nucleotide homology, amino acid mutation and evolution rate of the S protein were conducted by comparing with reference sequence using bioinformatics tools.Results:The complete HBV gene sequences of 14 samples of D3 subtype HBV were obtained. Compared with 97 reference sequences, it was found that the sequences with the highest homology were from India, Mongolia, Iran and China, with the homology ranging from 96.0% to 97.9%. Mutations of 24 amino acids were found in 14 strains of D3 subtype. Among them, T131A, Y134F and T140I were associated with immune escape-related mutations. The genetic diversity of HBV D3 subtype increased slowly before 1975, remained relatively constant from 1975 to 2000, and began to decline after 2000. Evolutionary rate analysis showed that samples QGLD D3-02 and 03 originated from a common ancestor with the Iranian reference strain in 1872, and the other 12 samples QGLD D3-04-17 originated from a common ancestor with the Mongolian reference strain in 1843.Conclusions:The gene sequence of HBV D3 subtype in China had the highest homology with reference sequences from India, Iran, Mongolia and China. Evolutionary rate analysis revealed that 14 cases of HBV D3 subtype originated from a common ancestor with reference strains from Mongolia and Iran, which enriched the sequence and evolution information of HBV D3 subtype and provided a reference basis for the molecular epidemiological study of HBV.
9.Preparation of the Fusion Protein Between Diphtheria Toxin Mutants and the Receptor Binding Domain of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype E(EHc)Molecules and the Immunological Effect Evaluation
Qiu-Ju JIA ; Yao-Hui ZHAO ; Xiao-Yu LIU ; Shuo YU ; Jian-Sheng LU ; Yun-Zhou YU ; Ming LIAO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(10):1421-1431
CRM 197(cross-reacting material 197),a naturally occurring mutant of diphtheria toxin,is a safe and effective vaccine vector and extensively used on developing conjugate or combined vaccines.The mutant loses its enzymatic activity,but fully retains its receptor-binding ability and immunogenicity.In current work,the diphtheria toxin mutant CRM 197 and its fusion proteins with the receptor-binding do-main of botulinum neurotoxin serotype E(EHc)were developed using genetic engineering technology.These recombinant proteins were confirmed by Western blotting and SDS-PAGE.BALB/c mice were im-munized with the CRM197-EHc and EHc-CRM197 fusion proteins,and their immunogenicity was evalua-ted.These two fusion protein molecules,CRM197-EHc and EHc-CRM197,as subunit vaccines,elicited a robust humoral immune response targeting both CRM197 and EHc antigens in the immunized mice.Compared to the mixture of CRM197 and EHc,the mice vaccinated with the fusion proteins(CRM197-EHc and EHc-CRM197)induced higher levels of anti-CRM197 antibodies,and the mice vaccinated with EHc-CRM197 also generated strongest anti-EHc antibodies.Consequently,as a carrier molecule in the fusion protein vaccine,EHc enhances the immunogenicity of CRM197 molecules.Likewise,CRM197 boosts the immunogenicity of EHc in the EHc-CRM197 fusion protein.
10.Transcription factor NKX2.1 promotes differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells
Li DENG ; Yang LIU ; Hui WANG ; Qiu YANG ; Mingqing DONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(36):7790-7796
BACKGROUND:Enhancing the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells is crucial for repairing lung injuries.NKX2.1 is the earliest marker of lung epithelial differentiation and plays a significant regulatory role in lung development.However,the impact of its expression on the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells remains inadequately understood.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of NKX2.1 on the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells.METHODS:Induced pluripotent stem cells were cultured in vitro.The expression of specific pluripotent stem cell genes was assessed using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.NKX2.1 was overexpressed in induced pluripotent stem cells,which were then induced to differentiate into lung stem cells.The expression of FoxA2,SOX9,and P63 was determined via quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence on day 7 of induction of differentiation.The expression of the alveolar marker SPB and SPC was evaluated through immunofluorescence staining on day 7 of induction of differentiation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro were tightly packed and showed typical clonoid growth and significantly expressed stem cell-specific genes OCT-4,SOX2,and NANOG.(2)Compared with the non-transfected control group,the expression of NKX2.1 in human induced pluripotent stem cells was significantly increased in the NKX2.1 overexpression group(P<0.000 1).(3)Seven days after induction of differentiation,compared with the non-transfected control group,the expression of lung stem cell-related markers FoxA2,SOX9,and P63 was significantly increased in the NKX2.1 overexpression group(P<0.000 1).(4)Thirteen days after induction of differentiation,compared with the non-transfected control group,the fluorescence intensity of alveolar cell marker molecules SPB and SPC increased significantly in the overexpression NKX2.1 group.The results show that NKX2.1 can promote the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into lung stem cells.

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