1.Effects of coal mine dust on lung function in rats
LIU Yang ; LI Meng ; LU Liyuan ; WANG Ru ; YANG He ; ZHANG Huifang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):96-101
Objective:
To explore the impacts of coal mine dust on lung function in rats, so as to provide the basis for the early prevention and treatment of coal worker's pneumoconiosis.
Methods:
Seventy-two SPF-grade 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the coal dust group, the coal-silica dust group, the silica dust group and the control group. The rats in the first three groups of rats were administered 1 mL corresponding dust suspension into the lungs using non-exposure tracheal instillation, while the rats in the control group were administered 1 mL normal saline. Respiratory rate (f), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and dynamic pulmonary compliance (Cdyn) were measured at 1, 3 and 6 months after dust exposure. Lung tissues were collected to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels using corresponding ELISA kits and ATP assay kits, respectively. The relative mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The relative protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were detected using Western blotting.
Results:
There was no interaction between dust type and exposure duration on f (P>0.05), but there were interactions on FVC, PEF and Cdyn (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 6 months after dust exposure, the f of the rats in the silica dust group were increased, while the FVC and PEF of the rats in the coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased, and Cdyn of the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased (all P<0.05). There were interactions between dust type and exposure duration on ROS and ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 3 and 6 months after dust exposure, the ROS levels in the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were increased, while the ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were decreased (all P<0.05).
Conclusion
The lung function impairment in rats caused by different types of coal mine dust is related to PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction, which leads to increased ROS levels, decreased ATP and TFAM levels.
2.CDH17-targeting CAR-NK cells synergize with CD47 blockade for potent suppression of gastrointestinal cancers.
Liuhai ZHENG ; Youbing DING ; Xiaolong XU ; Huifang WANG ; Guangwei SHI ; Yang LI ; Yuanqiao HE ; Yue GONG ; Xiaodong ZHANG ; Jinxi WEI ; Zhiyu DONG ; Jiexuan LI ; Shanchao ZHAO ; Rui HOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Jigang WANG ; Zhijie LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2559-2574
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, cancer relapse remains a significant challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we engineered nanobody-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells targeting cadherin 17 (CDH17) for the treatment of GI tumors. In addition, to enhance the efficacy of CAR-NK cells, we also incorporated CV1, a CD47-SIRPα axis inhibitor, to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of this combination. We found that CDH17-CAR-NK cells effectively eliminated GI cancers cells in a CDH17-dependent manner. CDH17-CAR-NK cells also exhibit potent in vivo anti-tumor effects in cancer cell-derived xenograft and patient-derived xenograft mouse models. Additionally, the anti-tumor activity of CDH17-CAR-NK cells is synergistically enhanced by CD47-signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) axis inhibitor CV1, likely through augmented macrophages activation and an increase in M1-phenotype macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Collectively, our findings suggest that CDH17-targeting CAR-NK cells are a promising strategy for GI cancers. The combination of CDH17-CAR-NK cells with CV1 emerges as a potential combinatorial approach to overcome the limitations of CAR-NK therapy. Further investigations are warranted to speed up the clinical translation of these findings.
3.Involvement of let-7c in alveolar macrophage M2 polarization in coal mine dust-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in rat lung tissue
Ru WANG ; Liyuan LU ; Meng LI ; Yang LIU ; Xiaoyu HE ; Huifang ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(6):687-693
Background Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a serious occupational lung disease and one of the prescript occupational diseases in China. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in the diffuse fibrosis of lung tissue of pneumoconiosis patients, and its mechanism may be related to the polarization of macrophages regulated by let-7c. Objective To investigate the effect of let-7c on the regulation of macrophage polarization in EMT in rats induced by coal dust exposure with different content of free SiO2. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a 5% SiO2 group, a 30% SiO2 group, and a 99.9% SiO2 group, with 16 rats in each group. The rats in each group were tracheally titrated with 100 μL of 20 mg·mL−1 suspension (5% SiO2, 30% SiO2, and 99.9% SiO2) or normal saline, respectively. Alveolar lavage fluid was collected at the ends of the 1st month and the 3rd month. The relative expression levels of M1 or M2 markers, CD86 or CD206, in alveolar macrophages (AMs) were detected by immunofluorescence. The inflammation and fibrosis of lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining. The expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), E-cadherin, and vimentin were detected by Western blotting. The expression levels of let-7c and c/EBP-δ genes were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Results The HE and Masson staining results showed that compared with the control group, the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in the 5% SiO2 group, the 30% SiO2 group, and the 99.9% SiO2 group gradually increased with the increase of dust exposure time. Compared with the control group, the expressions of CD86 and CD206 in the 5% SiO2 group, the 30% SiO2 group, and the 99.9% SiO2 group gradually increased at the end of the 1st month (F=330.904, 146.801, P<0.05), and the expression of CD86 in each group decreased gradually at the end of the 3rd month (F=331.781, P<0.05), but the expression of CD206 increased (F=1164.190, P<0.05). At the end of the 1st month, the expressions of TGF-β1 (F=8.847, P<0.05) and vimentin (F=13.275, P<0.05) gradually increased, and the expression of E-cadherin (F=6.253, P<0.05) gradually reduced in the 5% SiO2 group, the 30% SiO2 group, and the 99.9% SiO2 group. At the end of the 3rd month, the expressions of TGF-β1 (F=16.833, P<0.05) and vimentin (F=55.021, P<0.05) increased, and the expression of E-cadherin (F=12.790, P<0.05) gradually decreased in all groups. The PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the expression of let-7c mRNA in the 5% SiO2 group, the 30% SiO2 group, and the 99.9% SiO2 group increased at the ends of the 1st month and the 3rd month (F=11.251, 28.136, P<0.05). The expression of c/EBP-δ mRNA decreased in all groups at the ends of the 1st month and the 3rd month (F=49.204, 177.090, P<0.05). Conclusion In response to dust stimulation, let-7c promotes EMT by modulating macrophage polarization, which is involved in the formation of pulmonary fibrosis and thus influences the progression of CWP .
4.Application of transcranial ultrasound stimulation in neurorehabilitation: a bibliometric analysis
Huifang HE ; Xiang GONG ; Xihui WANG ; Sisi ZHU ; Ying SHEN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(12):1420-1427
ObjectiveTo analyze the current status, research hotspots, and development trends of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) in neurorehabilitation. MethodsRelevant literature on the application of TUS in neurological rehabilitation was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang data, and Web of Science Core Collection, covering publications from inception to December 31, 2023. VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.2.R1 were used for visualized analysis. ResultsA total of 247 articles were included, with 124 in Chinese and 123 in English, showing an increasing trend in annual publications. The major contributors to English literature were China, the United States, Canada, France and South Korea. High-frequency Chinese keywords included transcranial ultrasound, neuromodulation, Parkinson's disease, stroke and clinical efficacy. The keyword clusters were transcranial ultrasound, neuromodulation, upper limb function and Parkinson's disease. Bursting keywords included rehabilitation, neural function, ultrasound therapy, closed-loop control and low intensity. High-frequency English keywords included focused ultrasound, deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, blood-brain barrier and thalamotomy. Keyword clusters covered tissue plasminogen activator, ultrasonic imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, thalamotomy and ultrasound. Bursting keywords featured essential tremor, neurostimulation, direct current stimulation and transcranial ultrasound stimulation. ConclusionResearch on the application of TUS in neurorehabilitation is on the rise, focusing on its efficacy and safety in Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and ischemic stroke. Future research needs to explore the mechanisms of TUS, optimize treatment plans, and promote the development of individualized therapies.
5.High-risk sexual behaviors of HIV/AIDS and related factors in young students in Guangzhou
Jun LIU ; Peng LIN ; Huifang XU ; Fang YANG ; Xiaobing FU ; Zhilu YAO ; Shilan XIE ; Simin HE ; Jianrong LI ; Siyuan PAN ; Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(2):265-272
Objective:To explore high-risk sexual behaviors of HIV/AIDS and related factors in young students in Guangzhou.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 5 different types of Guangzhou colleges by convenience sampling with minimum number of classes per grade and 600 samples per school from September to November 2021. The R 4.2.2 software was used to consolidate databases. Simultaneously, a logistic regression model and a decision tree algorithm model, stratifying by whether sexual behaviors had occurred before, were constructed. In each layer, the prediction performance of the two models was evaluated through area under receiver operating characteristic and the confusion matrix, and then the model with high prediction performance was retained.Results:A total of 7 346 students were surveyed. The proportion of the respondents reporting sexual experience were 9.08% (667/7 346), in whom 26.24% (175/667) had risky sexual activity in the past year. The decision tree algorithm model performs well in predicting whether high-risk sexual behaviors have occurred in the past year. When the complexity parameter value is 0.018, and nsplit reaches 4, which means there are 5 leaf nodes in the model, the cross error of the tree will be the smallest. The first best grouping variable in the decision tree was whether to use condoms throughout the first sexual behavior. If condoms were used at their sexual debut, but homosexual practices have occurred in the past year, the probability of risky sexual behavior will increase. If homosexual practices have not occurred in the past year, but the age of sexual debut was below 18 years old while the period of HIV education was after high school, the probability of risk sexual behavior will also increase.Conclusions:AIDS-related risky behaviors of young students still deserved attention. The experience of sexual debut and whether AIDS-related health education has been received before the sexual debut were significant predictors for the occurrence of high-risk sexual behavior. The decision tree algorithm model has particular applicability for predicting and screening potential risk populations.
6.Kinesiophobia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a scoping review
Wenbin WU ; Zihan LIN ; Zhiqiang HE ; Jin LI ; Huifang ZHANG ; Mengying XING
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(12):1659-1664
Objective:To summarize the concept, theoretical basis, evaluation tools and mechanisms, influencing factors, and intervention measures of kinesiophobia.Methods:The literature on kinesiophobia in patients undergoing total knee replacement was electronically searched on databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, WanFang Data, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library. The search period was from database establishment to June 24, 2023. This study extracted and analyzed data from the included literature.Results:A total of 32 articles were included. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia was a widely used tool for evaluating kinesiophobia. The influencing factors of kinesiophobia were demographic and disease factors, body motor function, and psychological and social factors. The intervention measures for kinesiophobia mainly included cognitive behavioral intervention, pain health education, exercise, art video or music intervention, multidisciplinary collaborative intervention, and so on.Conclusions:The concept and theoretical basis of kinesiophobia are not yet complete. It is necessary to revise and improve the theoretical model and assessment tool for kinesiophobia and construct an intervention program for kinesiophobia in combination with the concept of rapid rehabilitation.
7.Local immune microenvironment analysis of sodium dodecyl sulfate-induced irritant contact dermatitis model in mice
Yueling ZENG ; Limin FAN ; Huifang CHEN ; Ying HE ; Ailin TAO ; Xueting LIU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(10):2031-2036
Objective:To establish an irritant contact dermatitis(ICD)model induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)in mice,and explore its endotype to provide an experimental and theoretical basis for subsequent precise treatment.Methods:Mice were randomly divided into two groups(model group and control group),4%SDS was topically applied to induce ICD in mice,saline was used on control group,the dose and frequency were consistent with model group,and the skin lesions of mice were observed.Epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration were analyzed by HE staining,toluidine blue staining and immunofluorescence staining.Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to investigate mRNA expression levels of cytokines.Results:Compared with control group,mice in ICD model group showed epidermal thickness on the back of neck,and the numbers of inflammatory cells were increased in dermis.The number of neutrophils,macrophages and T cells were increased.Expressions of Il17a and Il17f mRNA levels were increased.Conclusion:SDS-induced ICD model is successfully established,with the elevated infiltration of neutrophils,macrophages and T cells,and secretion of type 17 cytokines.
8.Meta-analysis of risk factors for perioperative malnutrition among aged fracture patients
Zhiqiang HE ; Wenbin WU ; Zihan LIN ; Jin LI ; Jing WANG ; Xiaoling ZHOU ; Huifang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(20):2743-2750
Objective:To systematically evaluate the risk factors for perioperative malnutrition in aged fracture patients.Methods:A comprehensive search of databases including CNKI, WanFang, VIP, SinoMed, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL was conducted to identify relevant studies on risk factors for perioperative malnutrition in aged fracture patients from inception to May 10, 2023. Additional grey literature was identified by snowball sampling and manual searches. Two postgraduate students trained in evidence-based nursing independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.Results:Fourteen original studies were included, covering 46 risk factors for malnutrition. Meta-analysis of factors reported in at least two studies indicated that age≥ 70 years, low body mass index, low hemoglobin, preoperative hypoalbuminemia, female, physical inactivity, non-home residence, low self-care ability, intertrochanteric fracture, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic gastritis, dementia/cognitive decline, cancer, stroke, chronic heart failure, multiple chronic diseases, high Charlson Comorbidity Index, weight loss, depression, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification≥Ⅲ, taking multiple medications≥ 4 types, and longer hospital stays all increased the incidence of perioperative malnutrition in aged fracture patients ( P< 0.05) . Conclusions:The incidence of perioperative malnutrition in the aged fracture population is high and influenced by multiple factors. This highlights the need for healthcare providers to conduct dynamic and precise nutritional screenings for high-risk patients and to implement personalized perioperative nutritional management to prevent malnutrition and promote rapid recovery in aged fracture patients.
9.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Gout:A Review
Jialiang WANG ; Huifang FAN ; Aocheng HE ; Wugang ZAHNG ; Haifang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(21):220-227
Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated uric acid levels, often caused by purine metabolism disturbances or abnormalities in uric acid (UA) excretion. Currently, western medicine is the primary treatment approach for gout, but it often comes with significant side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained significant development in the field of gout treatment due to its safety and effectiveness. This article aimed to explore TCM strategies in the management of gout, providing insights for the development and application of TCM in the field of gout treatment. Relevant literature retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP databases was systematically analyzed with such keywords as "Chinese herbal medicine", "traditional Chinese medicine", "TCM", and "gout". The findings suggest that TCM can treat gout through a syndrome differentiation approach that encompasses four pathological mechanisms: phlegm, blood stasis, dampness, and deficiency, simultaneously addressing both excess and deficiency syndromes in gout. Based on the pathological characteristics of four syndromes, namely dampness-heat retention, blood stasis-heat obstruction, phlegm-turbidity obstruction, and liver and kidney Yin deficiency, TCM adopts specific treatment approaches including clearing heat and promoting diuresis, activating blood and resolving stasis, resolving phlegm and reducing turbidity, and nourishing the liver and kidneys. These targeted approaches have proven to be effective in gout management. The main mechanisms of TCM in gout management include inflammation resistance [regulating inflammatory pathways such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and other chemokines, as well as inflammatory signaling pathways like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)], uric acid reduction (modulating uric acid transporters and inhibiting xanthine oxidase (XOD) activation), antioxidant stress mitigation (suppressing reactive oxygen species and regulating nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and other oxidative markers), and immune system regulation.
10.Inosine:A broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory against SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced acute lung injury via suppressing TBK1 phosphorylation
Ningning WANG ; Entao LI ; Huifang DENG ; Lanxin YUE ; Lei ZHOU ; Rina SU ; Baokun HE ; Chengcai LAI ; Gaofu LI ; Yuwei GAO ; Wei ZHOU ; Yue GAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2023;13(1):11-23
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)-induced cytokine storms constitute the primary cause of coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19)progression,severity,criticality,and death.Gluco-corticoid and anti-cytokine therapies are frequently administered to treat COVID-19,but have limited clinical efficacy in severe and critical cases.Nevertheless,the weaknesses of these treatment modalities have prompted the development of anti-inflammatory therapy against this infection.We found that the broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agent inosine downregulated proinflammatory interleukin(IL)-6,upregulated anti-inflammatory IL-10,and ameliorated acute inflammatory lung injury caused by mul-tiple infectious agents.Inosine significantly improved survival in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.It indirectly impeded TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1)phosphorylation by binding stimulator of interferon genes(STING)and glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK3β),inhibited the activation and nuclear trans-location of the downstream transcription factors interferon regulatory factor(IRF3)and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),and downregulated IL-6 in the sera and lung tissues of mice infected with lipopoly-saccharide(LPS),H1N1,or SARS-CoV-2.Thus,inosine administration is feasible for clinical anti-inflammatory therapy against severe and critical COVID-19.Moreover,targeting TBK1 is a promising strategy for inhibiting cytokine storms and mitigating acute inflammatory lung injury induced by SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents.


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