1.Optimized lipid nanoparticles enable effective CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in dendritic cells for enhanced immunotherapy.
Kuirong MAO ; Huizhu TAN ; Xiuxiu CONG ; Ji LIU ; Yanbao XIN ; Jialiang WANG ; Meng GUAN ; Jiaxuan LI ; Ge ZHU ; Xiandi MENG ; Guojiao LIN ; Haorui WANG ; Jing HAN ; Ming WANG ; Yong-Guang YANG ; Tianmeng SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):642-656
Immunotherapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach to treat immune-related diseases. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating immune responses, making them an attractive target for immunotherapeutic interventions. Modulation of gene expression in DCs using genome editing techniques, such as the CRISPR-Cas system, is important for regulating DC functions. However, the precise delivery of CRISPR-based therapies to DCs has posed a significant challenge. While lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been extensively studied for gene editing in tumor cells, their potential application in DCs has remained relatively unexplored. This study investigates the important role of cholesterol in regulating the efficiency of BAMEA-O16B lipid-assisted nanoparticles (BLANs) as carriers of CRISPR/Cas9 for gene editing in DCs. Remarkably, BLANs with low cholesterol density exhibit exceptional mRNA uptake, improved endosomal escape, and efficient single-guide RNA release capabilities. Administration of BLANmCas9/gPD-L1 results in substantial PD-L1 gene knockout in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), accompanied by heightened cDC1 activation, T cell stimulation, and significant suppression of tumor growth. The study underscores the pivotal role of cholesterol density within LNPs, revealing potent influence on gene editing efficacy within DCs. This strategy holds immense promise for the field of cancer immunotherapy, offering a novel avenue for treating immune-related diseases.
2.Association between negative life events and smartphone addiction among middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):619-623
Objective:
To explore the association between negative life events and smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for prevention and intervention of smartphone addiction among middle school students.
Methods:
Using cluster sampling, 8 890 students were selected to survey from 27 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in a district of Shenzhen in 2022 (baseline) and 2023 (followup). Data were collected through selfresigned questionnaires on basic information, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and the Adolescent Selfrating Life Events Checklist. Mixedeffects models were employed to analyze the association.
Results:
Compared to 2022, the punishment scores of middle school students in 2023 [1.00 (0.00, 6.00) and 1.00 (0.00, 6.00)] decreased (Z=4.27), while the scores of interpersonal stress, learning stress and adaptation [4.00(0.00, 8.00), 4.00(0.00, 8.00); 4.00(1.00, 8.00), 5.00(2.00, 9.00); 2.00 (0.00, 6.00), 3.00 (0.00, 7.00)] increased (Z=-3.04, -8.36, -6.80) (P<0.01). Mixedeffects models revealed a positive doseresponse relationship between negative life events and smartphone addiction (OR=1.08-1.17, P<0.01). Stepwise regression showed independent positive effects of interpersonal stress (OR=1.05), academic stress (OR=1.03), and adaptation stress (OR=1.11) on smartphone addiction (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis of nonaddicted students in 2022 confirmed persistent associations for academic stress (OR=1.03) and adaptation (OR=1.07) (P<0.01).
Conclusion
Negative life events exhibit a positive doseresponse relationship with smartphone addiction, particularly interpersonal stress, academic stress, and adaptationrelated events.
3.Longitudinal association between only-child status and smartphone addiction in middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):630-633
Objective:
To explore the longitudinal association between only-child status and smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide a basis for establishing family intervention measures for smartphone addiction in middle school students.
Methods:
In October 2022 and October 2023, a preliminary survey and follow-up were conducted among 8 759 middle and high school students from 30 schools in a district of Shenzhen. A self-designed questionnaire was used to determine whether the students were the only-child, and the Chinese Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (C-SAS-SV) was utilized to assess the students smartphone addiction status. A multilevel mixed-effects model and subgroup analysis were applied to examine the association between only-child status and smartphone addiction among middle school students.
Results:
During 2022 to 2023, the prevalence of smartphone addiction in the cohort of middle school students increased from 24.1% to 25.2%. Compared with only-child, non-only child were more likely to be addicted to smartphones (adjusted model: OR =1.2, 95% CI =1.1-1.4) and also scored higher on smartphone addiction (adjusted model: β =0.9, 95% CI =0.2-1.5)( P <0.05). Subgroup analysis further revealed that compared to baseline, non-only child demonstrated an increased prevalence of smartphone addiction (adjusted model: OR = 1.2 , 95% CI =1.0-1.5) and higher addiction scores (adjusted model: β =0.8, 95% CI =0.2-1.5) after one year( P <0.05).
Conclusions
Non-only child face higher risk of smartphone addiction. Under the current population policy, it is crucial to address smartphone addiction among middle school students who is not only child.
4.Longitudinal association between compulsive behaviour and smartphone addiction in middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):638-641
Objective:
To explore the potential causal association between adolescent compulsive behaviour and smartphone addiction based on longitudinal data, so as to provide reference for the establishment of adolescent smartphone addiction interventions.
Methods:
A preliminary survey and follow-up were conducted on 8 907 middle and high school students in a district of Shenzhen in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Compulsive behaviours were measured by using the Mental Health Inventory for Middle School Students-60 Items (MMHI-60), smartphone addiction was assessed by using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version ( SAS- SV), and the associations between compulsive behaviours and smartphone addiction were analysed by using multilevel mixed-effects models and subgroup analyses.
Results:
Smartphone addiction detection rates among middle school students were significantly associated with genders, father s education level, mother s education level, study load subgroups, and whether or not they were single-parent families, and there were statistical differences ( χ 2=17.21-175.34, P <0.05). Students with compulsive behaviours were 2.98 times more likely to develop smartphone addiction than those without compulsive behaviours ( OR=2.98, 95%CI=2.77-3.22, P <0.05). Subgroup analysis of middle school students without smartphone addiction in the first year found that compulsive behaviours significantly predicted smartphone addiction ( OR= 1.76 , 95%CI=1.54-2.01, P <0.05).
Conclusion
There is a potential causal association between obsessive-compulsive behaviours and smartphone addiction in middle school students, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours in middle school students could significantly predicted the occurrence of smartphone addiction.
6.Development of an entrustable professional activity assessment tool for master of nursing specialist students: a study based on an electronic information platform
Jiaxuan LI ; Yan JI ; Qin XU ; Tingxuan WANG ; Zhifei CHEN ; Hanyang SUN ; Yang YANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(6):744-750
Objective:To develop an electronic information platform-based assessment tool for entrustable professional activities (EPAs) of master of nursing specialist (MNS) students.Methods:The study used the content analysis method to construct the draft of the assessment tool, which was finalized using the expert meeting method. An electronic information platform was developed based on the assessment tool. The functions of the platform was optimized using the focus group interview method.Results:Based on previous research on the EPA framework for MNS students, an EPA assessment tool was developed, including an assessment form and an assessment protocol. The assessment form consisted of three parts: description of the EPAs, supervision level, and narrative feedback. The assessment protocol covered the assessment objects, assessment initiation strategy, assessment implementation-entrustment decision making, assessment cycle, and quality control. The electronic information platform includes both web-based and mobile app interfaces, with user roles for clinical instructors, graduate students, and project administrators, and with functions such as assessment application, assessment initiation, historical assessment review, and assessment information management.Conclusions:The study developed an EPA assessment tool for MNS students. The tool relies on the convenience and efficiency of the electronic information platform, facilitates clinical instructors in observing the comprehensive performance of MNS students in multiple competencies, and promotes postgraduate students' professional development. Future research will further explore the effectiveness of this tool in assessing clinical practice competencies of MNS students, with the aim of advancing the practice of EPAs in nursing masters' education.
7.Baicalein intervenes in the Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathwayreduces kidney injury in sepsis mice
Yang HU ; Chuanyi LYU ; Xin DAI ; Yuhang WANG ; Ruizhu ZHAO ; Jiaxuan FENG ; Shil-ei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(1):121-128
Investigated the mechanisms by which baicalein regulates nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)to ameliorate lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced sepsis-asso-ciated acute kidney injury(AKI)in mice.Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups:control,model,low-dose baicalein(50 mg/kg),medium-dose baicalein(100 mg/kg),high-dose baicalein(200 mg/kg),and high-dose baicalein+brusatol(4 mg/kg).Baicalein was adminis-tered orally for 7 days as a preventative measure.Sepsis was induced via intraperitoneal injection of LPS.Murine sepsis score(MSS)was assessed within 12 hours post-induction.Serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-6(IL-6)were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA),respectively.Histopathological changes in kidney tissues were ob-served via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Western blot analysis was employed to determine the protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,caspase-8,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 in kidney tissues.Additionally,total superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity in kidney tissues was assessed using com-mercially available kits.Compared to the model group,baicalein treatment significantly improved renal histopathological changes,alleviated cellular damage,and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6)(P<0.01)and kidney injury markers(Scr and BUN)(P<0.01).Moreover,baicalein treatment significantly increased the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1(P<0.01)and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity.In conclusion,baicalein may pro-tect against LPS-induced sepsis-associated AK1 in mice by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby attenuating oxidative stress,reducing inflammation,and disrupting the vicious cycle between inflammation and oxidative stress.
8.Piceatannol ameliorates diabetic retinopathy mediated by microglial polariza-tion via inhibition of the CXCR4/BTK pathway
Haiyan SUN ; Yu ZHAI ; Yuanqing ZHANG ; Jiaxuan ZHANG ; Zepeng ZHANG ; Zhipeng YAN ; Yun ZHANG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(12):930-937
Objective To investigate whether Piceatannol(PIC)improves diabetic retinopathy(DR)mediated by microglial polarization and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods Network pharmacology and bioinformatics were used to analyze the common targets of DR,PIC,and microglia.Human retinal vascular endothelial cells(HRVECs)were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into the NG-HRVECs group,HG-HRVECs group,and HG+PIC-HRVECs group.Cell viability was assessed by the CCK-8 assay,apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL assay,and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were measured using ELISA kits.BV-2 cells were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into the NG-BV-2 group,HG-BV-2 group,HG+PIC-BV-2 group,HG+Si-NC-BV-2 group,HG+Si-CXCR4-BV-2 group,and HG+Ibrutinib-BV-2 group.The levels of arginase-1(Arg-1)and inducible ni-tric oxide synthase(iNOS)were measured using ELISA kits.Furthermore,conditioned medium(CM)from BV-2 cells of each group was collected to treat HRVECs,after which the viability,apoptosis rate,and TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations of the HRVECs were measured.A DR rat model was established and intervened with PIC to investigate the ameliorative effects of PIC on retinal pathology.Results Bioinformatics analysis identified CXCR4 as the key target of this study.Compared with the NG-HRVECs group,the apoptosis rate and the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in the HG-HRVECs group.Compared with the HG-HRVECs group,the HG+PIC-HRVECs group showed a decreased apoptosis rate and reduced concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6(all P<0.05).Compared with the NG-BV-2 group,the HG-BV-2 group ex-hibited decreased Arg-1 levels and increased iNOS levels.Compared with the HG-BV-2 group,the HG+PIC-BV-2,HG+Si-CXCR4-BV-2,and HG+Ibrutinib-BV-2 groups all showed increased Arg-1 levels and decreased iNOS levels(all P<0.05).Compared with the NG-BV-2-CM group,the HG-BV-2-CM group led to decreased viability,increased apoptosis rate,and in-creased concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in HRVECs.In contrast,the HG+PIC-BV-2-CM,HG+Si-CXCR4-BV-2-CM,and HG+Ibrutinib-BV-2-CM groups reversed the effects induced by HG-BV-2-CM on HRVECs(all P<0.05).Animal experiment results showed that compared with DR model rats,rats treated with different doses of PIC exhibited significantly ameliora-ted retinal histopathological damage,and the protein expressions of Arg-1,iNOS,CXCR4,and p-BTK were reversed.Con-clusion PIC ameliorates DR progression mediated by microglial polarization by inhibiting the CXCR4/BTK pathway.
9.Baicalein intervenes in the Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathwayreduces kidney injury in sepsis mice
Yang HU ; Chuanyi LYU ; Xin DAI ; Yuhang WANG ; Ruizhu ZHAO ; Jiaxuan FENG ; Shil-ei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(1):121-128
Investigated the mechanisms by which baicalein regulates nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)to ameliorate lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced sepsis-asso-ciated acute kidney injury(AKI)in mice.Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups:control,model,low-dose baicalein(50 mg/kg),medium-dose baicalein(100 mg/kg),high-dose baicalein(200 mg/kg),and high-dose baicalein+brusatol(4 mg/kg).Baicalein was adminis-tered orally for 7 days as a preventative measure.Sepsis was induced via intraperitoneal injection of LPS.Murine sepsis score(MSS)was assessed within 12 hours post-induction.Serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-6(IL-6)were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA),respectively.Histopathological changes in kidney tissues were ob-served via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Western blot analysis was employed to determine the protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,caspase-8,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 in kidney tissues.Additionally,total superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity in kidney tissues was assessed using com-mercially available kits.Compared to the model group,baicalein treatment significantly improved renal histopathological changes,alleviated cellular damage,and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6)(P<0.01)and kidney injury markers(Scr and BUN)(P<0.01).Moreover,baicalein treatment significantly increased the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1(P<0.01)and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity.In conclusion,baicalein may pro-tect against LPS-induced sepsis-associated AK1 in mice by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby attenuating oxidative stress,reducing inflammation,and disrupting the vicious cycle between inflammation and oxidative stress.
10.Piceatannol ameliorates diabetic retinopathy mediated by microglial polariza-tion via inhibition of the CXCR4/BTK pathway
Haiyan SUN ; Yu ZHAI ; Yuanqing ZHANG ; Jiaxuan ZHANG ; Zepeng ZHANG ; Zhipeng YAN ; Yun ZHANG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(12):930-937
Objective To investigate whether Piceatannol(PIC)improves diabetic retinopathy(DR)mediated by microglial polarization and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods Network pharmacology and bioinformatics were used to analyze the common targets of DR,PIC,and microglia.Human retinal vascular endothelial cells(HRVECs)were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into the NG-HRVECs group,HG-HRVECs group,and HG+PIC-HRVECs group.Cell viability was assessed by the CCK-8 assay,apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL assay,and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were measured using ELISA kits.BV-2 cells were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into the NG-BV-2 group,HG-BV-2 group,HG+PIC-BV-2 group,HG+Si-NC-BV-2 group,HG+Si-CXCR4-BV-2 group,and HG+Ibrutinib-BV-2 group.The levels of arginase-1(Arg-1)and inducible ni-tric oxide synthase(iNOS)were measured using ELISA kits.Furthermore,conditioned medium(CM)from BV-2 cells of each group was collected to treat HRVECs,after which the viability,apoptosis rate,and TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations of the HRVECs were measured.A DR rat model was established and intervened with PIC to investigate the ameliorative effects of PIC on retinal pathology.Results Bioinformatics analysis identified CXCR4 as the key target of this study.Compared with the NG-HRVECs group,the apoptosis rate and the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in the HG-HRVECs group.Compared with the HG-HRVECs group,the HG+PIC-HRVECs group showed a decreased apoptosis rate and reduced concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6(all P<0.05).Compared with the NG-BV-2 group,the HG-BV-2 group ex-hibited decreased Arg-1 levels and increased iNOS levels.Compared with the HG-BV-2 group,the HG+PIC-BV-2,HG+Si-CXCR4-BV-2,and HG+Ibrutinib-BV-2 groups all showed increased Arg-1 levels and decreased iNOS levels(all P<0.05).Compared with the NG-BV-2-CM group,the HG-BV-2-CM group led to decreased viability,increased apoptosis rate,and in-creased concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in HRVECs.In contrast,the HG+PIC-BV-2-CM,HG+Si-CXCR4-BV-2-CM,and HG+Ibrutinib-BV-2-CM groups reversed the effects induced by HG-BV-2-CM on HRVECs(all P<0.05).Animal experiment results showed that compared with DR model rats,rats treated with different doses of PIC exhibited significantly ameliora-ted retinal histopathological damage,and the protein expressions of Arg-1,iNOS,CXCR4,and p-BTK were reversed.Con-clusion PIC ameliorates DR progression mediated by microglial polarization by inhibiting the CXCR4/BTK pathway.


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