1.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
2.Effect of remimazolam on LPS-induced microglial M1 polarization by regulating TLR4
Feng JIANG ; Jin LI ; Wenjie LIU ; Gaofeng ZHANG ; Yang YUAN ; Fei SHI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(1):100-104
Objective To evaluate the role of remimazolam in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced M1 microglial polarization and its relationship with Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4).Methods BV2 mi-croglia cells were randomly divided into 5 groups(n=20):control group,LPS group(1 μg/ml for 24 h),remimazolam+LPS group(remimazolam group,pretreated with 100 μg/ml remimazolam for 20 min followed by LPS),remimazolam+LPS+Neoseptin-3 group(agonist group,50 pmol Neoseptin-3 dissolved in DMSO),and remimazolam+LPS+DMSO group(agonist control group).The contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.The expres-sion of M1 microglia markers,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and TLR4 at mRNA.Immu-nofluorescence staining was employed to identify the location of iNOS.Results When compared to the control group,the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant and the expression of iNOS[(14.757±0.986)%vs(1.561±0.08)%]and TLR4 at mRNA and protein levels were sig-nificantly higher in the other four groups(P<0.05).Remimazolam treatment reversed the increa-ses of the TNF-α and IL-1β contents in the supernatant and mRNA and protein expression of iNOS[(3.767±0.364)%vs(14.757±0.986)%]and TLR4 induced by LPS(P<0.05).In addi-tion,remimazolam agonist Neoseptin-3 restored the effects of LPS on above molecules[iNOS:(6.827±0.642)%vs(3.767±0.364)%,all P<0.05].But,there were no statistical differences in above molecules between the agonist group and agonist control group(P>0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which remimazolam inhibits LPS-induced M1 microglial polarization is related to down-regulation of TLR4 expression.
3.Influence of Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy Combined with SRP on the Periodontal Condition,Oral Flora and CRP,PGE2 and IL-8 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Patients with Chronic Periodontitis
Peng-fei YANG ; Cheng-li XIONG ; Jin-xiang LI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(20):3345-3353
Objective:To observe the influence of antibacterial photodynamic therapy combined with scaling and root planning(SRP)on the periodontal condition,oral flora and C-reactive protein(CRP),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and interleukin-8(IL-8)in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis.Methods:102 patients with chronic periodontitis who were admitted to Fengdu County People's Hospital of Chongqing from January 2023 to October 2024 were prospectively selected,they were divided into control group(received SRP treatment,51 cases)and study group(received antibacterial photodynamic therapy combined with SRP treatment,51 cases)according to random number table method.The clinical efficacy,periodontal condition,oral flora,oral health impact profile-14(OHIP-14)scores,and CRP,PGE2 and IL-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid between two groups were compared.Result:The clinical total effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Clinical attachment loss(CAL),gingival index(GI),probing depth(PD),bleeding index(BI),aggregated bacilli with release lines,fusobacterium nucleatum,porphyromonas gingivalis,OHIP-14 score,CRP,PGE2 and IL-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid 4 weeks after treatment and 12 weeks after treatment in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Antibacterial photodynamic therapy combined with SRP can effectively improve the periodontal condition,oral flora and CRP,PGE2,IL-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis,and enhance clinical efficacy.
4.Influence of Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy Combined with SRP on the Periodontal Condition,Oral Flora and CRP,PGE2 and IL-8 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Patients with Chronic Periodontitis
Peng-fei YANG ; Cheng-li XIONG ; Jin-xiang LI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(20):3345-3353
Objective:To observe the influence of antibacterial photodynamic therapy combined with scaling and root planning(SRP)on the periodontal condition,oral flora and C-reactive protein(CRP),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and interleukin-8(IL-8)in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis.Methods:102 patients with chronic periodontitis who were admitted to Fengdu County People's Hospital of Chongqing from January 2023 to October 2024 were prospectively selected,they were divided into control group(received SRP treatment,51 cases)and study group(received antibacterial photodynamic therapy combined with SRP treatment,51 cases)according to random number table method.The clinical efficacy,periodontal condition,oral flora,oral health impact profile-14(OHIP-14)scores,and CRP,PGE2 and IL-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid between two groups were compared.Result:The clinical total effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Clinical attachment loss(CAL),gingival index(GI),probing depth(PD),bleeding index(BI),aggregated bacilli with release lines,fusobacterium nucleatum,porphyromonas gingivalis,OHIP-14 score,CRP,PGE2 and IL-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid 4 weeks after treatment and 12 weeks after treatment in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Antibacterial photodynamic therapy combined with SRP can effectively improve the periodontal condition,oral flora and CRP,PGE2,IL-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis,and enhance clinical efficacy.
5.Assessment of Genotoxicity of Tissue Engineered Materials Based on Improved in vivo Hepatocyte Unscheduled DNA Synthesis(UDS)Assay
Luan-luan WANG ; Li HOU ; Xiang-yu CHU ; Zi-yi YANG ; Ling-xiao SUN ; Xiao-fei WANG ; Qiu-jin QU ; Jing XU ; Zeng-xiang LIU ; Xiao-xia SUN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2740-2748
Objective:An in vivo mammalian hepatocyte Unscheduled DNA Synthesis(UDS)test was used to evaluate the genotoxicity of Cross-linked Sodium Hyaluronate Gel and Bone Repair Materials,providing experimental evidence for establishing a UDS testing method for medical devices and materials.Methods:0.9%sodium chloride injection and cottonseed oil were used as the solvent for test materials and negative control,respectively.N-dimethylnitrosamine(NDMA)was used as the positive control for the early sampling times,and 2-acetylaminofluorene(2-AAF)was used as the positive control for the late sampling times.SD rats were administered a single dose for toxic exposure,and liver tissues were collected at 4 h and 16 h,respectively.Hepatocytes were isolated using collagenase perfusion.After labeling with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU),and the net average fluorescence intensity(NAFI)of cell nuclei and nucleoplasm was measured by fluorescence microscope.Data from 50 cells were used to analyze the DNA repair level.Results:Compared with the negative control groups,the positive control groups(NDMA and 2-AAF)showed highly statistically significant differences in NAFI(P<0.01),indicating successful induction of DNA damage.There was no statistically significant differences between the cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel groups,bone repair material groups and the negative control group(P>0.05),suggesting that these materials did not significantly induce DNA damage under the experimental conditions.Conclusion:This study first applied EdU labeling technology to the in vivo hepatic UDS assay,achieving non-radioactive labeling through click chemistry reactions.Under the conditions of this study,cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel and bone repair materials did not exhibit genotoxicity.In the follow-up,the sample range can be expanded and the observation period can be prolonged to further improve the genotoxicity evaluation system of medical devices.
6.Operational management survey and countermeasure research of tertiary maternal and child health hospitals in guizhou province
Zhenglian LONG ; Jin YANG ; Fei GUO ; Huatao PENG ; Hanbing HE
Modern Hospital 2025;25(7):1083-1087
Objective To investigate the current status of operational management in tertiary maternal and child health(MCH)hospitals in Guizhou Province and propose recommendations for refining their operational management practices.Meth-ods A self-designed electronic questionnaire was distributed to seven tertiary MCH hospitals in Guizhou Province.The survey fo-cused on fundamental dimensions of operational management,particularly the implementation of refined management practices,with results analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results Among the seven hospitals,five had independently established opera-tional management departments,with three staffing 3-4 personnel.Sixty percent of the hospitals engaged in data statistics,strate-gic management,and process optimization.Only two hospitals had implemented operational management information systems(HRP),but these systems featured incomplete modules and lacked interconnectivity between subsystems,failing to meet opera-tional needs.Additionally,while total expenditures increased year-over-year across all hospitals,insufficient government compen-sation has heightened operational pressures.Conclusions Operational management in Guizhou's tertiary MCH hospitals faces multiple challenges,including incomplete organizational structures and systems,inadequate execution of core functions,subopti-mal information systems for refined management,and limited fiscal support.Recommendations include establishing a multi-tiered operational management framework,implementing comprehensive long-term safeguards,and developing an integrated data man-agement platform.Simultaneously,improving government compensation mechanisms through increased fiscal investment and sup-portive policies is critical to enhancing operational capabilities and achieving high-quality development.
7.Construction of Human-derived Chondrocyte PIEZO2 Overexpressing Cell Line and Identification of Osteoarthritis Phenotype
Bo-Yang XU ; Yi-Fei FAN ; Yu-Qing DU ; Meng-Ze SUN ; Jun-Yan WANG ; Jin CHENG ; Ying-Fang AO ; Xiao-Qing HU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):871-878
To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the mechanosensitive ion channel PI-EZO2 in osteoarthritis(OA),we developed a lentiviral vector for endogenous PIEZO2 overexpression and established a stable PIEZO2-high-expressing immortalized human primary chondrocyte line.By map-ping the open reading frame of the PIEZO2 locus and designing sequence-specific sgRNA,we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 synergistic activation mediator(SAM)system to precisely integrate transcriptional ac-tivation elements into the PIEZO2 promoter region.Lentiviral-mediated targeted genomic integration en-sured endogenous PIEZO2 overexpression,confirmed by mCherry fluorescence tracing coupled with flow cytometric sorting,which revealed membrane-specific localization of PIEZO2 protein(localization effi-ciency:78.49%).Quantitative PCR demonstrated a 17-fold upregulation of PIEZO2 mRNA,while Western blotting validated enhanced membrane-localized protein expression.Strikingly,PIEZO2-overex-pressing chondrocytes exhibited hallmark OA metabolic phenotypes compared to wild-type controls:typeⅡ collagen mRNA expression decreased to 50%of baseline levels,whereas matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13)mRNA surged by 20-fold.These alterations recapitulated the pathological matrix metabolic phenotype observed in biomechanical OA models induced by cyclic mechanical stress(10%strain,0.5 Hz,8 h/day for 2 consecutive days).Collectively,we successfully generated a human chondrocyte model with stable PIEZO2 overexpression,which faithfully mirrors mechanotransduction-driven OA progression.This engineered cellular system provides a robust platform for dissecting PIEZO2-mediated mechanosig-naling networks and advancing targeted therapeutic discovery.
8.Assessment of Genotoxicity of Tissue Engineered Materials Based on Improved in vivo Hepatocyte Unscheduled DNA Synthesis(UDS)Assay
Luan-luan WANG ; Li HOU ; Xiang-yu CHU ; Zi-yi YANG ; Ling-xiao SUN ; Xiao-fei WANG ; Qiu-jin QU ; Jing XU ; Zeng-xiang LIU ; Xiao-xia SUN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2740-2748
Objective:An in vivo mammalian hepatocyte Unscheduled DNA Synthesis(UDS)test was used to evaluate the genotoxicity of Cross-linked Sodium Hyaluronate Gel and Bone Repair Materials,providing experimental evidence for establishing a UDS testing method for medical devices and materials.Methods:0.9%sodium chloride injection and cottonseed oil were used as the solvent for test materials and negative control,respectively.N-dimethylnitrosamine(NDMA)was used as the positive control for the early sampling times,and 2-acetylaminofluorene(2-AAF)was used as the positive control for the late sampling times.SD rats were administered a single dose for toxic exposure,and liver tissues were collected at 4 h and 16 h,respectively.Hepatocytes were isolated using collagenase perfusion.After labeling with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU),and the net average fluorescence intensity(NAFI)of cell nuclei and nucleoplasm was measured by fluorescence microscope.Data from 50 cells were used to analyze the DNA repair level.Results:Compared with the negative control groups,the positive control groups(NDMA and 2-AAF)showed highly statistically significant differences in NAFI(P<0.01),indicating successful induction of DNA damage.There was no statistically significant differences between the cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel groups,bone repair material groups and the negative control group(P>0.05),suggesting that these materials did not significantly induce DNA damage under the experimental conditions.Conclusion:This study first applied EdU labeling technology to the in vivo hepatic UDS assay,achieving non-radioactive labeling through click chemistry reactions.Under the conditions of this study,cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel and bone repair materials did not exhibit genotoxicity.In the follow-up,the sample range can be expanded and the observation period can be prolonged to further improve the genotoxicity evaluation system of medical devices.
9.Herbal Textual Research on Kochiae Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Huifang HU ; Liping YANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):247-257
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Kochiae Fructus has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, distribution of production areas, quality specification, taste and efficacy, harvesting time, processing and compatibility taboo, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of related famous classical formulas. According to the investigation, it can be seen that Difuzi was first published in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, and has been used as the official name throughout history. It is also known by other names such as Dimai, Dikui, and Luozhou. The mainstream source of Difuzi in materia medica throughout history is the dried ripe fruit of Kochia scoparia, which is consistent throughout history. In the Han dynasty, it was recorded that Kochiae Fructus was produced in Jingzhou(Hubei province), while modern literature records its distribution throughout the country, so it does not have obvious geoherbalism. The harvesting period of Kochiae Fructus is mostly in the late autumn, and the quality is best when it is full, gray green in color, and no impurities. There are two processing methods for its origin:from the Southern and Northern dynasties to the Ming dynasty, it was dried in the shade, and after the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was dried in the sun. There are few records about the processing of Kochiae Fructus, and its clinical application is mostly based on raw products as medicine. The seedlings are harvested in February of the lunar calendar, and the leaves are taken in April and May, processing in the place of origin is shade drying, the processing methods include burning ash and frying frost, pounding juice and wine soaking. For internal use, it is mostly decocted or mashed, while for external use, it is mostly washed with decoction or taken in a soup bath. Throughout history, it has been recorded that Kochiae Fructus is bitter and cold, and is mainly used for treating bladder fever. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, most of the literature classified it as damp-clearing medicine. Since the 1985 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it has been recorded that Kochiae Fructus has a pungent and bitter taste, and a cold nature. Returning to the kidney and bladder meridians with functions of clearing heat and dampness, dispelling wind and relieving itching. The clinical contraindications are mainly prohibited for those with deficiency and no dampness and heat. Throughout history, it has been recorded that the taste of the seedlings and leaves is bitter and cold for treatment of dysentery. Since modern times, it has been used to regulate the liver, spleen and large intestine meridians, with functions such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and diuresis. Based on the textual research, it is recommended to use the dried ripe fruit of K. scoparia when developing the famous classical formulas containing Kochiae Fructus, and processing shall be carried out according to the original processing requirements. If the original formula does not specify the processing requirements, the raw products is taken into medicine.
10.Herbal Textual Research on Cnidii Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Huifang HU ; Liping YANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):243-253
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Cnidii Fructus has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, distribution of production areas, quality specification, nature and flavour, efficacy, harvesting and processing, compatibility taboo and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of the relevant famous classical formulas. After textual research, it can be verified that Cnidii Fructus was first published in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, the materia medica of all dynasties was named Shechuangzi, and there are also aliases such as Shesu, Shemi, and Qiangmi. The main source for generations was the dried ripe fruit of Cnidium monnieri, and ancient and modern consistent. From the Eastern Han dynasty to Tang dynasty, the origin of Cnidii Fructus was Zibo, Shandong province. During the Five dynasties, it expanded to Yangzhou in Jiangsu province and Xiangyang in Hubei province, the Song dynasty added Shangqiu in Henan province, and it was considered that Yangzhou, Xiangyang and Shangqiu were its genuine producing areas. It was more widely distributed in Ming and Qing dynasties. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the origin is clearly distributed throughout the country. For its quality evaluation, generally full grain, gray yellow color, strong aroma is the best. The harvesting period in the past dynasties was mostly the fifth lunar month, and the fruit was collected to remove impurities and dry. The mainstream processing in producing area of the past dynasties was net selection of raw products, mixing and steaming with the juice of Rehmanniae Radix and stir-frying were the mainstream processing methods in the past, there were also stir-frying with honey, stir-frying with salt and rice wine, immersing and steaming with rice wine and other methods. In recent times, it has been used in raw products as medicine. Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic recorded Cnidii Fructus was bitter, Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians recorded its acrid for the first time. It was recorded in the Ming dynasty that its nature was warm, acted on the kidney meridian, and had small toxicity. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, most of the literature classified it as a medicine to attack poison, kill insects and relieve itching with the functions of dispelling pathogenic wind and removing dampness, destroying parasites and elieving itching, warming kidney and activating Yang. Clinical contraindications are mainly contraindicated for people with damp-heat from the lower-jiao or kidney heat. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas containing Cnidii Fructus, the source shall be the dried ripe fruit of C. monnieri, and then it shall be processed according to the original formulas. If there is no requirement for processing in the formulas, the raw products can be taken into medicine.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail