1.Influence of Antigen Type on the Establishment of an Induced Sjögren Syndrome Mouse Model
Wenshuang RONG ; Yuanfei NIU ; Meiting LIU ; Mengyuan YANG ; Shuang CUI ; Lina MA ; Yao FU ; Lianmei WANG ; Junling CAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):178-190
ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sjögren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. MethodsAdult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. ResultsFemale mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionSubmaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype.
2.The applications of cerebral autoregulation assessment based on transcranial Doppler ultrasound in acute ischemic stroke
Yi SHI ; Mengyuan XU ; Shuaitao MA ; Guang FENG ; Bingsha HAN
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(1):49-56
Cerebral autoregulation(CA)refers to the ability of cerebral blood vessels to maintain stable cerebral hemodynamics in response to changes in factors such as carbon dioxide concentration,mean arterial pressure,or cerebral perfusion pressure.Acute ischemic stroke has a high incidence,disability rate,and mortality rate.Previous studies have confirmed varying degrees of impairment in CA among patients with acute ischemic stroke after the onset of the disease,but the specific mechanisms remain not fully understood.This article reviewed the mechanisms of CA,assessment methods,and its application progress in acute ischemic stroke,with the intention of providing references for related research and clinical diagnosis and treatment.
3.Discovery of toad-derived peptide analogue targeting ARF6 to induce immunogenic cell death for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dihui XU ; Xiang LV ; Meng YU ; Ao TAN ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Xinyi TANG ; Mengyuan LI ; Wenyuan WU ; Yuyu ZHU ; Jing ZHOU ; Hongyue MA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101038-101038
Image 1.
4.Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury (version 2025)
Aijun XU ; Shuixia LI ; Bo CHEN ; Mengyuan YE ; Lejiao LANG ; Ning NING ; Lin ZHANG ; Changqing LIU ; Zhonglan CHEN ; Weihu MA ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoning WANG ; Dongmei BIAN ; Jiancheng ZENG ; Xin WANG ; Yuan GAO ; Yaping CHEN ; Jiali CHEN ; Yun HAN ; Xiuting LI ; Yang ZHOU ; Xiaojing SU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Tianwen HUANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Hua LIN ; Xingling XIAO ; Ruifeng XU ; Fanghui DONG ; Bing HAN ; Luo FAN ; Yanling PEI ; Suyun LI ; Xiaoju TAN ; Rongchen GUO ; Yefang ZOU ; Xiaoyun HAN ; Junqin DING ; Yi WANG ; Shuhua DENG ; Jinli GUO ; Yinhua LIANG ; Yuan CEN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Junru CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Lunlan LI ; Ying REN ; Yunxia LI ; Jianli LU ; Ying YING ; Lan WEI ; Yin WANG ; Qinhong XU ; Yanqin ZHANG ; Yang LYU ; Shijun ZHANG ; Sui WENJIE ; Sanlian HU ; Shuhong YANG ; Guoqing LI ; Jingjing AN ; Baorong HE ; Leling FENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):530-541
Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.
5.USP21 negative regulates RLR pathway by stabilizing EV-A71 2A pro to promote EV-A71 replication
Xinyu YANG ; Mengyuan TANG ; Zhiping CHE ; Yan CHEN ; Yang PENG ; Jinhong MA ; Weifeng SHI ; Wei ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):18-26
Objective:To investigate the role of ubiquitin-specific protease 21 (USP21) in enterovirus group A type 71 (EV-A71) infection.Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from a cohort of 24 children infected with EV-A71 and 24 healthy children. Expression of USP21 was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additionally, the impact of USP21 overexpression or knockout on EV-A71 replication was evaluated using a combination of qPCR and western blot (WB) analysis. Furthermore, WB was employed to measure the levels of EV-A71 structural protein VP1, phosphorylated interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and other key molecules in the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was utilized to investigate the effects of USP21 on the ubiquitin levels of EV-A71 nonstructural protein 2A protease (2A pro). Results:In comparison to healthy children, the expression of USP21 mRNA in PBMC of children infected with EV-A71 was notably elevated. The overexpression of USP21 significantly enhanced the cytopathic effects induced by EV-A71, upregulated levels of VP1 mRNA and protein, and facilitated EV-A71 replication, leading to a decrease in cell activity with increasing levels of USP21 transfection. Following the knockout of the USP21 gene, the VP1 mRNA levels were significantly declined in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, the overexpression of USP21 was found to have no impact on the transcriptional activity of EV-A71 2A pro. However, it was observed to enhance the expression of 2A pro protein, reduce the ubiquitination of 2A pro, suppress the protein levels of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), as well as decrease the phosphorylation of IRF3. Additionally, the induction of IFN-β mRNA by EV-A71 infection was downregulated. Conclusions:USP21 has been shown to enhance the replication of EV-A71 through the downregulation of 2A pro ubiquitination, suppression of MAVS and MDA5 protein expression, and inhibition of the interferon signaling pathway.
6.Exploration on the mechanism of Juanbi Capsules in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis based on ferroptosis mediated by Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway
Mengyuan LI ; Li WANG ; Puwei YUAN ; Wulin KANG ; Xun LI ; Panxin MA
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(11):1561-1567
Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Juanbi Capsules in the intervention of knee osteoarthritis by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and chondrocyte ferroptosis through activating nuclear factor E2 related factor (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) signaling pathway.Methods:Totally 45 rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group and Juanbi Capsules low-, medium- and high-dosage groups, with 9 rats in each group. Except the blank group, the other groups were injected with sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) to establish knee osteoarthritis model. From the third week of modeling, rats in Juanbi Capsules low-, medium- and high-dosage groups were gavaged with 108.05, 216.09, and 432.18 mg/kg of Juanbi Capsules suspension, and rats in the blank group and model group were gavaged with equal volume of normal saline, once a day, for 28 consecutive days. HE and safranine fast green staining were used to observe the pathological changes of cartilage tissue, and Mankin's score was performed; the levels of MDA, Fe 2+, glutathione (GSH) in articular cartilage were detected by biochemical kit; Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPx4, acsll4 and Nrf2 in rat articular cartilage. Results:Compared with the model group, the Mankin's score was significantly lower in the Juanbi Capsules middle- and high-dosage groups ( P<0.01); the MDA level decreased in Juanbi Capsules low-, medium- and high-dosage groups ( P<0.01), GSH level increased ( P<0.01), and and Fe 2+ level decreased Juanbi Capsules middle- and high-dosage groups ( P<0.01, P<0.05); the protein expressions of Nrf2, SLC7A11 and GPx4 in cartilage tissue of Juanbi Capsules middle- and high-dosage groups increased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), the expression of ACSl4 protein decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), and SLC7A11 protein expression increased in Juanbi Capsules low-dosage group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Juanbi Capsule may inhibit the ferroptosis of rat articular cartilage by activating the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.
7.Characteristics of cognitive function and related influencing factors in Parkinson′s disease patients with or without olfactory anosognosia
Mengyuan TU ; Yanqiu WEI ; Yimeng CHEN ; Hongyao DUAN ; Jingfang RONG ; Zhanming MA ; Jiangbing LIU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(5):506-512
Objective:To investigate the cognitive characteristics and related influencing factors in Parkinson′s disease (PD) patients with or without olfactory anosognosia (OA).Methods:A total of 113 PD patients who were treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University between March 2023 and April 2024 were selected. The PD Olfactory Dysfunction Auxiliary Diagnostic Card was used to assess olfactory function. Based on the olfactory identification scores and subjective awareness of olfactory dysfunction, patients were divided into the normosmic group, olfactory dysfunction group, and the later was further divided into olfactory dysfunction without OA (OA-) group, and olfactory dysfunction with OA (OA+) group. The results of the Unified Parkinson′s Disease Rating Scale-Ⅲ (UPDRS-Ⅲ) and Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) staging assessments of the patients were collected. Non-motor symptoms such as cognitive function, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and constipation were evaluated using relevant scales. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors affecting OA in PD patients with olfactory decline.Results:The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores of the olfactory dysfunction group were lower than those of the normosmic group (20.30±4.47 vs 22.64±2.50, t=2.907, P=0.007). The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores (39.00±8.60 vs 43.86±10.63, t=2.444, P=0.016), visuospatial and executive function scores (2.35±1.32 vs 2.98±1.42, t=2.263, P=0.026), and orientation scores (4.88±1.14 vs 5.34±1.07, t=2.046, P=0.043) of the OA+ group were lower than those of the OA- group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower MoCA scores were an independent risk factor for PD combined with OA ( OR=0.853, 95% CI 0.743-0.980, P=0.024). Conclusions:PD patients with olfactory dysfunction exhibit more severe cognitive impairment. Among them, patients with OA show more significant impairments in visuospatial, executive function and orientation. Cognitive impairment may be an independent risk factor for PD combined with OA.
8.The applications of cerebral autoregulation assessment based on transcranial Doppler ultrasound in acute ischemic stroke
Yi SHI ; Mengyuan XU ; Shuaitao MA ; Guang FENG ; Bingsha HAN
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(1):49-56
Cerebral autoregulation(CA)refers to the ability of cerebral blood vessels to maintain stable cerebral hemodynamics in response to changes in factors such as carbon dioxide concentration,mean arterial pressure,or cerebral perfusion pressure.Acute ischemic stroke has a high incidence,disability rate,and mortality rate.Previous studies have confirmed varying degrees of impairment in CA among patients with acute ischemic stroke after the onset of the disease,but the specific mechanisms remain not fully understood.This article reviewed the mechanisms of CA,assessment methods,and its application progress in acute ischemic stroke,with the intention of providing references for related research and clinical diagnosis and treatment.
9.Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury (version 2025)
Aijun XU ; Shuixia LI ; Bo CHEN ; Mengyuan YE ; Lejiao LANG ; Ning NING ; Lin ZHANG ; Changqing LIU ; Zhonglan CHEN ; Weihu MA ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoning WANG ; Dongmei BIAN ; Jiancheng ZENG ; Xin WANG ; Yuan GAO ; Yaping CHEN ; Jiali CHEN ; Yun HAN ; Xiuting LI ; Yang ZHOU ; Xiaojing SU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Tianwen HUANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Hua LIN ; Xingling XIAO ; Ruifeng XU ; Fanghui DONG ; Bing HAN ; Luo FAN ; Yanling PEI ; Suyun LI ; Xiaoju TAN ; Rongchen GUO ; Yefang ZOU ; Xiaoyun HAN ; Junqin DING ; Yi WANG ; Shuhua DENG ; Jinli GUO ; Yinhua LIANG ; Yuan CEN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Junru CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Lunlan LI ; Ying REN ; Yunxia LI ; Jianli LU ; Ying YING ; Lan WEI ; Yin WANG ; Qinhong XU ; Yanqin ZHANG ; Yang LYU ; Shijun ZHANG ; Sui WENJIE ; Sanlian HU ; Shuhong YANG ; Guoqing LI ; Jingjing AN ; Baorong HE ; Leling FENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):530-541
Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.
10.USP21 negative regulates RLR pathway by stabilizing EV-A71 2A pro to promote EV-A71 replication
Xinyu YANG ; Mengyuan TANG ; Zhiping CHE ; Yan CHEN ; Yang PENG ; Jinhong MA ; Weifeng SHI ; Wei ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):18-26
Objective:To investigate the role of ubiquitin-specific protease 21 (USP21) in enterovirus group A type 71 (EV-A71) infection.Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from a cohort of 24 children infected with EV-A71 and 24 healthy children. Expression of USP21 was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additionally, the impact of USP21 overexpression or knockout on EV-A71 replication was evaluated using a combination of qPCR and western blot (WB) analysis. Furthermore, WB was employed to measure the levels of EV-A71 structural protein VP1, phosphorylated interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and other key molecules in the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was utilized to investigate the effects of USP21 on the ubiquitin levels of EV-A71 nonstructural protein 2A protease (2A pro). Results:In comparison to healthy children, the expression of USP21 mRNA in PBMC of children infected with EV-A71 was notably elevated. The overexpression of USP21 significantly enhanced the cytopathic effects induced by EV-A71, upregulated levels of VP1 mRNA and protein, and facilitated EV-A71 replication, leading to a decrease in cell activity with increasing levels of USP21 transfection. Following the knockout of the USP21 gene, the VP1 mRNA levels were significantly declined in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, the overexpression of USP21 was found to have no impact on the transcriptional activity of EV-A71 2A pro. However, it was observed to enhance the expression of 2A pro protein, reduce the ubiquitination of 2A pro, suppress the protein levels of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), as well as decrease the phosphorylation of IRF3. Additionally, the induction of IFN-β mRNA by EV-A71 infection was downregulated. Conclusions:USP21 has been shown to enhance the replication of EV-A71 through the downregulation of 2A pro ubiquitination, suppression of MAVS and MDA5 protein expression, and inhibition of the interferon signaling pathway.

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