1.Role of amino acid metabolism in autoimmune hepatitis and related therapeutic targets
Peipei GUO ; Yang XU ; Jiaqi SHI ; Yang WU ; Lixia LU ; Bin LI ; Xiaohui YU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):547-551
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease. The pathogenesis of AIH remains unclear, but it is mainly autoimmune injury caused by the breakdown of autoimmune tolerance due to the abnormal activation of the immune system, while the specific molecular mechanism remains unknown. Recent studies have shown that abnormal amino acid metabolism plays an important role in the development and progression of AIH. This article reviews the research advances in amino acid metabolic reprogramming in AIH, in order to provide a theoretical basis for amino acid metabolism as a new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of AIH.
2.Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of M2 macrophage exosome spray on pressure injuries
Xiang YU ; Peipei JIA ; Xinying LI ; Junjun YANG ; Gaofeng GUO ; Lianfang LU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(9):436-442
Objective To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of a spray prepared from exosomes derived from M2 macrophages induced by interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tantalum particles (Ta) on the healing of pressure ulcers. Methods Bone marrow-derived macrophages were polarized into M2 macrophages using IL-4 or Ta, and exosomes (Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta) were extracted. The regulatory effects of Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta on M1 macrophage phenotypes and fibroblast matrix secretion were evaluated in vitro. Proteomic analysis was conducted to explore the biological processes and regulatory networks associated with Exo-Ta. A rat pressure ulcer model was used to assess the effects of Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta spray on wound healing rate, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition. Results In vitro, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta induced the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages, reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory substances. Additionally, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta enhanced the production of collagen and fibronectin in fibroblasts. Proteomic analysis revealed that Exo-Ta primarily participated in biological processes such as energy metabolism and macromolecule biosynthesis. In vivo, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta spray accelerated wound healing, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and improved tissue remodeling in the rat pressure ulcer model. Conclusion Exosome sprays derived from M2 macrophages could accelerate pressure ulcer healing by modulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, which demonstrated excellent clinical application potential.
3.Innovative strategies for improving CAR-T cell therapy: A nanomedicine perspective.
Mengyao WANG ; Zhengyu YU ; Liping YUAN ; Peipei YANG ; Caixia JING ; Ying QU ; Zhiyong QIAN ; Ting NIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2769-2782
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have reshaped the treatment landscape of hematological malignancies, offering a potentially curative option for patients. Despite these major milestones in the field of immuno-oncology, growing experience with CAR-T cells has also highlighted several limitations of this strategy. The production process of CAR-T cells is complex, time-consuming, and costly, thus leading to poor drug accessibility. The potential carcinogenic risk of viral transfection systems remains a matter of controversy. Treatment-related side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome, can be life-threatening. And the biggest challenge is the inadequate efficacy related to poor infiltration and retention of CAR-T cells in tumor tissues and impaired T cell activation caused by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Innovative strategies are urgently needed to address these problems, and nanomedicine offers good solutions to these challenges. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the application of nanomaterials to enhance CAR-T cell therapy. We examine the role of innovative nanoparticle-based delivery systems in the production of CAR-T cells, with a particular focus on polymeric delivery systems and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Furthermore, we explore various strategies for delivering immune stimulators, which significantly enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cells by modulating T cell viability and functionality or by reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME. In addition, we discuss several novel therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating the adverse effects associated with CAR-T therapies. Finally, we offer an integrated perspective on the future challenges and opportunities facing CAR-T therapies.
Humans
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Nanomedicine/methods*
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Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism*
;
Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods*
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T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
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Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Animals
4.Effects of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 on proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the miR-221-3p/SOCS3 signaling axis.
Hui WANG ; Yu GUO ; Peipei ZHANG ; Haoyu YANG ; Chuntao TIAN ; Mingming JIN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(9):798-805
Objective To explore the influences of long-chain noncoding RNA DHRS4-AS1 (lncRNA DHRS4-AS1) on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of thyroid cancer (TC) cells by regulating the microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p)/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) signaling axis. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the expression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, miR-221-3p, and SOCS3 mRNA in TC cell lines, and the optimal cell line was selected for subsequent experiments. FTC-133 cells were divided into five groups: control group, pcDNA-NC group, DHRS4-AS1 group, DHRS4-AS1 combined with agomir NC group, and DHRS4-AS1 combined with miR-221-3p-agomir group. Transfection efficiency was assessed using qRT-PCR. Dual luciferase reporter assays were applied to verify the targeting interaction between lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, SOCS3, and miR-221-3p. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of SOCS3 in FTC-133 cells. EdU method was used to measure cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the apoptosis of FTC-133 cells. Scratch experiment was applied to measure the migration of FTC-133 cells. Transwell chamber was applied to detect the invasion of FTC-133 cells. Nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment was used to observe the effect of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 on the growth of TC transplantation tumors. Results Dual luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting relationship between lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, miR-221-3p, and SOCS3. LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 and SOCS3 were downregulated and miR-221-3p was upregulated in FTC-133 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of FTC-133 cells, while inducing apoptosis. Conversely, miR-221-3p overexpression reversed these inhibitory effects, and suppressed the apoptosis. Nude mouse transplantation experiment observed that overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 resulted in a decrease in tumor tissue quality and volume, and a decrease in miR-221-3p expression and an increase in SOCS3 expression. Conclusion LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 is downregulated in FTC-133 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating the miR-221-3p/SOCS3 signaling axis.
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/metabolism*
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Humans
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RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism*
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Apoptosis/genetics*
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Cell Proliferation/genetics*
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Cell Movement/genetics*
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Thyroid Neoplasms/physiopathology*
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Animals
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Signal Transduction/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Mice, Nude
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Neoplasm Invasiveness
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
5.Naoluo Xintong Decoction promotes proliferation of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
Yu ZHANG ; Yinqi HU ; Peipei LI ; Xiao SHI ; Wei XU ; Jianpeng HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1980-1988
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of Naoluo Xintong Decoction (NLXTD) on proliferation of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury and role of the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in mediating its effect.
METHODS:
Using a BMEC model of OGD/R, we tested the effects of 10% NLXTD-medicated rat serum, alone or in combination with 2ME2 or 10% NAKL, on cell proliferation, migration, tube-forming ability and permeability using CCK-8 assay, Transwell chamber assay, tube formation assay and permeability assay. Cellular expressions of VEGF and Notch were detected using ELISA and laser confocal immunofluorescence analysis, and the expressions of HIF-1α, VEGFR2, Notch1, ERK and P-ERK1/2 proteins were detected with Western blotting.
RESULTS:
OGD/R injury significantly decreased viability of BMECs. NLXTD treatment of the cells with OGD/R could significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration and tube formation ability, but these effects were strongly attenuated by application of 2ME2. NLXTD treatment also significantly increased the percentages of VEGF- and Notch-positive cells in the cell models and obviously enhanced the expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFR2, Notch1 and P-ERK1/2.
CONCLUSIONS
NLXTD promotes proliferation, migration, and tube formation of rat BMECs after OGD/R injury possibly by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
Animals
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Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
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Endothelial Cells/metabolism*
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Rats
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Glucose
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Brain/blood supply*
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Cells, Cultured
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/metabolism*
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Oxygen/metabolism*
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Cell Hypoxia
6.Naoluo Xintong Decoction promotes proliferation of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway
Yu ZHANG ; Yinqi HU ; Peipei LI ; Xiao SHI ; Wei XU ; Jianpeng HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1980-1988
Objective To investigate the effects of Naoluo Xintong Decoction(NLXTD)on proliferation of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells(BMECs)after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)injury and role of the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in mediating its effect.Methods Using a BMEC model of OGD/R,we tested the effects of 10%NLXTD-medicated rat serum,alone or in combination with 2ME2 or 10%NAKL,on cell proliferation,migration,tube-forming ability and permeability using CCK-8 assay,Transwell chamber assay,tube formation assay and permeability assay.Cellular expressions of VEGF and Notch were detected using ELISA and laser confocal immunofluorescence analysis,and the expressions of HIF-1α,VEGFR2,Notch1,ERK and P-ERK1/2 proteins were detected with Western blotting.Results OGD/R injury significantly decreased viability of BMECs.NLXTD treatment of the cells with OGD/R could significantly promoted cell proliferation,migration and tube formation ability,but these effects were strongly attenuated by application of 2ME2.NLXTD treatment also significantly increased the percentages of VEGF-and Notch-positive cells in the cell models and obviously enhanced the expression levels of HIF-1α,VEGFR2,Notch1 and P-ERK1/2.Conclusion NLXTD promotes proliferation,migration,and tube formation of rat BMECs after OGD/R injury possibly by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
7.Exploration of the pathogenic mechanism of a novel c.661_664dup (p.P222Lfs*60) variant of SOX10 gene.
Huiying LI ; Peipei CHEN ; Pingping LIU ; Shanshan YU ; Xiaodan JIN ; Shuang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(5):574-578
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the pathogenic mechanism of a child with Waardenburg syndrome type 4C due to a c.661_664dup (p.P222Lfs*60) variant of SOX10 gene through in vitro experiments.
METHODS:
A child diagnosed at the Handan First Hospital was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the child and his parents. Following extraction of genomic DNA, trio-whole exome sequencing was carried out. Pathogenicity of candidate variant was determined by bioinformatic analysis and reference to the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. Expression plasmids of wild-type SOX10 and the c.661_664dup (p.P222Lfs*60) variant were constructed and transiently transfected into 293T cells to determine the expression at the RNA and protein levels. The 293T cells transiently transfected with the wild-type/mutant SOX10 were treated with 10 ug/mL cycloheximide (CHX) for 0, 4, 8, 24 h, respectively, and the degradation rate of target protein was detected by Western blotting assay. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Handan First Hospital (Ethics No. HDYY-LW-25053).
RESULTS:
The child was found to harbor a heterozygous c.661_664dup (p.P222Lfs*60) variant of the SOX10 gene, which was unreported previously. The variant did not significantly alter the expression of SOX10 at the mRNA level but the protein level. After the CHX treatment, the degradation of mutant SOX10 protein had slowed down.
CONCLUSION
The mutant SOX10 may affect the expression of downstream genes by affecting the degradation rate of its protein product.
Humans
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HEK293 Cells
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Mutation
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SOXE Transcription Factors/metabolism*
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Waardenburg Syndrome/genetics*
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Child
8.Diagnostic value of nucleic acid matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry in sputum smear-negative patients with nontuberculous Mycobacterial pulmonary disease
Xusheng GAO ; Caihong DING ; Qing WANG ; Dan XIE ; Fengmin MEN ; Peipei JIANG ; Qiang LI ; Lingjuan ZHOU ; Yu XIONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2024;17(1):58-63
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of nucleic acid matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS)in sputum smear-negative patients with nontuberculous Mycobacterial(NTM)pulmonary disease.Methods:Clinical data of 123 patients suspected of NTM pulmonary disease admitted in Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated to Shandong University between July 2022 and November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)specimens were collected for MALDI-TOF MS assay and MGIT 960 culture. The diagnostic efficacy of MALDI-TOF MS for NTM pulmonary disease in patients with negative sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software and MedCalc statistical software.Results:Diagnosis of NTM pulmonary disease was finally confirmed in 66 out of the 123 suspected patients. It took 8 to 24 h for MALDI-TOF MS to identify NTM species and resistance. By MALDI-TOF MS,72 NTM strains were identified,with the Mycobacterium avium complex being the most prevalent(34 strains,47.22%),followed by the Mycobacterium abscessus complex(13 strains,18.06%);resistance to macrolides was detected in 6 cases,while no resistance to aminoglycosides was found. It took 9 to 45 days for BALF MGIT 960 culture to identify NTM,and took 7 to 15 days for NTM typing and drug sensitivity testing. By BALF MGIT 960 culture,28 NTM strains were identified;and 1 case was found to be resistant to macrolides. Using confirmed diagnosis as the gold standard,MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated higher sensitivity,negative predictive value,and agreement rate compared to MGIT 960 culture(84.85% vs. 42.42%,81.13% vs. 56.32%,80.49% vs. 62.60%, χ2=25.667,8.998,9.664, P<0.05 or <0.01). The area under ROC curve(AUC)for MALDI-TOF MS was significantly higher than that of MGIT 960 culture(0.801 vs. 0.642, Z=3.300, P=0.001). Conclusion:Compared to MGIT 960 culture,MALDI-TOF MS exhibits superior diagnostic efficiency in detecting NTM pulmonary disease in patients with acid-fast bacilli smear-negative sputum,with advantage of rapidly identifying NTM species and resistance.
9.Relation of future self-continuity to family support and meaning in life in college students
Peipei GUO ; Maomin JIANG ; Haiyan YU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(3):265-270
Objective:To evaluate the relationship among future self-continuity,family support and meaning in life in college students.Methods:A total of 912 college students(448 males and 464 females)were selected and assessed with the Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire(FSCQ),Family Support Scale(PSS-Fa)and Meaning in Life Questionnaire(MLQ).Results:The average score of FSCQ was(3.3±1.1),and those who were female,25 years old,senior,nonlocal census register,only child had lower FSCQ scores(P<0.001).Regression analysis results showed that the scores of PSS-Fa and the MLQ scores of search for life meaning and presence for life mean-ing were positively correlated with the FSCQ scores(β=0.80,0.69,0.74).Conclusion:The study shows that the future self-continuity is at a medium level and improving family support and meaning in life may help to enhance their future self-continuity in college students.
10.Investigation of life attitude and analysis of its influencing factors among college students in Shanghai
Peipei GUO ; Maomin JIANG ; Haiyan YU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;37(8):967-973
Objective:To investigate the life attitude of and related influencing factors among college students in Shanghai,and provide a reference for strengthening life education for college students.Methods:Based on the stratified cluster random sampling method,912 college students in Shanghai were investigated with the Meaning in Life Questionnaire,Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation,the Parent-child Closeness Scale,and the Connor-davidson Resilience Scale.Results:The scores of father-child closeness,mother-child closeness,psychological resilience,life meaning,and suicidal ideation was(2.79±0.85)(3.10±0.43)(2.70±0.94)(4.93±1.03)(1.69±0.72)among college students of colleges and universities in Shanghai,respectively.There were significant differences in the scores of life meaning and suicide ideation among college students of different ages,grades,and household registration groups(P<0.01).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the scores of father-child closeness,mother-child closeness,and psychological resilience had positive predictive effects on the score of life meaning(β=0.11,0.13,0.49,P<0.05),and negative predictive effects on the score of suicidal ideation(β=-0.14,-0.08,-0.19,P<0.05).Conclusion:Older,senior,and non-local college students were key groups to focus on in life education.Promoting the realization of close family relationships and parental collaborative parenting,as well as enhancing personal psychological resilience,may help to improve college students'positive life attitudes.

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