1.Research progress on protein lactylation in ophthalmic diseases
Hongliang CHEN ; Long SUO ; Qiankun WANG ; Shuang LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):797-801
Lactylation, a recently identified post-translational modification of proteins, is induced by lactic acid and can occur at multiple lysine residues in both histone and non-histone proteins. This modification plays a role in disease pathogenesis by affecting transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial metabolism, and immune inflammation. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the mechanisms of lactylation in various ophthalmic diseases, including retinal neovascularization, uveitis, melanoma, and myopia. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between lactic acid and lactylation, the regulatory mechanisms of lactylation, and the role of lactylation in different ocular diseases. Additionally, it addresses current research limitations and future directions, which is of great significance to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of lactylation in eye diseases and improving the diagnosis and targeted treatment of these conditions.
2.Identification and analysis of a novel RHCE allele underlying a RhD-- phenotype.
Li WANG ; Qiankun YANG ; Yuxiang LIN ; Hecai YANG ; Shuya WANG ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yongkui KONG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(8):911-917
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the molecular mechanism of a case with RhD-- phenotype.
METHODS:
A proband with RhD-- phenotype who attended the clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on January 29, 2024 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband (8 mL) and her close relatives (father, mother and brother; 3 mL each) for Rh phenotyping and irregular antibodies testing with gel card and test tube methods. Direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test were used to detect the c antigen on the red blood cells of the proband. PCR-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) typing and gene sequencing were used to determine the RHCE gene of the proband and her relatives. The origin of the proband's variant was traced by pedigree analysis. Three-dimensional structural models of the wild-type RhCE*cE protein and the RhD-- phenotype protein were constructed to predict the alterations of the RhD-- phenotype protein caused by the variant. The procedures of this study were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2023-KY-0870-003).
RESULTS:
The red blood cells of the proband did not agglutinate with anti-C, anti-c, anti-E, and anti-e. The result of the serum irregular antibody test was negative. The results of direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test of the proband were both negative. Her Rh blood group was identified as RhD--. The results of the Rh blood grouping of her close relatives were normal. PCR-SSP detection showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were cE/cE and Ce/cE, respectively. Gene sequencing analysis showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were RHCE*cE (c.365C>A)/RHCE*cE (c.365C>A) and RHCE*Ce/RHCE*cE (c.365C>A), respectively. Pedigree analysis revealed that the variants in the proband were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Homology modeling of RhCE*cE protein showed that the RhD-- type peptide chain with a significantly shortened C-terminal was encoded by only 121 amino acid resides, which was 296 amino acid resides shorter compared to the wild-type RhCE*cE peptide chain encoded by 417 amino acid residues.
CONCLUSION
Above results revealed the molecular biological mechanism of a RhD-- phenotype. The c.365C>A variant in the RHCE gene has rendered the RHCE*cE alleles invalid, which ultimately led to the RhD-- phenotype.
Humans
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Rh-Hr Blood-Group System/chemistry*
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Female
;
Phenotype
;
Male
;
Alleles
;
Pedigree
;
Base Sequence
;
Molecular Sequence Data
;
Adult
3.Exploring the effects of plasma exchange (PE) on T lymphocytes and natural killer cells after kidney transplantation
Xue LIU ; Shuya WANG ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):634-639
Objective:To investigate the impact of plasma exchange (PE) on T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in patients after kidney transplantation.Methods:The study retrospectively collected clinical data from patients who underwent their first ABO-compatible kidney transplantation at the Kidney Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 1, 2021, and November 30, 2023. Based on whether the patients received PE after transplantation, they were divided into a PE group and a non-PE group. A total of 38 patients were included in the retrospective cohort study, 18 in the PE group (8 males and 10 females) and 20 in the non-PE group (11 males and 9 females), with median ages of 37.5 (19.0, 56.0) years and 40.7 (22.0, 60.0) years, respectively. The immune cell subpopulations of the two groups were analyzed and compared at three time points: before PE, after PE, and 7 to10 days post-PE (for the non-PE group, data were collected at equivalent time points). The primary focus was on the proportions and absolute counts of T cells, NK cells, and activated T cells (CD4CD25+T cells, CD8CD25+T cells, and CD8HLA-DR+T cells). A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used for longitudinal analysis of these repeated measurements to evaluate the effects of PE on changes in these cell populations.Results:From 7 to 10 days after PE, the absolute count of CD4 T cells in the non-PE group increased from 42 (24, 152) cells/μl to 461 (309, 608) cells/μl, while in the PE group, it increased from 57 (11, 262) cells/μl to 212 (141, 576) cells/μl. According to the generalized estimating model, the difference in changes between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=-2.9, P=0.004). For NK cell absolute counts, the non-PE group increased from 20 (16, 36) cells/μl to 43 (26, 81) cells/μl, while the PE group increased from 22 (12, 63) cells/μl to 90 (28, 142) cells/μl. The difference in changes between the two groups was also statistically significant ( Z=1.87, P=0.049). Regarding T cell activation, the proportion of CD8HLA-DR+T cells in the non-PE group decreased from 25.8% (18.4%, 45.0%) to 22.7% (15.2%, 31.6%), while in the PE group, it increased from 19.2% (8.1%, 33.2%) to 22.7% (15.2%, 31.6%). The difference in changes between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=2.88, P=0.005). From 7 to 10 days after PE, there were significant differences in the changes of CD4CD25+T cells ( Z=2.70, P=0.009), CD8CD25+T cells ( Z=2.75, P=0.007), and CD8HLA-DR+T cells ( Z=4.04, P=0.001) between the PE group and the non-PE group. Conclusion:Plasma exchange after kidney transplantation can suppress the proliferation of CD4 T lymphocytes, increase the number of NK cells relatively, and maintain a high proportion of activated T lymphocytes.
4.Analysis of the effect of plasma exchange on improving delayed graft function after kidney transplantation
Xue LIU ; Shuya WANG ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(7):924-929
Objective:To investigate the effect of plasma exchange (PE) in improving renal function among patients with delayed graft function (DGF)following kidney transplantation.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from 76 patients who underwent their first-time ABO-compatible kidney transplantation at the Kidney Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 1, 2022, and November 30, 2023, and subsequently developed DGF and received PE treatment. The cohort included 39 males and 37 females, with a median age of 37.5 years (30.8-46.0 years). Patients were categorized into three groups based on pre-PEhuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody status: HLA antibody-negative group, HLA antibody-unknown group, and HLA antibody-positive group. Additionally, immunological status prior to PE categorized patients into four groups: (1) stable lymphocyte subsetand antibody profiles (21 cases); (2) elevated B cell proportions or antibody production, or increased antibody titers (26 cases); (3) increased proportions of T/NK/macrophages (13 cases); (4) increased proportions of T/NK/macrophages combined with antibody production or increased antibody titers (16 cases). The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to analyze changes in serum creatinine (Scr) levels and 24-hour urine output before and after PE in the different patient groups.Results:In the HLA antibody-negative group, Scr decreased significantly from 467 (260, 571) μmol/L before PE to 176 (123, 307) μmol/L after PE ( Z=-2.22, P<0.01), and 24-hour urine output increased significantly from 1 295 (480, 2 020) ml to 1 960 (1 632, 2 870) ml ( Z=1.76, P<0.01). In the HLA antibody-positive group, Scr decreased significantly from 420 (254, 660) μmol/L before PE to 177 (151, 287) μmol/L after PE ( Z=-3.26, P<0.01), and 24-hour urine output increased significantly from 1 355 (928, 1 925) ml to 2 440 (1 760, 2 797) ml ( Z=2.47, P<0.01). For patients grouped by immunological status, Scr levels in Group 2 decreased significantly from 407 (242, 699) μmol/L to 201 (157, 274) μmol/L ( Z=-2.92, P<0.001), while in Group 3, Scr decreased significantly from 330 (258, 594) μmol/L to 164 (152, 280) μmol/L ( Z=-1.97, P=0.017). Regarding 24-hour urine output, Group 2 showed a significant increase from 1 353 (850, 1 770) ml to 1 995 (1 740, 2 630) ml ( Z=3.43, P=0.003), while in Group 3, urine output increased from 1 850 (1 350, 2 480) ml to 2 200 (1 900, 2 850) ml, but the difference was not statistically significant ( Z=1.10, P>0.05). Conclusion:PE effectively reduces Scr levels and increase 24-hour urine output in patients with DGF after kidney transplantation, regardless of pre-treatment HLA antibody status. Additionally, for patients with post-transplant changes primarily in T/NK/macrophages without significant antibody changes, PE can also effectively reduce Scr levels.
5.Identification and analysis of a novel RHCE allele underlying a RhD--phenotype
Li WANG ; Qiankun YANG ; Yuxiang LIN ; Hecai YANG ; Shuya WANG ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yongkui KONG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(8):911-917
Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of a case with RhD-phenotype.Methods:A proband with RhD-phenotype who attended the clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on January 29, 2024 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband (8 mL) and her close relatives (father, mother and brother; 3 mL each) for Rh phenotyping and irregular antibodies testing with gel card and test tube methods. Direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test were used to detect the c antigen on the red blood cells of the proband. PCR-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) typing and gene sequencing were used to determine the RHCE gene of the proband and her relatives. The origin of the proband′s variant was traced by pedigree analysis. Three-dimensional structural models of the wild-type RhCE*cE protein and the RhD-phenotype protein were constructed to predict the alterations of the RhD-phenotype protein caused by the variant. The procedures of this study were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2023-KY-0870-003). Results:The red blood cells of the proband did not agglutinate with anti-C, anti-c, anti-E, and anti-e. The result of the serum irregular antibody test was negative. The results of direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test of the proband were both negative. Her Rh blood group was identified as RhD-. The results of the Rh blood grouping of her close relatives were normal. PCR-SSP detection showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were cE/cE and Ce/cE, respectively. Gene sequencing analysis showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were RHCE* cE (c.365C>A)/ RHCE* cE (c.365C>A) and RHCE* Ce/ RHCE* cE (c.365C>A), respectively. Pedigree analysis revealed that the variants in the proband were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Homology modeling of RhCE*cE protein showed that the RhD-type peptide chain with a significantly shortened C-terminal was encoded by only 121 amino acid resides, which was 296 amino acid resides shorter compared to the wild-type RhCE*cE peptide chain encoded by 417 amino acid residues. Conclusion:Above results revealed the molecular biological mechanism of a RhD-phenotype. The c. 365C>A variant in the RHCE gene has rendered the RHCE* cE alleles invalid, which ultimately led to the RhD-phenotype.
6.Advances in the application of multiparametric ultrasound technology in the evaluation of sarcopenia in the elderly
Lirong WANG ; Qiankun QUAN ; Xi LI ; Miao LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(11):1602-1606
Senile sarcopenia is an age-related geriatric syndrome characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass, strength, and physical function, posing a significant threat to the health and quality of life of the elderly.In recent years, ultrasound technology has emerged as an important research tool in the evaluation of sarcopenia, owing to its advantages such as safety, convenience, and radiation-free nature.However, challenges remain in achieving parameter standardization, operational consistency, and clinical implementation.This review comprehensively summarizes recent domestic and international research advances in the application of multiparametric ultrasound technology for the diagnosis and evaluation of sarcopenia in the elderly.It also analyzes the practicality, advancements, and limitations of this technology while providing insights into future development trends, aiming to provide clinical research reference basis for the precise diagnosis and intervention strategies of sarcopenia.
7.Exploring the effects of plasma exchange (PE) on T lymphocytes and natural killer cells after kidney transplantation
Xue LIU ; Shuya WANG ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):634-639
Objective:To investigate the impact of plasma exchange (PE) on T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in patients after kidney transplantation.Methods:The study retrospectively collected clinical data from patients who underwent their first ABO-compatible kidney transplantation at the Kidney Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 1, 2021, and November 30, 2023. Based on whether the patients received PE after transplantation, they were divided into a PE group and a non-PE group. A total of 38 patients were included in the retrospective cohort study, 18 in the PE group (8 males and 10 females) and 20 in the non-PE group (11 males and 9 females), with median ages of 37.5 (19.0, 56.0) years and 40.7 (22.0, 60.0) years, respectively. The immune cell subpopulations of the two groups were analyzed and compared at three time points: before PE, after PE, and 7 to10 days post-PE (for the non-PE group, data were collected at equivalent time points). The primary focus was on the proportions and absolute counts of T cells, NK cells, and activated T cells (CD4CD25+T cells, CD8CD25+T cells, and CD8HLA-DR+T cells). A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used for longitudinal analysis of these repeated measurements to evaluate the effects of PE on changes in these cell populations.Results:From 7 to 10 days after PE, the absolute count of CD4 T cells in the non-PE group increased from 42 (24, 152) cells/μl to 461 (309, 608) cells/μl, while in the PE group, it increased from 57 (11, 262) cells/μl to 212 (141, 576) cells/μl. According to the generalized estimating model, the difference in changes between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=-2.9, P=0.004). For NK cell absolute counts, the non-PE group increased from 20 (16, 36) cells/μl to 43 (26, 81) cells/μl, while the PE group increased from 22 (12, 63) cells/μl to 90 (28, 142) cells/μl. The difference in changes between the two groups was also statistically significant ( Z=1.87, P=0.049). Regarding T cell activation, the proportion of CD8HLA-DR+T cells in the non-PE group decreased from 25.8% (18.4%, 45.0%) to 22.7% (15.2%, 31.6%), while in the PE group, it increased from 19.2% (8.1%, 33.2%) to 22.7% (15.2%, 31.6%). The difference in changes between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=2.88, P=0.005). From 7 to 10 days after PE, there were significant differences in the changes of CD4CD25+T cells ( Z=2.70, P=0.009), CD8CD25+T cells ( Z=2.75, P=0.007), and CD8HLA-DR+T cells ( Z=4.04, P=0.001) between the PE group and the non-PE group. Conclusion:Plasma exchange after kidney transplantation can suppress the proliferation of CD4 T lymphocytes, increase the number of NK cells relatively, and maintain a high proportion of activated T lymphocytes.
8.Analysis of the effect of plasma exchange on improving delayed graft function after kidney transplantation
Xue LIU ; Shuya WANG ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(7):924-929
Objective:To investigate the effect of plasma exchange (PE) in improving renal function among patients with delayed graft function (DGF)following kidney transplantation.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from 76 patients who underwent their first-time ABO-compatible kidney transplantation at the Kidney Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 1, 2022, and November 30, 2023, and subsequently developed DGF and received PE treatment. The cohort included 39 males and 37 females, with a median age of 37.5 years (30.8-46.0 years). Patients were categorized into three groups based on pre-PEhuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody status: HLA antibody-negative group, HLA antibody-unknown group, and HLA antibody-positive group. Additionally, immunological status prior to PE categorized patients into four groups: (1) stable lymphocyte subsetand antibody profiles (21 cases); (2) elevated B cell proportions or antibody production, or increased antibody titers (26 cases); (3) increased proportions of T/NK/macrophages (13 cases); (4) increased proportions of T/NK/macrophages combined with antibody production or increased antibody titers (16 cases). The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to analyze changes in serum creatinine (Scr) levels and 24-hour urine output before and after PE in the different patient groups.Results:In the HLA antibody-negative group, Scr decreased significantly from 467 (260, 571) μmol/L before PE to 176 (123, 307) μmol/L after PE ( Z=-2.22, P<0.01), and 24-hour urine output increased significantly from 1 295 (480, 2 020) ml to 1 960 (1 632, 2 870) ml ( Z=1.76, P<0.01). In the HLA antibody-positive group, Scr decreased significantly from 420 (254, 660) μmol/L before PE to 177 (151, 287) μmol/L after PE ( Z=-3.26, P<0.01), and 24-hour urine output increased significantly from 1 355 (928, 1 925) ml to 2 440 (1 760, 2 797) ml ( Z=2.47, P<0.01). For patients grouped by immunological status, Scr levels in Group 2 decreased significantly from 407 (242, 699) μmol/L to 201 (157, 274) μmol/L ( Z=-2.92, P<0.001), while in Group 3, Scr decreased significantly from 330 (258, 594) μmol/L to 164 (152, 280) μmol/L ( Z=-1.97, P=0.017). Regarding 24-hour urine output, Group 2 showed a significant increase from 1 353 (850, 1 770) ml to 1 995 (1 740, 2 630) ml ( Z=3.43, P=0.003), while in Group 3, urine output increased from 1 850 (1 350, 2 480) ml to 2 200 (1 900, 2 850) ml, but the difference was not statistically significant ( Z=1.10, P>0.05). Conclusion:PE effectively reduces Scr levels and increase 24-hour urine output in patients with DGF after kidney transplantation, regardless of pre-treatment HLA antibody status. Additionally, for patients with post-transplant changes primarily in T/NK/macrophages without significant antibody changes, PE can also effectively reduce Scr levels.
9.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
10.Research progress on the effects of breast-feeding on premature infants
Xiaoyan Li ; Jia&prime ; an Wang ; Zhenyu Yang ; Qiankun Gao ; Haijuan Zhu ; Mingming Zheng
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):1155-1159
Abstract
Breastfeeding has an irreplaceable effect on the growth and development of premature infants and the reduction of complications during hospitalization. In recent years, with the opening of China′s birth policy, the incidence of premature babies has increased, and the corresponding complications have also gradually increased. Breast milk not only carries a rich supply of nutrients, including rich proteins, lipids, sugars to support the normal growth and development of infants, but also contains a large number of immunoglobulins, hormones and other bioactive substances to promote the improvement of body immune function and the development of nervous system. In recent years, many studies have been carried out on the current situation of breast milk operation in breast milk bank, the collection and influencing factors of breast milk, the strategies of breast milk enrichment and its effects on the growth and development of premature infants and complications. Therefore, breast-feeding and intensive breast-feeding can effectively promote the growth and development of premature infants, and reduce the occurrence of complications.


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