1.Therapeutic role of miR-26a on cardiorenal injury in a mice model of angiotensin-II induced chronic kidney disease through inhibition of LIMS1/ILK pathway.
Weijie NI ; Yajie ZHAO ; Jinxin SHEN ; Qing YIN ; Yao WANG ; Zuolin LI ; Taotao TANG ; Yi WEN ; Yilin ZHANG ; Wei JIANG ; Liangyunzi JIANG ; Jinxuan WEI ; Weihua GAN ; Aiqing ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHOU ; Bin WANG ; Bi-Cheng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(2):193-204
BACKGROUND:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with common pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation and fibrosis, in both the heart and the kidney. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive these processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study focused on the molecular mechanism of heart and kidney injury in CKD.
METHODS:
We generated an microRNA (miR)-26a knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of miR-26a in angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. We performed Ang-II modeling in wild type (WT) mice and miR-26a KO mice, with six mice in each group. In addition, Ang-II-treated AC16 cells and HK2 cells were used as in vitro models of cardiac and renal injury in the context of CKD. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting were applied to study the regulation of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Immunofluorescence reporter assays were used to detect downstream genes of miR-26a, and immunoprecipitation was employed to identify the interacting protein of LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domain 1 (LIMS1). We also used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to supplement LIMS1 and explored the specific regulatory mechanism of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Dunnett's multiple comparison and t -test were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control mice, miR-26a expression was significantly downregulated in both the kidney and the heart after Ang-II infusion. Our study identified LIMS1 as a novel target gene of miR-26a in both heart and kidney tissues. Downregulation of miR-26a activated the LIMS1/integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway in the heart and kidney, which represents a common molecular mechanism underlying inflammation and fibrosis in heart and kidney tissues during CKD. Furthermore, knockout of miR-26a worsened inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney by inhibiting the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway; on the contrary, supplementation with exogenous miR-26a reversed all these changes.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that miR-26a could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiorenal injury in CKD. This is attributed to its ability to regulate the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway, which represents a common molecular mechanism in both heart and kidney tissues.
Animals
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Angiotensin II/toxicity*
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Mice
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Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced*
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Mice, Knockout
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Disease Models, Animal
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Male
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Signal Transduction/genetics*
;
LIM Domain Proteins/genetics*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Cell Line
;
Humans
2.Progress of in situ bioimaging methods based on CRISPR/Cas9 system
Weijie ZHANG ; Wangwenkang YIN ; Jialuo FENG ; Yue SHEN ; Yi ZHAO ; Chen WANG ; Bingjie ZOU ; Qinxin SONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(5):557-565
In situ bioimaging is a powerful tool for directly observing the localization, expression, and interactions of nucleic acids or protein targets within cells, providing essential insights into cell function and disease mechanisms. In recent years, the CRISPR/Cas9 system, a revolutionary gene-editing tool, has been applied to develop efficient in situ imaging techniques. This paper reviews recent CRISPR/Cas9-based imaging methods utilizing Cas9 protein, engineered single-guide RNA (sgRNA), and coupled fluorescent tags, and compares their application in living and fixed cells. It focuses on the specificity, signal amplification efficiency, and multi-modal imaging capabilities of these methods, with further discussion based on current research, aiming to offer a comprehensive overview of CRISPR/Cas9-based in situ bioimaging techniques, with some valuable reference and guidance for research in related fields.
3.Research progress of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases
Weijie REN ; Lifang CEN ; Yi ZOU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(1):63-72
Abstract: Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, plays a central role in the activation of B cells and granulocytes, operating downstream of B cell and Fcγ receptors, and is considered an attractive target for treating autoimmune diseases. Preclinical investigations have demonstrated that inhibition of BTK activity holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory immune responses such as autoimmune diseases and allergies. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which BTK contributes to immune-related diseases and summarizes current research on the development of BTK inhibitors for treating these conditions, aiming to offer novel insights into non-oncology applications for BTK inhibitors.
4.Exploratory Study on Population Enrichment and Classification in Cancer-related Fatigue Patients with Qi and Blood Deficiency Syndrome through Cluster Analysis
Jiyan SHI ; Danhui YI ; Yumei ZENG ; Weijie LIANG ; Yun XU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(8):146-151
Objective To objectively classify cancer-related fatigue(CRF)patients with qi and blood deficiency syndrome;To explore possible enrichment characteristics;To provide ideas for precise population identification.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted,611 CRF patients with qi and blood deficiency syndrome were included from October 2019 to April 2022.Clinical symptoms of patient were documented,including pale or withered-yellow complexion,shortness of breath with reluctance to talk,dizziness,spontaneous sweating,and palpitations.Additionally,blood routine were conducted,including white blood cell(WBC)count,red blood cell(RBC)count,hemoglobin(HGB),platelet(PLT)count,and neutrophil count(NEUT).The degree of fatigue was assessed using the Piper Fatigue Scale(PFS).Data analysis was performed using R 4.2.0.Clustering analysis was performed using the K-mediods method.Results Through unsupervised clustering analysis,the target population was divided into three categories:qi and blood deficiency syndrome leaning towards qi deficiency,qi and blood deficiency syndrome with mild symptom,qi and blood deficiency syndrome leaning towards blood deficiency.In terms of fatigue severity,the first two groups showed comparable levels,while the third group exhibited the most severe fatigue.Regarding objective indicators,the group leaning towards qi deficiency had the lowest WBC count,NEUT count and PLT count,and the group leaning towards blood deficiency had the lowest HGB count and RBC count.The group of qi and blood deficiency syndrome with mild symptom exhibited the highest level of objective indicators among the three.Conclusion By using clustering analysis methods,the study has preliminarily achieved population enrichment and classification based on syndromes,providing ideas for subsequent information enrichment and accurate identification of populations.Concurrently,the anemia index,WBC count and NEUT count demonstrate a inclination towards blood deficiency syndrome and qi deficiency syndrome,respectively.These findings indicate that these indicators could be incorporated into the syndrome diagnostic criteria for CRF to aid in the classification of the CRF population.
5.Surgical margins assessment reduces re-excision rates in breast-conserving surgery.
Chang Yi WOON ; Serene Si Ning GOH ; Lin Seong SOH ; Chloe Fu Cui YEO ; Marc Weijie ONG ; Benjamin WONG ; Joelle Hoi Ting LEONG ; Jerry Tiong Thye GOO ; Clement Luck Khng CHIA
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2023;52(1):48-51
6.Precise mechanical thrombectomy guided by ABC 2D scale in acute intracranial large vessel occlusive stroke
Weiwen YI ; Geng LIAO ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Yuemei HE ; Weijie DU ; Chuanpiao ZHONG ; Xinghang LAN ; Chaomao LI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2023;22(8):765-771
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of precise mechanical thrombectomy based on ABC 2D scale in acute intracranial large artery occlusion stroke (ALVOs). Methods:A prospective study was performed. Two hundred and two patients with ALVOs accepted early mechanical thrombectomy in Department of Neurology, Maoming Clinical School of Guangdong Medical University from January 2021 to February 2022 were enrolled. They were randomly divided into experimental group ( n=102) and control group ( n=100). Stent retriever partially retracted with intermediate catheter for mechanical thrombectomy (SWIM) was the first choice for patients in control group. ABC 2D scale was used to prejudge the pathogenesis of patients in experimental group: patients with scores of 0-3 were considered as having embolic occlusion and a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) was the first choice, and SWIM would be chosen if suction catheter could not be in place; patients with scores of 4-7 were considered as having intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis occlusion and SWIM was the first choice. The clinical data, surgical effectiveness, surgical safety, and good prognosis rate 90 d after mechanical thrombectomy (modified Rankin scale scores of 0-2 as good prognosis) of the 2 groups were compared. Results:Experimental group had significantly shorter time from puncture to recanalization (51.0[35.0, 78.5] min vs. 67.0[45.0, 100.0] min), and statistically lower NIHSS scores 24 h after mechanical thrombectomy (10.00[4.75, 16.25] vs. 13.00[8.00, 19.00]), significantly higher good prognosis rate 90 d after mechanical thrombectomy (69.6% vs. 46.0%), statistically lower mortality 90 d after mechanical thrombectomy (3.9% vs. 13.0%) compared with control group ( P<0.05). No significant differences were noted in first-pass effect rate, successful vascular revascularization rate, or incidences of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and ectopic embolization between the control group and experimental group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Patients with ALVOs accepted early mechanical thrombectomy can have shorter time from puncture to vascular recanalization and better prognosis after etiologically prejudging by ABC 2D scale for thrombectomy.
7.Effects of Black Raspberry Supplementation on Methylation Pathways in Vav-cre Asxl1 fl/fl Tet2 fl/fl Double Knockout Mice with Early-stage Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Athena DONG ; Yi-Wen HUANG ; Ben NIU ; Ruiling LIU ; Weijie WU ; Haiyan GAO ; Jianhua YU ; Li-Shu WANG
Journal of Cancer Prevention 2023;28(4):212-218
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a subset of myeloid malignancies defined by clonality of immature hematopoietic stem cells that leads to faulty blood cell development. These syndromes can lead to an increased risk of infection and may transform into acute myeloid leukemia, making it critical to determine effective treatments for the condition. While hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine and decitabine, as well as stem cell transplants, have been delineated as favored treatments for MDS, not all patients are physiologically receptive to these treatments. However, black raspberries (BRBs) have been shown to exert hypomethylating effects in various malignancies, with minimal adverse effects and thus a broader range of potential candidacies. This study aimed to investigate the potential of BRBs to exert such effects on MDS using Addition of Sex Combs Like/Tet Methylcytosine Dioxygenase 2 (Asxl1/Tet2) double knockout mice (Vav-cre Asxl1fl/fl Tet2fl/fl ), which typically manifest symptoms around 25 weeks of age, mirroring genetic mutations found in humans with MDS. Following a 12-week dietary supplementation of Vav-cre Asxl1fl/fl Tet2fl/fl mice with 5% BRBs, we observed both hyper- and hypomethylation at multiple transcription start sites and intragenic locations linked to critical pathways, including hematopoiesis. This methylation profile may have implications for delaying the onset of MDS, prompting a need for in-depth investigation. Our results emphasize the importance of exploring whether an extended BRB intervention can effectively alter MDS risk and elucidate the relationship between BRB-induced methylation changes, thus further unlocking the potential benefits of BRBs for MDS patients.
8.Application of mixed teaching based on E-disciplinary platform in nutrition and food hygiene course
Wei MI ; Weijie YI ; Wu LIAN ; Tala SHI ; Jiu WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2022;21(2):164-167
Objective:To explore the application effects of mixed courses based on E-disciplinary platform on the teaching of nutrition and food hygiene.Methods:The study included in 31 preventive medicine students from group 1 to 3 Batch 2015 in Binzhou Medical University, who were divided into control group adopting (lecture-based learning, LBL) teaching model. While another 30 students from group 4-6 were divided into the experimental group adopting mixed teaching based on E-disciplinary platform. Analysis and assessments were done by course examinations and questionnaires. SPSS 20.0 was used for t test, rank sum test and chi-square test. Results:According to the course examinations, students in the experimental group got higher scores than those in the control group in terms of usual, examination and overall test scores [(46.17±8.84) points vs. (42.35±8.28) points; (37.31±6.58) points vs. (33.61±6.38) points; (81.97±9.18) points vs. (74.32±8.32) points, ( t=4.69, t=3.16, t=5.16, P< 0.01)]. Furthermore, the experimental group were better than the control group in the number distribution of excellent performance in usual, examination and overall test ( Z=2.71, Z=2.13, Z=4.57, P<0.05). The questionnaires demonstrated that the overall satisfaction rate of the experimental group (77.8%) was higher than that of the control group (47.8%) ( χ2=34.98, P<0.001). Conclusion:Student learning effect and the teaching quality can be improved by applying mixed teaching based on E-disciplinary platform.
9.Qualitative study on the financial toxicity experience of young female breast cancer survivors
Cheng LIU ; Junyi RUAN ; Yi KUANG ; Yanling SUN ; Xiaoyi YUAN ; Lichen TANG ; Weijie XING
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2022;38(31):2428-2433
Objective:To explore the causes and influencing factors of financial toxicity in young breast cancer survivors, and to provide evidence for intervention program development to improve financial toxicity in young breast cancer survivors.Methods:Using descriptive qualitative research methods, 29 young breast cancer patients from September to December 2021 in Breast Surgery Follow-up Clinic of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were interviewed. The Nvivo 12.0 qualitative data analysis software was used to analyze the data.Results:Four themes were extracted as following, direct cost of cancer treatment was the primary cause of financial toxicity, indirect costs related to cancer and treatment cannot be ignored, long-term effects of cancer and treatment further exacerbated financial toxicity, and cancer-related financial toxicity was also influenced by a variety of other factors.Conclusions:Multiple causes affected the experience of financial toxicity in young breast cancer survivors. The occurrence and risks of financial toxicity in young breast cancer survivors should be assessed. Intervention and support should be provided to meet the needs of young breast cancer survivors.
10.Clinical epidemiological investigation of children with prolonged mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care unit
Libo SUN ; Weijie SHEN ; Guoping LU ; Zhengzheng ZHANG ; Jinhao TAO ; Pan LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Yan QIN ; Yuxin LIU ; Weiming CHEN
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2022;29(8):606-610
Objective:To investigate the clinical epidemiological data of children with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in pediatric intensive care unit(PICU), and analyze the primary disease of children with PMV as well as the disease characteristics and prognosis of children with PMV under different kinds of primary disease.Methods:The clinical data of hospitalized children with PMV in PICU at Children′s Hospital of Fudan University from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected.Results:A total of 46 children with PMV were collected.There were 18 males (39.1%) and 28 females (60.9%). The median age was 37 (8, 86) months and the median body weight was 15 (7, 20) kg.The average pediatric critical illness score at admission was 84.2±7.7, PaO 2/FiO 2 was (245.5±99.8)mmHg.The primary diseases leading to PMV were as follows: there were 14 cases of severe pneumonia, eight cases of severe encephalitis, five cases of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, three cases of upper airway obstruction/craniofacial deformity, three cases of myasthenia, three cases of brain stem tumor, three cases of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, two cases of spinal muscular atrophy, two cases of Prader-Willi syndrome, one case of dermatomyositis, one case of severe brain injury, and one case of central hypoventilation.The causes of unable to withdraw ventilator were respiratory dysfunction in 24 cases, brain dysfunction in 16 cases, and diaphragm dysfunction in six cases.Compared with neuromuscular diseases, children with PMV caused by respiratory diseases had lower month age, higher preterm birth rate, lower PaO 2/FiO 2 ratio, higher parameters for ventilator treatment, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Children with PMV caused by neuromuscular diseases had lower Glasgow coma score and higher coma rate, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). A total of nine (19.6%) cases underwent tracheotomy.A total of 23 (50.0%) cases were successfully extubated from ventilator, six (13.0%) cases were dependent on invasive ventilator, and six (13.0%) cases were breathing with tracheotomy tube.The median mechanical ventilation time was 33 (28, 40) days, the median PICU hospital stay was 42 (34, 56) days, and the median hospital stay was 51 (41, 65) days.A total of 27 (58.7%) cases were improved and discharged, four (8.7%) cases were transferred to rehabilitation hospital, four (8.7%) cases were transferred to local hospital, and 11 (23.9%) cases died in hospital or at home after giving up. Conclusion:The main causes of PMV in PICU children are respiratory dysfunction, brain dysfunction and diaphragm dysfunction.50.0% of the children with PMV could be discharged from the ventilator, and 23.9% died or died after giving up.

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