1.Construction and phenotypic analysis of p2rx2 knockout zebrafish lines.
Yong ZHANG ; Qingying SHI ; Hao XIE ; Binling XIE ; Lihua LI ; Weijing WU ; Huaping XIE ; Zi'an XIAO ; Dinghua XIE ; Ruosha LAI
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(6):919-930
OBJECTIVES:
The purinergic receptor P2X2 (P2RX2) encodes an ATP-gated ion channel permeable to Na+, K+, and especially Ca²⁺. Loss-of-function mutations in P2RX2 are known to cause autosomal dominant nonsyndromic deafness 41 (DFNA41), which manifests as high-frequency hearing loss, accelerated presbycusis, and increased susceptibility to noise-induced damage. Zebrafish, owing to their small size, rapid development, high fecundity, transparent embryos, and high gene conservation with humans, provide an ideal model for studying human diseases and developmental mechanisms. This study aims to generate a p2rx2 knockout zebrafish model using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to investigate the effect of p2rx2 deficiency on the auditory system, providing a basis for understanding P2RX2-related hearing loss and developing gene therapy strategies.
METHODS:
Two CRISPR targets (sgRNA1 and sgRNA2) spaced 47 bp apart were designed within the zebrafish p2rx2 gene. Synthesized sgRNAs and Cas9 protein were microinjected into single-cell stage Tübingen (TU)-strain zebrafish embryos. PCR and gel electrophoresis verified editing efficiency at 36 hours post-fertilization (hpf). Surviving embryos were raised to adulthood (F0), tail-clipped, genotyped, and screened for positive mosaics. F1 heterozygotes were generated by outcrossing, and F2 homozygous mutants were obtained by intercrossing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with sequencing verified mutation type and heritability. At 5 days post-fertilization (dpf), YO-PRO-1 staining was used to examine hair cell morphology and count in lateral line neuromasts and the otolith region. Auditory evoked potential (AEP) thresholds at 600, 800, 1 000, and 2 000 Hz were measured in nine 4-month-old wild type and mutant zebrafish per group.
RESULTS:
A stable p2rx2 knockout zebrafish line was successfully established. Sequencing revealed a 66 bp insertion at the first target site introducing a premature stop codon (TAA), leading to early termination of protein translation and loss of function. Embryos developed normally with no gross malformations. At 5 dpf, mutants exhibited significantly reduced hair cell density in the otolith region compared with wild type, although lateral line neuromasts were unaffected. AEP testing showed significantly elevated auditory thresholds at all 4 frequencies in homozygous mutants compared with wild type (all P<0.001), indicating reduced hearing sensitivity.
CONCLUSIONS
We successfully generated a p2rx2 loss-of-function zebrafish model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. p2rx2 deficiency caused hair cell defects in the otolith region and increased auditory thresholds across frequencies, indicating its key role in maintaining zebrafish auditory hair cell function and hearing perception. The phenotype's restriction to the otolith region suggests tissue-specific roles of p2rx2 in sensory organs. This model provides a valuable tool for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of P2RX2-related hearing loss and for screening otoprotective drugs and developing gene therapies.
Animals
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Zebrafish/genetics*
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X2/deficiency*
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CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics*
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Gene Knockout Techniques
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Phenotype
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Zebrafish Proteins/genetics*
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Disease Models, Animal
2.Discussion on the Mechanism of Ferroptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on the Theory of"Internal Heat Induced Disease"
Huixi CHEN ; Yaoxian WANG ; Huijuan ZHENG ; Weijing LIU ; Chenhui XIA ; Jiale ZHANG ; Jie LYU ; Weiwei SUN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):24-28
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is one of the serious complications of diabetes.Ferroptosis causes pathological damage and is involved in the progression of DKD.How to inhibit ferroptosis and delay DKD is a new academic hotspot.The author's team further enriched and proposed the core pathogenesis theory of"internal heat induced disease"on the basis of the traditional DKD"yin deficiency and dryness-heat"theory,and explained the general development law of DKD.In this article,"internal heat"and"Zhengjia"in the theory of DKD"internal heat induced diseases"are used as the starting point to explore the relationship of the main pathological damage of ferroptosis such as activating inflammatory response,enhancing oxidative stress,promoting fibrosis and so on with the internal mechanism of the theory of"internal heat induced diseases",further explained the scientific connotation of DKD"internal heat induced diseases",in order to provide ideas and theoretical basis for the TCM prevention and treatment of DKD.
3.Study on the current situation of frailty and influencing factors in elderly patients with colorectal cancer before surgery
Siyuan ZHANG ; Huanling GAO ; Lihong LIU ; Hongmei LI ; Weijing CHEN ; Xiaolong DU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1302-1308
Objective To analyze the influencing factors and action paths of frailty in elderly patients with col-orectal cancer,so as to provide a theoretical clinical intervention.Methods A convenience sampling method was adopted.A total of 254 elderly patients with colorectal cancer who were scheduled for elective surgery in a tertiary A hospital in Shanxi Province from March 2023 to September 2024 were selected as the research subjects.General information questionnaires,Fried frailty phenotype,Perceived Ageism Scale,Multidimensional Assessment Scale of In-teroceptive Awareness Version 2-Chinese,Cancer Patient Self-Management Assessment Scale,and Anderson Symptom Inventory were used for the investigation,and a structural equation model was constructed.Results The incidence of frailty in elderly colorectal cancer patients before surgery is 38.98%.Anderson Symptom Assessment and Per-ceived Ageism were positively correlated with frailty(r=0.534,0.568,P<0.01),while interoceptive sensitivity and the self-management level were negatively correlated with frailty(r=-0.444,-0.659,P<0.01).Self-management behavior had only a direct effect on patients' frailty(β=-0.349,P<0.001),while Anderson Symptom Assessment,perceived age discrimination and interoceptive sensitivity had both direct and indirect effects on patients' frailty(direct effects β=0.235,0.287,-0.220;indirect effects β=0.147,0.090,-0.113;all P<0.001).Conclusion The incidence of frailty in elderly patients with colorectal cancer before surgery is high.Attention should be paid to patients who are elderly,female and have a low level of education.Medical staff can take targeted measures to enhance patients' interocep-tive concentration and stability,so that patients can better monitor and regulate their bodies and emotions,and im-prove their health-promoting decisions and behaviors.At the same time,attention should also be paid to the prob-lem of age discrimination to create a good medical environment for patients.
4.The modulating effects of electrical stimulation of the right median nerve on arousal patterns in the prefrontal cortex
Ningqing XIE ; Yu GONG ; Xin ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Weijing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(10):896-900
Objective:To explore any effect of electrical stimulation of the right median nerve (RMNS) in modulating arousal patterns in the prefrontal cortex of a healthy adult.Methods:Twenty-three right-handed healthy participants received block-designed patterns of RMNS arousal. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to record any hemodynamic response in their prefrontal cortex. Changes in oxyhemoglobin (HbO), deoxyhemoglobin (HbR), and total hemoglobin (HbT) were analyzed by comparing the levels in stimulation blocks with resting-state periods.Results:fNIRS revealed significant activation of HbO signals in the left frontopolar area (channel 15) and the right frontopolar area (channels 37, 43 and 48) following RMNS arousal. There were significant differences in the HbR signals from the right frontopolar area (channel 41). There were, however, no significant differences in the HbT signals across all the measured channels.Conclusion:RMNS arousal enhances neurometabolic activity within the frontopolar sub-region of the prefrontal cortex in healthy adults.
5.Remote nursing care for a pediatric patient with severe burns based on augmented reality technology:a case report
Wenwen HAN ; Chunxia HU ; Kai ZHANG ; Weijing SUI ; Meili HUANG ; Hongying PAN ; Xiaoyan GONG ; Yiyu ZHUANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(6):677-680
This article summarizes the experience of providing remote nursing care for a pediatric patient with severe burns using augmented reality(AR)technology.Key nursing points include:to establish a remote management team to enhance multidisciplinary collaboration;to conduct remote nursing ward rounds to provide real-time guidance for clinical nursing practice;to remotely guide PICC(Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)insertions and conduct precise fluid management;to remotely assess ward environments and provide guidance on disinfection and isolation measures;to alleviate pediatric pain through comprehensive management measures.After meticulous care and treatment,the patient's condition stabilized after 23 days,and the patient was transferred to a specialized hospital for continued treatment requiring skin grafting.
6.Application of eye tracking techniques in ICU patients with aphasia:a scoping review
Zhenzhen HUANG ; Weijing SUI ; Jing DONG ; Junru ZHANG ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Hongting ZHOU ; Jiayu ZHANG ; Na ZHANG ; Yiyu ZHUANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(6):757-763
Objective This review aims to investigate the application of eye tracking(ET)in patients with speech impairment in the ICU.The review summarizes the current status and prospects of ET technology applications.Methods Following the scoping reviews framework,a systematic search was conducted across Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,CINAHL,CNKI,Wanfang Data,Chinese Medical Database,and Chinese biomedical database.The search covered publications from the inception of each database to October 29th,2024.The included studies were comprehensively analyzed.Results A total of 12 pieces of the literature were included,including 4 prospective cohort studies,4 experimental studies,3 prospective observational studies,and 1 randomized controlled trial.The application population of ET in the ICU mainly includes patients on mechanical ventilation,those at high risk of delirium,patients with spinal cord injury,etc.The types of integrated ET system equipment are mainly head-mounted and fixed;the types of ET involve gaze,blinking,etc.;the functions include standardized scale assessment,free interaction,and eye-movement model recognition.The main outcome indicators of the research are feasibility,physical symptoms and social-psychological status.Conclusion ET is applicable to a specific group of ICU patients with aphasia,and has shown good feasibility and effectiveness in the expression of patients'basic needs,self-assessment of symptoms and improvement of psychosocial status.
7.The predictive value of lipoprotein associated-phospholipase A2 and homocysteine combined with white matter hyperintensities on cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Aiju JIAO ; Ruolan ZHU ; Chunhua ZHANG ; Wenrui LI ; Xia SUN ; Weijing ZHAO ; Baolong REN
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(8):846-850
Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)and homocysteine(Hcy)combined with white matter hyperintensities(WMH)for cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD).Methods A total of 240 patients with CSVD were selected.According to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)scale,all subjects were divided into the non-cognitive impairment group(MoCA≥26 points,120 cases)and the cognitive impairment group(MoCA<26 points,120 cases).Paraventricular white matter high signal(PWMHs)and deep white matter high signal(DWMHs)were scored by Fazekas scale.The sum of the two parts was the total score,and the severity of DWMHs was graded by the score.The basic information,serum Lp-PLA2,Hcy level and severity of WMH were compared between the two groups.Logistic regression was applied to analyze influencing factors of cognitive impairment in CSVD patients.The predictive value of serum level of Lp-PLA2 and Hcy and WMH for cognitive impairment in CSVD patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results Compared with the non-cognitive impairment group,patients of the cognitive impairment group were older,had higher serum levels of Lp-PLA2 and Hcy,and had more severe of WMH(P<0.05).Results of Logistic regression analysis showed that serum Lp-PLA2,Hcy levels and severity of WMH were influencing factors for cognitive impairment of patients with CSVD(P<0.05).The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of serum Lp-PLA2,Hcy level combined with severity of WMH predicting cognitive impairment in patents with CSVD was 0.812,the sensitivity was 81.7%and the specificity was 71.7%(P<0.05).Conclusion Patients with cognitive impairment caused by CSVD have higher serum levels of Lp-PLA2 and Hcy,and more severe WMH.The combination of the three has a relatively high predictive value for cognitive impairment in patents with CSVD.
8.Clinical features and prognosis analysis of acute corpus callosum infarction
Dingyue PENG ; Weijing WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yi YANG ; Zhuohua BAO ; Yuan LYU ; Shujuan LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(2):234-238
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of acute corpus callosum in-farction.Methods A total of 1 466 patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted to the Neurology Department of Jiangbin Hospital in Guangxi from January 2019 to October 2023 and Neurology Department of Fuwai Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2022 to December 2022.Among them,21 patients with acute corpus callosum infarction confirmed by MRI(observation group)and 25 patients with isolated subcortical infarction at the same period(control group)were selected.By comparing clinical data and follow-up information between two groups,we summarized the clinical characteristics of acute corpus callosum infarction,and analyzed the relevant factors affecting the prognosis of the corpus callosum infarction group.Results Acute corpus callosum infarction accounted for 1.43%(21/1 466)of patients with acute cerebral infarction in the same period.The main clinical manifestations include limb paralysis,cognitive decline,and speech impairment.Compared with the control group,the group with corpus callosum infarction had a longer onset visit time(P<0.05),more cognitive impair-ment(P<0.05),a higher proportion of mild stroke(P<0.05),more worsening symptoms during the course of the disease(P<0.05),a higher proportion of cardioembolic type(P<0.05),a lower proportion of small artery occlu?sion type(P<0.05)and a higher proportion of good prognosis(mRS score≤2 points)(P<0.05).The poor prog?nosis of corpus callosum infarction was found to be related to factors such as large lesions,multiple high?risk factors(≥3),concomitant lobar infarction and worsening of symptoms during the course of the disease.Conclusions Acute corpus callosum infarction often leads to cognitive impairment and mild limb paralysis,which frequently de?lays treatment.The poor prognosis is mainly related to factors such as lobar infarction,major lesions,and worsening of symptoms during the process.
9.Mechanism of exosomal microRNA-1234-3p of lung cancer cells in promoting immune escape by regulating functions of tumor-associated macrophages and T lymphocytes
Weijing FAN ; Wenze SUN ; Jue LU ; Busheng XUE ; Hui ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(18):38-45
Objective To investigate the effects of exosomal microRNA-1234-3p(miR-1234-3p)of lung cancer cells on the malignant behaviors of lung cancer cells,the polarization of tumor-associat-ed macrophages(TAMs),and the functions of T cells,as well as its potential molecular mecha-nisms.Methods Exosomes were extracted from lung cancer A549 cells,and their morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy.The expression of exosomal marker proteins[tumor susceptibility gene 101(TSG101),CD63 and CD9]was detected by western blot.The relative ex-pression level of miR-1234-3p was measured using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).The expression of exosomal miR-1234-3p was inhibited by transfecting,the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of A549 cells were detected using the CCK-8 method,wound healing assay,and Transwell invasion assay,respectively.The exosomes were co-cultured with macrophages and T lymphocytes separately.The expression of TAM polarization markers CD206 and CD163 was detected by western blot.The secretion levels of cytokines[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)]were measured using an enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay(ELISA).The proliferation and apoptosis abilities of T lymphocytes,as well as the expression of functional molecules[γ-interferon(IFN-γ)and programmed death receptor 1(PD-1)]were detected through cell experiments.The expression levels of proteins related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3 K)/protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathway were detected by western blot.Results The isolated exosomes were round double-layer vesicles with a diameter of 50 to 200 nm and expressed TSG101,CD63 and CD9 proteins.The expression level of miR-1234-3p in A549 cells was higher than that in human normal lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B,and the expression level of miR-1234-3p in A549 cell exosomes was higher than that in parental A549 cells,with statis-tically significant differences(P<0.001).After inhibiting exosomal miR-1234-3p,the prolifera-tion,migration,and invasion abilities of A549 cells decreased,with statistically significantdifferenc-es(P<0.001).After inhibiting exosomal miR-1234-3p,the levels of M2-type polarization marker proteins CD206 and CD163 in macrophages decreased,the levels of cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β de-creased,and the level of IL-6 increased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.001),indi-cating that the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 type was inhibited.In T lymphocytes,af-ter inhibiting exosomal miR-1234-3p,cell viability increased,the apoptosis rate decreased,the ex-pression level of the functional molecule IFN-γ increased,and the expression level of PD-1 de-creased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.01 orP<0.001).After inhibiting exosom-al miR-1234-3p,the protein levels of phosphorylated(p)-PI3K and p-AKT in A549 cells de-creased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.001).Conclusion Exosomal miR-1234-3p of lung cancer cells may promote the malignant behaviors of lung cancer cells,the polarization of TAMs toward the M2 type,and the dysfunction of T lymphocytes by activating the PI3K/AKT signa-ling pathway,thereby regulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment and promoting the pro-gression of lung cancer.
10.Yishen Tongluo Prescription Ameliorates Oxidative Stress Injury in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway
Yifei ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Shujiao ZHANG ; Shuaixing ZHANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):41-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yishen Tongluo prescription in protecting mice from oxidative stress injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) signaling pathway. MethodsSpecific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were assigned into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=50). The DKD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The mice in the modeling group were randomized into a model group, a semaglutide (40 μg·kg-1) group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose (18.2, 9.1, 4.55 g·kg-1, respectively) Yishen Tongluo prescription groups, with 10 mice in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Blood glucose and 24-h urine protein levels were measured, and the kidney index (KI) was calculated. Serum levels of creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic acid-silver methenamine, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure the levels of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of factors in the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway. ResultsCompared with the control group, the DKD model group showed rises in blood glucose, 24-h urine protein, KI, SCr, BUN, and ALT levels, along with glomerular hypertrophy, renal tubular dilation, thickened basement membrane, mesangial expansion, and collagen deposition. Additionally, the model group showed elevated levels of β2-MG, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, NOS, and 8-OHdG, lowered levels of GSH and T-AOC, up-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1, and down-regulated expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the semaglutide group and the medium- and high-dose Yishen Tongluo prescription groups showed reductions in blood glucose, 24-h urine protein, KI, SCr, BUN, and ALT levels, along with alleviated pathological injuries in the renal tissue. In addition, the three groups showed lowered levels of β2-MG, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, NOS, and 8-OHdG, elevated levels of GSH and T-AOC, down-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1, and up-regulated expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GCLC (P<0.05). ConclusionYishen Tongluo prescription exerts renoprotective effects in the mouse model of DKD by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway, mitigating oxidative stress, and reducing renal tubular injuries.

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