1.Analysis of influencing factors and construction of predictive models of immune-related skin adverse events in urologic neoplasms
Ran SUN ; Kai DANG ; Yongan ZHOU ; Yang YANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Jinhua LIU ; Jing XIAO ; Teng CUI
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(10):665-671
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of skin adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in patients with urologic neoplasms, and establish a predictive model.Methods:A single-center retrospective case-control study enrolled 91 advanced urologic neoplasms patients who received ICI therapy at the Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to June 2025. Patients were divided into the skin lesion group ( n=44) and the control group ( n=47). Patients in the skin lesion group experienced related skin adverse events during ICI treatment, while patients in the control group did not experience such events during ICI treatment. The general data and laboratory indicators were compared between the two groups. The normally distributed measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups; the non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as the median (interquartile range) [ M ( Q1, Q3)], and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between groups. The count data were expressed as the number of cases and percentages, and the Chi-test was used for comparison between groups. First, a univariate analysis was conducted on the influencing factors of skin adverse events in patients with urologic neoplasms after ICI treatment. Then, the indicators with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis were further included in the multivariate Logistic regression model to screen the independent risk factors for predicting skin adverse events. The R software was used to incorporate the factors with significant differences from multivariate analysis into the prediction model and construct a Nomogram. The calibration curve was utilized to evaluate the consistency between predicted values and actual observed results. Meanwhile, the discrimination of the model was verified by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC), so as to comprehensively verify the reliability and clinical application value of the prediction model. Results:The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the skin lesion group and the control group in terms of the proportion of other immune responses, serum albumin level, absolute eosinophil count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ( P<0.05). These factors were included in multivariate Logistic regression, which identified elevated absolute eosinophil count and elevated CRP as the independent risk factors for related skin adverse events in patients with urologic neoplasms after ICI treatment. A predictive nomogram was built based on these factors. The calibration curve showed high consistency between predicted and actual probabilities, and ROC analysis confirmed the combined model had high predictive value (AUC=0.883, P<0.001). Conclusions:Elevated absolute eosinophil count and elevated CRP level are independent predictors of immune-related skin adverse events in urologic neoplasms patients after ICI treatment. The prediction model constructed based on these two factors facilitates early clinical screening and identification of high-risk patients.
2.Discovery of E0199: A novel compound targeting both peripheral NaV and KV7 channels to alleviate neuropathic pain.
Boxuan ZHANG ; Xiaoxing SHI ; Xingang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Xuedong LI ; Qi WANG ; Dongyang HUANG ; Weidong ZHAO ; Junru CUI ; Yawen CAO ; Xu CHAI ; Jiahao WANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Qingzhong JIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):101132-101132
This research study focuses on addressing the limitations of current neuropathic pain (NP) treatments by developing a novel dual-target modulator, E0199, targeting both NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 and KV7 channels, a crucial regulator in controlling NP symptoms. The objective of the study was to synthesize a compound capable of modulating these channels to alleviate NP. Through an experimental design involving both in vitro and in vivo methods, E0199 was tested for its efficacy on ion channels and its therapeutic potential in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. The results demonstrated that E0199 significantly inhibited NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 channels with a particularly low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for NaV1.9 by promoting sodium channel inactivation, and also effectively increased KV7.2/7.3, KV7.2, and KV7.5 channels, excluding KV7.1 by promoting potassium channel activation. This dual action significantly reduced the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and alleviated pain hypersensitivity in mice at low doses, indicating a potent analgesic effect without affecting heart and skeletal muscle ion channels critically. The safety of E0199 was supported by neurobehavioral evaluations. Conclusively, E0199 represents a ground-breaking approach in NP treatment, showcasing the potential of dual-target small-molecule compounds in providing a more effective and safe therapeutic option for NP. This study introduces a promising direction for the future development of NP therapeutics.
3.Predicting cardiotoxicity in drug development: A deep learning approach.
Kaifeng LIU ; Huizi CUI ; Xiangyu YU ; Wannan LI ; Weiwei HAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101263-101263
Cardiotoxicity is a critical issue in drug development that poses serious health risks, including potentially fatal arrhythmias. The human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium channel, as one of the primary targets of cardiotoxicity, has garnered widespread attention. Traditional cardiotoxicity testing methods are expensive and time-consuming, making computational virtual screening a suitable alternative. In this study, we employed machine learning techniques utilizing molecular fingerprints and descriptors to predict the cardiotoxicity of compounds, with the aim of improving prediction accuracy and efficiency. We used four types of molecular fingerprints and descriptors combined with machine learning and deep learning algorithms, including Gaussian naive Bayes (NB), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and Transformer models, to build predictive models. Our models demonstrated advanced predictive performance. The best machine learning model, XGBoost Morgan, achieved an accuracy (ACC) value of 0.84, and the deep learning model, Transformer_Morgan, achieved the best ACC value of 0.85, showing a high ability to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic compounds. On an external independent validation set, it achieved the best area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.93, surpassing ADMETlab3.0, Cardpred, and CardioDPi. In addition, we explored the integration of molecular descriptors and fingerprints to enhance model performance and found that ensemble methods, such as voting and stacking, provided slight improvements in model stability. Furthermore, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) explanations revealed the relationship between benzene rings, fluorine-containing groups, NH groups, oxygen in ether groups, and cardiotoxicity, highlighting the importance of these features. This study not only improved the predictive accuracy of cardiotoxicity models but also promoted a more reliable and scientifically interpretable method for drug safety assessment. Using computational methods, this study facilitates a more efficient drug development process, reduces costs, and improves the safety of new drug candidates, ultimately benefiting medical and public health.
4.Exploring the protective effects of subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion of genetically modified porcine erythrocyte perfusate on ischemic and hypoxic brain injury in cynomolgus monkeys
Shen LI ; Yanghui DONG ; Xiangyu SONG ; Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Yixuan ZHU ; Mengyi CUI ; Xiwei PENG ; Long CHENG ; Man YUAN ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG ; Yaqun ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):728-737
Objective To explore the protective effects of genetically modified porcine erythrocyte suspension as a subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusate on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in cynomolgus monkeys caused by traumatic hemorrhage.Methods Cynomolgus monkeys were randomly divided into positive and negative control groups(a total of 3 monkeys,with 3 left cerebral hemispheres as the positive control group and 3 right cerebral hemispheres as the negative control group)and the subnormothermic perfusion group(n=3).The positive control group was directly sampled 1 hour after circulatory arrest,while the negative control group was placed at subnormothermic conditions for 6 hours after circulatory arrest.The subnormothermic perfusion group underwent 6 hours of subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries of the cynomolgus monkey hypoxic-ischemic brain injury model using genetically modified porcine erythrocyte suspension 1 hour after circulatory arrest.Before perfusion,cross-matching experiments were conducted between the six genetically modified pig and the cynomolgus monkeys.After the start of perfusion,the levels of routine blood indicators in the perfusate were detected at 0,1,2,3,4,5 and 6 hours.Blood oxygen saturation was recorded,and the levels of Na+,K+,Ca2+,glucose and blood pH in the perfusate were measured,as well as the levels of IgG and IgM in the perfusate.After 6 hours of perfusion,the water content of the brain tissue was measured.Nissl staining was performed on the frontal cortex and hippocampal regions,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and neuronal nuclear antigen(NEUN).Results The cross-matching results between the six genetically modified pig and the cynomolgus monkeys were negative.The number of red blood cells in the perfusate decreased significantly at 3 hours of perfusion,and the hemoglobin level showed a downward trend at 1,3,5 and 6 hours.The number of white blood cells and platelets decreased at all time points.The blood oxygen saturation in the subnormothermic perfusion group remained stable at 95%-98%,and the levels of blood oxygen saturation,Na+,Ca2+,glucose and pH were stable,while the K+level first increased and then decreased.There was no significant difference in the levels of IgG and IgM before and after perfusion.The water content of brain tissue at the end of perfusion in the subnormothermic perfusion group was significantly higher than that in the positive control group(P<0.001).Nissl staining results showed that compared with the positive control group,the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex of the subnormothermic perfusion group maintained better morphological integrity,with no significant increase in enlarged and deformed cells.In the hippocampal CA1 region,there was a slight increase in enlarged and deformed cells,and a few cells with undamaged structures showed reduced cell size.In the hippocampal dentate gyrus,fewer granule neurons had compromised structural integrity,with increased cell edema.NEUN immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 region of the subnormothermic perfusion group had better morphological states,with clear axons.The granule cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were well preserved,but the nuclei were less well protected.GFAP immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the subnormothermic perfusion group had sparser protrusions that were more tightly associated with neurons.Iba1 immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the subnormothermic perfusion group had thicker and fewer protrusions.Conclusions Compared with the positive control group,subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion with genetically modified porcine erythrocyte perfusate increases brain tissue edema in cynomolgus monkeys,but better preserves the morphological integrity of neurons and glial cells.The protective effects may be related to the continuous oxygen and energy supply,maintenance of ion homeostasis and perfusate pH,reduced rejection,and low metabolic state of the whole brain.
5.Protective effects of normothermic machine perfusion on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs of pigs
Zhibo JIA ; Yanghui DONG ; Xiangyu SONG ; Haochen ZUO ; Zhancheng YANG ; Heng CHEN ; Xiwei PENG ; Boyao YANG ; Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Mengyi CUI ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(1):97-105
Objective:To compare the protective effects of the static cold storage (SCS) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs of pigs.Methods:Four Landrace pigs were selected, from which eight limbs were amputated and divided into SCS group ( n=5) and NMP group ( n=3) according to the random number table method. After blood collection from the carotid artery, an amputated limb model was established by amputating the limbs at the scapulohumeral joints. The limbs in the SCS group were wrapped in sterile cloth and stored at 4 ℃ for 24 hours. In the NMP group, the limbs were mechanically perfused with a red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid at 37 ℃ for 24 hours, with 70% of the perfusion fluid replaced every 6 hours. Before the experiment, cross-matching tests with the saline medium were conducted between donor and recipient pigs to evaluate blood coagulation and blood safety in the NMP group. An allogeneic red blood cell perfusion fluid was prepared and the levels of pH, Na +, K +, Cl -, Ca 2+, glucose (Glu), hematocrit (Hct), lactic acid (Lac) and osmotic pressure of the perfusion fluid were measured. At 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion, the skin temperature and oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO 2) levels in the NMP group were monitored and the levels of pH, Glu, creatine kinase (Ck), K +, Ca 2+, and Na +levels of the perfusion fluid were analyzed to evaluate the metabolism of the skeletal muscle in the amputated limbs. The mean intercellular distance and apoptosis index of the myocytes were quantitatively analyzed and histopathological changes were observed by performing HE staining and TUNEL staining on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs in both groups at 0 and 24 hours after perfusion. After perfusion was ended, the weight gain rate and swelling degree of the amputated limbs were compared between the two groups and the overall state of the amputated limbs was evaluated. Results:The result of the cross-matching test between donor and recipient pig blood was negative. The parameters in the prepared red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid generally maintained within a normal range: pH 7.38±0.04, Na + concentration (138.30±4.48)mmol/L, K + concentration (3.50±0.26)mmol/L, Glu concentration (6.11±2.08)mmol/L, and osmotic pressure (305.67±3.79)mmol/L. However, slightly higher Cl - and Ca 2+ concentrations [(118.34±12.00)mmol/L and (2.00±0.15)mmol/L] and lower Hct and lactate concentrations [0.30±0.03 and (1.54±0.38)mmol/L] were detected when compared with the reference range. During the perfusion, the average skin temperature of the amputated limbs in the NMP group was (36.13±0.98)℃, with the skin temperatures at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion being significantly higher than that at 0 hour ( P<0.01), while no significant difference among the skin temperatures at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion was observed ( P>0.05). The SaO 2 levels in the skin of the amputated limbs in the NMP group averaged over 95%, which showed no significant difference at 0, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion ( P>0.05), while a significant elevation was observed at 6 hours compared with that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in pH, Glu, Na +, and Ca 2+ levels in the NMP group at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion ( P>0.05), while the Ck levels at 18 and 24 hours were both significantly higher than that at 6 hours after perfusion ( P<0.05), and the Ck levels at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours were all significantly higher than that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). The K + level progressively increased with the perfusion time, with significant elevations at 18 and 24 hours after perfusion compared with that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). HE staining revealed well-preserved muscle fiber continuity and regular arrangement in the NMP group and the SCS group at 0 hour, with an intercellular distance of (8.95±0.60)μm. At 24 hours, the NMP group exhibited slight skeletal muscle fiber rupture and swelling, with a slightly increased intercellular distance of (14.75±0.90)μm, significantly greater than that at 0 hour ( P<0.01). At 24 hours, the SCS group showed marked skeletal muscle fiber rupture and swelling, with a significantly increased intercellular distance of (23.51±1.49)μm, significantly larger than those at 0 hour in the same group and at 24 hours in the NMP group ( P<0.01). TUNEL immunofluorescence staining indicated a tiny amount of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle in both groups at 0 hour, with an apoptotic index of (4.26±1.62)%. There was a small number of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle in the NMP group at 24 hours, with an apoptotic index of (25.94±2.69)%, significantly larger than that in the same group at 0 hour ( P<0.01). The SCS group exhibited a large number of apoptotic cells at 24 hours, with an apoptotic index of (62.97±3.22)%, significantly larger than those at 0 hour in the same group and at 24 hours in the NMP group ( P<0.01). In comparison with the SCS group at 24 hours, the amputated limbs in the NMP group showed red color in the appearance, no symptoms of ischemic muscle contracture and good joint movement despite slight edema in the subcutaneous layer. At 24 hours, the weight gain rate of the amputated limbs was (15.82±0.89)% in the NMP group, significantly higher than (0.97±0.28)% in the SCS group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Compared with SCS, NMP with the red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid prepared with the allogeneic blood for the amputated limbs of pigs can alleviate the ischemic injury of the muscle fibers and inhibit the apoptosis of the muscle cells by sustaining stable energy and oxygen supply and balancing ion homeostasis and pH of the perfusion fluid.
6.Predicting cardiotoxicity in drug development:A deep learning approach
Kaifeng LIU ; Huizi CUI ; Xiangyu YU ; Wannan LI ; Weiwei HAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1774-1786
Cardiotoxicity is a critical issue in drug development that poses serious health risks,including potentially fatal arrhythmias.The human ether-à-go-go related gene(hERG)potassium channel,as one of the pri-mary targets of cardiotoxicity,has garnered widespread attention.Traditional cardiotoxicity testing methods are expensive and time-consuming,making computational virtual screening a suitable alter-native.In this study,we employed machine learning techniques utilizing molecular fingerprints and descriptors to predict the cardiotoxicity of compounds,with the aim of improving prediction accuracy and efficiency.We used four types of molecular fingerprints and descriptors combined with machine learning and deep learning algorithms,including Gaussian naive Bayes(NB),random forest(RF),support vector machine(SVM),K-nearest neighbors(KNN),eXtreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),and Trans-former models,to build predictive models.Our models demonstrated advanced predictive performance.The best machine learning model,XGBoost Morgan,achieved an accuracy(ACC)value of 0.84,and the deep learning model,Transformer_Morgan,achieved the best ACC value of 0.85,showing a high ability to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic compounds.On an external independent validation set,it achieved the best area under the curve(AUC)value of 0.93,surpassing ADMETlab3.0,Cardpred,and CardioDPi.In addition,we explored the integration of molecular descriptors and fingerprints to enhance model performance and found that ensemble methods,such as voting and stacking,provided slight improvements in model stability.Furthermore,the SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)explanations revealed the relationship between benzene rings,fluorine-containing groups,NH groups,oxygen in ether groups,and cardiotoxicity,highlighting the importance of these features.This study not only improved the predictive accuracy of cardiotoxicity models but also promoted a more reliable and scientifically interpretable method for drug safety assessment.Using computational methods,this study facilitates a more efficient drug development process,reduces costs,and improves the safety of new drug candidates,ultimately benefiting medical and public health.
7.Discovery of E0199:A novel compound targeting both peripheral Nav and Kv7 channels to alleviate neuropathic pain
Boxuan ZHANG ; Xiaoxing SHI ; Xingang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Xuedong LI ; Qi WANG ; Dongyang HUANG ; Weidong ZHAO ; Junru CUI ; Yawen CAO ; Xu CHAI ; Jiahao WANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Qingzhong JIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):244-261
This research study focuses on addressing the limitations of current neuropathic pain(NP)treatments by developing a novel dual-target modulator,E0199,targeting both Nav1.7,Nay1.8,and Nay1.9 and Kv7 channels,a crucial regulator in controlling NP symptoms.The objective of the study was to synthesize a compound capable of modulating these channels to alleviate NP.Through an experimental design involving both in vitro and in vivo methods,E0199 was tested for its efficacy on ion channels and its therapeutic potential in a chronic constriction injury(CCI)mouse model.The results demonstrated that E0199 significantly inhibited Nav1.7,Nav1.8,and Nav1.9 channels with a particularly low half maximal inhibitory concentration(ICs0)for Nay1.9 by promoting sodium channel inactivation,and also effectively increased Kv7.2/73,Kv7.2,and Kv7.5 channels,excluding Kv7.1 by promoting potassium channel acti-vation.This dual action significantly reduced the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and alle-viated pain hypersensitivity in mice at low doses,indicating a potent analgesic effect without affecting heart and skeletal muscle ion channels critically.The safety of E0199 was supported by neurobehavioral evaluations.Conclusively,E0199 represents a ground-breaking approach in NP treatment,showcasing the potential of dual-target small-molecule compounds in providing a more effective and safe thera-peutic option for NP.This study introduces a promising direction for the future development of NP therapeutics.
8.Exploring the protective effects of subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion of genetically modified porcine erythrocyte perfusate on ischemic and hypoxic brain injury in cynomolgus monkeys
Shen LI ; Yanghui DONG ; Xiangyu SONG ; Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Yixuan ZHU ; Mengyi CUI ; Xiwei PENG ; Long CHENG ; Man YUAN ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG ; Yaqun ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):728-737
Objective To explore the protective effects of genetically modified porcine erythrocyte suspension as a subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusate on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in cynomolgus monkeys caused by traumatic hemorrhage.Methods Cynomolgus monkeys were randomly divided into positive and negative control groups(a total of 3 monkeys,with 3 left cerebral hemispheres as the positive control group and 3 right cerebral hemispheres as the negative control group)and the subnormothermic perfusion group(n=3).The positive control group was directly sampled 1 hour after circulatory arrest,while the negative control group was placed at subnormothermic conditions for 6 hours after circulatory arrest.The subnormothermic perfusion group underwent 6 hours of subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries of the cynomolgus monkey hypoxic-ischemic brain injury model using genetically modified porcine erythrocyte suspension 1 hour after circulatory arrest.Before perfusion,cross-matching experiments were conducted between the six genetically modified pig and the cynomolgus monkeys.After the start of perfusion,the levels of routine blood indicators in the perfusate were detected at 0,1,2,3,4,5 and 6 hours.Blood oxygen saturation was recorded,and the levels of Na+,K+,Ca2+,glucose and blood pH in the perfusate were measured,as well as the levels of IgG and IgM in the perfusate.After 6 hours of perfusion,the water content of the brain tissue was measured.Nissl staining was performed on the frontal cortex and hippocampal regions,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and neuronal nuclear antigen(NEUN).Results The cross-matching results between the six genetically modified pig and the cynomolgus monkeys were negative.The number of red blood cells in the perfusate decreased significantly at 3 hours of perfusion,and the hemoglobin level showed a downward trend at 1,3,5 and 6 hours.The number of white blood cells and platelets decreased at all time points.The blood oxygen saturation in the subnormothermic perfusion group remained stable at 95%-98%,and the levels of blood oxygen saturation,Na+,Ca2+,glucose and pH were stable,while the K+level first increased and then decreased.There was no significant difference in the levels of IgG and IgM before and after perfusion.The water content of brain tissue at the end of perfusion in the subnormothermic perfusion group was significantly higher than that in the positive control group(P<0.001).Nissl staining results showed that compared with the positive control group,the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex of the subnormothermic perfusion group maintained better morphological integrity,with no significant increase in enlarged and deformed cells.In the hippocampal CA1 region,there was a slight increase in enlarged and deformed cells,and a few cells with undamaged structures showed reduced cell size.In the hippocampal dentate gyrus,fewer granule neurons had compromised structural integrity,with increased cell edema.NEUN immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 region of the subnormothermic perfusion group had better morphological states,with clear axons.The granule cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were well preserved,but the nuclei were less well protected.GFAP immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the subnormothermic perfusion group had sparser protrusions that were more tightly associated with neurons.Iba1 immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the subnormothermic perfusion group had thicker and fewer protrusions.Conclusions Compared with the positive control group,subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion with genetically modified porcine erythrocyte perfusate increases brain tissue edema in cynomolgus monkeys,but better preserves the morphological integrity of neurons and glial cells.The protective effects may be related to the continuous oxygen and energy supply,maintenance of ion homeostasis and perfusate pH,reduced rejection,and low metabolic state of the whole brain.
9.Protective effects of normothermic machine perfusion on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs of pigs
Zhibo JIA ; Yanghui DONG ; Xiangyu SONG ; Haochen ZUO ; Zhancheng YANG ; Heng CHEN ; Xiwei PENG ; Boyao YANG ; Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Mengyi CUI ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(1):97-105
Objective:To compare the protective effects of the static cold storage (SCS) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs of pigs.Methods:Four Landrace pigs were selected, from which eight limbs were amputated and divided into SCS group ( n=5) and NMP group ( n=3) according to the random number table method. After blood collection from the carotid artery, an amputated limb model was established by amputating the limbs at the scapulohumeral joints. The limbs in the SCS group were wrapped in sterile cloth and stored at 4 ℃ for 24 hours. In the NMP group, the limbs were mechanically perfused with a red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid at 37 ℃ for 24 hours, with 70% of the perfusion fluid replaced every 6 hours. Before the experiment, cross-matching tests with the saline medium were conducted between donor and recipient pigs to evaluate blood coagulation and blood safety in the NMP group. An allogeneic red blood cell perfusion fluid was prepared and the levels of pH, Na +, K +, Cl -, Ca 2+, glucose (Glu), hematocrit (Hct), lactic acid (Lac) and osmotic pressure of the perfusion fluid were measured. At 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion, the skin temperature and oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO 2) levels in the NMP group were monitored and the levels of pH, Glu, creatine kinase (Ck), K +, Ca 2+, and Na +levels of the perfusion fluid were analyzed to evaluate the metabolism of the skeletal muscle in the amputated limbs. The mean intercellular distance and apoptosis index of the myocytes were quantitatively analyzed and histopathological changes were observed by performing HE staining and TUNEL staining on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs in both groups at 0 and 24 hours after perfusion. After perfusion was ended, the weight gain rate and swelling degree of the amputated limbs were compared between the two groups and the overall state of the amputated limbs was evaluated. Results:The result of the cross-matching test between donor and recipient pig blood was negative. The parameters in the prepared red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid generally maintained within a normal range: pH 7.38±0.04, Na + concentration (138.30±4.48)mmol/L, K + concentration (3.50±0.26)mmol/L, Glu concentration (6.11±2.08)mmol/L, and osmotic pressure (305.67±3.79)mmol/L. However, slightly higher Cl - and Ca 2+ concentrations [(118.34±12.00)mmol/L and (2.00±0.15)mmol/L] and lower Hct and lactate concentrations [0.30±0.03 and (1.54±0.38)mmol/L] were detected when compared with the reference range. During the perfusion, the average skin temperature of the amputated limbs in the NMP group was (36.13±0.98)℃, with the skin temperatures at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion being significantly higher than that at 0 hour ( P<0.01), while no significant difference among the skin temperatures at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion was observed ( P>0.05). The SaO 2 levels in the skin of the amputated limbs in the NMP group averaged over 95%, which showed no significant difference at 0, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion ( P>0.05), while a significant elevation was observed at 6 hours compared with that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in pH, Glu, Na +, and Ca 2+ levels in the NMP group at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion ( P>0.05), while the Ck levels at 18 and 24 hours were both significantly higher than that at 6 hours after perfusion ( P<0.05), and the Ck levels at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours were all significantly higher than that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). The K + level progressively increased with the perfusion time, with significant elevations at 18 and 24 hours after perfusion compared with that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). HE staining revealed well-preserved muscle fiber continuity and regular arrangement in the NMP group and the SCS group at 0 hour, with an intercellular distance of (8.95±0.60)μm. At 24 hours, the NMP group exhibited slight skeletal muscle fiber rupture and swelling, with a slightly increased intercellular distance of (14.75±0.90)μm, significantly greater than that at 0 hour ( P<0.01). At 24 hours, the SCS group showed marked skeletal muscle fiber rupture and swelling, with a significantly increased intercellular distance of (23.51±1.49)μm, significantly larger than those at 0 hour in the same group and at 24 hours in the NMP group ( P<0.01). TUNEL immunofluorescence staining indicated a tiny amount of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle in both groups at 0 hour, with an apoptotic index of (4.26±1.62)%. There was a small number of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle in the NMP group at 24 hours, with an apoptotic index of (25.94±2.69)%, significantly larger than that in the same group at 0 hour ( P<0.01). The SCS group exhibited a large number of apoptotic cells at 24 hours, with an apoptotic index of (62.97±3.22)%, significantly larger than those at 0 hour in the same group and at 24 hours in the NMP group ( P<0.01). In comparison with the SCS group at 24 hours, the amputated limbs in the NMP group showed red color in the appearance, no symptoms of ischemic muscle contracture and good joint movement despite slight edema in the subcutaneous layer. At 24 hours, the weight gain rate of the amputated limbs was (15.82±0.89)% in the NMP group, significantly higher than (0.97±0.28)% in the SCS group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Compared with SCS, NMP with the red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid prepared with the allogeneic blood for the amputated limbs of pigs can alleviate the ischemic injury of the muscle fibers and inhibit the apoptosis of the muscle cells by sustaining stable energy and oxygen supply and balancing ion homeostasis and pH of the perfusion fluid.
10.In vitro study of immunocompatibility of humanized genetically modified pig erythrocytes with human serum
Leijia CHEN ; Mengyi CUI ; Xiangyu SONG ; Kai WANG ; Zhibo JIA ; Liupu YANG ; Yanghui DONG ; Haochen ZUO ; Jiaxiang DU ; Dengke PAN ; Wenjing XU ; Hongbo REN ; Yaqun ZHAO ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(3):415-421
Objective To investigate the differences and the immunocompatibility of wild-type (WT), four-gene modified (TKO/hCD55) and six-gene modified (TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM) pig erythrocytes with human serum. Methods The blood samples were collected from 20 volunteers with different blood groups. WT, TKO/hCD55, TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM pig erythrocytes, ABO-compatible (ABO-C) and ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) human erythrocytes were exposed to human serum of different blood groups, respectively. The blood agglutination and antigen-antibody binding levels (IgG, IgM) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity were detected. The immunocompatibility of two types of genetically modified pig erythrocytes with human serum was evaluated. Results No significant blood agglutination was observed in the ABO-C group. The blood agglutination levels in the WT and ABO-I groups were higher than those in the TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups (all P<0.001). The level of erythrocyte lysis in the WT group was higher than those in the ABO-C, TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups. The level of erythrocyte lysis in the ABO-I group was higher than those in the TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups (both P<0.01). The pig erythrocyte binding level with IgM and IgG in the TKO/hCD55 group was lower than those in the WT and ABO-I groups. The pig erythrocyte binding level with IgG and IgM in the TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM group was lower than that in the WT group and pig erythrocyte binding level with IgG was lower than that in the ABO-I group (all P<0.05). Conclusions The immunocompatibility of genetically modified pig erythrocytes is better than that of wild-type pigs and close to that of ABO-C pigs. Humanized pig erythrocytes may be considered as a blood source when blood sources are extremely scarce.

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