1.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
2.Effects of salvianolic acid B on anti-oxidative stress of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Yu-Ling LUAN ; Ling-Xiao ZHANG ; Xin-Yue DING ; Zong-Jun LIU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(10):1434-1437
Objective To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B on the antioxidant stress capacity of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(HUCMSCs)and to improve the clinical application efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells.Methods The 5th generation HUMSCs were used for the experiment and divided into control group,model group,and experimental-L,-M,-H groups.The control group was cultured normally;the model group was treated with 800 μmol·L-1 hydrogen peroxide(H2 O2)for 2 h;and the experimental-L,-M,-H groups were pretreated with 2,10,20 μg·mL-1salvianolic acid B for 24 h before adding 800 μmol·L-1 H2 O2 for 2 h.The levels of glutathione(GSH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the cell supernatant of each group were detected using test kits;real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes Caspase 1,and B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2).Results After treatment with 800 μmol·L-1H2 O2 for 2 h,the levels of MDA in the cell supernatants of the control group,model group,and experimental-H group were(3.27±0.41),(6.50±0.21)and(4.79±0.40)nmol·mL-1,respectively;the GSH levels were(35.43±0.72),(20.13±0.58)and(32.30±3.87)μmoL·L-1;the SOD levels were(5.34±0.18),(3.34±0.20)and(5.09±0.15)U·mL-1;the expression of Caspase 1 mRNA were 1.02±0.21,2.78±0.26 and 2.37±0.32;the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA were 1.01±0.12,0.43±0.03 and 0.60±0.17.Compared with the control group,the above indexes in the model group were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-H group were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Salvianolic acid B can reduce apoptosis caused by oxidative stress and enhance the antioxidant stress capacity of HUCMSCs.
3.Protective effect and mechanism of Icariin on oxidative stress injury in neurons
Yu-Meng DU ; Si-Min YANG ; Xiao-Tong QIN ; Yan LI ; Rui-Jun JU ; Xiao-Ming PENG ; Xiao-Qiang YAN ; Jie GUAN ; Ling-Yue MA
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(13):1869-1873
Objective To explore the protective mechanism of icariin on neuronal oxidative damage,providing a basic pharmacological basis for the treatment of cognitive impairment.Methods Glutamate was used to induce oxidative stress injury in HT22 cells.HT22 cells were divided into control group(normal cultured cells),model group(glutamate injury model)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(5,10 and 20 μmol·L-1 icariin pretreatment for modeling,respectively).Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method;cytotoxicity was detected by lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)method;reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were detected by flow cytometry;superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels were detected by biochemical kits;the expression levels of Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein-1(Keap1),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)were detected by Western blotting;the corresponding mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantification polymerose chain reaction.Results The cell viability of control group,model group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were(100.00±1.31)%,(66.38±2.44)%,(72.07±4.95)%,(82.41±3.57)%and(87.97±4.98)%;LDH release were(0.48±0.52)%,(18.82±2.09)%,(15.32±1.17)%,(10.37±1.39)%and(6.51±0.87)%;ROS level were(14.23±1.13)%,(41.74±1.60)%,(35.69±1.08)%,(33.28±1.69)%and(30.32±2.03)%;SOD levels were(54.84±1.17),(37.95±1.13),(48.02±1.28),(50.56±1.34)and(52.55±1.04)U·mg-1;Keap1 protein levels were 0.36±0.01,0.52±0.03,0.46±0.04,0.39±0.09 and 0.35±0.12;Nrf2 protein levels were 0.29±0.02,0.13±0.08,0.18±0.03,0.21±0.11 and 0.26±0.04;catalase(CAT)mRNA levels were 1.01±0.08,0.81±0.06,0.90±0.04,1.05±0.15 and 1.33±0.26;SOD mRNA levels were 1.09±0.12,0.83±0.03,0.86±0.08,0.94±0.08 and 1.09±0.16.Among the above indicators,the differences between the model group and the control group were statistically significant(all P<0.01);the differences between the experimental-M,-H groups and the model group were statistically significant(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Icariin may activate the Keap1/Nrf2/antioxidant response element(ARE)signaling pathway,regulate the expression of related proteins,and reduce the level of ROS to effectively alleviate oxidative stress injury in neuronal cells.
4.The Implementation, Clinical Progress and Technical Challenges of Implantable Brain-Computer Interface Systems
Wen-Can QIU ; Liang MA ; Hao-Yue GUO ; Jun-Jie YANG ; Xiao-Jian LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(10):2478-2497
The breakthrough progress of implantable brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) technology in the field of clinical trials has attracted widespread attention from both academia and industry. The development and advancement of this technology have provided new solutions for the rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders. However, challenges from many aspects make it difficult for iBCIs to further implement and transform technologies. This paper illustrates the key challenges restricting the large-scale development of iBCIs from the perspective of system implementation, then discusses the latest clinical application progress in depth, aiming to provide new ideas for researchers. For the system implementation part, we have elaborated the front-end signal collector, signal processing and decoder, then the effector. The most important part of the front-end module is the neural electrode, which can be divided into two types: piercing and attached. These two types of electrodes are newly classified and described. In the signal processing and decoder section, we have discussed the experimental paradigm together with signal processing and decoder for the first time and believed that the experimental paradigm acts as a learning benchmark for decoders that play a pivotal role in iBCIs systems. In addition, the characteristics and roles of the effectors commonly used in iBCIs systems, including cursors and robotic arms, are analyzed in detail. In the clinical progress section, we have divided the latest clinical progress into two categories: functional rehabilitation and functional replacement from the perspective of the application scenarios of iBCIs. Functional rehabilitation and functional replacement are two different types of application, though the boundary between the two is not absolute. To this end, we have first introduced the corresponding clinical trial progress from the three levels: application field, research team, and clinical timeline, and then conducted an in-depth discussion and analysis of their functional boundaries, in order to provide guidance for future research. Finally, this paper mentions that the key technical challenges in the development of iBCIs technology come from multiple aspects. First of all, from the signal acquisition level, high-throughput and highly bio-compatible neural interface designing is essential to ensure long-term stable signal acquisition. The electrode surface modification method and electrode packaging were discussed. Secondly, in terms of decoding performance, real-time, accurate, and robust algorithms have a decisive impact on improving the reliability of iBCIs systems. The third key technology is from the perspective of practicality, we believe that the signal transmission mode of wireless communication is the trend of the future, but it still needs to overcome challenges such as data transmission rate and battery life. Finally, we believe that issues such as ethics, privacy, and security need to be addressed through legal, policy, and technological innovation. In summary, the development of iBCIs technology requires not only the unremitting efforts of scientific researchers, but also the participation and support of policymakers, medical professionals, technology developers, and all sectors of society. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, iBCIs technology will achieve wider clinical applications in the future and make important contributions to improving the quality of life of patients.
5.Advances in crystal nucleation for amorphous drugs
Jie ZHANG ; Kang LI ; Zi-qing YANG ; Zi-han DING ; Sai-jun XIAO ; Zhi-ming YUE ; Li-mei CAI ; Jia-wen LI ; Ding KUANG ; Min-zhuo LIU ; Zhi-hong ZENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):1962-1969
Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is one of the most effective formulation approaches to enhance the water solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, maintenance of physical stability of amorphous drug is one of the main challenges in the development of ASD. Crystallization is a process of nucleation and crystal growth. The nucleation is the key factor that influences the physical stability of the ASD. However, a theoretical framework to describe the way to inhibit the nucleation of amorphous drug is not yet available. We reviewed the methods and theories of nucleation for amorphous drug. Meanwhile, we also summarized the research progress on the mechanism of additives influence on nucleation and environmental factors on nucleation. This review aims to enhance the better understanding mechanism of nucleation of amorphous drug and controlling over the crystal nucleation during the ASD formulation development.
6.Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Promotes PGC-1α Mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Antioxidant Stress to Protect Cognitive Function in Vascular Dementia Rats
Ji-Liang KANG ; Ke HU ; Jun-Yue LU ; Zi-Wei HU ; Biao-Ping XU ; Xiao-Mao LI ; Jun-Jie ZHOU ; Yu JIN ; Min TANG ; Rong XU ; You-Liang WEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):1191-1202
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.
7.Characterization and correlation analysis of lung flora in rats with silica-induced acute lung injury
Chang LIU ; Jun LU ; Rong XIAO ; Yingqiu LI ; Jue HU ; Yue TIAN ; Jiaxiang ZHANG ; Fangguo LU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(1):81-88
AIM:To elucidate the possible biological mechanism of silica-induced acute lung injury in rats.METHODS:Sixteen Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and acute silicosis model groups,and instilled intratracheally with 1 mL of normal saline and 50 g/L silica suspension,respectively.After 7 d,the rats were sacrificed for collection of lung tissue and serum.The serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured by using ELISA.The protein expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)and gasdermin D(GSDMD)were measured by immunohistochemistry.Bacterial DNA was ex-tracted from the lung tissue for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to characterize changes in the composition of lung flo-ra.The differences in the structure of bacterial flora between control and model groups were analyzed by bioinformatic analy-ses.RESULTS:Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the protein expression levels of NLRP3 and GSDMD were higher in the lungs of the rats in model group.In addition,serum cytokine profiling showed that IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in model group.The most abundant bacterial genera in the lung flora of the rats in model group were Bifidobacterium,Clostridium sensu stricto 1,and Parasutterella.The NLRP3 and GSDMD levels in the lung tissue and IL-1β and TNF-α levels in serum were positively correlated with the abundance of Parasutterella.CONCLU-SION:The alterations in lung flora structure and increased inflammation levels may be the actual biological mechanisms underlying silica-induced acute lung injury.The modulation of lung flora may provide a basis for the prevention and treat-ment of silica-induced acute lung injury.
8.Healthcare-associated infection and pathogen spectrum in neonatal inten-sive care unit:a 5-year single-center study
Yan-Min LI ; Rui-Min ZHANG ; Li-Li PING ; Li-Na ZHAI ; Xiao-Li ZHANG ; Jun-Yue HAN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(2):195-200
Objective To understand the spectrum and changes of pathogens causing healthcare-associated infec-tion(HAI)in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).Methods Clinical medical records of neonates with HAI in a hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected,spectrum of pathogens causing HAI were and analyzed retrospectively.Results A total of 7 597 hospitalized neonates were investigated,and 240 of whom had 263 cases of HAI,with an HAI incidence of 3.16%and healthcare-associated case infection incidence of 3.46%.96 cases(36.50%)were bloodstream infection,70(26.62%)were respiratory system infection,and 57(21.67%)were in-fection without clear sites.A total of 170 pathogens were detected from specimens,78(45.88%)of which were Gram-positive bacteria,with Staphylococcus spp.accounting for the highest proportion,78(45.88%)were Gram-negative bacteria,mainly Klebsiella pneumoniae,and 14(8.24%)were fungi.The detection rate of Gram-negative bacteria showed an upward trend from 2018 to 2022(P<0.01).Conclusion The majority of HAI in NICU is bloodstream infection.In recent years,the detection rate of Gram-negative bacteria has been increasing year by year,and it is necessary to streng-then the prevention and control of HAI in clinical practice.
9.Effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation on stroke patients with lateropulsion
Xiang GONG ; Menghuan WANG ; Cunshu WU ; Junwen CHEN ; Yue XIAO ; Yun YANG ; Wanting SUN ; Jun LU ; Guangxu XU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(2):210-216
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation on stroke patients with lateropulsion. MethodsFrom February to October, 2023, 30 stroke patients with lateropulsion in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were divided into control group (n = 15) and experimental group (n = 15) randomly. The control group received routine rehabilitation and sham galvanic vestibular stimulation, and the experimental group received routine rehabilitation and true galvanic vestibular stimulation, for two weeks. They were assessed with Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP), subjective visual vertical (SVV), Line Cancellation Test (LCT), Star Cancellation Test (SCT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Holden Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) and Barthel Index (BI) before and after treatment. ResultsAll the indexes improved in both groups after intervention (|t| > 2.461, Z > 3.000, P < 0.05), except the SVV orientation, SVV certainty and SCT in the control group; while the SCP, SVV certainty, LCT and FAC were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.189, Z = -2.862, P < 0.05), and the differences before and after intervention were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.382, P < 0.05), except LCT. SCP was correlated with SVV orientation, SVV certainty, SCT, BBS, BI and FAC (|r| > 0.381, P < 0.05). ConclusionGalvanic vestibular stimulation can improve the lateropulsion, balance, walking function and activities of daily living in stroke patients, which may be related to improvement for spatial cognitive function, especially vertical perception.
10.Exploration of the Acupoint Selection Rules of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Obesity Complicated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on R language
Chen-Yang WANG ; Xiao-Xue YANG ; Shu-Fang CHU ; Jun-Yang GAO ; Qing-Lin LI ; Yue SHEN ; Jin-Yuan FANG ; Xiao-Wan XIONG ; Min PI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(9):2381-2389
Objective To investigate the acupoint selection rules of obesity complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)through R language data mining technology.Methods CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,CBM,PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,web of science and other major databases were searched by computer.From the establishment of the database to January 2024,the clinical research literature on acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of obesity with T2DM was included.Microsoft Excel 2021 was used to establish a database of acupoint prescriptions.R 4.3.2 and Rstudio software were used to analyze the frequency,meridian tropism,specific acupoints,correlation analysis,association rules and cluster analysis of acupoints.Results A total of 81 articles were included,and 117 prescriptions were extracted.It involves 82 acupoints,and the total frequency of acupoint usage is 1 072 times.The top five acupoints with the highest frequency were Zusanli(ST36),Zhongwan(RN12),Weiwanxiashu(EX-B3),Pishu(BL20),Tianshu(ST25).The meridian selection is mainly based on the stomach meridian of foot yangming,ren meridian,foot taiyang bladder meridian and foot taiyin spleen meridian.The five-shu points are the specific points with the highest frequency of use.Correlation analysis showed that there were three groups of strongly related acupoint groups.The core acupoints were obtained by association rule analysis.Cluster analysis and machine voting were performed on acupoints with frequency ≥ 10 by function,and a total of four cluster acupoint groups were obtained.Conclusion Through R language data analysis,the principle of acupoint selection for acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of obesity complicated with T2DM is mainly based on abdominal local acupoints,combined with visceral syndrome differentiation and empirical point selection,which provides effective treatment ideas for acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of obesity complicated with T2DM.

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