1.Construction of a combined disease-syndrome animal model of dilated cardiomyopathy with heart failure toxin syndrome and study on potential biomarkers
Feng JIANG ; Jiayang TANG ; Xiangyi QIAN ; Hai PAN ; Aolong HE ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Jinling XIAO ; Wei WANG ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):613-624
Objective To construct an animal model of dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)with heart failure toxin syndrome that conforms to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome and identify potential biomarkers or intervention targets for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Methods Fifteen male SD rats were divided into a blank control,doxorubicin,or DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group using a random number table method,with five rats per group.The doxorubicin group received intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg,administered on the first and fourth days of each week,along with a standard diet.The DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group,in addition to the doxorubicin treatment,was given 42%white liquor(10 mL/kg)via gavage every other day,along with a 45%high-fat feed and 10%fructose water.The blank control group received intraperitoneal injection of an equivalent volume of phosphate-buffered saline at the same time points as the doxorubicin group,along with a standard diet.The model was established for 10 weeks.At the fourth and tenth weeks of modeling,echocardiography was performed to measure left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),fractional shortening(FS),systolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWs),diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness,systolic left ventricular internal diameter(LVIDs),and diastolic left ventricular internal diameter(LVIDd);macroscopic changes in fur color of the rats were assessed using the red-green-blue colorimetric method.After modeling,the open field test was conducted to evaluate the exercise tolerance of the rats,and the grip strength test was performed to assess changes in forelimb grip strength.Hematoxylin-eosin,Masson,and wheat germ agglutinin staining were used to evaluate pathological changes in cardiac tissue.Bulk RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in the hearts of rats between the blank control and the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome groups.Using DCM,the Blue value of rat fur color,and forelimb grip strength as phenotypic traits,weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)was performed to screen for characteristic module gene sets(MEs)associated with DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Overlapping analysis was performed on DEGs,immune-related gene sets,and MEs,and the intersecting genes were identified as potential biomarkers or intervention targets for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.The sensitivity and specificity of these targets were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results Compared with the blank control group,at the tenth week of modeling,the LVEF,FS,and LVPWs of rats in the doxorubicin group and the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group decreased,whereas LVIDs and LVIDd increased,and the movement distance of the open field test and forelimb grip strength were reduced(P<0.05).At the 10th week of modeling,the Blue value of fur color in the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group was significantly lower than that of the blank control and doxorubicin groups(P<0.05).Compared with the blank control group,rats in the doxorubicin and DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome groups exhibited significant cardiac dilation and increased immune cell infiltration in cardiac tissue,accompanied by collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Bulk RNA sequencing identified 2,003 DEGs,including 1,082 downregulated genes and 921 upregulated genes.WGCNA results revealed that the MEturquoise module had the strongest positive correlation with DCM and the strongest negative correlation with the Blue value and forelimb grip strength.The overlapping analysis identified four intersecting genes:bone morphogenetic protein 6(Bmp6),serine-threonine-protein kinase 1(Pak1),proto-oncogene JunD(JunD),and S100 calcium-binding protein A3(S100A3).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that these four genes exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Conclusion The rat model constructed by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin combined with a high-fat feed,fructose water,and white liquor gavage closely aligns with the characteristics of the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Bmp6,JunD,Pak1,and S100A3 are potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for DCM heart failure toxin syndrome.
2.Construction of a combined disease-syndrome animal model of dilated cardiomyopathy with heart failure toxin syndrome and study on potential biomarkers
Feng JIANG ; Jiayang TANG ; Xiangyi QIAN ; Hai PAN ; Aolong HE ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Jinling XIAO ; Wei WANG ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):613-624
Objective To construct an animal model of dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)with heart failure toxin syndrome that conforms to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome and identify potential biomarkers or intervention targets for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Methods Fifteen male SD rats were divided into a blank control,doxorubicin,or DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group using a random number table method,with five rats per group.The doxorubicin group received intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg,administered on the first and fourth days of each week,along with a standard diet.The DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group,in addition to the doxorubicin treatment,was given 42%white liquor(10 mL/kg)via gavage every other day,along with a 45%high-fat feed and 10%fructose water.The blank control group received intraperitoneal injection of an equivalent volume of phosphate-buffered saline at the same time points as the doxorubicin group,along with a standard diet.The model was established for 10 weeks.At the fourth and tenth weeks of modeling,echocardiography was performed to measure left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),fractional shortening(FS),systolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWs),diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness,systolic left ventricular internal diameter(LVIDs),and diastolic left ventricular internal diameter(LVIDd);macroscopic changes in fur color of the rats were assessed using the red-green-blue colorimetric method.After modeling,the open field test was conducted to evaluate the exercise tolerance of the rats,and the grip strength test was performed to assess changes in forelimb grip strength.Hematoxylin-eosin,Masson,and wheat germ agglutinin staining were used to evaluate pathological changes in cardiac tissue.Bulk RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in the hearts of rats between the blank control and the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome groups.Using DCM,the Blue value of rat fur color,and forelimb grip strength as phenotypic traits,weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)was performed to screen for characteristic module gene sets(MEs)associated with DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Overlapping analysis was performed on DEGs,immune-related gene sets,and MEs,and the intersecting genes were identified as potential biomarkers or intervention targets for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.The sensitivity and specificity of these targets were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results Compared with the blank control group,at the tenth week of modeling,the LVEF,FS,and LVPWs of rats in the doxorubicin group and the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group decreased,whereas LVIDs and LVIDd increased,and the movement distance of the open field test and forelimb grip strength were reduced(P<0.05).At the 10th week of modeling,the Blue value of fur color in the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group was significantly lower than that of the blank control and doxorubicin groups(P<0.05).Compared with the blank control group,rats in the doxorubicin and DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome groups exhibited significant cardiac dilation and increased immune cell infiltration in cardiac tissue,accompanied by collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Bulk RNA sequencing identified 2,003 DEGs,including 1,082 downregulated genes and 921 upregulated genes.WGCNA results revealed that the MEturquoise module had the strongest positive correlation with DCM and the strongest negative correlation with the Blue value and forelimb grip strength.The overlapping analysis identified four intersecting genes:bone morphogenetic protein 6(Bmp6),serine-threonine-protein kinase 1(Pak1),proto-oncogene JunD(JunD),and S100 calcium-binding protein A3(S100A3).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that these four genes exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Conclusion The rat model constructed by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin combined with a high-fat feed,fructose water,and white liquor gavage closely aligns with the characteristics of the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Bmp6,JunD,Pak1,and S100A3 are potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for DCM heart failure toxin syndrome.
3.Effects of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction in Regulating Mitochondrial Midzone and Peripheral Fission in Post-Infarction Myocardium
Xinyi LI ; Yunshu ZHANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Tianhui DU ; Yang LU ; Weibin XIE ; Shuqi HAN ; Shuwen GUO ; Fanghe LI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(12):1714-1723
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction(YQHX)on mitochon-drial midzone division and peripheral fission in myocardial tissue after myocardial infarction(MI).METHODS A total of 48 male SPF-grade C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into a sham-operated group(Sham,n=12)and a left anterior descending coronary ar-tery ligation MI model(n=36).After MI surgery,mice deemed to have successfully developed the model were randomly divided into a model group(MI,n=12),a YQHX group(n=12),and an empagliflozin group(EMPA,n=12)based on echocardiographic results.Four weeks after infarction,cardiac function and structural changes were comprehensively evaluated using echocardiography imaging,serum myocardial injury biomarkers,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)was employed to observe mitochondrial ultrastructural,morphological,and quantitative changes at the peri-infarct zone.Myocardial mitochondria and cytoplas-mic fractions were isolated from myocardial tissue using a mitochondrial extraction kit,and the spatial expression changes of mitochon-drial fission-related proteins in both mitochondria and cytoplasm of the peri-infarct myocardium were analyzed by Western blot.These proteins included dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1),its phosphorylated form at serine 616(P-Drp1-Ser616),mitochondrial fission fac-tor(MFF),and mitochondrial fission protein 1(Fis1).RESULTS Compared with the MI group,mice in the YQHX group exhibited sig-nificantly increased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS)(P<0.000 1),as well as decreased left ventricular internal dimension-diastole(LVIDd)and left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVIDs)(P<0.05,P<0.01),suggesting improved cardiac function.Additionally,serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)were significantly reduced in the YQHX group(P<0.05,P<0.001),indicating cardio-protective effects of YQHX against ischemic in-jury.HE staining showed that YQHX improved cellular morphology,suggesting structural improvement.TEM showed that YQHX sig-nificantly improved mitochondrial swelling and reduced mitochondrial fragmentation in the marginal zone of myocardial infarction,thereby preserving mitochondrial ultrastructure.Furthermore,Western blot showed that YQHX treatment significantly downregulated P-Drp1-Ser616 expression(P<0.05)in the cytoplasm.Interestingly,YQHX treatment significantly downregulated mitochondrial Fis1 expression(P<0.05),thereby inhibiting peripheral mitochondrial fission.Meanwhile,YQHX treatment significantly increased MFF ex-pression in mitochondria(P<0.01),which may promote mitochondrial midzone fission.CONCLUSION YQHX improves cardiac structure and function after MI,potentially by promoting myocardial mitochondrial midzone fission and inhibiting mitochondrial periph-eral fission in ischemic cardiomyocytes.
4.Effects of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction in Regulating Mitochondrial Midzone and Peripheral Fission in Post-Infarction Myocardium
Xinyi LI ; Yunshu ZHANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Tianhui DU ; Yang LU ; Weibin XIE ; Shuqi HAN ; Shuwen GUO ; Fanghe LI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(12):1714-1723
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction(YQHX)on mitochon-drial midzone division and peripheral fission in myocardial tissue after myocardial infarction(MI).METHODS A total of 48 male SPF-grade C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into a sham-operated group(Sham,n=12)and a left anterior descending coronary ar-tery ligation MI model(n=36).After MI surgery,mice deemed to have successfully developed the model were randomly divided into a model group(MI,n=12),a YQHX group(n=12),and an empagliflozin group(EMPA,n=12)based on echocardiographic results.Four weeks after infarction,cardiac function and structural changes were comprehensively evaluated using echocardiography imaging,serum myocardial injury biomarkers,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)was employed to observe mitochondrial ultrastructural,morphological,and quantitative changes at the peri-infarct zone.Myocardial mitochondria and cytoplas-mic fractions were isolated from myocardial tissue using a mitochondrial extraction kit,and the spatial expression changes of mitochon-drial fission-related proteins in both mitochondria and cytoplasm of the peri-infarct myocardium were analyzed by Western blot.These proteins included dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1),its phosphorylated form at serine 616(P-Drp1-Ser616),mitochondrial fission fac-tor(MFF),and mitochondrial fission protein 1(Fis1).RESULTS Compared with the MI group,mice in the YQHX group exhibited sig-nificantly increased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS)(P<0.000 1),as well as decreased left ventricular internal dimension-diastole(LVIDd)and left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVIDs)(P<0.05,P<0.01),suggesting improved cardiac function.Additionally,serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)were significantly reduced in the YQHX group(P<0.05,P<0.001),indicating cardio-protective effects of YQHX against ischemic in-jury.HE staining showed that YQHX improved cellular morphology,suggesting structural improvement.TEM showed that YQHX sig-nificantly improved mitochondrial swelling and reduced mitochondrial fragmentation in the marginal zone of myocardial infarction,thereby preserving mitochondrial ultrastructure.Furthermore,Western blot showed that YQHX treatment significantly downregulated P-Drp1-Ser616 expression(P<0.05)in the cytoplasm.Interestingly,YQHX treatment significantly downregulated mitochondrial Fis1 expression(P<0.05),thereby inhibiting peripheral mitochondrial fission.Meanwhile,YQHX treatment significantly increased MFF ex-pression in mitochondria(P<0.01),which may promote mitochondrial midzone fission.CONCLUSION YQHX improves cardiac structure and function after MI,potentially by promoting myocardial mitochondrial midzone fission and inhibiting mitochondrial periph-eral fission in ischemic cardiomyocytes.
5.The mechanism of Laggerae Herba in improving chronic heart failure by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Jinling XIAO ; Kai HUANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jing HAN ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Fanghe LI ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):343-353
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice.
Methods:
Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue.
Results:
Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group.
Conclusion
Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.
6.Establishment and evaluation of an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction integrating disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis
Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Feng JIANG ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jinling XIAO ; Fanghe LI ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Wei WANG ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):501-515
Objective:
This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively.
Methods:
The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model.
Results:
Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group.
Conclusion
This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.
7.Effects of donor T cell stat3 deficiency on acute intestinal graft-versus-host disease in mice
Yuxi XU ; Xiaoqi WANG ; Shijie YANG ; Qingxiao SONG ; Jin WEI ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(4):302-313
Objective:To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Stat3 knockout in donor T cells on acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GI-aGVHD) .Methods:BALB/c mice were exposed to lethal irradiation and transplanted with bone marrow and spleen cells from BALB/c mice (syngeneic control group), C57BL/6 mice (wild-type T cell group, WT group), or C57BL/6J-Stat3 em1cyagen mice (Stat3 gene knockout T cell group, Stat3-KO group) via tail vein injection to establish the aGVHD model. The survival rate, body weight changes, and clinical scores of mice were monitored. Cytometric bead array (CBA) was used to detect the concentrations of serum cytokines. Lymphocytes were isolated from tissues for flow cytometric analysis. H&E staining was performed to observe intestinal pathological changes. FITC-dextran assay was conducted to assess intestinal permeability. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of Ki67 and Muc2. Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to analyze the gene expression levels of Olfm4, Lysozyme, and Muc2 in the small intestine. Metabolomics was conducted to detect metabolites in serum and intestinal tissues. An in vitro GI-aGVHD organoid model was established by coculturing intestinal organoids with allogeneic T cells, where the number and area of small intestinal organoids were recorded. The GVL effect was assessed using luciferase-transfected ALL cells (ALL/Luc) and bioluminescent imaging. Results:Compared with the WT group, Stat3 knockout T cells alleviated body weight loss, reduced symptoms—such as hunchback and diarrhea—in mice, improved survival rate ( P<0.05), and reduced serum interleukin (IL) -2, IL-6, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-17A, and IL-10 levels (all P<0.05), intestinal inflammatory cell infiltration ( P<0.05), and intestinal mucosal permeability. Further, Muc2 and Ki67 expression levels in the small intestine of the Stat3 knockout group were markedly increased, and Olfm4, Lysozyme, and Muc2 gene expression levels were significantly increased (all P<0.05). In vitro, the Stat3 knockout group demonstrated better organoid development than the WT group. Metabolomic analyses indicated that Stat3 knockout in T cells may affect the pathways associated with bile acid secretion and unsaturated fatty acids. ALL/Luc cells in the GVL mouse model proliferated rapidly in the TCD-BM group; however, 80% of the mice in the Stat3-KO group survived tumor-free for >100 days ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Knocking out Stat3 in graft T cells reduces T cell damage to intestinal stem cells, thereby ultimately alleviating GI-aGVHD while maintaining a stable GVL effect.
8.Effects of donor T cell stat3 deficiency on acute intestinal graft-versus-host disease in mice
Yuxi XU ; Xiaoqi WANG ; Shijie YANG ; Qingxiao SONG ; Jin WEI ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(4):302-313
Objective:To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Stat3 knockout in donor T cells on acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GI-aGVHD) .Methods:BALB/c mice were exposed to lethal irradiation and transplanted with bone marrow and spleen cells from BALB/c mice (syngeneic control group), C57BL/6 mice (wild-type T cell group, WT group), or C57BL/6J-Stat3 em1cyagen mice (Stat3 gene knockout T cell group, Stat3-KO group) via tail vein injection to establish the aGVHD model. The survival rate, body weight changes, and clinical scores of mice were monitored. Cytometric bead array (CBA) was used to detect the concentrations of serum cytokines. Lymphocytes were isolated from tissues for flow cytometric analysis. H&E staining was performed to observe intestinal pathological changes. FITC-dextran assay was conducted to assess intestinal permeability. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of Ki67 and Muc2. Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to analyze the gene expression levels of Olfm4, Lysozyme, and Muc2 in the small intestine. Metabolomics was conducted to detect metabolites in serum and intestinal tissues. An in vitro GI-aGVHD organoid model was established by coculturing intestinal organoids with allogeneic T cells, where the number and area of small intestinal organoids were recorded. The GVL effect was assessed using luciferase-transfected ALL cells (ALL/Luc) and bioluminescent imaging. Results:Compared with the WT group, Stat3 knockout T cells alleviated body weight loss, reduced symptoms—such as hunchback and diarrhea—in mice, improved survival rate ( P<0.05), and reduced serum interleukin (IL) -2, IL-6, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-17A, and IL-10 levels (all P<0.05), intestinal inflammatory cell infiltration ( P<0.05), and intestinal mucosal permeability. Further, Muc2 and Ki67 expression levels in the small intestine of the Stat3 knockout group were markedly increased, and Olfm4, Lysozyme, and Muc2 gene expression levels were significantly increased (all P<0.05). In vitro, the Stat3 knockout group demonstrated better organoid development than the WT group. Metabolomic analyses indicated that Stat3 knockout in T cells may affect the pathways associated with bile acid secretion and unsaturated fatty acids. ALL/Luc cells in the GVL mouse model proliferated rapidly in the TCD-BM group; however, 80% of the mice in the Stat3-KO group survived tumor-free for >100 days ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Knocking out Stat3 in graft T cells reduces T cell damage to intestinal stem cells, thereby ultimately alleviating GI-aGVHD while maintaining a stable GVL effect.
9.Implementation status of intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology in localizing peripherally inserted central catheter tip position in 199 hospitals
Jing SHI ; Lei WANG ; Xiaoqi WU ; Wei GAO ; Hong SUN ; Yuan SHENG ; Yan WU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(4):494-499
Objective:To investigate the implementation status of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology in the hospitals, so as to provide reference for promoting the development of intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. Using the convenient sampling method, members of Intravenous Infusion Committee of Chinese Nursing Association selected PICC/ intravenous therapy leaders meeting the inclusion criteria from 5 to 10 hospitals in their work area as the research objects from December 2022 to January 2023. The self-made PICC Tip Intracardiac Electrocardiogram Positioning Technology Implementation Status Questionnaire was used to investigate the PICC/intravenous therapy leaders. A total of 205 questionnaires were distributed in 28 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities directly under the Central Government, and 199 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 97.1%. Results:Among 199 hospitals, 63.3% (126/199) of them successfully implemented PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology. Among the 126 hospitals that implemented PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, only 20 hospitals included it in their charging items. A total of 50.3% (100/199) of hospitals established a unified intracardiac electrocardiogram guided PICC catheterization procedure; 47.7% (95/199) of hospitals organized/participated in training programs on PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, and 57.3% (114/199) of hospital PICC/intravenous therapy leaders participated in training programs related to PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology. In terms of the relevant achievements of 199 research hospitals, 56 papers, seven utility model patents and 28 awards were issued.Conclusions:The application, training and achievement output of PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology need to be further improved. It is suggested to sink high-quality resources, formulate implementation procedures and evaluation standards, standardize nursing service project management, increase training efforts, and improve scientific research thinking of intravenous therapy nurses, so as to promote the standardization development of new technologies.
10.Training needs of subcutaneous tunnel technique for peripherally inserted central catheter specialist nurses in Shandong Province
Jing SHI ; Cui LIU ; Xiaoqi WU ; Wei GAO ; Yuan SHENG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(17):2252-2256
Objective:To explore the training needs of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) specialist nurses in Shandong Province for subcutaneous tunnel technique, so as to provide reference for conducting systematic and standardized training.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. From October to December 2022, convenience sampling was used to select 922 PICC specialist nurses in Shandong Province as the research subject. A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate the training needs of PICC specialist nurses for subcutaneous tunnel technique.Results:A total of 922 questionnaires were distributed, and 922 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 100.00%. 22.78% (210/922) of PICC specialist nurses used subcutaneous tunnel technique. In terms of training willingness, 92.08% (849/922) of PICC specialist nurses had a training need for subcutaneous tunnel technique. In terms of training content needs, the total score of PICC specialist nurses for subcutaneous tunnel technique training content needs was (62.26±11.06), and the average score for each item was >4.15, and the highest scoring item was the sharing of special cases in tunnel PICC (4.60±0.77), and the lowest scoring item was PICC maintenance knowledge (4.15±1.15) .Conclusions:The application rate of subcutaneous tunnel technique is low, and PICC specialist nurses have a high training need. Managers should increase training efforts for this technique, improve training content, innovate training models, develop targeted training programs, so as to promote the application and promotion of this technique.


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