1.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
2.Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Enhancing Neurological Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury via GPX4-ACSL4 Axis
Luchun XU ; Guozheng JIANG ; Yukun MA ; Jiawei SONG ; Yushan GAO ; Guanlong WANG ; Jiaojiao FAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Xing YU ; Xiangsheng TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):20-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, model group, low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (12.5 g·kg-1), high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (25 g·kg-1), and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group (25 g·kg-1 + 5 g·kg-1 RSL3). The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Nissl, and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein (MBP), GPX4, and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores (P<0.01), severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue, and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition, the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells (P<0.01), reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 (P<0.01), lower levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01). Moreover, compared to the sham operation group, the model group had elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01), along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage, reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased neuronal survival, and more intact myelin structures. Additionally, mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01) and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01) and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis, reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress, and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.
3.Application and Production of Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Preclinical Studies in the Field of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wenya WANG ; Chengyang JING ; Lanjun SHI ; Bin MA ; Xing LIAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1333-1339
Preclinical studies include pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics research of animal experiments and in vitro experiments, which are crucial steps in the pre-marketing drugs and medical products, and are essential for exploring the mechanisms of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapeutic mechanism and promoting clinical translation. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of preclinical studies in the field of TCM can comprehensively integrate preclinical evidence, consolidate research findings, assess the quality and risk of bias of included studies, enhance the utilization of research results, reduce resource waste, and promote the iterative optimization of TCM research models and evaluation indicators. This article introduced the process and methodology of conducting systematic review and meta-analyses of preclinical studies in TCM from nine steps, defining the research question, forming a research team, writing and registering a study protocol, conducting a comprehensive search, screening literature, evaluating included studies, extracting data, synthesizing data (meta-analysis), and reporting systematic reviews. It aims to provide methodological references for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of preclinical studies in TCM and to promote the establishment and improvement of the evidence system in the field of TCM.
4.Construction of quality control evaluation indicators for common diseases surveillance among students
CUI Mengjie, MENG La, MA Qi, XING Yi
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):894-898
Objective:
To construct a quality control evaluation indicator system for the surveillance of common diseases among students, so as to provide a reference for the quality control of surveillance projects.
Methods:
Based on literature review and expert interviews, a preliminary framework and candidate indicators were developed from June to August in 2024. Twenty domain experts participated in two rounds of Delphi consultations conducted via email, providing importance ratings, judgment basis, familiarity levels, and feasibility assessments for each indicator. And a quality control evaluation indicator system for the surveillance of common diseases among students was ultimately constructed.
Results:
The consulted experts aged 33-53, with an average age of (45.25±5.03) years, were from government health administration departments( n =1), centers for disease control and prevention at different levels( n =16), academic and research institutions( n =3). Their work experience in school health related fields ranged from 6 to 33 years, with an average of (16.70±8.25) years. The activeness of experts in both rounds of consultation was 100%, the mean expert authority coefficient was 0.90, and the mean feasibility evaluation was 0.75. Kendall s W test showed that the expert coordination coefficient for the first round was 0.26, and for the second round, it was 0.33 ( P <0.01). After two rounds of expert consultation, a set of quality control evaluation indicators for the surveillance of common diseases among students was ultimately constructed, including 6 first level indicators, 19 second level indicators, and 37 third level indicators.
Conclusion
The scientifically developed evaluation indicator system facilitates high quality implementation of student common disease surveillance programs.
5.Recommendations for Standardized Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments
Qingyong ZHENG ; Donghua YANG ; Zhichao MA ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Yang LU ; Jingyu WANG ; Lina XING ; Yingying KANG ; Li DU ; Chunxiang ZHAO ; Baoshan DI ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):496-507
Animal experiments are an essential component of life sciences and medical research. However, the external validity and reliability of individual animal studies are frequently challenged by inherent limitations such as small sample sizes, high design heterogeneity, and poor reproducibility, which impede the effective translation of research findings into clinical practice. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis represent a key methodology for integrating existing evidence and enhancing the robustness of conclusions. Currently, however, the application of systematic reviews and meta-analysis in the field of animal experiments lacks standardized guidelines for their conduct and reporting, resulting in inconsistent quality and, to some extent, diminishing their evidence value. To address this issue, this paper aims to systematically delineate the reporting process for systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and to propose a set of standardized recommendations that are both scientific and practical. The article's scope encompasses the entire process, from the preliminary preparatory phase [including formulating the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) question, assessing feasibility, and protocol pre-registration] to the key writing points for each section of the main report. In the core methods section, the paper elaborates on how to implement literature searches, establish eligibility criteria, perform data extraction, and assess the risk of bias, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement, in conjunction with relevant guidelines and tools such as Animal Research: Reporting of in Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) and a risk of bias assessment tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). For the presentation of results, strategies are proposed for clear and transparent display using flow diagrams and tables of characteristics. The discussion section places particular emphasis on how to scientifically interpret pooled effects, thoroughly analyze sources of heterogeneity, evaluate the impact of publication bias, and cautiously discuss the validity and limitations of extrapolating findings from animal studies to clinical settings. Furthermore, this paper recommends adopting the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to comprehensively grade the quality of evidence. Through a modular analysis of the entire reporting process, this paper aims to provide researchers in the field with a clear and practical guide, thereby promoting the standardized development of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and enhancing their application value in scientific decision-making and translational medicine.
7.Integrated Transcriptomic Landscape and Deep Learning Based Survival Prediction in Uterine Sarcomas
Yaolin SONG ; Guangqi LI ; Zhenqi ZHANG ; Yinbo LIU ; Huiqing JIA ; Chao ZHANG ; Jigang WANG ; Yanjiao HU ; Fengyun HAO ; Xianglan LIU ; Yunxia XIE ; Ding MA ; Ganghua LI ; Zaixian TAI ; Xiaoming XING
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):250-266
Purpose:
The genomic characteristics of uterine sarcomas have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the genomic landscape of the uterine sarcomas (USs).
Materials and Methods:
Comprehensive genomic analysis through RNA-sequencing was conducted. Gene fusion, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), signaling pathway enrichment, immune cell infiltration, and prognosis were analyzed. A deep learning model was constructed to predict the survival of US patients.
Results:
A total of 71 US samples were examined, including 47 endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS), 18 uterine leiomyosarcomas (uLMS), three adenosarcomas, two carcinosarcomas, and one uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex-cord tumor. ESS (including high-grade ESS [HGESS] and low-grade ESS [LGESS]) and uLMS showed distinct gene fusion signatures; a novel gene fusion site, MRPS18A–PDC-AS1 could be a potential diagnostic marker for the pathology differential diagnosis of uLMS and ESS; 797 and 477 uterine sarcoma DEGs (uDEGs) were identified in the ESS vs. uLMS and HGESS vs. LGESS groups, respectively. The uDEGs were enriched in multiple pathways. Fifteen genes including LAMB4 were confirmed with prognostic value in USs; immune infiltration analysis revealed the prognositic value of myeloid dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophage M1, monocytes and hematopoietic stem cells in USs; the deep learning model named Max-Mean Non-Local multi-instance learning (MMN-MIL) showed satisfactory performance in predicting the survival of US patients, with the area under the receiver operating curve curve reached 0.909 and accuracy achieved 0.804.
Conclusion
USs harbored distinct gene fusion characteristics and gene expression features between HGESS, LGESS, and uLMS. The MMN-MIL model could effectively predict the survival of US patients.
8.Integrated Transcriptomic Landscape and Deep Learning Based Survival Prediction in Uterine Sarcomas
Yaolin SONG ; Guangqi LI ; Zhenqi ZHANG ; Yinbo LIU ; Huiqing JIA ; Chao ZHANG ; Jigang WANG ; Yanjiao HU ; Fengyun HAO ; Xianglan LIU ; Yunxia XIE ; Ding MA ; Ganghua LI ; Zaixian TAI ; Xiaoming XING
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):250-266
Purpose:
The genomic characteristics of uterine sarcomas have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the genomic landscape of the uterine sarcomas (USs).
Materials and Methods:
Comprehensive genomic analysis through RNA-sequencing was conducted. Gene fusion, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), signaling pathway enrichment, immune cell infiltration, and prognosis were analyzed. A deep learning model was constructed to predict the survival of US patients.
Results:
A total of 71 US samples were examined, including 47 endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS), 18 uterine leiomyosarcomas (uLMS), three adenosarcomas, two carcinosarcomas, and one uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex-cord tumor. ESS (including high-grade ESS [HGESS] and low-grade ESS [LGESS]) and uLMS showed distinct gene fusion signatures; a novel gene fusion site, MRPS18A–PDC-AS1 could be a potential diagnostic marker for the pathology differential diagnosis of uLMS and ESS; 797 and 477 uterine sarcoma DEGs (uDEGs) were identified in the ESS vs. uLMS and HGESS vs. LGESS groups, respectively. The uDEGs were enriched in multiple pathways. Fifteen genes including LAMB4 were confirmed with prognostic value in USs; immune infiltration analysis revealed the prognositic value of myeloid dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophage M1, monocytes and hematopoietic stem cells in USs; the deep learning model named Max-Mean Non-Local multi-instance learning (MMN-MIL) showed satisfactory performance in predicting the survival of US patients, with the area under the receiver operating curve curve reached 0.909 and accuracy achieved 0.804.
Conclusion
USs harbored distinct gene fusion characteristics and gene expression features between HGESS, LGESS, and uLMS. The MMN-MIL model could effectively predict the survival of US patients.
9.Effect of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills on Mitochondrial Biogenesis of Hippocampal Neurons in Rats with Vascular Cognitive Impairment Based on AMPK/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway
Luyao MA ; Yanjie LI ; Haoyuan LIU ; Yanjie BAI ; Ruoxing XING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):125-134
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis in hippocampal tissue of rats with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and to investigate the potential mechanism of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills in improving cognitive impairment in rats with VCI. MethodsTwelve of 72 male SD rats were selected as the sham operation group, and the remaining rats were modelled using the modified 2VO method. The rats that were successfully modelled were divided into the model group, the high-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills (27.6 g·kg-1), the low-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills (13.8 g·kg-1), the combination group (27.6 g·kg-1 Tongmai Kaiqiao pills + 25 mg·kg-1 dorsomorphin), and the donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 g·kg-1) according to the random number table method. After four weeks of continuous intraperitoneal injection of the corresponding drugs, the Morris water maze test was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to detect pathological changes in the hippocampus of the rats. The content of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the brain hippocampus was detected by colorimetry, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected in rat mitochondria by MitoSOX Red assay. Mitochondrial DNA copy number was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Pathological changes in mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and AMPK, PGC-1α, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) protein expression in the hippocampus of the rats were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the sham operation group, rats in the model group had a reduced number of platform crossings (P<0.01), significantly prolonged evasion latency (P<0.01), disorganized neuronal arrangement in the hippocampal region, widened gaps, and blurred nucleus membrane and nucleolus boundaries. The emergence of necrotic cells was visible. The color of the nissl bodies was light, and the number was reduced with severe loss. Mitochondria were atrophied, and cristae were lost. Severe damage was observed. The content of ROS was increased, and the level of ATP was decreased. mtDNA copy number decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the protein expression of p-AMPK, PGC-1α, Nrf1, and TFAM decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, rats in the high-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills and donepezil hydrochloride group showed a shorter time to find the platform (P<0.01), increased number of platform crossings (P<0.01), restored mitochondrial morphology and structure of the hippocampal neurons, alleviated neuronal death, increased number of nissl bodies, weaken degree of injury, lower content of ROS, and significantly increased levels of ATP and number of copies of mtDNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, there was increased protein expression of p-AMPK, PGC-1α, Nrf1, and TFAM (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the evasion latency was shortened in the low-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills (P<0.01), and the number of platform crossings was increased, but the difference was not statistically significant. The mitochondria were swollen and deformed, and the cristae became shorter and partially disappeared. The degree of damage did not improve significantly, and the number of nissl bodies was increased but not statistically significant. The ROS content decreased (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in ATP level and mtDNA copy number. The protein expression of PGC-1α was increased (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the protein expression of p-AMPK, Nrf1, and TFAM, and the results were not statistically significant. Compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group, there was no significant change in the results of each assay in the high-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills, and the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with the high-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills, rats in the combination group had a significantly lower number of platform crossings (P<0.01), a significantly longer evasion latency (P<0.01), a reduced number of neuronal cells, disorganized tissue structure, swollen and blurred cell outlines, a significant reduction in the number of nissl bodies. Moreover, there was an increase in the content of ROS, a decrease in the level of ATP and the number of mtDNA copies (P<0.01), and a decrease in the expression of p-AMPK, PGC-1α, Nrf1, and TFAM (P<0.05). ConclusionTongmai Kaiqiao pills is able to improve cognitive function in rats by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, and attenuating pathological damage to neurons in the hippocampal region, thereby demonstrating its therapeutic potential.


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