1.The effect of remimazolam on modulating the ROS/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-induced microglial inflammation
Xingwei WU ; Jianying WANG ; Chengxiao GUO ; Ziyi LIU ; Chao SUN ; Fei YU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(2):153-161
Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory protective effects of remimazolam on microglial cells and elucidates the potential molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods The mouse microglial cell line (BV2) was selected as the research object. The following groups were set up:the control group (complete medium),the Rema group (200 μg/mL remimazolam),the model group (1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide,LPS),and different-concentration administration groups (1 μg/mL LPS+50,100,200 μg/mL remimazolam). In the Rema group,cells were treated with 200 μg/mL remimazolam alone for 26 h. In the model group,cells were treated with LPS for 24 h. In the different-concentration administration groups,cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of remimazolam for 2 h,and then treated with LPS for 24 h. The effects of LPS and remimazolam on the morphology of BV2 cells were observed and evaluated using an optical microscope. Cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay,while the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using a fluorescent probe. Additionally,malondial-dehyde (MDA) content,superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) activity were evaluated using respective assay kits. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of Bax,Bcl-2,IL-1β,RAGE,NF-κB,p-NF-κB,IκBα,p-IκBα,iNOS,and Arg-1. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to visualize NF-κB nuclear translocation and M1/M2 polarization in the cells. Results Compared to the control group,LPS-treated BV2 cells demonstrated significantly reduced cell viability,elevated expression and se-cretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β),decreased activities of SOD and GSH,and increased in-tracellular levels of MDA and ROS. Additionally,RAGE protein levels were upregulated,along with enhanced phos-phorylation of IκBα and NF-κB,leading to observable NF-κB nuclear translocation. The expression of the M1 marker iNOS was upregulated,while that of the M2 marker Arg-1 was downregulated. In contrast,in the LPS+Rema group,cell viability was restored,expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were attenuated,SOD and GSH activities were improved,and levels of MDA and ROS were reduced compared to the LPS group. Furthermore,RAGE protein expression and phosphorylation levels of IκBα and NF-κB were diminished,inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation. The expression of the M1 marker iNOS was downregulated,while that of the M2 marker Arg-1 was up-regulated. Conclusion Remimazolam mitigates LPS-induced inflammation by facilitating the transition of microglial cells from the M1 to the M2 phenotype via modulation of the NF-κB pathway and reduction of ROS production.
3.Preparation and in vitro evaluation of an erythrocyte-based butyrylcholinesterase delivery system
Zhe WANG ; Changwen NING ; Huaying AN ; Xingwei JIANG ; Jun MA ; Fenghua GAO ; Pengyu LIU ; Yanan SUN ; Ru LI ; Jinlong LI ; Yuanyuan YUAN ; Qun YU
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(6):458-464
Objective To develop an erythrocyte-based delivery system for butyrylcholinesterase(BChE)that is capable of prophylaxis against organophosphorus nerve agents.Methods Recombinant BChE was produced and analyzed for oligomerization via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE)and Western blotting.A modified hypotonic preswelling method was employed to prepare BChE-loaded erythrocytes.The drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Catalytic activity was assessed in vitro with an activity detection kit.The system was characterized via scanning electron microscopy(SEM),flow cytometry and a hematology analyzer.Results Recombinant BChE predominantly existed as dimers(85%dimer,15%monomer).The optimized volume ratio of erythrocytes to hypotonic solution was determined as 1:7.Compared with native and empty erythrocytes,BChE-loaded erythrocytes exhibited significantly higher catalytic activity(P<0.001).The mean corpuscular volume of BChE-loaded erythrocytes increased(P<0.001),while the mean content of corpuscular hemoglobin and hemoglobin in erythrocytes per 100 mL decreased(P<0.001).SEM revealed no morphological differences(biconcave disc shape).Hypotonic preswelling moderately increased erythrocyte apoptosis(P<0.001),but no statistical difference was observed between BChE-loaded and hypotonic-treated erythrocytes(P>0.05).CD47 expression remained unchanged compared to native erythrocytes(P>0.05).Conclusion The modified hypotonic preswelling method can generate BChE-loaded erythrocytes that retain the characteristics of native erythrocytes while conferring catalytic activity,offering a novel strategy for clinical intervention against organophosphorus poisoning.
4.Sero-epidemiological investigation and analysis of akabane disease and bluetongue of cattle of Guizhou Province
Tingting XU ; Hao WANG ; Qiuyu WU ; Xingwei NI ; Yuqi ZUO ; Jiafu SHANG ; Yanyan LIU ; Xuehui ZHOU ; Xiaowei YANG ; Guangwei ZHAO ; Xia LIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1895-1901
To investigate the infection status of two arboviruses,akabane orthobunyavirus(AKAV)and bluetongue virus(BTV),in cattle herds of Guizhou Province,we employed the indirect ELISA method to detect AKAV and BTV antibody levels in the present experiment.A total of 1504 bovine serum samples from 37 large-scale farms and 88 free-range households from 26 districts or coun-ties of 7 cities(prefectures)of Guizhou Province were collected to detect AKAV antibody levels.Additionally,1 241 serum samples from 30 large-scale farms and 15 free-range households in 19 districts or counties of 3 cities(prefectures)were tested for BTV antibody levels.Moreover,two influencing factors,breeding mode and sampling season,were statistically analyzed for their effects.The results showed that the overall positive rate of AKAV antibodies was 11.64%(175/1 504),with individual positive rates of 13.20%(123/934)and 9.12%(52/570)in large-scale farms and free-range households,respectively.No significant differences were observed between the two groups.However,the farm positive rate(64.86%,24/37)in large-scale farms was significantly higher than that(26.14%,23/88)in free-range households.Seasonal statistics showed that the positive rate was highest during the summer season at 60.00%(12/20).The total positive rate of BTV antibodies was 25.42%(222/1 241).The farm positive rate and individual positive rate in free-range households were 66.67%(10/15)and 41.91%(57/136),respectively.For large-scale farms,these rates were 60.00%(18/30)and 14.93%(165/1 105),respectively.The individual pos-itive rate in free-range households was significantly higher than that in large-scale farms.Seasonal statistics showed that the positive rates in summer and autumn seasons were 50.00%(5/10)and 72.41%(21/29),respectively,both of which were significantly higher than those in winter and spring seasons.All these findings indicated that both AKAV and BTV were present to a certain ex-tent in Guizhou Province,with seasonality.Furthermore,differences were observed between the different breeding modes.Our results could provide a data reference for the formulation of preven-tion and control measures for the two insect-borne diseases.
5.Establishment and application of an RPA-LFD method for detection of Akabane virus
Jiafu SHANG ; Xuehui ZHOU ; Yanyan LIU ; Xia LIU ; Xingwei NI ; Tingting XU ; Zhiguo ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Zhenjun WANG ; Xiaowei YANG ; Guangwei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1601-1608
To establish a rapid visual detection method for Akabane virus(AKAV)on site,specific primers and probes based on the S fragment of AKAV were designed in this experiment.Corre-sponding groups were added to the primers or probes to fulfil the requirement of the combination of recombinase polymerase amplification(RPA)with lateral flow dipstick(LFD).The reaction temperature and time,concentrations of the primer and probe were optimized to establish the RPA-LFD method for detecting AKAV.After that,the specificity,sensitivity and clinical reliability of the method were evaluated.The results showed that after 20 minutes of reaction at 37 ℃,the test results could be read on LFD paper.There was no cross reaction against blue tongue virus,Pasteurella multocida,bovine infectious rhinotracheitis virus and bovine Mycoplasma bovis,and the detection limit was 2.5 × 100 copies/μL of standard plasmid.Detection of clinical samples showed a consistent results with that by RT-PCR method.These findings indicated that the RPA-LFD method established had the advantages of good specificity,high sensitivity,simple operation and visualization,and could be applied to clinical detection,which provides new technical support for the rapid diagnosis and prevention and control of AKAV.
6.Sero-epidemiological investigation and analysis of akabane disease and bluetongue of cattle of Guizhou Province
Tingting XU ; Hao WANG ; Qiuyu WU ; Xingwei NI ; Yuqi ZUO ; Jiafu SHANG ; Yanyan LIU ; Xuehui ZHOU ; Xiaowei YANG ; Guangwei ZHAO ; Xia LIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1895-1901
To investigate the infection status of two arboviruses,akabane orthobunyavirus(AKAV)and bluetongue virus(BTV),in cattle herds of Guizhou Province,we employed the indirect ELISA method to detect AKAV and BTV antibody levels in the present experiment.A total of 1504 bovine serum samples from 37 large-scale farms and 88 free-range households from 26 districts or coun-ties of 7 cities(prefectures)of Guizhou Province were collected to detect AKAV antibody levels.Additionally,1 241 serum samples from 30 large-scale farms and 15 free-range households in 19 districts or counties of 3 cities(prefectures)were tested for BTV antibody levels.Moreover,two influencing factors,breeding mode and sampling season,were statistically analyzed for their effects.The results showed that the overall positive rate of AKAV antibodies was 11.64%(175/1 504),with individual positive rates of 13.20%(123/934)and 9.12%(52/570)in large-scale farms and free-range households,respectively.No significant differences were observed between the two groups.However,the farm positive rate(64.86%,24/37)in large-scale farms was significantly higher than that(26.14%,23/88)in free-range households.Seasonal statistics showed that the positive rate was highest during the summer season at 60.00%(12/20).The total positive rate of BTV antibodies was 25.42%(222/1 241).The farm positive rate and individual positive rate in free-range households were 66.67%(10/15)and 41.91%(57/136),respectively.For large-scale farms,these rates were 60.00%(18/30)and 14.93%(165/1 105),respectively.The individual pos-itive rate in free-range households was significantly higher than that in large-scale farms.Seasonal statistics showed that the positive rates in summer and autumn seasons were 50.00%(5/10)and 72.41%(21/29),respectively,both of which were significantly higher than those in winter and spring seasons.All these findings indicated that both AKAV and BTV were present to a certain ex-tent in Guizhou Province,with seasonality.Furthermore,differences were observed between the different breeding modes.Our results could provide a data reference for the formulation of preven-tion and control measures for the two insect-borne diseases.
7.Establishment and application of an RPA-LFD method for detection of Akabane virus
Jiafu SHANG ; Xuehui ZHOU ; Yanyan LIU ; Xia LIU ; Xingwei NI ; Tingting XU ; Zhiguo ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Zhenjun WANG ; Xiaowei YANG ; Guangwei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1601-1608
To establish a rapid visual detection method for Akabane virus(AKAV)on site,specific primers and probes based on the S fragment of AKAV were designed in this experiment.Corre-sponding groups were added to the primers or probes to fulfil the requirement of the combination of recombinase polymerase amplification(RPA)with lateral flow dipstick(LFD).The reaction temperature and time,concentrations of the primer and probe were optimized to establish the RPA-LFD method for detecting AKAV.After that,the specificity,sensitivity and clinical reliability of the method were evaluated.The results showed that after 20 minutes of reaction at 37 ℃,the test results could be read on LFD paper.There was no cross reaction against blue tongue virus,Pasteurella multocida,bovine infectious rhinotracheitis virus and bovine Mycoplasma bovis,and the detection limit was 2.5 × 100 copies/μL of standard plasmid.Detection of clinical samples showed a consistent results with that by RT-PCR method.These findings indicated that the RPA-LFD method established had the advantages of good specificity,high sensitivity,simple operation and visualization,and could be applied to clinical detection,which provides new technical support for the rapid diagnosis and prevention and control of AKAV.
8.The effect of remimazolam on modulating the ROS/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-induced microglial inflammation
Xingwei WU ; Jianying WANG ; Chengxiao GUO ; Ziyi LIU ; Chao SUN ; Fei YU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(2):153-161
Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory protective effects of remimazolam on microglial cells and elucidates the potential molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods The mouse microglial cell line (BV2) was selected as the research object. The following groups were set up:the control group (complete medium),the Rema group (200 μg/mL remimazolam),the model group (1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide,LPS),and different-concentration administration groups (1 μg/mL LPS+50,100,200 μg/mL remimazolam). In the Rema group,cells were treated with 200 μg/mL remimazolam alone for 26 h. In the model group,cells were treated with LPS for 24 h. In the different-concentration administration groups,cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of remimazolam for 2 h,and then treated with LPS for 24 h. The effects of LPS and remimazolam on the morphology of BV2 cells were observed and evaluated using an optical microscope. Cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay,while the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using a fluorescent probe. Additionally,malondial-dehyde (MDA) content,superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) activity were evaluated using respective assay kits. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of Bax,Bcl-2,IL-1β,RAGE,NF-κB,p-NF-κB,IκBα,p-IκBα,iNOS,and Arg-1. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to visualize NF-κB nuclear translocation and M1/M2 polarization in the cells. Results Compared to the control group,LPS-treated BV2 cells demonstrated significantly reduced cell viability,elevated expression and se-cretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β),decreased activities of SOD and GSH,and increased in-tracellular levels of MDA and ROS. Additionally,RAGE protein levels were upregulated,along with enhanced phos-phorylation of IκBα and NF-κB,leading to observable NF-κB nuclear translocation. The expression of the M1 marker iNOS was upregulated,while that of the M2 marker Arg-1 was downregulated. In contrast,in the LPS+Rema group,cell viability was restored,expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were attenuated,SOD and GSH activities were improved,and levels of MDA and ROS were reduced compared to the LPS group. Furthermore,RAGE protein expression and phosphorylation levels of IκBα and NF-κB were diminished,inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation. The expression of the M1 marker iNOS was downregulated,while that of the M2 marker Arg-1 was up-regulated. Conclusion Remimazolam mitigates LPS-induced inflammation by facilitating the transition of microglial cells from the M1 to the M2 phenotype via modulation of the NF-κB pathway and reduction of ROS production.
9.Sequencing analysis of whole genome of one strain of bovine Akabane virus and es-tablishment of fluorescence quantitative PCR for virus detection
Jiafu SHANG ; Le HU ; Mingke LI ; Yujian WU ; Xingwei NI ; Xiaowei YANG ; Xia LIU ; Liwu ZHANG ; Tingting XU ; Guangwei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(9):1872-1881
In order to understand the prevalence of Akabane disease(AKAD)in Guizhou Province and the molecular characteristics of the isolates,the whole-genome sequence of a strain of Akabane virus(AKAV)from a bovine AKAD-positive sample was determined and analyzed.The genotype and genetic variation of the strain were also explored.Based on the conserved S sequence,a fluores-cence quantitative PCR(qPCR)detection method was established and applied for the investigation of AKAV infection status in four large-scale beef cattle farms of Guizhou.Results showed that the S,M and L fragments of the bovine strain were highly homologous to the Tianjin strain(TJ2016/China/2016)and the Australian strain(JaLAB39/Australia/1959),where they were in the same evolutionary branch and belonged to genotype Ⅱ.Sensitivity assay found that the lowest detection limit was 2.5 X 101 copies/μL.Specificity assay showed the established method detected only AKAV with no amplification on bovine bluetongue virus(BLUV),Pasteurella multocida(PM),bovine infectious rhinotracheitis virus(IBRV)and bovine Mycoplasma bovis.The variation coefficients of inter-and intra batches in the repeatability test were both lower than 2.26%.These findings illus-trated that the established qPCR method had high sensitivity,good specificity and repeatability.A total of 298 serum samples from 4 large-scale beef cattle farms in Qianxi City and Huangping County of Guizhou Province were collected and tested for AKAV by the method.Out of 298 sam-ples,25 positive samples(25/298)were detected as positive with a positive rate of 8.39%.In sum-mary,this work provided the reference data for a deep understanding of the molecular prevalence of AKAV in Guizhou Province and laid foundation for the prevention and control of AKAD.
10.Predictive value of a risk prediction model guided by the ratio of respiratory rate to diaphragmatic thickening fraction for the timing of noninvasive-invasive mechanical ventilation transition in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Xiaodong LI ; Tian LI ; Xingwei DI ; Jingyu LIU
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(5):503-507
Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of a risk prediction model guided by the ratio of respiratory rate to diaphragm thickening fraction (RR/DTF) for noninvasive-invasive mechanical ventilation transition timing in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), through ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm movement indicators.Methods:Sixty-four patients diagnosed with AECOPD and undergoing non-invasive ventilation (NIV), who were admitted to the department of critical care medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University from January 2022 to July 2023 were enrolled. They were divided into NIV successful group and NIV failure group based on the outcome of NIV within 24 hours. Clinical indicators such as RR/DTF, diaphragmatic excursion (DE), tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), pH value, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2), and sputum excretion disorder were compared between the two groups after 2 hours of NIV. The factors influencing NIV failure were included in binary Logistic regression analysis, and an RR/DTF oriented risk prediction model was established. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis was used to assess the predictive value of this model for the timing of noninvasive-invasive mechanical ventilation transition in AECOPD patients. Results:Among 64 patients with AECOPD, with 43 in the NIV successful group and 21 in the NIV failure group. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline data such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), oxygenation index (P/F), smoking history, and acute physiological and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) between the two groups of patients, indicating comparability. Compared to the NIV successful group, the NIV failure group showed a significantly increase in RR/DTF, RR, PaCO 2, and sputum retention, while VT and DE were significantly decreased [RR/DTF (%): 1.00±0.18 vs. 0.89±0.22, RR (bpm): 21.64±3.13 vs. 19.62±2.98, PaCO 2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa): 70.82±8.82 vs. 65.29±9.47, sputum retention: 57.1% vs. 30.2%, VT (mL): 308.09±14.89 vs. 324.48±23.82, DE (mm): 19.91±2.94 vs. 22.05±3.30, all P < 0.05]. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that RR/DTF [odds ratio ( OR) = 147.989, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 3.321-595.412, P = 0.010], RR ( OR = 1.296, 95% CI was 1.006-1.670, P = 0.045), VT ( OR = 0.966, 95% CI was 0.935-0.999, P = 0.044), PaCO 2 ( OR = 1.086, 95% CI was 1.006~1.173, P = 0.035), and sputum retention ( OR = 4.533, 95% CI was 1.025-20.049, P = 0.046) were independent risk factors for predicting NIV failure in AECOPD patients. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.713 with a 95% CI of 0.587-0.839 ( P = 0.005). The sensitivity was 72.73%, the specificity was 88.10%, the Youden index was 0.394, and the optimal cut-off value was 0.87. Conclusion:The RR/DTF risk prediction model has good predictive value for the timing of noninvasive-invasive mechanical ventilation transition in AECOPD patients.

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