1.Identification of a JAK-STAT-miR155HG positive feedback loop in regulating natural killer (NK) cells proliferation and effector functions.
Songyang LI ; Yongjie LIU ; Xiaofeng YIN ; Yao YANG ; Xinjia LIU ; Jiaxing QIU ; Qinglan YANG ; Yana LI ; Zhiguo TAN ; Hongyan PENG ; Peiwen XIONG ; Shuting WU ; Lanlan HUANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Sulai LIU ; Yuxing GONG ; Yuan GAO ; Lingling ZHANG ; Junping WANG ; Yafei DENG ; Zhaoyang ZHONG ; Youcai DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1922-1937
The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.
2.Improvement of Depression-like Behavior of Depression Model Mice by Sinisan via Regulating GSK-3β/A20/C/EBPβ to Inhibit Activation of Microglia
Hongyun CHEN ; Dongying YANG ; Huiqing LIAO ; Yanyan ZENG ; Linke PAN ; Shasha BAI ; Di DENG ; Yafei SHI ; Rong ZHANG ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):16-23
ObjectiveTo investigate the antidepressant effect of Sinisan (SNS) by regulating glycogen aynthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3(A20)/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ) to inhibit the activation of microglia. MethodA total of 72 male C57/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group (5.0 mg·kg-1), low-dose Sinisan group (4.9 g·kg-1), medium-dose Sinisan group (9.8 g·kg-1), and high-dose Sinisan group (19.6 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. After one week of adaptive feeding, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was performed to establish the depression model. In the fifth week, drug treatment was conducted for four weeks. In the ninth week, behavioral tests were performed, including sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OPT), elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and forced swimming test (FST). Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), GSK-3β, A20, and C/EBPβ in the cortex. The expression of M1-polarized ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) in microglia was detected by immunofluorescence. ResultAfter eight weeks of CUMS, compared with the normal group, the mice in the model group had a significantly reduced sucrose preference rate (P<0.01), and the activity in the central area of the OPT was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The activity in the open arm area of the EPM test was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the immobility time of FST was increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of inflammatory proteins IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS were increased (P<0.01), and the fluorescence co-localization index of Iba1 and CD68 was increased (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of GSK-3β and C/EBPβ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). After four weeks of SNS intervention, compared with the model group, the mice in the SNS group had significantly increased sucrose preference rate (P<0.01), significantly increased activities in the central area and the open arm area in the OPT and the EPM test (P<0.05), and significantly reduced immobility time in the FST (P< 0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the fluorescence co-localization index of Iba1 and CD68 was decreased in the high-dose SNS group (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of GSK-3β and C/EBPβ in the medium-dose and high-dose SNS groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and that of A20 was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe antidepressant effect of SNS is related to the regulation of GSK-3β/A20/C/EBPβ protein expression and the inhibition of M1-type activation of microglia.
3.Animal experimental study of biliary fibrosis in end to end anastomosis after transection of the common bile duct
Yilei DENG ; Yafei ZHANG ; Pengfei MA ; Wenjie MA ; Rongxing ZHOU ; Longshuan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2023;29(10):748-752
Objective:To explore the mechanism of biliary fibrosis after end to end anastomosis of bile duct.Methods:12 Neijiang miniature pigs (6-8 months old, weight 30-40 kg) were divided into experimental group ( n=6) and control group ( n=6). The model of end to end anastomosis after transection of the common bile duct was established in experimental group. Control group was a sham operation group, and only T tube was placed. After 9 months, Masson staining, fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expressing changes of pro-fibrotic factor transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including cytokeratin-19 (CK19), E-cadherin (E-Cad) and fibroblast specific protein-1 (S100A4), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen components Collagen I (COL-1), collagen III (COL-3) and fibronectin (FN) in the anastomotic bile duct tissues. Results:Masson staining showed that the submucosal collagen fibers increased significantly in the experimental group. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of TGF-β1 [(3.482±0.313) vs. (1.000±0.102), t=18.43, P<0.001], CTGF [(2.160±0.287) vs. (1.000±0.103), t=9.32, P<0.001] were increased, the difference was statistically significant. Compared with control group, the mRNA and protein expression of CK19 and E-Cad were decreased in the experimental group, while the mRNA and protein expression of S100A4 and α-SMA were increased in the experimental group (all P<0.01). Conclusion:It was feasible in the short term to perform an end-to-end anastomosis after transection of the common bile duct, but there was an obvious fibrosis in the anastomotic bile duct tissue at later time.
4.Immune mechanism of biliary epithelial cell injury in the small intrahepatic bile ducts in primary biliary cholangitis
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2021;37(6):1466-1468
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease caused by the combined effect of genetic and environmental factors and characterized by the apoptotic necrosis of biliary epithelial cells (BEC) in the small intrahepatic bile ducts. This article describes the effect of B cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, NKT, and T cells on the immune injury of BEC during PBC, so as to provide some guidance for the targeted immune therapy for PBC.
5.Multi-disciplinary team of human herpes virus-6B encephalitis after liver transplantation
Yafei GUO ; Jizhou WANG ; Zebin ZHU ; Cui CHEN ; Guoyan LIU ; Sen QUN ; Kexue DENG ; Dehao HUANG ; Lianxin LIU
Organ Transplantation 2021;12(4):465-
Objective To evaluate the role of multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in improving the diagnosis and treatment of human herpes virus-6B (HHV-6B) encephalitis after liver transplantation. Methods MDT consultation was delivered for one rare case of HHV-6B encephalitis after liver transplantation to establish an effective individualized treatment regime. Results On the 16 d after liver transplantation, the patient developed headache, and suddenly presented with unresponsiveness, unconsciousness, coma complicated with involuntary limb twitching on the 18 d. Blood ammonia level was increased. Brain CT scan showed cerebral ischemic changes. Electroencephalography prompted the epileptic seizure. After MDT consultation, the possibility of nervous system infection after liver transplantation was considered, and medication therapy was given to control the epileptic seizure. Cerebrospinal fluid examination via lumbar puncture hinted increased intracranial pressure. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of the cerebrospinal fluid demonstrated that the patient was tested positive for HHV-6B nucleic acid, which confirmed the diagnosis of HHV-6B encephalitis. The immunosuppressant regime was adjusted, intravenous ganciclovir was given for antiviral treatment, and active interventions were delivered to prevent and treat relevant complications. Epileptic seizure disappeared after 4 d, and neurological symptoms were significantly alleviated after 2 weeks. After 4-week antiviral treatment, the patient was tested negative for virology testing, and the neurological function was restored to normal. Conclusions HHV-6B encephalitis rarely occurs after adult liver transplantation, which is primarily associated with the virus reactivation after use of immunosuppressant. MDT pattern may be employed to deepen the understanding of the patient's condition, formulate more effective individualized treatment regime, and enhance the clinical efficacy and safety.
6.Comparison of the effects of different intraocular infusion solutions on histology and function of retina
Li ZHU ; Heng MIAO ; Qinrui HU ; Zhiming LIU ; Yujing BAI ; Youzhi YU ; Yafei FU ; Huika XIA ; Lvzhen HUANG ; Yun QI ; Xun DENG ; Yan LI ; Xiaoxin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2021;39(11):957-967
Objective:To compare the effects of different intraocular infusion solutions on histology and function of retina.Methods:Human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC), human retinal pigment epithelium (HRPE) cells and rat retinal ganglion cells (RGC) were divided into normal control group, balanced saline solution (BSS) group and compound electrolyte intraocular irrigating solution (CEIIS) group, and the cells were cultured in 10% DMEM/F12 medium, BSS and CEIIS for 12, 24 and 48 hours, respectively, according to grouping.The proliferation absorbance value of cultured cells was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) method.The expression of apoptosis related proteins in cultured cells was detected by cellular immunofluorescence staining.The cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry.The mitochondrial damage was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) quantitative detection kit.Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into control group ( n=3), BSS group ( n=6) and CEIIS group ( n=6). The left eyes were taken for vitrectomy and different intraocular perfusion fluids were used during vitrectomy according to grouping.The retinal function of operative eyes was measured by flash electroretinogram (ERG) before operation and 24 hours after operation, and the structural changes of each layer of retina were detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The early apoptosis of retinal cells was detected by TUNEL staining.The expressions of cytochrome C and bax protein in retina were detected by immunohistochemical staining.The ultrastructural changes of retina were observed under a transmission electron microscope.The use and care of animals complied with the ARVO statement.This study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of Peking University People's Hospital (No.2019PHE059). Results:The three kinds of cultured cells in BSS and CEIIS groups were damaged in various degrees.With the extension of culture time, proliferated cells were decreased and the number of apoptotic cells was increased.Compared with the BSS group, cultured cells in the CEIIS group were dense and in orderly arrangement with uniform morphology and size.The apoptosis rates of HRPE cells and RGC in the BSS group were (37.157±6.918)% and (29.993±12.330)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (4.163±1.310)% and (6.337±1.903)% in the CEIIS group ( P=0.003, 0.045). There was no significant difference in G0/G1+ S phase ratio of HCEC and HRPE cells among the normal control group, BSS group and CEIIS group (HCEC: F=2.226, P=0.189; HRPE: F=2.634, P=0.151), and the proportion of G2/M division arrest phase of RGC in the BSS group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group and CEIIS group ( P=0.047, 0.024). The proliferation absorbance values of HCEC, HRPE cells and RGC in the CEIIS group were significantly higher than those in the BSS group at each culture time point (all at P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of cytochrome C, bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins in the BSS group was stronger than that in the normal control group and CEIIS group, and the fluorescence intensity of bcl-2 was weaker than that in the CEIIS group, and the fluorescence intensity of zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) was weaker than that in the normal control group and CEIIS group.The release level of LDH in the BSS group was significantly higher than that in the CEIIS group at different time points (all at P<0.001). After 48 hours of culture, the release level of SDH in the BSS group was significantly higher than that in the CEIIS group ( P<0.05). No retinal histological abnormalities was found through OCT examination of rabbit eyes after vitrectomy in the two groups, but transmission electron microscopy showed that there were different degrees of loose arrangement of retinal photoreceptor cells, a large number of photoreceptor outer membrane discs falling off and vacuolar degeneration in the two groups, especially in the BSS group.TUNEL staining showed that the apoptotic cells were mainly located in the inner nuclear layer and RGC layer.The number of apoptotic retinal cells was (135.2±22.8)/high-power field of vision in the BSS group, which was significantly higher than (81.3±17.7)/high-power field of vision in the CEIIS group ( t=4.175, P=0.002). Full field flash ERG showed that the amplitudes of scotopic 3.0 ERG a- and b-wave in the CEIIS group after operation were significantly lower than those before operation, but the differences were not statistically significant (all at P>0.05). The amplitudes of scotopic 3.0 ERG a- and b-wave in the BSS group after operation were significantly lower than those before operation ( P=0.026, 0.010). Conclusions:In vivo and in vitro research results show that compared with BSS, there were few apoptotic cells in retinal tissue after vitrectomy perfused by CEIIS.
7.A study on resection extent for medullary thyroid carcinoma
Yafei SHI ; Yingchao ZHANG ; Youben FAN ; Xianzhao DENG ; Bomin GUO ; Bo WU ; Jie KANG ; Jingyu YANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2020;35(11):856-861
Objective:To analyze the relationship between surgical resection range and prognosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma.Methods:Clinical data of 39 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma treated in Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital from Jan 2017 to Mar 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were 13 males and 26 females, age ranging from 26 to 72 years old. Preoperative calcitonin levels increased from 21.5 to 20 000 ng/L. Tumor stage: stage Ⅰ was 35.9%, stage Ⅱ 23.1%, stage Ⅲ 25.6%, stage Ⅳ 15.4%. The proportion of lymph node metastasis in central region was 53.8% (21/39). The proportion of lateral cervical lymph node metastasis was 43.6% (17/39), which was statistically related with the preoperative calcitonin level ≥200 ng/L. The median follow-up was 10 months, and the biochemical and anatomical cure rates were 66.7% and 33.3% respectively. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, temporary and permanent hypothyroidism were 2.6%, 23% and 2.6%, respectively. There was no postoperative hemorrhage, infection, lymphatic leak or death.Conclusions:Bilateral total thyroidectomy, and at least ispilateral central lymph node dissection were advocated for patients with MTC. When preoperative calcitonin level ≥200 ng/L, lateral cervical lymph node dissection is advised.
8. T2WI female pelvic MRI using the MultiVane XD technique at 3.0 T in uterine adenomyosis and fibroids: a preliminary study
Hailong ZHOU ; Yafei QI ; Chengyu LIN ; Yonglan HE ; Xiaoqi WANG ; Shan DENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Yuan LI ; Huadan XUE ; Feng FENG ; Haihong FU ; Zhengyu JIN
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2020;54(1):62-65
Objective:
To explore the application value of 3.0 T MultiVane XD (MVXD) technique in female patients with uterine adenomyosis and fibroids.
Methods:
Patients diagnosed with uterine fibroids with ultrasound and suspected of adenomyosis were involved prospectively from March to May 2018, 3.0 T pelvic MRI examinations were performed during peri-ovulatory period. Axialconventional turbo spin echo (TSE) T2WI, axial MVXD T2WI, sagittal conventional TSE T2WI and MVXD sagittal T2WI were acquired. Two observers rated those 4 series in the aspects of sharpness of uterine border, motion artifacts, identification capability of lesions, confidence of diagnosis and overall image quality. Cohen Kappa analysis was used to evaluate the consistency of scores between 2 observers. Scores of TSE T2WI and MVXD T2WI qualities were compared using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test.
Results:
Twenty patients were enrolled. Axial conventional TSE T2WI, axial MVXD T2WI were aquired on all of them. Sagittal conventional TSE T2WI, sagittal MVXD T2WI were aquired on 19 among them. Nine patients had only obvious adenomyosis, 6 had only uterinefibroids, and 5 had adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. Compared to conventional TSE technique, scores of two observers in the sharpness of uterine border, motion artifacts, and overall image quality is higher by MVXD with significant difference (
9.Clinical study of Simiao pill combined with celecoxib in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis
Jing XIN ; Lei YE ; Yafei SHEN ; Fei DENG
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2019;26(1):70-72
Objective To observe the efficacy of Simiao pill combined with celecoxib in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis(AGA). Methods From January 2015 to January 2017,70 patients with AGA in the Central Hospital of Luohe were selected and randomly divided into two groups,with 35 cases in each group. The control group received celecoxib treatment,while the treatment group received Simiao pill combined with celecoxib. The treatment course was 7 days in each group. The clinical efficacy and the blood uric acid ( UA) changes were observed and compared before and after treatment. Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was 91. 4% (32/35), which was remarkably higher than 77. 1% (27/35) of the control group,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(χ2=4. 381,P <0. 05). Before treatment,there was no significant difference in UA level between the treatment group and control group(P>0. 05). After treatment,the level of UA in the treatment group was (402. 17 ± 18. 43) μmol/L,which was lower than (475. 29 ± 37. 82) μmol/L in the control group,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t= -11. 051,P<0. 05). Conclusion The clinical efficacy of Simiao pill combined with celecoxib in the treatment of AGA is effective,and is worthy of clinical promotion.
10.Preparation, Characterization and Water Solubility of Inclusion Complexes of Daidzein with Amino-modified β-Cyclodextrins
Yinghui DENG ; Lina SU ; Yanhua PANG ; Yafei GUO ; Fen WANG ; Xiali LIAO ; Bo YANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2017;45(5):648-653
To improve the water solubility of daidzein, solid inclusion complexes of daidzein with two amino-modified β-cyclodextrins (ACDs), i.e., mono-6-amino-6-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin (NCD) and mono-6-ethylenediamino-6-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin (ENCD), were prepared by the saturated solution method in water under the preparation conditions as follows: the ratio of daidzein/ACD was 3∶1 and the stirring time was 72 h (83% and 67% yields, respectively).The formation of two inclusion complexes was confirmed by x-ray diffractometry (XRD) and themogravimetric (TG) analysis.The inclusion stoichiometry of the inclusion complexes was 1∶1 from the Job plot and their complexation stability constants (KS) were 899.2 and 203.8 L/mol from fluorescence titration, respectively.After formation of inclusion complexes with NCD and ENCD, the water solubility of daidzein was dramatically raised from 8.31 μg/mL to 15.2 and 13.2 mg/mL at 25℃, increasing by 1800-fold and 1500-fold.

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