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.Establishment and optimization of a high-performance size-exclusion chromatography method for quantifying the classical swine fever virus E2 protein.
Xiaojuan ZHANG ; Bo YANG ; Gaoyuan XU ; Mingxing REN ; Ji TANG ; Hongshuo LIU ; Zhankui LIU ; Yafei LI ; Xiangru WANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2774-2788
This study aims to establish a high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) method for determining the content of the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) E2 protein and screen the optimal stabilizer to enhance the stability of this protein. The optimal detection conditions were determined by optimizing the composition of the mobile phase, and characteristic chromatographic peaks were identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The specificity, repeatability, precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the method were assessed. The method established was used to determine the content of CSFV E2 protein antigen and vaccine. Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) was employed to screen the buffer system, pH, and salt ion concentrations, and sugar, amino acid, and alcohol stabilizers were further screened. The results showed that using a 200 mmol/L phosphate buffer provided the best column efficiency. An antigen-specific chromatographic peak appeared at the retention time of 18 min, which was identified as the CSFV E2 protein by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The method exhibited high specificity for detecting the CSFV E2 protein, with no absorbance peak observed in the blank control. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the peak area for six repeated injections of the CSFV E2 protein was 0.74%, indicating good repeatability of the method. The RSD for repeated detection of two different concentrations of CSFV E2 protein samples by different operators at different time points was less than 2%, suggesting good intermediate precision of the method. The peak area of the CSFV E2 protein was linearly related to its concentration, with the regression equation showing R2 of 1.000. The LOD and LOQ of the method were 14.88 μg/mL and 29.75 μg/mL, respectively. Application of the developed method in the detection of three batches of CSFV E2 protein antigen and three batches of vaccine demonstrated results consistent with those from the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, which meant that the method could accurately determine the content of CSFV E2 protein antigen and vaccine. The DSF method identified 50 mmol/L Tris-HCl at pH 8.0 as the optimal buffer, and the addition of sugar and alcohol stabilizers further improved the stability of the CSFV E2 protein. The HPSEC method established in this study is simple, fast, and exhibits good accuracy and repeatability, enabling precise measurement of the CSFV E2 protein content. It is expected to play a crucial role in the quality control of the CSFV E2 vaccine. Furthermore, the strategy for improving the CSFV E2 protein stability, identified through DSF screening, has significant implications for enhancing the stability of the CSFV E2 vaccine.
Classical Swine Fever Virus/chemistry*
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Chromatography, Gel/methods*
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Animals
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Swine
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Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology*
3.Protective effect and regulatory mechanism of ciprofol for rats with Parkinson's disease
Yafei ZHANG ; Yufang LIU ; Yanbin TANG ; Xingzhi LIAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(12):6-12
Objective To investigate the protective effect and regulatory mechanism of ciprofol on Parkinson's disease(PD)rats based on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α(PGC1α)signaling pathway.Methods Wistar rats were divided into blank control group,model group,ciprofol group,and ciprofol+AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin group(ciprofol+Dor group),with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank control group,PD models were estab-lished in the other three groups.Behavioral experiments were used to assess the motor and cognitive functions of rats in each group.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to de-tect the levels of dopamine(DA)and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)in the rat brain striatum.Immu-nofluorescence staining was conducted to measure the level of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)in the rat brain substantia nigra.Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was applied to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,LC3,Bcl-2,and Bax in the rat brain striatum.Western blot was used to determine the relative protein expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,Bcl-2,Bax,phosphorylated(p)-AMPK,SIRT1,PGC1α,and the ratio of LC3 Ⅱ to LC3 Ⅰ(LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ)in the rat brain striatum.Results Compared with the blank control group,the motor and cognitive functions of rats in the model group were reduced,the levels of DA and 5-HT in the brain striatum decreased,the fluorescence intensity of TH in the brain substantia nigra weakened,and the relative mRNA expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,LC3,Bcl-2,as well as the relative protein expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,Bcl-2,p-AMPK,SIRT1,PGC1α,and LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in the brain striatum were reduced.In contrast,the relative mRNA expression level of Bax and the relative protein expression level of Bax increased,with statistically significant differ-ences(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the motor and cognitive functions of rats in the ciprofol group were improved,the levels of DA and 5-HT in the brain striatum increased,the fluo-rescence intensity of TH in the brain substantia nigra strengthened,and the relative mRNA expres-sion levels of ULK1,beclin1,LC3,Bcl-2,as well as the relative protein expression levels of ULK1,beclin1,Bcl-2,p-AMPK,SIRT1,PGC1α,and LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in the brain striatum were elevated.Meanwhile,the relative mRNA expression level of Bax and the relative protein expression level of Bax decreased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The comparison between the ciprofol+Dor group and the ciprofol group revealed that the AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin could re-verse the effects of ciprofol(P<0.05).Conclusion Ciprofol may exert neuroprotective effects for PD rats by promoting autophagy through activating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway.
4.Mechanism of esketamine affecting proliferation,metastasis and stem cell property of colorectal cancer cells
Yafei ZHANG ; Yufang LIU ; Yanbin TANG ; Xingzhi LIAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(17):43-48
Objective To investigate the effects and related molecular mechanisms of esket-amine on the proliferation,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),and stem cell properties of colorectal cancer(CRC)cells.Methods CRC cell line SW480 was cultured with varying concentra-tions of esketamine,and the cells were divided into blank group(0 μmol/L),low-concentration group(1 μmol/L),medium-concentration group(5 μmol/L)and high-concentration group(10 μmol/L).Cell proliferation activity was assessed using the EdU proliferation assay,cell spheroid-forming ability was evaluated via the spheroid formation assay,cell migration capacity was measured using the scratch assay,cell invasion ability was determined through the transwell assay,and the expression levels of tumor stem cell property markers[NANOG homeobox(NANOG),SRY-box transcription fac-tor(SOX)2,SOX4],the neurogenic locus Notch homolog protein 1(Notch1)receptor and the Notch1 intracellular domain(Notch1 ICD)were detected by western blot.A recovery test was con-ducted by adding the Notch1 receptor agonist Jagged1 to the culture groups with different concentra-tions of esketamine.Results Compared with the blank group,esketamine significantly inhibited the proliferation activity,spheroid-forming ability,migration ability,and invasion ability of CRC cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The intracellular expression levels of SOX2,SOX4,NANOG,and Notch1 ICD proteins were significantly decreased,while the expression level of the Notch1 recep-tor was significantly increased in the esketamine groups(P<0.05).After the addition of Jagged1,the inhibitory effects of esketamine on the proliferation activity,metastatic ability,and stem cell properties of CRC cells were alleviated.Conclusion Esketamine inhibits CRC cell proliferation,metastasis,EMT,and stem cell properties by reducing the activation level of the Notch1 receptor,demonstrating a potential for clinical anti-tumor applications.
5.Treatment of Pulmonary Inflammatory Diseases by Traditional Chinese Medicine Through Regulating Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress: A Review
Mengdi SHI ; Chao WANG ; Yafei YOU ; Lisha LU ; Yang YANG ; Weichao JING ; Lujia LIU ; Youpeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):249-258
Pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, asthma, and infectious pneumonia are common pulmonary inflammatory diseases worldwide. There is evidence that mitochondria produce a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when stimulated by inflammation, leading to oxidative stress that affects the onset and progression of pulmonary inflammatory diseases. With in-depth research, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made significant progress in the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that single TCM and their active components, as well as TCM compound formulas, can improve mitochondrial oxidative stress status through multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms, thereby effectively treating pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Currently, there is a lack of systematic review and summary of TCM research in this field both domestically and internationally. Therefore, this article aims to summarize and conclude the mechanisms by which TCM regulates mitochondrial oxidative stress to intervene in pulmonary inflammatory diseases, providing a scientific basis for its clinical application and offering new ideas and references for in-depth research on the prevention and treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases with TCM.
6.Study on the neuroprotective effect of curculigoside on rats with spinal cord injury
Na LIU ; Peipei HUANG ; Jing YANG ; Yafei LI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(12):1469-1475
OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect of curculigoside (CUR) on rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) based on phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten gene-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin signaling pathway. METHODS Taking male SD rats as subjects, 15 rats were randomly selected as sham operation group; the rest rats were chosen to establish SCI model by spinal cord impact method, and then were divided into model group, CUR low-dose group (36 mg/kg CUR, gavage), CUR high-dose group (72 mg/kg CUR, gavage) and CUR high-dose+3- methyladenine (3-MA) group (72 mg/kg CUR, gavage+20 mg/kg autophagy inhibitor 3-MA, intraperitoneal injection), with 15 rats in each group. Rats in each group were given corresponding liquid/normal saline, once a day, for 28 consecutive days. Basso- Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score and Rivlin inclined plate experiment were performed on the 14th and 28th day after administration; the pathological changes of spinal cord tissue in rats were observed in each group; the apoptosis of spinal cord tissue, the levels of oxidative stress factors [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH)], and the protein expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), PINK1, Parkin, p62 and microtubule- associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were all determined. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group, obvious edema and bleeding in the spinal cord tissue of rats were observed in the model group, accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration; BBB score and inclined plate angle, SOD and GSH levels, the protein expressions of BDNF, PINK1 and Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were significantly reduced; the apoptosis rate, MDA level, the protein expressions of GFAP and p62 in spinal cord tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the edema, bleeding and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the spinal cord tissue of rats were reduced in the administration groups, and the above quantitative indicators had been significantly improved (P<0.05); 3-MA could significantly reverse the improvement effects of the above indexes by CUR (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CUR can promote the recovery of neurological and motor functions in SCI rats, improve the pathological injury of the spinal cord and inhibit apoptosis, which may be related to mitochondrial autophagy mediated by activating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway.
7.Effect of peri-implant soft-tissue phenotype on peri-implant health
Yanxin SHEN ; Wei LIU ; Yafei WU ; Ping GONG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2024;59(8):846-850
Dental implant is a commonly used therapeutic option for reconstruction of edentulous space. Adequate peri-implant soft tissue is crucial for preventing biological and esthetic complications. Peri-implant soft-tissue phenotypes including supracrestal tissue height, mucosa thickness and keratinized mucosa width could reflect the quality and quantity of peri-implant soft tissue. Different soft-tissue phenotypes might impact the stability of implant restoration through altering the tissue remodeling or inflammatory response. This review will discuss the influence of peri-implant soft-tissue phenotypes on tissue remodeling and inflammatory response after implant placement.
8.Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Cyberbullying Bystander Scale in college students
Caihong YUAN ; Yafei JIA ; Qiongxiang LIU ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Chunyan ZHOU ; Chenling LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(11):1003-1008
Objective:To test the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Cyberbullying Bystand-er Scale(CBS)in Chinese college students.Methods:Totally 722 college students were randomly divided into sample 1(n=356)and sample 2(n=366).Exploratory factor analysis was performed on sample 1,and confirma-tory factor analysis,criterion validity,and internal consistency reliability were performed on sample 2.The criterion validity was tested with the Short Form of Moral Disengagement Scale(MDS).Thirty-seven students of sample 2 were randomly selected and retested 2 week later.Results:The Chinese version of CBS contained 6 distinct factors(40 items),named passive outsider online,defender of the cybervictim online,reinforcer of the cyberbully online,passive face-to-face outsider,face to face defender of the cybervictim,face-to-face reinforcer of the cyberbully.The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the fitting index of the six-factor modelis good(x2/df=2.83,CFI=0.90,TLI=0.89,RMSEA=0.07,SRMR=0.06).The scores of passive outsider online,reinforcer of the cyberbully online,passive face-to-face outsider and face-to-face reinforcer of the cyberbully were positively correla-ted with the moral disengagement(ICC=0.11-0.28,Ps<0.05).The internal consistency reliabilities of the scale were from 0.89 to 0.96,the retest reliabilities(ICC)of the scale were between 0.75 to 0.89.Conclusion:The Chinese version of the Cyberbullying Bystander Scale(CBS)shows good validity and reliability in Chinese college students.
9.Efficacy and safety of venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents in the treatment of 83 patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes
Liu LIU ; Feng HE ; Yan XU ; Tao LI ; Yafei LI ; Ping TANG ; Ling SUN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(3):277-283
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of venetoclax (VEN) combined with hypomethylating agents (HMA) in the treatment of higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) and analyze the factors influencing their therapeutic effect.Methods:The clinical data of 83 patients with HR-MDS who were diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between November 2019 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with VEN combined with HMA. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to depict the survival curves, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival between the groups.Results:The median age was 57 (15-82) years old, and 51 patients (61.4%) were male. Forty-five patients (54.2%) were initially treated with HMA, 23 (27.7%) received ≤4 cycles of HMA, and 15 (18.1%) demonstrated HMA failure. At the median follow-up of 10.3 (0.6-34.4) months, the overall response rate (ORR) was 62.7% (52/83), including 18 patients (21.7%) with a complete response (CR), 14 (16.9%) with a bone marrow CR (mCR) with hematological improvement, and 20 (24.1%) with a mCR. The ORR of patients with initial treatment, ≤4 HMA cycles, and HMA failure were 66.7%, 60.9%, and 53.3%, respectively ( P=0.641). The median overall survival time was 14.6 (95% CI 7.2-22.0) months, and the median progression-free survival time was 8.9 (95% CI 6.7-11.1) months. The multivariate analysis showed that serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ≥90 U/L (OR=14.574, 95% CI 3.036-69.951, P=0.001), TP53 mutation ( OR=13.052, 95% CI 1.982-85.932, P=0.008), and U2AF1 mutation ( OR=7.720, 95% CI 1.540-38.698, P=0.013) were independent risk factors for poor efficacy of VEN combined with HMA. Hematological toxicity occurred in all patients, and the incidence of treatment-induced grade 3-4 leukopenia was 48.2% (40/83). Infection was the most common non-hematological adverse event, mainly pulmonary infection (31.3%) . Conclusion:VEN combined with HMA had a high response rate in patients with HR-MDS, both at initial treatment and with HMA failure. ALP ≥ 90 U/L, TP53 mutation, and U2AF1 mutation were independent risk factors for non-response to treatment.
10.Designs and appropriate choices for diagnostic test accuracy study
Xiaolong LIU ; Na WU ; Yafei LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(12):1705-1714
Diagnostic tests are indispensable tools in clinical practice and are rigorously evaluated through scientifically designed accuracy studies before the clinical practice. The accuracy of these tests directly affects the correctness of the diagnosis and the rationality of treatment decisions. This article introduces the types of designs and their characteristics used in diagnostic test accuracy studies, including single-group studies, diagnostic case-control studies, single-group paired studies, and parallel-group studies. It recommends appropriate design types based on the research question stage, the diagnostic test's role in the clinical diagnostic pathway, and the actual clinical application scenario to provide suggestions for further standardizing the design of current clinical diagnostic test accuracy research. This article may help clinical researchers better understand and choose the appropriate type of diagnostic test accuracy study design to improve diagnostic test accuracy research quality.

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