1.Effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with overexpression of the Numb gene in treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis
Shihao ZHANG ; Changqing ZHAO ; Mingyan YANG ; Feifei XING ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) with overexpression of the Numb gene in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF). MethodsThe technique of lentiviral transfection was used to induce the overexpression of the Numb gene in hUC-MSC (hUC-MSCNumb-OE), and hUC-MSC transfected with empty vector (hUC-MSCOE-EV) was used as negative control. Bile duct ligation (BDL) was performed to establish a rat model of CLF, and then the rats were randomly divided into BDL group, hUC-MSC group, hUC-MSCOE-EV group, and hUC-MSCNumb-OE group, while a sham-operation group was also established. The rats in the intervention groups were given a single splenic injection of the corresponding cells after BDL, and samples were collected at the end of week 4. Related indicators were measured, including serum biochemistry, liver histopathology, the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the liver, hepatic stellate cell activation, ductular reaction, liver regeneration, and the expression levels of key molecules in the Numb-p53 signaling axis. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the BDL group, the hUC-MSC group and the hUC-MSCOE-EV group had significant reductions in the levels of serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bile acid, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin), liver fibrosis markers (the content of Hyp and the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-beta 1), and ductular reaction markers (the expression levels of CK7 and CK19) (all P <0.05), and compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significantly greater improvements in the above indicators (all P <0.05). In addition, compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significant improvements in the expression levels of liver regeneration-related markers (albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α) and the molecules associated with the Numb-p53 signaling axis (Numb, pNumb, Mdm2, and p53) (all P <0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of the Numb gene can enhance the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSC on CLF, possibly by activating the Numb-PTBL-p53-HNF4α axis, promoting the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs and subsequently enhancing liver regeneration.
2.Distribution characteristics of bacterial communities in central air-conditioning ventilation systems of a Grade 3A hospital in Shanghai based on 16S rRNA sequencing
Jun NI ; Haiyun ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Lijun ZHANG ; Yongping LIU ; Xiaojing LI ; Yiming ZHENG ; Liping ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):732-739
Background A diverse cohort of patients and susceptible individuals congregate in healthcare facilities, where exposure to pathogenic microorganisms associated with respiratory infectious diseases constitutes a significant risk factor for cross-infection. Central air-conditioning ventilation systems improve some indoor environment indicators while exacerbating the risk of transmission of respiratory infectious diseases. Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of microbial communities in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems of hospitals, providing a scientific basis for the selection of microbial indicators in hygiene standards for hospital central air-conditioning ventilation systems and for hospital risk early warning systems. Methods In October 2023, two central air-conditioning ventilation systems were selected from a Grade 3A hospital in Shanghai: one was an all-air air-conditioning system serving the waiting area on the ground floor, and the other was a fan coil plus fresh air system serving the outpatient area on the third floor. Samples from four different components of the ventilation systems—air outlets, filters, surface coolers, and condensate trays—were collected for high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to analyze bacterial communities. Alpha-diversity and beta-diversity analyses were performed to investigate the microbial community composition and diversity characteristics of the hospital central air-conditioning ventilation systems. Functional analysis was conducted to determine the relative abundance of bacterial functions in these systems.Results A total of 528 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, encompassing 20 bacterial phyla, 37 classes, 79 orders, 123 families, and 240 genera. The analysis revealed that the bacterial community was predominantly composed of Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadates, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The diversity analysis indicated that bacterial community richness and diversity were highest in the condensate trays, while no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the bacterial community composition among the air outlets, filters, and surface coolers. The functional analysis showed that the bacterial communities in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems primarily exhibited chemoheterotrophic, oxidative energy-dependent heterotrophic, and ureolytic functional characteristics. Conclusion The dominance of Proteobacteria suggests that this phylum exhibits strong adaptability in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems, possibly related to its ability to survive and reproduce under varying environmental conditions. The diversity analysis indicates that the condensate tray is a critical area for bacterial proliferation in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems. The similarity in environmental conditions among the air outlets, filters, and surface coolers result in similar bacterial community structures. The functional analysis reveals that the bacterial communities possess robust energy conversion and metabolic capabilities, potentially contributing to processes such as organic matter decomposition and nitrogen cycling within the central air-conditioning ventilation systems.
3.Construction and evaluation of a nomogram model of progressive pulmonary fibrosis phenotype in interstitial lung disease associated with primary Sj?gren's syndrome
Chuanrong ZHANG ; Yongping CHEN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(3):659-667
Objective To identify risk factors of progressive pulmonary fibrosis(PPF)development in patients with primary Sj?gren's syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease(pSS-ILD),and to develop and validate a clinically applicable nomogram prediction model.Methods Enrolled 168 pSS-ILD patients from Three Gorges Hospital affiliated to Chongqing University from January 2019 to January 2023,randomly allo-cated into training(n=117)and internal validation(n=51)cohorts at 7∶3 ratio.The training cohort was stratified into the PPF group(n=38)and the non-PPF group(n=79)based on one-year radiographic pro-gression.An external validation cohort(n=24)was prospectively enrolled from February 2023 to April 2024.Multivariable analyses incorporated demographic characteristics,clinical manifestations,laboratory parame-ters,pulmonary function tests,and high-resolution CT(HRCT)imaging features.A nomogram was developed using independent predictors identified through logistic regression.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,area under curve(AUC),calibration curve,Hosmer-Lemeshow test and decision curve were used to e-valuate the prediction efficiency of the model.Results PPF developed in 31.0%(52/168)of patients within one year.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age,25 hydroxyvitamin D level and high resolution CT fibrosis score were independent risk factors for PPF phenotype in pSS-ILD patients(P<0.05).Based on the above predictors,a column-line diagram was constructed.Internal verification showed that the column-line differentiation ability was good(AUC=0.88,95%CI:0.79-0.98),and exter-nal verification showed that the predicted probability of the calibration curve was close to the actual probabili-ty(HL test χ2=9.516,P=0.301),indicating that the model had good consistency.Conclusion Age,serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D level and high resolution CT fibrosis score are independent risk factors for PPF phenotype in pSS-ILD patients.The nomogram model constructed according to the above three predictors has good differentiation and consistency,and could provide a reference for the clinical prediction of PPF in pSS-ILD patients.
4.Investigation of the impact and mechanism of IRF2BP2 knockdown on the proliferation in acute myeloid leukemia cells
Bi Zhou ; Xiaodong Tang ; Ying Li ; Yongping Zhang ; Shaoyan Hu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(9):1682-1688
Objective:
To explore the effect of interferon regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2 ( IRF2BP2) on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia ( AML) cells and its molecular mechanism.
Methods:
The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology was used to knock out IRF2BP2 in human AML cell lines Kasumi-1 and U937,and West- ern blot was performed to detect the knockout efficiency of IRF2BP2 protein.Cell morphology was observed using a microscope.Cell phenotypes were analyzed by CCK-8 assay,colony formation experiments,and flow cytometry. RNA-Seq was performed to identify differentially expressed genes between the IRF2BP2 knockout group and the control group in the U937 cell line.Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ( GSEA) was conducted to explore the down- stream molecular mechanisms.Western blot was used to detect the expression of downstream differentially expressed genes.The Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation ( CUT&Tag) technique was applied to identify the direct tar- gets of the IRF2BP2 protein,and the corresponding binding signals were visualized using the Integrated Genomics Viewer ( IGV) .
Results:
Compared with the control group,after knocking out IRF2BP2,the CCK-8 experiment showed that AML cell proliferation was inhibited ( P <0. 05) ; the number of colonies in the IRF2BP2 knockout group decreased ( P<0. 05) ,and the proportion of G1 phase was prolonged ( P<0. 05) ; in U937 cell lines,knoc- king out IRF2BP2 resulted in significant enrichment of differential genes in myelocytomatosis oncogene ( MYC) -re- lated signaling pathways,and the protein expression levels of pathway molecules MYC,cyclin-dependent kinase 4 ( CDK4) ,and cyclin - dependent kinase 2 ( CDK2 ) decreased with the downregulation of IRF2BP2; using IRF2BP2 antibodies in U937 cell lines for CUT&Tag experiments,IGV visualization analysis showed a significant increase in signal peaks in the MYC promoter region.
Conclusion
IRF2BP2 protein affects the cell cycle and pro- liferation of AML cells by targeting and regulating MYC.
5.Decoding the immune microenvironment of secondary chronic myelomonocytic leukemia due to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with CD19 CAR-T failure by single-cell RNA-sequencing.
Xudong LI ; Hong HUANG ; Fang WANG ; Mengjia LI ; Binglei ZHANG ; Jianxiang SHI ; Yuke LIU ; Mengya GAO ; Mingxia SUN ; Haixia CAO ; Danfeng ZHANG ; Na SHEN ; Weijie CAO ; Zhilei BIAN ; Haizhou XING ; Wei LI ; Linping XU ; Shiyu ZUO ; Yongping SONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1866-1881
BACKGROUND:
Several studies have demonstrated the occurrence of secondary tumors as a rare but significant complication of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, underscoring the need for a detailed investigation. Given the limited variety of secondary tumor types reported to date, a comprehensive characterization of the various secondary tumors arising after CAR-T therapy is essential to understand the associated risks and to define the role of the immune microenvironment in malignant transformation. This study aims to characterize the immune microenvironment of a newly identified secondary tumor post-CAR-T therapy, to clarify its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
METHODS:
In this study, the bone marrow (BM) samples were collected by aspiration from the primary and secondary tumors before and after CD19 CAR-T treatment. The CD45 + BM cells were enriched with human CD45 microbeads. The CD45 + cells were then sent for 10× genomics single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify cell populations. The Cell Ranger pipeline and CellChat were used for detailed analysis.
RESULTS:
In this study, a rare type of secondary chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) were reported in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who had previously received CD19 CAR-T therapy. The scRNA-seq analysis revealed increased inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and an immunosuppressive state of monocytes/macrophages, which may impair cytotoxic activity in both T and natural killer (NK) cells in secondary CMML before treatment. In contrast, their cytotoxicity was restored in secondary CMML after treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
This finding delineates a previously unrecognized type of secondary tumor, CMML, after CAR-T therapy and provide a framework for defining the immune microenvironment of secondary tumor occurrence after CAR-T therapy. In addition, the results provide a rationale for targeting macrophages to improve treatment strategies for CMML treatment.
Humans
;
Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy*
;
Tumor Microenvironment/genetics*
;
Antigens, CD19/metabolism*
;
Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/genetics*
;
Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Single-Cell Analysis/methods*
;
Female
;
Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods*
;
Receptors, Chimeric Antigen
;
Middle Aged
6.Natural product mediated mesenchymal-epithelial remodeling by covalently binding ENO1 to degrade m6A modified β-catenin mRNA.
Tianyang CHEN ; Guangju LIU ; Sisi CHEN ; Fengyuan ZHANG ; Shuoqian MA ; Yongping BAI ; Quan ZHANG ; Yahui DING
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):467-483
The transition of cancer cells from epithelial state to mesenchymal state awarded hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stem cell properties and induced tumorigenicity, drug resistance, and high recurrence rate. Reversing the mesenchymal state to epithelial state by inducing mesenchymal-epithelial remodeling could inhibit the progression of HCC. Using high-throughput screening, chrysin was selected from natural products to reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by selectively increasing CDH1 expression. The target identification suggested chrysin exerted its anti-HCC effect through covalently and specifically binding threonine 205 (Thr205) of alpha-enolase (ENO1). For the first time, we revealed that ENO1 bound β-catenin mRNA, and recruited YTHDF2 to identify the m6A modified β-catenin in the 3'-UTR region to degrade β-catenin mRNA. Eventually, the CDH1 gene expression was improved through the regulation of β-catenin mRNA. ENO1/β-catenin mRNA interaction might be a promising target for cellular plasticity reprogramming. Moreover, chrysin could mediate mesenchymal‒epithelial remodeling through increasing degradation of β-catenin mRNA by promoting the binding of ENO1 and β-catenin mRNA. To the best of our knowledge, chrysin is the first reported small molecule inducing β-catenin mRNA degradation through binding to ENO1. The water-soluble derivative of chrysin may be a natural product-derived lead compound for circumventing metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance of HCC by mediating mesenchymal‒epithelial remodeling.
7.USP20 as a super-enhancer-regulated gene drives T-ALL progression via HIF1A deubiquitination.
Ling XU ; Zimu ZHANG ; Juanjuan YU ; Tongting JI ; Jia CHENG ; Xiaodong FEI ; Xinran CHU ; Yanfang TAO ; Yan XU ; Pengju YANG ; Wenyuan LIU ; Gen LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Fenli ZHANG ; Ying YANG ; Bi ZHOU ; Yumeng WU ; Zhongling WEI ; Yanling CHEN ; Jianwei WANG ; Di WU ; Xiaolu LI ; Yang YANG ; Guanghui QIAN ; Hongli YIN ; Shuiyan WU ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Dan LIU ; Jun-Jie FAN ; Lei SHI ; Xiaodong WANG ; Shaoyan HU ; Jun LU ; Jian PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4751-4771
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.
8.n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract of Periploca forrestii Schltr.: its active components, targets and pathways for treating Alcheimer's disease in rats.
Niandong RAN ; Jie LIU ; Jian XU ; Yongping ZHANG ; Jiangtao GUO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):785-798
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the active components and possible mechanisms of n-butanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. ethanol extract for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD).
METHODS:
The active components of n-butanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. ethanol extract were analyzed using UPLC-QE-MS technique. In a SD rat model of AD induced by treatment with AlCl3 and D-gal, the therapeutic effects of low, moderate and high doses of the n-butanol fraction, saline, and donepezil hydrochloride were evaluated using ELISA, HE and Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The therapeutic mechanisms of the n-butanol fraction were explored using network pharmacology and molecular docking.
RESULTS:
Seventeen active components were identified from the n-butanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. ethanol extract, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, triterpenoids, steroids, and volatile oils. In the rat models of AD, treatment with the n-butanol fraction significantly lowed AChE content in the hippocampus, increased the contents of ACh, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, enhanced the expressions of neuronal apoptotic factors Bcl-2, PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, and reduced the expressions of Bax and caspase-3 proteins. The treatment also dose-dependently up-regulated hippocampal expressions of Nrf-2, HO-1 and BDNF and down-regulated Keap-1, Aβ and Tau expressions. Bioinformatics analysis identified 14 key intersected targets (including TNF, AKT1 and ESR1) between the n-butanol fraction and AD.
CONCLUSIONS
The therapeutic effect of n-butanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. ethanol extract in AD mice is mediated by its multiple active components that regulate multiple targets and pathways.
Animals
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
1-Butanol/chemistry*
;
Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
;
Periploca/chemistry*
;
Ethanol/chemistry*
;
Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy*
;
Male
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
9.The nursing care of a patient with large skin ulcers caused by EBV positive T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases based on TIME Clinical-Decision-Support-Tool
Zhixin WANG ; Cong LI ; Junjie ZHANG ; Yongping MA ; Wenhua ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(31):2461-2466
To summarize the nursing experience of a patient with large skin ulcers caused by EBV positive T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases based on TIME Clinical-Decision-Support-Tool. The main points of nursing care were as follows: early identification of the cause of ulceration and active treatment of the underlying disease; accurate and continuous assessment of patients and their wounds; multidisciplinary consultation to ensure the integrity and comprehensiveness of diagnosis and treatment; active identification of obstacle factors and risk control; providing different dressing change programs according to different wound healing stages; evaluation of treatment effects at any time; timely pain management; improving the nutritional status of patients; providing health education and psychological nursing care. After 367 days of wound dressing, the patient′s wound was fully healed, and EBV-DNA was not detected in genetic examination after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
10.Monitoring results and analysis of key endemic disease prevention and control projects in Shanxi Province in 2021
Man HE ; Jianlyu YANG ; Qingzhen JIA ; Yongping WANG ; Zhenghui WANG ; Xiangdong ZHANG ; Fengfeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2024;43(8):643-646
Objective:To investigate the current situation of key endemic disease prevention and control in Shanxi Province, and provide a scientific basis for further strengthening the implementation of prevention and control measures.Methods:In 2021, monitoring of key endemic disease prevention and control projects in Shanxi Province was carried out in accordance with the current national monitoring plans for iodine deficiency disorders and water source high iodine areas, for endemic fluorosis, endemic arsenic poisoning, Kashin-Beck disease, and Keshan disease. The effect of prevention and control measures was evaluated in accordance with the "Evaluation Measures for Key Endemic Disease Control and Elimination (2019 Edition)". Patient management services and treatment subsidy projects were carried out in accordance with the "Management Service Standards for Endemic Disease Patients" and the "Management Measures for Treatment of Endemic Disease Patients".Results:All 117 counties (cities, districts, hereinafter referred to as counties) in Shanxi Province had reached the national elimination standards for iodine deficiency disorders, and the overall iodine nutrition of the population was generally suitable. However, the consumption rate of qualified iodine salt in 8 counties was ≤90%, and the iodine nutrition of pregnant women in 13 counties was insufficient. The water improvement rate in 295 villages in 12 counties across the province with high water iodine level was 80.68% (238/295), and the proportion of villages with qualified water iodine after water improvement was 38.31% (113/295). The prevention and control measures of 93.55% (58/62) of the counties in the province with endemic fluorosis caused through drinking water reached the national control standards. Totally 20 counties ravaged by coal-burning borne endemic fluorosis, 16 counties ravaged by drinking water borne endemic arsenicosis (high arsenic areas), 35 counties ravaged by Kashin-Beck disease, and 11 counties ravaged by Keshan disease met the national elimination standards. In 2021, 11 197 patients with endemic diseases were followed up and managed in Shanxi Province, and drug treatment programs were carried out on 3 413 patients with skeletal fluorosis, 2 088 patients with Kashin-Beck disease, and 10 patients with chronic Keshan disease.Conclusions:The overall prevention and control of key endemic diseases in Shanxi Province remains under control or elimination. However, the water improvement in some drinking water borne endemic fluorosis areas still needs to be further strengthened. Measures for water improvement and supply of non-iodized salt in water source high iodine areas still need to be coordinated and promoted. Key endemic disease patients in Shanxi Province have basically achieved standardized management.


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