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.The Role and Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Enhancing Insulin Sensitivity by Reducing Circulating Glutamate
Xiao-Rui XING ; Qin SUN ; Huan-Yu WANG ; Ruo-Bing FAN ; Ru WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1373-1385
ObjectiveTo explore the role and potential mechanism of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity by aerobic exercise. This research may provide a novel strategy for preventing metabolic diseases through precise exercise interventions. MethodsTo investigate the effects of elevated circulating glutamate on insulin sensitivity and its potential mechanisms, 18 male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a group receiving 500 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (M), and a group receiving 1 000 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (H). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with treatments administered 6 d per week. Following the intervention, an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and a glucose tolerance test (GTT) were conducted. Circulating glutamate levels were measured using a commercial kit, and the activity of the skeletal muscle InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed via Western blot. To further investigate the role of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity through aerobic exercise, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (CS), an exercise intervention group (ES), and an exercise combined with glutamate supplementation group (EG). The ES group underwent treadmill-based aerobic exercise, while the EG group received glutamate supplementation at a dosage of 1 000 mg/kg in addition to aerobic exercise. The intervention lasted for 10 weeks, with sessions occurring 6 d per week, and the same procedures were followed afterward. To further elucidate the mechanism by which glutamate modulates the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, C2C12 myotubes were initially subjected to graded glutamate treatment (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 mmol/L) to determine the optimal concentration for cellular intervention. Subsequently, the cells were divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a glutamate intervention group (G), and a glutamate combined with MK801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) intervention group (GK). The G group was treated with 5 mmol/L glutamate, while the GK group received 50 μmol/L MK801 in addition to 5 mmol/L glutamate. After 24 h of intervention, the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed using Western blot. ResultsCompared to the mice in group C, the circulating glutamate levels, the area under curve (AUC) of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group H were significantly increased. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle were significantly downregulated. Compared to the mice in group CS, the circulating glutamate levels, the AUC of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group ES were significantly reduced. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle of group ES mice were significantly upregulated. There were no significant changes observed in the mice of group EG. Compared to the cells in group 0 mmol/L, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in cells of group 5 mmol/L were significantly downregulated. Compared to the cells in group C, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in the cells of group G were significantly downregulated. No significant changes were observed in the cells of group GK. ConclusionLong-term aerobic exercise can improve insulin sensitivity by lowering circulating levels of glutamate. This effect may be associated with the upregulation of the InsR/IRS1/AKT signaling pathway activity in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, glutamate can weaken the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in skeletal muscle, potentially by binding to NMDAR expressed in skeletal muscle.
3.Xiaoyao Shukun Decoction Treats Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease by Regulating Neutrophil Extracellular Traps via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Jing PAN ; Bing ZHANG ; Chunxiao DANG ; Jinxiao LI ; Pengfei LIU ; Xiao YU ; Yuchao WANG ; Jinxing LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):69-78
ObjectiveTo investigate how Xiaoyao Shukun decoction (XYSKD) regulates the formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, thereby reducing inflammation, inhibiting the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts in pelvic adhesion tissue, decreasing adhesion and fibrosis, and repairing the tissue damage in sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (SPID). MethodsA total of 84 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into seven groups: blank, model, XYSKD (8 mg·kg-1), mTOR agonist (10 mg·kg-1), mTOR agonist + XYSKD (10 mg·kg-1+8 mg·kg-1), mTOR inhibitor (2 mg·kg-1), and mTOR inhibitor + XYSKD (2 mg·kg-1+8 mg·kg-1). The rat model of SPID was constructed by starvation, fatigue, and ascending Escherichia coli infection. After 14 days of drug intervention, the ultrastructure of fibroblasts in the pelvic adhesion tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The general morphology of the uterus, fallopian tube, and ovary was observed by laparotomy. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the peritoneal flushing fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone 3 (H3) in the fallopian tube was detected by immunofluorescence. Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the relative protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of neutrophil elastase (NE), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), H3, PI3K, and Akt. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group presented a large number of collagen fibers in bundles, numerous cytoplasmic folds of fibroblasts, reduced or absent mitochondrial cristae, and disordered and expanded endoplasmic reticulum. By laparotomy, extensive pelvic congestion, connective tissue hyperplasia, thickening and hardening of the tubal end near the uterus, and tubal and ovarian adhesion or cyst were observed in the model group. In addition, the model group showed raised levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in the peritoneal flushing fluid (P<0.01), increased average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of NE, H3, CD54, PI3K, and Akt (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mTOR agonist group showed increased fibroblasts and cytoplasmic folds, absence of mitochondrial cristae, endoplasmic reticulum dilation, and evident collagen fiber hyperplasia. Pelvic adhesions were observed to cause aggravated damage to the uterine, fallopian tube, and ovarian tissues. The levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in the peritoneal lavage fluid elevated (P<0.01) and the average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 enhanced (P<0.01) in the mTOR agonist group. In contrast, the XYSKD group and the mTOR inhibitor group showcased decreased fibroblasts and collagen fibers, alleviated mitochondrial crista loss and endoplasmic reticulum dilation, improved morphology and appearance of the uterine, fallopian tube, and ovarian tissues, lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in the peritoneal lavage fluid (P<0.01), decreased average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of NE, H3, CD54, PI3K, and Akt (P<0.05). Compared with the mTOR agonist group, the mTOR agonist + XYSKD group showed alleviated pathological changes in the pelvic tissue, declined levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α (P<0.01), decreased average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of NE, H3, CD54, α-SMA, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt (P<0.01) and mRNA levels of NE, H3, CD54, α-SMA, PI3K, and Akt (P<0.01). Compared with the mTOR inhibitor group, the mTOR inhibitor + XYSKD group demonstrated reduced pathological severity of the pelvic tissue, reduced levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α (P<0.01), decreased average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of NE and CD54 (P<0.05). ConclusionXYSKD can inhibit the excessive formation and release of NETs via PI3K/Akt/mTOR to ameliorate the inflammatory environment and reduce fibrosis and adhesion of the pelvic tissue, thereby playing a role in the treatment of SPID. It may exert the effects by lowering the levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α and down-regulating the expression of NE, H3, CD54, α-SMA, PI3K, and Akt in the pelvic adhesion tissue.
4.The therapeutic effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction on acute lung injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis model and its mechanism
Min-Chao FENG ; Fang LUO ; Xi-Ping TANG ; Kai LI ; Xiao-Dong ZHU ; Bing-Yu ZHANG ; Guo-Zhong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(5):975-983
Aim To investigate the possible mechanism of action of Qingjie Huagong decoction(QJHGD)on acute lung injury(ALI)associated with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)using network pharmacology,and to verify it by animal experiments.Methods The TC-MSP,BATMAN-TCM,ETCM,and SwissTargetPredic-tion databases were searched to obtain the action tar-gets of the blood-entering active ingredients of each drug in the QJHGD.The GeneCard database was searched to obtain SAP-ALI disease targets.The drug targets and disease targets were intersected to obtain common targets.Subsequently,the common targets were analyzed by STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.1 software for protein interaction network analysis.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis was performed with the help of DAVID database.Finally,the key signa-ling pathways were verified by animal experiments.Results A total of 28 active ingredients were screened out for the treatment of SAP-ALI with 42 common tar-gets.PPI network analysis showed that STAT3,IL-6,and TGFB1 might be core targets;GO and KEGG en-richment analysis mainly involved cell proliferation,PI3K/AKT signaling pathways,etc.Animal experi-ments confirmed that QJHGD could improve the pathol-ogy of pancreas and lung tissues in SAP-ALI rat mod-el,down-regulate the expression levels of α-amylase,lipase,IL-1 β,IL-6,and TNF-α in serum,and down-regulate the expression levels of proteins and mRNAs related to PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway in lung tis-sues.Conclusion QJHGD synergistically treats SAP-ALI through multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway,with a mechanism that may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation.
5.Effect of reducing contrast agent dosage based on body surface area on the quality of liver enhanced dual-energy CT images
Yu-Zhu LEI ; Xiao-Ming LI ; Bing JI ; Jie WANG ; Jing LI ; Wei CHEN ; Lian LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(12):1048-1051
Objective Personalized calculation of contrast agent dose based on body surface area(BSA)was conducted to explore the feasibility of obtaining virtual single energy or reconstruction fusion through dual-energy CT without affecting the enhancement effect of portal vein trunk under the condition of reducing the contrast agent dose.Methods A total of 60 patients who received enhanced upper abdominal CT examination in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University were selected and divided into the normal dose group and the reduced dose group.The normal dose group used the BSA estimated value as the contrast agent dose,and the reduced dose group used the BSA estimated value reduced by 20%as the contrast agent dose.Both groups of patients were treated with dual-energy CT scanning in portal vein stage,and the scanning parameters were the same.After scanning,Syngo dual-energy post-processing software of Siemens multi-mode image workstation was used to reconstruct and fuse the 5 mm layer thickness image of the portal vein stage in the reduced dose group by two methods:"optimum contrast(OC)"and"monoenergetic(Mono)".The CT value and SD value of the portal vein trunk and the normal liver parenchyma of images in each group were measured.The contrast to noise ratio(CNR)of theportal vein and the liver parenchyma and portal vein signal to ratio(SNR)were calculated.Results Compared with the normal dose group,there was no statistically significant difference in the subjective score in the reduced dose OC group(P>0.05),but the CNR and SNR of the portal vein trunk in the images were significantly improved(P<0.05).The portal vein CT value and the difference between portal vein and liver parenchyma in the reduced dose Mono group were significantly lower than those in the normal dose group,and the subjective score was the lowest,with statistical differences(P<0.05).Conclusion In the case of reducing the contrast agent dose by 20%,the dual-energy CT reconstruction fusion method can not only reduce the damage of contrast agent to patients,but also significantly improve the lesion display,and improve the consistency of liver enhancement image quality.
6.Analysis of animal models of sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease based on data mining
Yuchao WANG ; Bing ZHAGN ; Jing PAN ; Yalin LI ; Xiao YU ; Jinxing LIU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(7):913-922
Objective To review the characteristics of animal models of sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease(SPID)to provide a reference for standardizing the modeling process and improving the modeling rate.Methods Literature relevant to animal models of SPID from the past 40 years was searched,and animal species,modeling method,modeling cycles,modeling substances,positive control drugs,and evaluation indexes were summarized and analyzed.Results A total of 243 study manuscripts were included,most of which induced the SPID model in rats via the phenol paste or microbial infection method.The modeling cycles were typically between 14 and 16 days,and the success of the models was mostly determined by pelvic tissue morphology observation and pathological HE staining.Few research reports have focused on the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)disease combination model.Conclusions No consistent criteria have been established for SPID animal model modeling,and thus it is recommended that researchers evaluate changes to animal behavior,pelvic histomorphology,and pathology.TCM syndrome modeling lacks effective method and evaluation standards,which need further research and development.Finally,the selection and use of positive-control drugs need to be further explored and perfected.
7.Application value of ultrasound technology in transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate
Yu XIONG ; Feng-Feng LU ; Qi JIANG ; Zhen-Qian SONG ; Xiao-Feng ZHU ; Ze-Peng ZHU ; Zhi-Feng WEI ; Ai-Bing YAO
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(4):300-305
Objective:To investigate the application value of ultrasound technology in transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate(TUERP).Methods:This study included 78 BPH patients admitted in our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023,aged 70.68±8.63 years and with the indication of surgery.We randomly divided them into two groups to receive TUERP(the control group,n=39)and ultrasound-assisted TUERP(the US-TUERP group,n=39).We statistically analyzed and compared the rele-vant parameters obtained before and after operation between the two groups.Results:No statistically significant differences were ob-served in the operation time and bladder irrigation time between the two groups(P>0.05).More glandular tissues were removed but less intraoperative bleeding and fewer perioperative complications occurred in the US-TUERP group than in the control.Compared with the baseline,IPSS,postvoid residual urine volume(PVR),quality of life score(QOL)and maximum urinary flow rate(Qmax)were significantly improved in both groups at 1 and 3 months after surgery,even more significantly in the US-TUERP than in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:US-TUERP helps achieve complete resection of the hyperplastic prostatic tissue along the surgical capsule at the anatomical level,with a higher safety,fewer perioperative complications,and better therapeutic effects.
8.Application of China-made Toumai? Robot in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Zhi-Feng WEI ; Yu-Hao CHEN ; Ze-Peng ZHU ; Qi JIANG ; Yu XIONG ; Feng-Feng LU ; Zhen-Qian SONG ; Bin JIANG ; Xiao-Feng ZHU ; Tian-Hao FENG ; Xiao-Feng XU ; Gang YANG ; Wu WEI ; Ai-Bing YAO ; Jing-Ping GE
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(8):696-700
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficiency of China-made Toumai Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prosta-tectomy(LRP).Methods:This study included 40 cases of PCa treated from January 2023 to May 2023 by robot-assisted LRP with preservation of the bladder neck and maximal functional urethral length,15 cases with the assistance of Toumai Robot(the TMR group)and the other 25 with the assistance of da Vinci Robot as controls(the DVR group).We recorded the docking time,laparo-scopic surgery time,vesico-urethral anastomosis time,intraoperative blood loss and postoperative urinary continence,and compared them between the two groups.Results:Operations were successfully completed in all the cases.No statistically significant differ-ences were observed between the TMR and DVR groups in the docking time(6 min vs 5 min,P>0.05)or intraoperative blood loss(200 ml vs 150 ml,P>0.05).The TMR group,compared with the DVR group,showed a significantly longer median laparoscopic surgery time(146 min vs 130 min,P<0.05)and median vesico-urethral anastomosis time(19 min vs 16 min,P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences between the TMR and DVR groups in the rates of urinary continence recovery immediately af-ter surgery(60.0%[9/15]vs 64.0%[16/25],P>0.05)or at 1 month(80.0%[12/15])vs(76.0%[19/25],P>0.05),3 months(93.3%[14/15])vs(92.0%[23/25],P>0.05)and 6 months postoperatively(100%[15/15])vs(96%[24/25],P>0.05).Conclusion:China-made Toumai? Robot surgical system is safe and reliable for laparoscopic radical prosta-tectomy,with satisfactory postoperative recovery of urinary continence.
9.Modified scrotoscopic surgery for testicular hydrocele
Tian-Hao FENG ; Ai-Bing YAO ; Qi JIANG ; Xiao-Feng ZHU ; Yu XIONG ; Zhen-Qian SONG ; Feng-Feng LU ; Bin JIANG ; Zhi-Feng WEI
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(10):910-914
Objective:To explore the application of modified scrotoscopic surgery(MSS)in the treatment of testicular hydro-cele.Methods:We selected 45 cases of testicular hydrocele for this study,22 treated by traditional scrotoscopic surgery(TSS)and the other 23 by MSS,which was performed with a pin-shaped electrode bent inward at an angle of 60° instead of a circular electrode used in TSS.We recorded the general clinical data,operation time,incision length,intraoperative injury,incision infection,scrotal e-dema,postoperative hospital stay and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of the patients and compared them between the two groups.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the general clinical data between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared with the patients of the TSS group,those of the MSS group showed significantly shorter operative time([32.86±3.80]vs[26.13±2.81]min,P<0.05),incision length([14.09±2.23]vs[8.73±1.48]mm,P<0.05)and postopera-tive hospital stay([4.36±1.05]vs[2.00±0.90]d,P<0.05),and achieved remarkably lower VAS scores on postoperative days 1(4.41±1.05 vs 3.09±0.79,P<0.05),2(3.36±1.05 vs 2.78±1.13,P<0.05),3(2.65±0.72 vs 1.74±0.86,P<0.05)and 7(1.91±0.81 vs 1.04±0.82,P<0.05).At 3 and 7 days after surgery,scrotal edema was markedly mil-der in the MSS than in the TSS group(P<0.05).No testicular or epididymal damage,or wound infection occurred in either of the two groups.Conclusion:MSS is safe and effective in the treatment of testicular hydrocele,superior to TSS for its advantages of shorter operation time,smaller surgical incision,less postoperative pain and milder scrotal edema.
10.Study on compressed sensing and deep learning reconstruction techniques applied in orbital MRI
Da CAO ; Rui-Lei YU ; Hao HU ; Xiao-Quan XU ; Chuan-Bing WANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(10):60-65
Objective To explore the application value of compressed sensing(CS)combined with deep learning(DL)reconstruction techniques for orbital MRI.Methods Thirty healthy individuals were selected to undergo MRI scanning with parallel imaging(S group with an acceleration factor of 2)and CS imaging(CS group with acceleration factors of 2,3,4 and 5),and images were acquired after DL reconstruction(DL group involving in S2DL,CS2DL,CS3DL,CS4DL and CS5DL sequences).All the groups were compared in terms of the subjective indexes including overall image quality,clarity of musculi oculi boundaries and diagnostic confidence level and the objective indexes including oculomotor-temporal muscle signal intensity ratio(SIR),oculomotor signal to noise ratio(SNR)and oculomotor-temporal muscle contrast to noise ratio(CNR).SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results S and CS groups after DL image reconstruction had the scores of the subjective indexes enhanced,and the differences of the subjective indexes between CS2 and S2,CS2DL and S2DL,CS2 and CS2DL were not statistically significant(P>0.05);CS3 and CS2,CS5 and CS5DL did have significant differences in the overall image quality and clarity of musculi oculi boundaries(P<0.05),while CS2DL and CS3DL did not(P>0.05);there were significant differences in overall image quality,clarity of musculi oculi boundaries and diagnostic confidence level between CS3 and CS3DL and between CS4 and CS4DL.For the objective indexes,S and CS groups after image DL reconstruction had the scores of oculomotor SNR and oculomotor-temporal muscle CNR increased,and CS2,S2,CS2DL and S2DL had statistically significant differences in oculomotor SNR and oculomotor-temporal muscle CNR(P<0.05);DL and CS groups were not significantly different in oculo-motor-temporal muscle SIR(P>0.05).Conclusion DL reconstruction technique improves iamge quality while enhancing the image SNR and CNR.CS with an acceleration of 3 combined with DL reconstruction technique contibutes to shortening scanning time,strengthening image quality and bettering patient satisfaction,which is of great application value for orbital MRI.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(10):60-65]

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