1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Analyses of T lymphocyte subset levels and viral loads in human immunodeficiency virus antibody-confirmed positive cases in Suzhou from 2021 to 2024
Runfang TIAN ; Qiang SHEN ; Xuerong YA ; Yue DAI ; Qian GAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):210-215
ObjectiveTo investigate the T lymphocyte subset levels and viral loads in newly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-confirmed positive cases in Suzhou (2021‒2024), and to analyze potential influencing factors by integrating their demographic characteristics, immune status, and viral replication patterns, thereby providing evidence for HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control. MethodsPeripheral whole blood samples were collected from newly confirmed HIV-positive cases in Suzhou from 2021 to 2024. T lymphocyte subset analysis and viral load testing were performed, and influencing factors were identified in combination with demographic characteristics. Logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with CD4+T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·μL-1, and Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between logarithmic value of viral load and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. ResultsAmong the 3 022 confirmed HIV-positive samples, the median CD4+T lymphocyte count was 298.00 cells·μL-1, with 882 cases (29.19%) showing CD4+ T lymphocyte counts <200 cells·μL-1. The median CD8+T lymphocyte count was 1 011.00 cells·μL-1. The median CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 0.28, with 32.46% of cases exhibiting CD4+/CD8+ ratios <0.20, and there were statistically significant differences in CD4+/CD8+ ratio among different genders, age groups, marital status, and sample sources (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals aged ≥20 years, those who were divorced or widowed, and cases identified through medical institutions had a significantly higher proportion of CD4+T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·µL⁻¹ compared to those aged <20 years, unmarried individuals, and cases sourced from voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics, respectively. The mean logarithmic value of viral load was (4.29±1.15) copies·mL-1. The logarithmic value of viral load demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with both CD4+/CD8+ ratio (r=-0.43, P<0.001) and CD4+T lymphocyte count (r=-0.37, P<0.001). ConclusionA substantial proportion of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in Suzhou are late presenters with high viral load levels. Targeted interventions should prioritize high-risk populations through enhanced active surveillance and the implementation of combined T lymphocyte subsets analysis and viral load testing, which can enable earlier case-finding and timely antiretroviral therapy initiation.
3.Energy-resolved Mass Spectrometry-Strengthened Structural Identification and Empirical Justification of Glucuronidation Metabolites for Chrysophanol and Physcion
Xiao-Yun LI ; Hang-Yun HE ; Mao-Dong WANG ; Yu-Xuan ZHOU ; Hui JIN ; Qian WANG ; Yue-Lin SONG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):652-659,中插29-中插30
Chrysophanol(Chr)and physcion(Phy)are primary active ingredients of a well-known traditional Chinese medicine namely rhubarb(Chinese name:Dahuang),and their glucuronides have been revealed as the dominant forms presenting in rats after oral administration.Either Chr or Phy has two glycosylation sites,resulting in a pair of positional isomers for glucuronides of either compound(CG1&CG2 and PG1&PG2).To confirmatively identify these glucuronides,energy-resolved mass spectrometry(ER-MS)was used to pursue the fragmentation trajectories of the targeted fragment ions,and the resultant breakdown graphs that were described by the optimal collision energy(OCE)were expected to exhibit the differences of glycosidic bond cleavage between the isomers.Quantum chemical calculation was thereafter conducted to produce the bond dissociation energy(BDE)of the glycosidic bonds.The isomers were unambiguously identified through applying the positive correlation rule between OCE and BDE.Fortunately,the glucuronides of Chr and Phy in vivo were observed through liver microsomes incubationin vitro.ER-MS was utilized to collect the Gaussian-shaped breakdown graphs in response to the neutral loss of 176 Da,and the absolute values of OCE were compared between positional isomers.The results revealed that CG1(-32.31 eV)>CG2(-31.61 eV),and nonetheless,PG1(-30.00 eV)
4.A Sensitive Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Detection of Interleukin-6 Using Carbon Dots-Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposite Fluorescent Probes
Yue-Qian YANG ; Peng-Yue WANG ; Jia-Qi REN ; Xiao PAN ; Feng-Hua TAN ; Yu-Jie MA ; Cong-Ying WEN ; Jing-Bin ZENG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1467-1475
In this study,a sensitive lateral flow immunoassay(LFIA)platform based on carbon dots-mesoporous silica nanocomposite(CD-MSNs)fluorescent probes was constructed for high-performance detection of inflammatory marker interleukin-6(IL-6).Green fluorescent carbon dots(CDs)were prepared by hydrothermal method with 3,9-perylenic acid and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane(APTES)as raw materials,and highly fluorescent CD-MSNs composites were then constructed by encapsulating the prepared CDs in mesoporous silica nanoparticles(MSNs).Fluorescent probes were prepared by covalent coupling of CD-MSNs with IL-6 antibody.Fluorescent immunochromatographic test strips were constructed by spraying IL-6 capture antibody and goat anti-mouse IgG on nitrocellulose membrane as detection line(T-line)and quality control line(C-line),respectively.The fluorescence immunoassay analyzer was used to quantitatively detect the fluorescence intensity of T-line,and the experimental results showed that the LFIA platform based on this probe had a good linear relationship in IL-6 concentration range of 102-106 pg/mL,and the detection limit was 64 pg/mL,which was two orders of magnitude more sensitive than that of the traditional colloidal gold test strips.This method effectively solved the issue of insufficient sensitivity of traditional LFIA technique,and provided a rapid and highly sensitive detection method for early diagnosis of inflammatory diseases.
5.Etiological composition and clinical analysis of hypertension in 74 infants
Chen LING ; Zhi CHEN ; Hejia ZHANG ; Lei LEI ; Yue XI ; Suyun QIAN ; Lin HUA ; Xiaorong LIU
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(2):127-131
Objective:To analyze the etiological composition and clinical characteristics of infant hypertension,and provide reference for its diagnosis and treatment.Methods:This is a retrospective case-control study.Retrospective investigation and analysis were conducted on the clinical data of infants discharged from Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University with a diagnosis of "hypertension" from June 1,2016 to September 30,2021,including clinical manifestations,auxiliary examinations,treatment plans,and prognosis.Results:A total of 74 eligible children were collected,including 42 male infants(56.8%)and 32 female infants(43.2%).A total of 67 cases(90.5%)had clear secondary factors,including 35 cases of kidney disease(47.3%),12 cases of connective tissue disease(16.2%),and 9 cases of hematological tumor disease(12.2%).At the beginning of the disease,cardiac ultrasound showed that 54 cases(73.0%)had ventricular wall thickening,including mild thickening in 31 cases(57.4%),moderate thickening in 11 cases(20.3%),and severe thickening in 12 cases(22.2%).After grouping by etiology,the incidence of proteinuria and severe hypertension in the renal hypertension group,as well as those receiving multiple antihypertensive drugs,was significantly higher than that in the non-renal hypertension group( χ 2=28.493, P<0.001; χ 2=17.283, P<0.001; χ 2=17.358, P<0.001);Renal disease was risk factor for severe hypertension in infants according to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis respectively( OR=11.176,95% CI:2.882~43.339, P<0.001; OR=11.669,95% CI:2.921~46.624, P<0.001).Thirty-one children had follow-up records for 6 months or more,and 13(41.9%)still required antihypertensive treatment,of whom 26(83.9%)were no longer recorded as having elevated blood pressure. Conclusion:Infant hypertension is mainly secondary,with a high proportion of renal factors and predisposition to severe hypertension,which requires multiple antihypertensive drugs for control.Active antihypertensive treatment and removal of secondary factors during the acute phase are helpful for controlling hypertension in infants,but further research is needed on treatment options and long-term prognosis.
6.Establishment and identification of hepatocyte-specific Tmem121 knockout mouse model
Yue Wang ; Guoliang He ; Lanyu Li ; Qian Wu ; Junmei Zhou
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(9):1591-1598
Objective:
To establish and identify hepatocyte-specific transmembrane protein 121 ( Tmem121 ) knockout mice.
Methods:
The hepatocyte-specific Tmem121 knockout mice ( Tmem121flox / flox / Cre,Tmem121ΔHep) were obtained by crossbreeding of Tmem121flox / + / Cre and Tmem121flox / flox mice,which were generated using the CRISPR / Cas9 and Cre / Loxp systems.The genotype was verified by PCR using genomic DNA extracted from mouse tails as template.The growth,reproduction and organ development of both control and knockout mice were ob- served and analyzed.PCR and Western blot methods were performed to assess the knockout efficiency of Tmem121 in mouse primary hepatocytes.CellMaskTM Deep Red plasma membrane staining was employed to compare the mor- phological differences in primary hepatocytes between control and knockout mice.
Results:
Tmem121flox / flox / Cre mice were successfully obtained according to genotype identification analysis,and there were no significant differ- ences between control and knockout mice in body mass,reproductive ability,growth and development of liver.The specific knockout of Tmem121 gene in primary hepatocytes did not significantly affect the morphological structure or pathological characteristics of liver tissue.However,compared to the control group,the levels of Tmem121 mRNA and protein in the primary hepatocytes of the knockout group were significantly reduced ( P <0. 01) .CellMaskTM Deep Red plasma membrane staining indicated that the proportion of binucleated hepatocytes in Tmem121-deficient mice significantly increased ( P<0. 05) ,while the cell area was significantly reduced ( P<0. 001) .
Conclusion
Hepatocyte-specific Tmem121 knockout mice are successfully constructed,which provides an animal model for further exploration of the function and mechanism of Tmem121 gene in liver diseases.
7.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
8.Extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with functional exercise in treating rotator cuff injuries in military pilots
Zhipeng YUE ; You ZHOU ; Zhenyu WANG ; Qirong QIAN
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(7):678-682
Objective To investigate the state of rotator cuff injury in flight crew and to explore the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with functional exercise in treating rotator cuff injury.Methods A total of 60 flight crew with rotator cuff injuries in Dalian Rehabilitation Center from June 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled in this study.They were randomly assigned to experimental group(shock wave therapy combined with functional exercise)or the control group(functional exercise).The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups after 4 weeks of treatment.Results All the research objects were male.There was no significant difference in the general information,such as age,flight duration,or course of the disease between the two groups(P>0.05).The visual analogue scale(VAS)scores were decreased,and Constant-Murley scores(CMS)and range of motion(ROM)were increased in both groups after treatment.The above-mentioned indexes in the experimental group were better than those in the control group(P<0.001).Conclusion The shock wave therapy and functional exercise has a more significant therapeutic effect on rotator cuff injuries than functional exercise alone.
9.Study on the aging performances of fluoroelastomer FM-1D in hot air
Xiang LIU ; Yi WANG ; Yue WANG ; Hao WU ; Hongchang QIAN ; Pisheng ZHAO
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(3):259-262
To investigate the aging behavior of fluoroelastomer FM-1D in hot air,with compression set as a parameter for seal aging,aging tests were conducted on fluoroelastomer FM-1D under different initial compression rates in a hot air environment ranging from 60℃to 150℃.The aging kinetic equation relating compression set of FM-1D to temperature and time was established,in order to predict its aging life at 25℃.The test results indicated that when the initial compression rate was 30%,the compression set exhibited an Arrhenius relationship with both test temperature and time.However,at a initial compression rate of 50%,the compression set gradually conformed to the Arrhenius relationship as time extended.These findings provide a reference for determining accelerated testing methods and maintenance cycles for FM-1D rubber materials.
10.Evaluation of Anti-osteoporosis Activity and Hepatotoxicity of Xianling Gubao Based on Zebrafish Model
Qiuman LI ; Yue QIAN ; Zixuan ZHU ; Yuan SONG ; Qian DENG ; Shengyun DAI ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):87-94
ObjectiveTo investigate the association and translational mechanism between the hepatotoxicity of Xianling Gubao (XLGB) and its treatment of osteoporosis based on a zebrafish model. MethodsZebrafish were randomly selected four days after fertilization (4 dpf) and exposed to different concentrations of XLGB (0.7,0.35 mg·L-1) for 96 h. At the endpoint of the exposure, the mortality rates of zebrafish in the treatment groups of different concentrations were counted, and the "dose-toxicity" curves were plotted. The 10% sublethal concentration (LC10) was calculated. The liver area, acridine orange staining, and pathological tissue sections of transgenic zebrafish [CZ16 (gz15Tg.Tg (fabp 10a: ds Red; ela31: EGFP)] were used as indicators to confirm the hepatic damage caused by the sublethal concentration of XLGB. By using the prednisolone (PNSL)-induced osteoporosis model of zebrafish, the anti-osteoporosis activity of XLGB was evaluated by using the area of skull stained by alizarin red and the cumulative optical density value as indicators. Then, the toxicity difference of XLGB on the liver of zebrafish in healthy and osteoporotic states was compared, and the mechanism of the translational action of the toxicity of XLGB was predicted based on network pharmacology and real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). ResultsThe LC10 of XLGB on zebrafish (8 dpf) was 0.7 mg·L-1. Compared with the blank group, the sublethal concentration (LC10=0.7 mg·L-1, 1/2 LC10=0.35 mg·L-1) of XLGB induced an increase in the number of apoptosis of hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner, and the tissue arrangement of the liver was disordered and loose. The vacuoles were obvious, and the fluorescence area of the liver was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the mineralized area and cumulative optical density value of zebrafish skull in the PNSL model group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and those in the 0.7,0.35 mg·L-1 XLGB treatment group were significantly increased compared with the model group (P<0.01). Most importantly, 0.7 mg·L-1 XLGB had no significant effect on the liver of zebrafish in the osteoporosis disease model compared with the blank group. The results of network pharmacology and real-time PCR experiments showed that the toxic transformation of XLGB might be related to the differences in the expression levels of key targets, such as tumor protein 53 (TP53), cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3(Caspase-3), interleukin(IL)-6, and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in different organismal states. ConclusionUnder certain conditions, XLGB has hepatotoxicity in normal zebrafish, but under osteoporotic conditions, XLGB not only exerts significant anti-osteoporosis activity but also alleviates hepatotoxicity significantly, which provides a reference for the safe clinical use of XLGB and real evidence for the theories of traditional Chinese medicine of attacking poison with poison and of treating disease with corresponding drugs without damage to the body.


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