1.Nanoengineered cargo with targeted in vivo Foxo3 gene editing modulated mitophagy of chondrocytes to alleviate osteoarthritis.
Manyu CHEN ; Yuan LIU ; Quanying LIU ; Siyan DENG ; Yuhan LIU ; Jiehao CHEN ; Yaojia ZHOU ; Xiaolin CUI ; Jie LIANG ; Xingdong ZHANG ; Yujiang FAN ; Qiguang WANG ; Bin SHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):571-591
Mitochondrial dysfunction in chondrocytes is a key pathogenic factor in osteoarthritis (OA), but directly modulating mitochondria in vivo remains a significant challenge. This study is the first to verify a correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction and the downregulation of the FOXO3 gene in the cartilage of OA patients, highlighting the potential for regulating mitophagy via FOXO3 gene modulation to alleviate OA. Consequently, we developed a chondrocyte-targeting CRISPR/Cas9-based FOXO3 gene-editing tool (FoxO3) and integrated it within a nanoengineered 'truck' (NETT, FoxO3-NETT). This was further encapsulated in injectable hydrogel microspheres (FoxO3-NETT@SMs) to harness the antioxidant properties of sodium alginate and the enhanced lubrication of hybrid exosomes. Collectively, these FoxO3-NETT@SMs successfully activate mitophagy and rebalance mitochondrial function in OA chondrocytes through the Foxo3 gene-modulated PINK1/Parkin pathway. As a result, FoxO3-NETT@SMs stimulate chondrocytes proliferation, migration, and ECM production in vitro, and effectively alleviate OA progression in vivo, demonstrating significant potential for clinical applications.
2.Advancements and applications in radiopharmaceutical therapy.
Shiya WANG ; Mingyi CAO ; Yifei CHEN ; Jingjing LIN ; Jiahao LI ; Xinyu WU ; Zhiyue DAI ; Yuhan PAN ; Xiao LIU ; Xian LIU ; Liang-Ting LIN ; Jianbing WU ; Ji LIU ; Qifeng ZHONG ; Zhenwei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):641-657
Radiopharmaceuticals operate by combining radionuclides with carriers. The radiation energy emitted by radionuclides is utilized to selectively irradiate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In comparison to external beam radiation therapy, radionuclide drugs demonstrate research potential due to their biological targeting capabilities and reduced normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews the applications and research progress of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Several key radionuclides are examined, including 223Ra, 90Y, Lutetium-177 (177Lu), 212Pb, and Actinium-225 (225Ac). It also explores the current development trends of radiopharmaceuticals, encompassing the introduction of novel radionuclides, advancements in imaging technologies, integrated diagnosis and treatment approaches, and equipment-medication combinations. We review the progress in the development of new treatments, such as neutron capture therapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and breakthroughs associated with the clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals and provide recommendations for the research and development of novel radionuclide drugs.
Humans
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Radiopharmaceuticals/therapeutic use*
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Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
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Radioisotopes/therapeutic use*
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Animals
3.Effects of coal mine dust on interleukin-6 and let-7e in rats
LI Baichun ; SUN Yuhan ; ZHANG Huifang ; LU Xiaoting ; SONG Jing ; KONG Xiaomei ; WANG Linping
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(2):93-96
Objective:
To investigate the changes in the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and let-7e in rats induced by coal mine dust, so as to provide the basis for the mechanism of coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP).
Methods:
Sixty-four clean and healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group, coal dust group, mixed dust group (mixed coal and silica dust) and quartz group. The rats in the control group were exposed to 1 mL physiological saline by non-exposure tracheal perfusion, and the rats in the dust-exposed groups were exposed to 1 mL dust suspension. Rats were sacrificed by anesthesia after 1 month and 6 months, lung tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining, the pathological change in the lungs was scored using the Szapiel scoring system, the levels of IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of let-7e was determined by quantitative real-time PCR.
Results:
A month after exposure, a small amount of coal spots and inflammatory exudation were observed in the lung tissue of the coal dust group and the mixed dust group. The quartz group showed tissue structure destruction and mild fibrosis and thickening of alveolar septum. Six months after exposure, there were more coal spots and slightly thickened alveolar septum in the coal dust group, and hyperplasia of pulmonary interstitial fibers, destruction of alveolar structure and silica nodules were observed in the mixed dust group. In the quartz group, the alveolar structure was obviously destroyed, the interstitial fiber proliferation was significant and silica nodules were seen. Two-factor analysis of variance showed that the interaction between duration of exposure and dust type significantly influenced the pathological score of lung tissue, IL-6 levels, and let-7e expression levels (P<0.05). Under the same dust type, the pathological score of lung tissue and IL-6 levels were higher at 6 months after exposure than at 1 month, while the relative expression of let-7e was lower at 6 months after exposure than at 1 month (all P<0.05). Under the same duration of exposure, the pathological score of lung tissue and IL-6 levels were higher in the dust-exposed groups than in the control group, while the relative expression of let-7e was lower in the dust-exposed groups than in the control group (all P<0.05).
Conclusions
Coal dust can cause an increase in levels of IL-6 and a decrease in let-7e expression in rats. The type of dust and duration of exposure can interactively affect IL-6 and let-7e.
4.A new connotation of neutrophil extracellular traps and bronchial asthma pathogenesis based on the basic principles of traditional Chinese medicine constitution
Yuhan ZONG ; Manting WANG ; Fan YANG ; Jingwei KONG ; Ji WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(5):699-703
Bronchial asthma(asthma)is a common clinical respiratory disease mediated by multiple cells and components,and neutrophils,as one of the classic innate immune cells,play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.In the inflammatory state,neutrophils release neutrophils extracellular trap(NET)into the periphery through the NETosis procedure.Although NET is a beneficial antibacterial defense structure,its excessive accumulation can trigger different response mechanisms that can also adversely affect the lungs and exacerbate asthma.Based on the basic principles of traditional Chinese medicine constitution,exploring the important role of NET in the pathogenesis of asthma,it holds that the life process theory body-spirit composition theory,endowment inheritance theory,and environmental constraint theory are related to the gradual formation of NET and different stimuli affect the heterogeneity of NET,thereby mediating different biological effects during the onset of asthma.Targeting NET and/or its components may become a new treatment strategy on asthma.
5.Effects of Shenqi Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction (参芪瓜蒌薤白半夏汤) on PPARγ, Bile Acids, and Blood Lipids in Mouse Models of Atherosclerosis
Yuhan AO ; Guoyuan SUI ; Huimin CAO ; Liang KONG ; Lianqun JIA ; Guanlin YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;64(24):2570-2578
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shenqi Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction (参芪瓜蒌薤白半夏汤, SGXBD) in the treatment of atherosclerosis. MethodsThirty Apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE
6.The chemical reprogramming of unipotent adult germ cells towards authentic pluripotency and de novo establishment of imprinting.
Yuhan CHEN ; Jiansen LU ; Yanwen XU ; Yaping HUANG ; Dazhuang WANG ; Peiling LIANG ; Shaofang REN ; Xuesong HU ; Yewen QIN ; Wei KE ; Ralf JAUCH ; Andrew Paul HUTCHINS ; Mei WANG ; Fuchou TANG ; Xiao-Yang ZHAO
Protein & Cell 2023;14(7):477-496
Although somatic cells can be reprogrammed to pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) with pure chemicals, authentic pluripotency of chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (CiPSCs) has never been achieved through tetraploid complementation assay. Spontaneous reprogramming of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) was another non-transgenic way to obtain PSCs, but this process lacks mechanistic explanation. Here, we reconstructed the trajectory of mouse SSC reprogramming and developed a five-chemical combination, boosting the reprogramming efficiency by nearly 80- to 100-folds. More importantly, chemical induced germline-derived PSCs (5C-gPSCs), but not gPSCs and chemical induced pluripotent stem cells, had authentic pluripotency, as determined by tetraploid complementation. Mechanistically, SSCs traversed through an inverted pathway of in vivo germ cell development, exhibiting the expression signatures and DNA methylation dynamics from spermatogonia to primordial germ cells and further to epiblasts. Besides, SSC-specific imprinting control regions switched from biallelic methylated states to monoallelic methylated states by imprinting demethylation and then re-methylation on one of the two alleles in 5C-gPSCs, which was apparently distinct with the imprinting reprogramming in vivo as DNA methylation simultaneously occurred on both alleles. Our work sheds light on the unique regulatory network underpinning SSC reprogramming, providing insights to understand generic mechanisms for cell-fate decision and epigenetic-related disorders in regenerative medicine.
Male
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Mice
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Animals
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Cellular Reprogramming/genetics*
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Tetraploidy
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Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism*
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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism*
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DNA Methylation
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Spermatogonia/metabolism*
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Germ Cells/metabolism*
7.Progress of diagnosis and early management of breast cancer-related lymphedema
Qihui YANG ; Yuhan KONG ; Heping YU
Cancer Research and Clinic 2023;35(11):874-878
Lymphedema is a common complication associated with breast cancer treatment, which has a serious impact on patients' limb function and quality of life. A clear and standardized diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphedema is important for early identification of lymphedema and timely clinical diagnosis and treatment. Standardized, effective and timely management can reduce the incidence of lymphedema. This article reviews the current common diagnostic tools and methods and management methods, and evaluates their advantages and disadvantages in terms of both diagnosis and early management.
8.Application of case-based learning guided by ICF in rehabilitation practice teaching
Yuhan KONG ; Guihua TIAN ; Li DU ; Hongwei LI ; Haimei ZHOU ; Dingqun BAI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2021;20(3):304-307
Objective:To explore the effect of case-based learning (CBL) guided by ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) in rehabilitation practice teaching.Methods:Fifty-eight rehabilitation undergraduates who had practiced in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from February 2019 to December 2019 were randomized into observation group and control group. The observation group adopted ICF-guided CBL method for practice teaching, while the control group adopted traditional teaching methods. At the end of the internship, all the students were assessed in terms of their theoretical knowledge, case analysis and clinical practice ability. At the same time, questionnaires were used to conduct a satisfaction survey on the teaching method, and the results of the two groups were compared and analyzed by ttest and rank-sum test through SPSS 25.0. Results:The scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, with statistical significance ( P<0.05) . In the satisfaction survey, the observation group was superior to the traditional teaching method in terms of self-thinking ability and learning initiative, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Conclusion:ICF-guided CBL method can strengthen students' independent thinking ability and learning initiative, and improve the students' clinical comprehensive ability of rehabilitation treatment.
9.Effects of pretreatment with nicorandil on PDCD4/NF-κB/TNF-α pathway in coronary microembolization
Qiang SU ; Lang LI ; Yuhan SUN ; Ziliang YE ; Xuefei YANG ; Binghui KONG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2018;27(10):1083-1088
Objective To investigate the role of nicorandil pretreatment on protecting myocardium after coronary microembolization (CME) and on the PDCD4/NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway in miniature pigs. Methods Fifteen Bama miniature pigs were randomly(random number) divided into the sham operation group (sham group), microembolization group (CME group) and CME plus nicorandil group, with 5 pigs in each group. The CME model was constructed by injecting polyethylene microspheres via microcatheter into the left anterior descending artery, and pigs in the sham group were injected with the same amount of saline. Pigs in the CME plus nicorandil group were injected intravenously with nicorandil (150 μg/kg) via ear vein 30 min before CME. Cardiac function indexes were measured using cardiac ultrasonography. The expression of PDCD4 and TNF-α mRNA in myocardium were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the protein expression of PDCD4 and TNF-α in myocardium were detected by Western blotting. NF-κB activation was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results (1) Cardiac function was significantly lower and the level of serum cTnI was significantly higher in the CME group compared with the sham group. CME reduced myocardial systolic dysfunction and left ventricular dilatation. The CME plus nicorandil group showed improved CME-induced cardiac function and reduced serum cTnI level when compared with the CME Group (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the CME group, the CME plus nicorandil group showed lower PDCD4 and TNF-α expression and NF-κB activity as well as improved cardiac function (P < 0.05). Conclusions The pretreatment of nicorandil effectively reduced the myocardial damage caused by CME, mainly through inhibiting the PDCD4/NF-κB/TNF-α pathway in cardiomyocytes.
10.The role of ABCG2 in the sensitivity of glioma to pyropheophorbide-amethyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy
Li PAN ; Si TIAN ; Li ZHANG ; Haidan LIN ; Hui GOU ; Qing CHEN ; Kaiting LI ; Dingqun BAI ; Yuhan KONG ; Yunsheng OU ; Lehua YU
China Oncology 2017;27(2):81-88
Background and purpose:Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), which has been found over-expressed in a variety of cancer cells, takes part in the drug resistance of cancer through effux of anticancer drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of human glioblastoma cells sensitivity to pyropheophorbide-a methyl ester (MPPa)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) eradicating tumour cells and its relationship to ABCG2.Methods:U87 and A172 glioma cell lines in the logarithmic growth phase were selected and exposed to the treatment of MPPa-PDT and MPPa-PDT+fumitremorgin C (FTC) respectively. The cell viability was measured with the use of CCK-8 assay. The expression of ABCG2 was detected by Western blot. The intracellular contents of MPPa in each group without illumination were tested by lfow cytometry. Flow cytometry with AnnexinⅤ-FITC/PI double staining was used to detect the cell apoptotic rate. DCFH-DA staining was used to assess the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS).Results:The MPPa-mediated PDT could eradicate A172 and U87 cancer cells in an energy-dependent manner. The light energy density in A172 was 8 times of that in U87 when the cell viability reached median lethal dose after MPPa-mediated PDT. The high expression of ABCG2 in A172 cells affected the accumulation of intracellular MPPa. Inhibition of ABCG2, not only could enhance the eradicating effect of MPPa-PDT on A172 cells, but also could increase the yield of ROS triggered by MPPa-PDT and the accumulation of intracellular MPPa.Conclusion:The human glioblastoma cell line A172 is insensitive to MPPa-mediated PDT. The mechanism may relate to ABCG2, which decreases the MPPa content in cancer cells through effux of MPPa, resulting in decline of cytotoxicity.


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