1.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating ATF3 to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Xingyu* WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Ruiyan WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Lu GUO ; Zhihua YANG ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):275-286
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods hucMSC-Exos were isolated and characterized. A mouse renal IRI model was established and the animals were divided into Sham, IRI, IRI+hucMSC-Exo, IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Sham+JY-2 groups. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate renal histopathology. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay was performed to determine serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteineyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 p20 and Gasdermin D(GSDMD). Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in HK-2 cells and divided into Control, H/R, H/R+hucMSC-Exo, H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Control+JY-2 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 mRNA. Results HucMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and identified. Compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited elevated Scr and BUN, higher tubular injury scores, increased protein expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD, and raised mRNA expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group showed decreased Scr and BUN, lower tubular injury scores, up-regulated ATF3 protein and mRNA, down-regulated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD protein, and declined TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA. Compared with the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group exhibited increased Scr and BUN levels, elevated renal tubular injury scores, decreased ATF3 protein expression levels, elevated protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD, decreased ATF3 mRNA expression levels, and elevated mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB. (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, the expression levels of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased in the H/R group, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased. Compared with the H/R group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was increased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were decreased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were decreased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group. Compared with the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was decreased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions HucMSC-Exos alleviate renal IRI by up-regulating ATF3, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibiting pyroptosis.
2.Mechanism of A20 in rheumatoid arthritis and progress of Chinese medicine intervention
Yiying WU ; Yujia LIU ; Lei ZHENG ; Li LIU ; Xinyi CHEN ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2123-2130
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic,aggressive joint inflammation,which seriously harms mental and physical health of patients.Efficacy of clinical drugs for RA is limited,so it is a hot issue to seek new therapeutic targets and drugs.Zinc finger protein A20,a cytoplasmic ubiquitin modifier,is closely related to negative regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),an inflammatory signaling pathway,and has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.A20 is involved in pathogenesis of RA and can improve inflammatory response and bone destruction of RA.Treatment of RA by traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages of multi-target and multi-pathway,and studies have found that traditional Chinese medicine has a regulatory effect on A20.This paper expounds mechanism of A20 in RA and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in A20,in order to provide references for treatment and drug development of RA.
3."Integrating theory and practice"facilitates the advancement of undergraduate students'scientific research thinking:based on the"genetic engineering"course
Xinjing GAO ; Jiao WANG ; Yujia LIU ; Chang FENG ; Yanan GUO ; Xiaolin GUO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(10):1392-1395
In the current process of talent cultivation in biology majors,some challenges like teaching content that lags behind the forefront of scientific research,instructional models that deviate from the principles of effective knowledge transmission,and evaluation systems that lack dimensions reflecting scientific innovation.As a strategy of tackling challenges,the Genetic Engineering teaching team,drawing on theoretical analysis and extensive teaching practice,has explored a reform of the instructional model from the perspective of integrating theory with practice.This effort led to the development of a research-oriented teaching model characterized by four iterative stages:knowledge instruction,thinking exercises,practical operation,and feedback evaluation.This model is ground-ed in five core elements of scientific thinking:criticality,coherence,simplicity,logic,and integrity.Imple-mentation follows the four-step framework,emphasizing structured knowledge delivery,cultivation of analytical thinking,hands-on experimentation,and comprehensive feedback.After one semester of application,it was found that through reconstructed knowledge systems,immersive simulations of research contexts,realistic problem-solving of technical bottlenecks and all-round feedback,this teaching model effectively fosters scientific thinking among both instructors and students,significantly enhances students'scientific research ca-pabilities and improves overall teaching effectiveness.
4.Application of information-based risk communication in primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases:a scoping review
Yujia JIN ; Hu JIANG ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Jingna YI ; Yongxia MEI ; Zhiting GUO ; Zhenxiang ZHANG ; Beilei LIN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(8):1019-1024,后插1
Objective To review the application scope of risk communication based on eHealth technology in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases,so as to provide references for future research and application.Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,CINAHL,PsycINFO,CNKI,Wanfang database,and SinoMed.The search time limit was from the establishment of databases to March 1,2024.The included literature was summarized and analyzed.Results A total of 24 articles were included.The forms of eHealth technology applied in risk communication for primary prevention of cardiovascular include online websites,computerized decision support systems,electronic health records,mobile applications,email,telephone,and text messages.The functions include risk assessment,risk notification,personalized advice,risk tracking and reminders.The outcome indicators include risk perception,physiological indicators,lifestyle and behavior,psychological indicators,feasibility evaluation,decision correlation,doctor-patient communication,intention,risk score,and physician drug prescription.Conclusion The use of eHealth technology in risk communication of cardiovascular diseases has potential value in improving patients'risk perception and promoting healthy behaviors.It is necessary to continuously improve the functions of eHealth technology and enhance its precision and intelligence,so as to better meet the needs of medical staff and patients and promote the efficient implementation of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
5.Risk and influencing factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after asthma
Guiya GUO ; Wangchen SONG ; Aimin WANG ; Yujia KONG ; Suzhen WANG ; Fuyan SHI
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(2):103-108,114
Objective To investigate the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)after asthma and explore factors influen-cing the onset and progression of asthma in patients with COPD.Methods A follow-up cohort was established based on the United Kingdom Biobank(UKB)database.The risk of asthma and COPD was predicted,and the influencing factors were analyzed using a mul-tistate model(MSM).Results Without considering the influence of covariates,the cumulative risk from COPD to mortality was the highest,followed by asthma to COPD,and asthma to mortality.Advanced age,male,diabetes mellitus(DM),high waist-to-hip ratio,hyper-tension,increased Townsend deprivation index,increased frequency of smoking,and family history were risk factors for developing COPD in the asthmatic population.Advanced age,male,DM,high waist-to-hip ratio,hypertension,increased Townsend deprivation index,and in creased frequency of smoking were risk factors for mortality in the asthmatic population.Advanced age,male,and DM and increased Townsend deprivation index were risk factors for mortality in the COPD population.Conclusion Advanced age,male,DM,high waist-to-hip ratio,hypertension,increased Townsend deprivation index,increased smoking frequency,and family history increased the risk of COPD in the asthmatic population.This MSM can be used to predict the influencing factors and degree of COPD after asthma,and reveal the change law of disease progression.
6.Application of information-based risk communication in primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases:a scoping review
Yujia JIN ; Hu JIANG ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Jingna YI ; Yongxia MEI ; Zhiting GUO ; Zhenxiang ZHANG ; Beilei LIN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(8):1019-1024,后插1
Objective To review the application scope of risk communication based on eHealth technology in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases,so as to provide references for future research and application.Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,CINAHL,PsycINFO,CNKI,Wanfang database,and SinoMed.The search time limit was from the establishment of databases to March 1,2024.The included literature was summarized and analyzed.Results A total of 24 articles were included.The forms of eHealth technology applied in risk communication for primary prevention of cardiovascular include online websites,computerized decision support systems,electronic health records,mobile applications,email,telephone,and text messages.The functions include risk assessment,risk notification,personalized advice,risk tracking and reminders.The outcome indicators include risk perception,physiological indicators,lifestyle and behavior,psychological indicators,feasibility evaluation,decision correlation,doctor-patient communication,intention,risk score,and physician drug prescription.Conclusion The use of eHealth technology in risk communication of cardiovascular diseases has potential value in improving patients'risk perception and promoting healthy behaviors.It is necessary to continuously improve the functions of eHealth technology and enhance its precision and intelligence,so as to better meet the needs of medical staff and patients and promote the efficient implementation of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
7.Mechanism of A20 in rheumatoid arthritis and progress of Chinese medicine intervention
Yiying WU ; Yujia LIU ; Lei ZHENG ; Li LIU ; Xinyi CHEN ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2123-2130
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic,aggressive joint inflammation,which seriously harms mental and physical health of patients.Efficacy of clinical drugs for RA is limited,so it is a hot issue to seek new therapeutic targets and drugs.Zinc finger protein A20,a cytoplasmic ubiquitin modifier,is closely related to negative regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),an inflammatory signaling pathway,and has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.A20 is involved in pathogenesis of RA and can improve inflammatory response and bone destruction of RA.Treatment of RA by traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages of multi-target and multi-pathway,and studies have found that traditional Chinese medicine has a regulatory effect on A20.This paper expounds mechanism of A20 in RA and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in A20,in order to provide references for treatment and drug development of RA.
8.Risk and influencing factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after asthma
Guiya GUO ; Wangchen SONG ; Aimin WANG ; Yujia KONG ; Suzhen WANG ; Fuyan SHI
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(2):103-108,114
Objective To investigate the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)after asthma and explore factors influen-cing the onset and progression of asthma in patients with COPD.Methods A follow-up cohort was established based on the United Kingdom Biobank(UKB)database.The risk of asthma and COPD was predicted,and the influencing factors were analyzed using a mul-tistate model(MSM).Results Without considering the influence of covariates,the cumulative risk from COPD to mortality was the highest,followed by asthma to COPD,and asthma to mortality.Advanced age,male,diabetes mellitus(DM),high waist-to-hip ratio,hyper-tension,increased Townsend deprivation index,increased frequency of smoking,and family history were risk factors for developing COPD in the asthmatic population.Advanced age,male,DM,high waist-to-hip ratio,hypertension,increased Townsend deprivation index,and in creased frequency of smoking were risk factors for mortality in the asthmatic population.Advanced age,male,and DM and increased Townsend deprivation index were risk factors for mortality in the COPD population.Conclusion Advanced age,male,DM,high waist-to-hip ratio,hypertension,increased Townsend deprivation index,increased smoking frequency,and family history increased the risk of COPD in the asthmatic population.This MSM can be used to predict the influencing factors and degree of COPD after asthma,and reveal the change law of disease progression.
9.Bionic design,preparation and clinical translation of oral hard tissue restorative materials
Han ZHAO ; Yan WEI ; Xuehui ZHANG ; Xiaoping YANG ; Qing CAI ; Chengyun NING ; Mingming XU ; Wenwen LIU ; Ying HUANG ; Ying HE ; Yaru GUO ; Shengjie JIANG ; Yunyang BAI ; Yujia WU ; Yusi GUO ; Xiaona ZHENG ; Wenjing LI ; Xuliang DENG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(1):4-8
Oral diseases concern almost every individual and are a serious health risk to the popula-tion.The restorative treatment of tooth and jaw defects is an important means to achieve oral function and support the appearance of the contour.Based on the principle of"learning from the nature",Deng Xu-liang's group of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology has proposed a new concept of"microstructural biomimetic design and tissue adaptation of tooth/jaw materials"to address the worldwide problems of difficulty in treating dentine hypersensitivity,poor prognosis of restoration of tooth defects,and vertical bone augmentation of alveolar bone after tooth loss.The group has broken through the bottle-neck of multi-stage biomimetic technology from the design of microscopic features to the enhancement of macroscopic effects,and invented key technologies such as crystalline/amorphous multi-level assembly,ion-transportation blocking,and multi-physical properties of the micro-environment reconstruction,etc.The group also pioneered the cationic-hydrogel desensitizer,digital stump and core integrated restora-tions,and developed new crown and bridge restorative materials,gradient functionalisation guided tissue regeneration membrane,and electrically responsive alveolar bone augmentation restorative membranes,etc.These products have established new clinical strategies for tooth/jaw defect repair and achieved inno-vative results.In conclusion,the research results of our group have strongly supported the theoretical im-provement of stomatology,developed the technical system of oral hard tissue restoration,innovated the clinical treatment strategy,and led the progress of the stomatology industry.
10.Identification of Chinese Herb Pieces Based on YOLOv4
Cong GUO ; Yujia TIAN ; Yang LI ; Yang LIU ; Jun ZHANG ; Jipeng DI ; Aixia YAN ; An LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(14):133-140
Chinese herbal piece is an important component of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) system, and identifying their quality and grading can promote the development and utilization of Chinese herbal pieces. Utilizing deep learning for intelligent identification of Chinese herbal pieces can save time, effort, and cost, while also reasonably avoiding the constraints of human subjectivity, providing a guarantee for efficient identification of Chinese herbal pieces. In this study, a dataset containing 108 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces (14 058 images) was constructed,the basic YOLOv4 algorithm was employed to identify the 108 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces of our database The mean average precision (mAP) of the developed basic YOLOv4 model reached 85.3%. In addition, the receptive field block was introduced into the neck network of YOLOv4 algorithm, and the improved YOLOv4 algorithm was used to identify Chinese herbal pieces. The mAPof the improved YOLOv4 model achieved 88.7%, the average precision of 80 kinds of decoction pieces exceeded 80%, the average precision of 48 kinds of decoction pieces exceeded 90%. These results indicate that adding the receptive field module can help to some extent in the identification of Chinese herbal medicine pieces with different sizes and small volumes. Finally, the average precision of each kind of Chinese herbal medicine piece by the improved YOLOv4 model was further analyzed. Through in-depth analysis of the original images of Chinese herbal medicine pieces with low prediction average precision, it was clarified that the quantity and quality of original images of Chinese herbal medicine pieces are key to performing intelligent object detection. The improved YOLOv4 model constructed in this study can be used for the rapid identification of Chinese herbal pieces, and also provide reference guidance for the manual authentication of Chinese herbal medicine decoction pieces.

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