1.Generation of Cynomolgus and Rhesus Monkey Models Carrying the BMPR1BFecB Variant
Chunyang LI ; Xingchen LIU ; Yuzhuo LI ; Yong LU ; Yan WANG ; Changshan GAO ; Yanhong NIE ; Xinyan BIAN ; Chao HU ; Jiaqiao ZHU ; Qiang SUN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):467-475
ObjectiveTo generate cynomolgus and rhesus monkey models carrying the Booroola fecundity (FecB) variant of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) gene (designated BMPR1BFecB) using adenine base edit technology and to explore genetic improvement strategies for enhancing the reproductive performance of laboratory macaques. MethodsFour single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the BMPR1B c.746A>G locus in cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys. The sgRNAs were combined with the ABE8e-SpRY base editor, and the resulting editing complexes were microinjected into zygotes of both macaque species. Following in vitro culture of the injected embryos, nested PCR amplification was performed to detect the base-editing efficiency at the target site to screen for highly efficient sgRNAs. Subsequently, normally developing gene-edited embryos were transferred into the oviducts of surrogates. Seven days after birth, ear skin or peripheral blood samples were collected from the newborn monkeys for genotyping and mosaicism analysis, and the growth, development, and health status of the gene-edited monkeys were monitored. ResultsAmong the four candidate sgRNAs, sgRNA4 was identified as achieving 100% editing efficiency at the c.746A>G site. A total of 17 live monkey offspring were obtained via embryo transfer, including 8 cynomolgus monkeys and 9 rhesus monkeys. Genotyping results showed that all 8 newborn cynomolgus monkeys carried the c.746A>G point mutation, with an editing efficiency of 100% (8/8), of which 37.50% (3/8) were mosaics. Among the 9 newborn rhesus monkeys, 8 individuals carried the c.746A>G mutation, with an editing efficiency of 88.89% (8/9), of which 75.00% (6/8) were mosaics. ConclusionThe ABE8e-SpRY base-editing system enables precise editing at the c.746A>G (p.Q249R) locus of the BMPR1B gene in both cynomolgus and rhesus monkey embryos, resulting in the successful establishment of laboratory monkey models carrying the BMPR1BFecB variant. These models provide a valuable foundation for future studies of the regulatory role of the BMPR1BFecB variant in reproductive performance at the non‑human primate level, as well as for exploring genetic improvement strategies to enhance reproductive performance in laboratory monkeys.
2.Study on the mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides inhibiting the proliferation,migration and immune escape of oral cancer cells
Jinyu LI ; Xiaoyu XU ; Yuzhuo WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2134-2140
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on the proliferation, migration, and immune escape of oral cancer cells by regulating the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3)/ galectin-9 (Gal-9) signaling pathway. METHODS Human oral cancer cells KB and CAL27 were assigned to control group, L. barbarum polysaccharides low-concentration group (200 μg/mL), L. barbarum polysaccharides high-concentration group (400 μg/mL), pcDNA-NC group (transfection of pcDNA-NC plasmid), pcDNA-TIM3 group (transfection of pcDNA-TIM3 plasmid), high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-NC group (400 μg/mL L. barbarum polysaccharides + transfection of pcDNA-NC plasmid), and high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-TIM3 group (400 μg/mL L. barbarum polysaccharides + transfection of pcDNA-TIM3 plasmid). The proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of the cells, T cell killing rate as well as the levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the cell supernatant were measured. mRNA expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 and protein expressions of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), TIM3 and Gal-9 in the cells were also determined. RESULTS Compared with control group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of L. barbarum polysaccharide low- and high-concentration groups were decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, and the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group and pcDNA-NC group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, and protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of the pcDNA-TIM3 group were all significantly increased (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, IFN-γ and IL-2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with L. barbarum polysaccharides high-concentration group and high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-NC group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, and protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-TIM3 group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, and the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. barbarum polysaccharides may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and immune escape of oral cancer cells by suppressing TIM3/Gal-9 signaling pathway.
3.Breaking the ethical dilemmas in elderly care institutions under the integrated medical and elderly care model: exploration and optimization of practical pathways
Xiangyan FENG ; Lele MIAO ; Qingqiao LYU ; Xiaoe LI ; Zhinan YANG ; Yuzhuo MA
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(10):1270-1274
The integrated medical and elderly care model provides comprehensive medical and elderly care services by establishing medical facilities in elderly care institutions or forming close cooperative relationships with surrounding medical institutions. Currently, there are 87,000 paired partnerships established nationwide between medical and health institutions and elderly care service institutions, and more than 7,800 integrated medical and elderly care institutions have obtained the qualifications of medical and health institutions and completed elderly care service registration. This model not only meets the elderly’s healthcare needs but also provides life care, psychological support, and social activities, thereby improving their quality of life. However, the integrated medical and elderly care model also faces numerous ethical dilemmas in practice. This paper aimed to explore in depth the ethical dilemmas and countermeasures optimization in the work of elderly care institutions under this model, to promote the improvement of service quality, comprehensively guarantee the rights and interests of the elderly, and promote the healthy development of this model in practice. Under this model, the elderly care institutions not only bear the responsibility of providing long-term care and life services but also need to cooperate with medical institutions to provide healthcare and health management services for the elderly. By exploring the practical paths for elderly care institutions to address the ethical dilemmas faced with this model, feasible solutions were proposed to enhance the welfare of the elderly and promote the harmonious development of society.
4.Effect of moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8) on the expression of BDNF and c-fos in the urinary control brain regions of rats with neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury.
Han YU ; Yuanbo FU ; Huilin LIU ; Yuzhuo ZHANG ; Yutong NI ; Qingdai LI ; Yi XU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(5):638-645
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8) on urodynamics and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and immediate early gene (c-fos) in pontine micturition center (PMC), periaqueductal gray (PAG), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of neurogenic bladder (NB) rats after spinal cord injury.
METHODS:
Twenty-four SPF female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group (6 rats) and a modeling group (18 rats). In the modeling group, T9 complete spinal cord transection method was used to establish a neurogenic detrusor overactivity model, and the 12 rats with successful modeling were randomized into a model group and a moxibustion group, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in the moxibustion group were treated with ginger/salt-insulated moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8), and 4 consecutive moxa cones were delivered in one intervention. Moxibustion was operated once daily and for 14 days. After intervention completion, the urodynamic indexes of rats in each group were detected. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG and mPFC in rats. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG and mPFC.
RESULTS:
The rats in the sham-operation group did not show phasic detrusor contraction during bladder filling. Compared with the model group, the frequency and amplitude of the phasic detrusor contraction were reduced 5 min before urine leakage in the rats of the moxibustion group (P<0.05), and the duration of the first phasic detrusor contraction during bladder filling was prolonged (P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the mRNA and protein expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG and mPFC increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mRNA and protein expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG and mPFC decreased in the moxibustion group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8) can improve the phasic contraction during bladder filling in NB rats after spinal cord injury, possibly by down-regulating the mRNA and protein expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG, and mPFC.
Animals
;
Moxibustion
;
Female
;
Rats
;
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Spinal Cord Injuries/metabolism*
;
Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic/etiology*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Urinary Bladder/physiopathology*
;
Brain/metabolism*
;
Urination
5.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
6.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
8.Treating hyperuricemia from"returning the clear and the turbid to the original"based on the theory of"indigestion of spleen and stomach"
Qiwei ZHAO ; Yuzhuo LIU ; Mengzhen WANG ; Yue LUO ; Ziyu LIU ; Minghua NAN ; Changchuan BAI ; Xinyu LI ; Jia LI ; Xiao YANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1134-1139
Hyperuricemia is a chronic metabolic disease resulting from purine metabolic dysfunction and is classified under the category of"blood turbidity"in traditional Chinese medicine.Our team termed it"acid turbidity,"and its pathogenesis is closely related to the dynamic evolution of the clear and the turbid components.With the change of modern people's diet structure,the incidence of hyperuricemia is increasing annually owing to the intake of fatty,sweet foods and alcohol.Therefore,this paper explores hyperuricemia from the"indigestion of spleen and stomach"theory.The core pathogenesis of hyperuricemia is indigestion of spleen and stomach,the inversion of clear and turbid substances,and endogenous acid turbidity.The initial manifestation of hyperuricemia is the internal retention of acid turbidity and ascending-descending disharmony;the gradual manifestation of this disease is that indigestion causes heat,and acid turbidity transforms into poison;the final manifestation of this disease is that secular indigestion causes deficiency and the inversion of clear and turbid substances.It can be summarized into three syndromes:syndromes of internal retention of dampness-turbidity,dampness-heat toxin amassment,and dampness-heat due to spleen deficiency.Therefore,this paper proposes to treat the disease according to different syndromes,with ascending the clear and descending the turbid as the core of treatment.And the therapeutic approach employs the flexible application of three methods:transportation,resolving,and transformation.For syndrome of internal retention of dampness-turbidity,treatment focuses on promoting spleen transportation to eliminate dampness;for syndrome of dampness-heat toxin amassment,the strategy is to resolve indigestion and purge heat;and for syndrome of dampness-heat due to spleen deficiency,the aim is to resolve turbidity and clear heat.By ascending the clear and descending the turbid,so that"returning the clear and the turbid to the original,"the spleen and stomach regain harmony,functions of ascending and descending are reestablished,and hyperuricemia can be effectively managed.
9.Analyzing the dysfunction of the mesial temporal lobe epilepsy glymphatic system based on diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space index
Zhaojie WANG ; Qiang XU ; Yuzhuo LI ; Jianrui LI ; Yiwen CHEN ; Fang YANG ; Chenxi SHEN ; Xiangjun JI ; Gang YANG ; Guangming LU ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(2):168-176
Objective:To investigate the differences of the glymphatic system (GS) function between patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE-HS) and healthy controls and between different seizure types by using diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular space (DTI-ALPS), and to analyze the correlation between GS function and the course of disease, as well as the efficacy of predicting the surgical outcome.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 171 patients with mTLE-HS (mTLE-HS group) and 75 healthy volunteers (HC group) were retrospectively enrolled from July 2009 to July 2021 at Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University. The general information of all subjects, such as seizure type (partial seizure, secondary generalized seizure), surgical outcome, etc., was analyzed. The 3D magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo T 1WI and DTI sequence images were collected. The VBM analysis method was used to segment cerebrospinal fluid and calculate the volume. The ALPS index of the bilateral brain was calculated using the Atlas-based DTI-ALPS method. Independent sample t-test or paired t test were used to compare the ALPS index between the mTLE-HS group and HC group, and between patients with different seizure types. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between bilateral ALPS index and disease duration in mTLE-HS group. The predictive value of the ALPS index for surgical outcomes was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics curve and area under the curve. Results:Among the 171 mTLE-HS patients, 98 patients were mTLE with left-side HS (mTLE-LHS) and 73 patients were mTLE with right-side HS (mTLE-RHS); 37 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 27 with good prognosis and 10 with poor prognosis. Compared with the HC group, the left-side ALPS index of mTLE-LHS and mTLE-RHS were both decreased ( P<0.05). The right-side ALPS index in mTLE-RHS was lower than that in the HC group ( P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the right-side ALPS index between mTLE-LHS and HC group ( P=0.080). The ALPS index on the affected side of patients with secondary generalized seizures was significantly lower than that of patients with only partial seizures (all P<0.05), but the difference in ALPS index on the healthy side was not statistically significant( P>0.05). The left-side and right-side ALPS index in mTLE-LHS were negatively correlated with disease duration ( r=-0.272, P=0.007; r=-0.307, P=0.002), but no significant correlation was found between the left-side or right-side ALPS index in mTLE-RHS (all P>0.05). The DTI-ALPS index on the affected side in mTLE-HS patients exhibited good diagnostic accuracy for surgical outcome classification, with an area under the curve of 0.778. Conclusions:The patients with mTLE-HS exhibit dysfunction of the GS, and the degree of impairment is related to the type of seizure and the course of epilepsy. The ALPS index, which characterizes the function of GS, demonstrates good diagnostic accuracy for classifying surgical outcomes.
10.Research Progress on Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Effects of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum and Predictive Analysis on Q-marker
Yan LEI ; Yuzhuo LI ; Wanying WANG ; Lu SU ; Jiao KONG ; Ding LI ; Hongyan JIA ; Chuanxin LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1555-1577
Sinopodophyllum hexandruma is a traditional Chinese medicine in China,which is mostly distributed in Gansu,Shaanxi,Sichuan,Qinghai,Yunnan and Xizang,etc.In recent years,with the gradual deepening of the research on the chemical composition and pharmacology-toxicology of Sinopodophyllum hexandruma,its antitumour and antiviral pharmacodynamic evaluation has increasingly become a research hotspot in the industry.Based on the chemical structure,pharmacological properties and the theoretical basis of quality markers(Q-markers),this paper presents an in-depth literature review and analysis of the chemical composition,pharmacological activities and Q-markers of Sinopodophyllum hexandruma,and systematically explores and predicts the Q-markers of Sinopodophyllum hexandruma.It is proposed that Podophyllotoxin,picropodophyllotoxin,podophyllotoxinone,quercetin,kaempferol,quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside can be used as the Q-marker of Sinopodophyllum hexandruma.In the later stage,these index components can be selected to control the whole quality of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum,and provide some data support and theoretical reference for the quality evaluation of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum.

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