1.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
2.Research progress of berberine in neuropsychiatric diseases
Pan-pan LI ; Rui LAN ; Wen-jing HU ; Meng-ya LI ; Shui-zhi JIAO ; Ya-han LIU ; Bao-qi WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1217-1222
Berberine is a kind of isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the roots and rhizomes of many medicinal plants,such as Coptis chinensis of Ranunculus family,Phellodendron chinensis of rutaceae family,and Berberine Sanacanthus family.In recent years,with the deepening of research,berberine has shown re-markable prevention and treatment effect in a variety of neuro-psychiatric disease models.This paper summarizes the research progress of berberine in neuropsychiatric diseases and provides theoretical support for further clinical prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
3.Research progress of berberine in neuropsychiatric diseases
Pan-pan LI ; Rui LAN ; Wen-jing HU ; Meng-ya LI ; Shui-zhi JIAO ; Ya-han LIU ; Bao-qi WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1217-1222
Berberine is a kind of isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the roots and rhizomes of many medicinal plants,such as Coptis chinensis of Ranunculus family,Phellodendron chinensis of rutaceae family,and Berberine Sanacanthus family.In recent years,with the deepening of research,berberine has shown re-markable prevention and treatment effect in a variety of neuro-psychiatric disease models.This paper summarizes the research progress of berberine in neuropsychiatric diseases and provides theoretical support for further clinical prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
4.Effects of fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on biological properties of BLM DNA helicase
Wang-ming ZHANG ; Qin-ying FENG ; Xiao-yu SONG ; Xin-zhong ZHOU ; Juan LU ; Wan-qing XIE ; Zhi-wen LAI ; Wei-dong PAN ; Jie-lin LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1680-1686
Aim To investigate the effects of the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the biological prop-erties of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase,in order to lay a foundation for further research on its antitumor activity.Methods Fluorescence polarization assay,malachite green-phosphate and ammonium molybdate colorime-try,and fluorescein-labeled DNA gel electrophoresis experiments were conducted to study the effects of fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the DNA binding activity,ATPase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.The effects of LYY-32 on the DNA unwinding activity of DNA helicase in cells were studied using fluorescent techniques and time-lapse microscopy.Ultraviolet spectral scanning was used to investigate the effects of LYY-32 on the confor-mation of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.Results At a concentration of 10 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to dsDNA was 53.17%.At a concentration of 5 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to ssDNA was 88.49%.The inhibition rate of LYY-32 on the ATPase activity of BLM642-1290 DNA he-licase was 89.3%at a concentration of 50 μmol·L-1.When the concentration of LYY-32 exceeded 5μmol·L-1,its inhibition rate on the DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase was 100%.LYY-32 also significantly inhibited the DNA unwinding ac-tivity of DNA helicase in cells.However,LYY-32 had no effect on the conformation of BLM642-1290 DNA heli-case.Conclusion The DNA binding activity,AT-Pase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase could be significantly inhibi-ted by the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32.
5.Effects of fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on biological properties of BLM DNA helicase
Wang-ming ZHANG ; Qin-ying FENG ; Xiao-yu SONG ; Xin-zhong ZHOU ; Juan LU ; Wan-qing XIE ; Zhi-wen LAI ; Wei-dong PAN ; Jie-lin LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1680-1686
Aim To investigate the effects of the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the biological prop-erties of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase,in order to lay a foundation for further research on its antitumor activity.Methods Fluorescence polarization assay,malachite green-phosphate and ammonium molybdate colorime-try,and fluorescein-labeled DNA gel electrophoresis experiments were conducted to study the effects of fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the DNA binding activity,ATPase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.The effects of LYY-32 on the DNA unwinding activity of DNA helicase in cells were studied using fluorescent techniques and time-lapse microscopy.Ultraviolet spectral scanning was used to investigate the effects of LYY-32 on the confor-mation of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.Results At a concentration of 10 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to dsDNA was 53.17%.At a concentration of 5 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to ssDNA was 88.49%.The inhibition rate of LYY-32 on the ATPase activity of BLM642-1290 DNA he-licase was 89.3%at a concentration of 50 μmol·L-1.When the concentration of LYY-32 exceeded 5μmol·L-1,its inhibition rate on the DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase was 100%.LYY-32 also significantly inhibited the DNA unwinding ac-tivity of DNA helicase in cells.However,LYY-32 had no effect on the conformation of BLM642-1290 DNA heli-case.Conclusion The DNA binding activity,AT-Pase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase could be significantly inhibi-ted by the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32.
6.Effect analysis of pelvic autonomic nerve sparing radical resection for cervical cancer
Jiawen PENG ; Yannan ZHI ; Yang WANG ; Pan LIU ; Fang FENG ; Fang LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):434-438
Objective:To explore the effects of radical resection of pelvic autonomic nerve sparing cervical cancer on urodynamics, sexual function and prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.Methods:A total of 76 patients with cervical cancer admitted to Dingzhou People’s Hospital from Jan. 2021 to Jan. 2023 were selected as research objects, and all patients were divided into control group and study group by random number table method, with 38 cases in each group. The control group was treated with traditional laparoscopic radical cervicectomy, and the study group was treated with laparoscopic radical cervicectomy preserving pelvic autonomic nerve. Perioperative indexes, preoperative and postoperative urodynamics, tumor markers, sexual function and postoperative adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:The operation time of the observation group was longer than that of the control group ( P<0.05). The exhaust time and defecation time of the observation group were lower in the observation group than in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the amount of blood loss or lymph node dissection between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in urodynamic indexes between the two groups before surgery ( P>0.05). In the observation group after surgery, the bladder compliance, maximum urine flow rate and maximum detrusor systolic blood pressure were (81.55±13.18 mL/cm H 20, 20.46±4.65 L/s, 35.09±7.41 cm H 20), while they were (60.14±10.27) mL/cm H 20, (14.48±3.92) L/s, (28.15±6.94) cm H 20 in the control group. The observation group were higher than the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in maximum bladder volume between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in sexual function scores between the two groups before surgery ( P>0.05). The scores of sexual desire, vaginal wetness and pain, sexual arousal and orgasm, and sexual satisfaction in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05) . Conclusion:Radical resection of pelvic autonomic nerve preserving cervical cancer can improve urodynamic indexes and sexual function of patients with cervical cancer, and has the same efficacy as conventional laparoscopic radical resection of cervical cancer without increasing adverse reactions, and has a good effect and safety.
7.Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound time-intensity curve for the main pathological features of cervical cancer and its correlation
Fang FENG ; Yanan ZHI ; Yang WANG ; Pan LIU ; Jiawen PENG ; Li’na ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):601-606
Objective:To study the diagnostic value and correlation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound time-intensity curve in the main pathological features of cervical cancer.Methods:From August 2021 to August 2023, 100 patients with cervical cancer and 100 patients with benign cervical tumors examined in Dingzhou People’s Hospital were selected for study. Patients with benign cervical tumors were included in the control group, and patients with cervical cancer were included in the observation group.The two groups of patients were examined by PHILIPS EPIQ7 C color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instrument and PHILIPS EPIQ5 color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instrument to obtain the quantitative parameters of the time-intensity curve of the two groups. The bivariate Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the main pathological features of cervical cancer patients (lesion diameter, pathological type, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, differentiation degree, clinical stage) and the correlation between radiotherapy and chemotherapy and the acquisition of time-intensity curve. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of the time-intensity curve.Results:The time to peak (TTP) value of the cervical cancer group was lower than that of the control group, and the peak intensity (PI) and maximum peak intensity ratio (PI/PIc) values were higher than those of the control group, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Compared with patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma, vascular invasion < 1/2, no lymph node metastasis, moderate to high differentiation, stage I-II, and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, patients with squamous cell carcinoma, vascular invasion ≥ 1/2, lymph node metastasis, low differentiation, stage III-IV, and before radiotherapy and chemotherapy had lower TTP values, higher PI and PI/PIc values, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Pathological type, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, differentiation degree and clinical stage were negatively correlated with TTP, and positively correlated with PI and PI/PIc ( P<0.05) .Chemoradiotherapy was positively correlated with TTP, and negatively correlated with PI and PI/PIc ( P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of time intensity curve were higher than those of TTP, PI, PI/Ic, area under curve (AUCTC) and mean transit time (MTT), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The AUC values of combined detection of TTP, PI, PI/PIc and time intensity curve were all > 0.85, and the diagnostic value was high. Conclusions:The time-intensity curve of contrast-enhanced ultrasound is closely related to the main pathological features of cervical cancer, such as pathological type, lymph node metastasis and staging. According to the changes, the effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be judged, which can provide a good reference for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
8.Effect analysis of pelvic autonomic nerve sparing radical resection for cervical cancer
Jiawen PENG ; Yannan ZHI ; Yang WANG ; Pan LIU ; Fang FENG ; Fang LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):434-438
Objective:To explore the effects of radical resection of pelvic autonomic nerve sparing cervical cancer on urodynamics, sexual function and prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.Methods:A total of 76 patients with cervical cancer admitted to Dingzhou People’s Hospital from Jan. 2021 to Jan. 2023 were selected as research objects, and all patients were divided into control group and study group by random number table method, with 38 cases in each group. The control group was treated with traditional laparoscopic radical cervicectomy, and the study group was treated with laparoscopic radical cervicectomy preserving pelvic autonomic nerve. Perioperative indexes, preoperative and postoperative urodynamics, tumor markers, sexual function and postoperative adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:The operation time of the observation group was longer than that of the control group ( P<0.05). The exhaust time and defecation time of the observation group were lower in the observation group than in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the amount of blood loss or lymph node dissection between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in urodynamic indexes between the two groups before surgery ( P>0.05). In the observation group after surgery, the bladder compliance, maximum urine flow rate and maximum detrusor systolic blood pressure were (81.55±13.18 mL/cm H 20, 20.46±4.65 L/s, 35.09±7.41 cm H 20), while they were (60.14±10.27) mL/cm H 20, (14.48±3.92) L/s, (28.15±6.94) cm H 20 in the control group. The observation group were higher than the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in maximum bladder volume between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in sexual function scores between the two groups before surgery ( P>0.05). The scores of sexual desire, vaginal wetness and pain, sexual arousal and orgasm, and sexual satisfaction in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05) . Conclusion:Radical resection of pelvic autonomic nerve preserving cervical cancer can improve urodynamic indexes and sexual function of patients with cervical cancer, and has the same efficacy as conventional laparoscopic radical resection of cervical cancer without increasing adverse reactions, and has a good effect and safety.
9.Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound time-intensity curve for the main pathological features of cervical cancer and its correlation
Fang FENG ; Yanan ZHI ; Yang WANG ; Pan LIU ; Jiawen PENG ; Li’na ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):601-606
Objective:To study the diagnostic value and correlation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound time-intensity curve in the main pathological features of cervical cancer.Methods:From August 2021 to August 2023, 100 patients with cervical cancer and 100 patients with benign cervical tumors examined in Dingzhou People’s Hospital were selected for study. Patients with benign cervical tumors were included in the control group, and patients with cervical cancer were included in the observation group.The two groups of patients were examined by PHILIPS EPIQ7 C color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instrument and PHILIPS EPIQ5 color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instrument to obtain the quantitative parameters of the time-intensity curve of the two groups. The bivariate Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the main pathological features of cervical cancer patients (lesion diameter, pathological type, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, differentiation degree, clinical stage) and the correlation between radiotherapy and chemotherapy and the acquisition of time-intensity curve. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of the time-intensity curve.Results:The time to peak (TTP) value of the cervical cancer group was lower than that of the control group, and the peak intensity (PI) and maximum peak intensity ratio (PI/PIc) values were higher than those of the control group, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Compared with patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma, vascular invasion < 1/2, no lymph node metastasis, moderate to high differentiation, stage I-II, and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, patients with squamous cell carcinoma, vascular invasion ≥ 1/2, lymph node metastasis, low differentiation, stage III-IV, and before radiotherapy and chemotherapy had lower TTP values, higher PI and PI/PIc values, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Pathological type, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, differentiation degree and clinical stage were negatively correlated with TTP, and positively correlated with PI and PI/PIc ( P<0.05) .Chemoradiotherapy was positively correlated with TTP, and negatively correlated with PI and PI/PIc ( P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of time intensity curve were higher than those of TTP, PI, PI/Ic, area under curve (AUCTC) and mean transit time (MTT), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The AUC values of combined detection of TTP, PI, PI/PIc and time intensity curve were all > 0.85, and the diagnostic value was high. Conclusions:The time-intensity curve of contrast-enhanced ultrasound is closely related to the main pathological features of cervical cancer, such as pathological type, lymph node metastasis and staging. According to the changes, the effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be judged, which can provide a good reference for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
10.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail