1.Study on the stability of PBMCs recovered from leukocyte-depleted filter residues
Ju LIN ; Zhiqiang XIANG ; Dongfen DU ; Fang YUAN ; Miaoyu WANG ; Yue WU ; Kaiyu HUANG ; Lieyong SANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):723-733
Objective: To identify an optimal back-flush solution for leukocyte-depleted filters that maximizes peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) recovery with high viability, long-term storage stability, and sterility of the harvested residues, thereby providing a clinically translatable strategy. Methods: Three sterile bag-packaged solutions—Saline, Solvent, and Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS)—were used to back-flush randomly assigned leukocyte-depleted filters. Nucleated cell recovery rate and viability of the harvested residues were compared. The optimal solution identified was applied to an expanded sample set. PBMC viability and yield were evaluated after 1h vs 48h storage of the residues. PBMCs isolated from the residues were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 1 month, followed by post-thaw comparisons of viability and T-cell expansion capacity. Results: The Solvent group achieved the highest and most consistent nucleated cell recovery rate. Post-flush recovery rate from filters after 400 mL whole blood processing was (21.3±1.6)% for the Solvent group, significantly higher than Saline group (19.2±6.3)% and HBSS group (11.2±5.0)%, with residues from all groups maintaining viability >90%. No biologically significant difference in residue viability was observed between 48h vs 1h storage groups (93.3±2.3)% vs (95.7±1.8)%). PBMC recovery rates from residues showed no statistical difference between 48h vs 1h storage groups [(48.2%±9.5%)vs (40.41%±8.35%), P>0.05], with (17.7±2.6)×10
cells. After 1-month cryopreservation and 10-day expansion, PBMCs isolated from 48-hour-stored residues retained (91.2±3.2)% viability and achieved a (61.9±15.9)-fold expansion. Conclusion: The bag-packaged Solvent, as a back-flush solution, enables sterile acquisition of leukocyte-depleted filter residues through closed-system tubing connections. These residues maintained PBMC viability and recovery rates after 48h storage at 2℃-8℃, with post-cryopreservation (1-month liquid nitrogen) viability and expansion capacity remaining stable. This protocol complies with blood bank regulatory criteria, addresses the concerns about the infectious window period in cell therapy raw materials, and provides a clinically translatable strategy for PBMC-based applications.
2.Functional characterization of double-negative T cells isolated from leukoreduction filter residues.
Zhiqiang XIANG ; Yue WU ; Kaiyu HUANG ; Fuqiang WU ; Ju LIN ; Lieyong SANG ; Liming YANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;():1-9
OBJECTIVES:
To characterize the biological properties of double-negative T (DNT) cells isolated from leukoreduction filter residues.
METHODS:
Leukoreduction filters containing residues from 400 mL whole blood units (n=6) were collected from a blood center. Filters were back-flushed with normal saline, and the eluate was concentrated to obtain leukoreduction filter residues. Leukocytes in the residues were counted by dual-fluorescence staining. DNT cells were then isolated from the residues using antibody-mediated adsorption and density gradient centrifugation. Both cryopreserved and fresh unstimulated DNT cells derived from the residues were subjected to in vitro culture. Following culture, cells were assessed for expansion fold, viability, immunophenotype, differentiation status, and cytotoxicity against target cells using dual-fluorescence staining and flow cytometry, with comparisons made to DNT cells derived from whole blood.
RESULTS:
The leukocyte recovery rate achieved through reverse flushing of the leukocyte reduction filter was (41.9±14.7)%. Compared to whole blood, the DNT cell starting material obtained from filter residues showed no significant difference in total T-cell content (P>0.05). However, the viability and purity of the resulting DNT cell starting materials were significantly lower (both P<0.05). After 17 days of culture, DNT cells from filter residues and whole blood showed no significant differences in expansion fold, immunophenotype, differentiation status, or cytotoxicity toward target cells (all P>0.05). However, the viability of DNT cells from residues was significantly lower than that of whole blood-derived DNT cells [(86.0±4.2)% vs. (92.2±1.2)%, P<0.05]. After thawing (post 3 or 15 days of cryopreservation) and 17 days of culture, DNT cell starting materials from residues showed comparable immunophenotype, expansion fold, and differentiation status to their non-cryopreserved counterparts from the same source (all P>0.05). However, the viability of DNT cells cryopreserved for 3 days [92.4% (91.8%, 92.8%)] and the cytotoxicity against target cells of those cryopreserved for 15 days [91.3% (89.4%, 95.1%)] were significantly higher than those of non-cryopreserved DNT cells [87.8% (82.0%, 89.0%) and 70.9% (67.3%, 80.2%), respectively] (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
DNT cells derived from leukoreduction filter residues exhibited highly comparable characteristics to those from whole blood in terms of expansion, purity, differentiation, and biological potency. Furthermore, their biological activity post-cryopreservation and revival remained largely similar to non-cryopreserved cells. These findings suggest that leukoreduction filter residues represent a promising alternative source of starting material for manufacturing off-the-shelf, allogeneic DNT cell therapeutics.
3.A critical role for Phocaeicola vulgatus in negatively impacting metformin response in diabetes.
Manyun CHEN ; Yilei PENG ; Yuhui HU ; Zhiqiang KANG ; Ting CHEN ; Yulong ZHANG ; Xiaoping CHEN ; Qing LI ; Zuyi YUAN ; Yue WU ; Heng XU ; Gan ZHOU ; Tao LIU ; Honghao ZHOU ; Chunsu YUAN ; Weihua HUANG ; Wei ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2511-2528
Metformin has been demonstrated to attenuate hyperglycaemia by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the mechanisms through which the microbiome mediates metformin monotherapy failure (MMF) are unclear. Herein, in a prospective clinical cohort study of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients treated with metformin monotherapy, metagenomic sequencing of faecal samples revealed that Phocaeicola vulgatus abundance was approximately 12 times higher in nonresponders than in responders. P. vulgatus rapidly hydrolysed taurine-conjugated bile acids, leading to ceramide accumulation and reversing the improvements in glucose intolerance conferred by metformin in high-fat diet-fed mice. Interestingly, C22:0 ceramide bound to mitochondrial fission factor to induce mitochondrial fragmentation and impair hepatic oxidative phosphorylation in P. vulgatus-colonized hyperglycaemic mice, which could be exacerbated by metformin. This work suggests that metformin may be unsuitable for P. vulgatus-rich T2DM patients and that clinicians should be aware of metformin toxicity to mitochondria. Suppressing P. vulgatus growth with cefaclor or improving mitochondrial function using adenosylcobalamin may represent simple, safe, effective therapeutic strategies for addressing MMF.
4.NAT10 inhibition alleviates astrocyte autophagy by impeding ac4C acetylation of Timp1 mRNA in ischemic stroke.
Li YANG ; Xiaotong LI ; Yaxuan ZHAO ; Hao CHEN ; Can WANG ; Angrong WU ; Xintong GUO ; Yue HUANG ; Qihui WANG ; Lingyun HAO ; Xiaowen LI ; Ying JI ; Jin BAN ; Guangtian WANG ; Junli CAO ; Zhiqiang PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2575-2592
Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 via targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhances ac4C acetylation of the inflammatory cytokine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) mRNA transcript, which increases TIMP1 expression and results in the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and progression of astrocyte autophagy. These findings demonstrate that NAT10 regulates astrocyte autophagy by targeting Timp1 ac4C after stroke. This study highlights the critical role of ac4C in the regulation of astrocyte autophagy and proposes a promising strategy to improve post-stroke outcomes via NAT10 inhibition.
5.Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for the biosynthesis of O-acetyl-L-homoserine.
Lianggang HUANG ; Feng GAO ; Nuoran XU ; Junping ZHOU ; Kun NIU ; Bo ZHANG ; Zhiqiang LIU ; Yuguo ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):256-270
O-acetyl-L-homoserine (OAH) is a promising platform compound for the production of L-methionine and other valuable compounds, while its low yield and low conversion rate limit the industrial application. To solve these problems, we constructed a strain for high OAH production with the previously constructed L-homoserine producer Escherichia coli HS33 as the chassis by systematic metabolic engineering. Firstly, PEP accumulation, pyruvate utilization, and OAH synthesis pathway (overexpressing aspB, aspA, and thrAC1034T) were enhanced to obtain an initial strain accumulating 13.37 g/L OAH. Subsequently, the co-factor synthesis genes were integrated to supply reducing power and energy, which increased the yield to 15.79 g/L. The OAH yield of the engineered strain OAH28 was further increased to 17.49 g/L by strengthening the acetic acid reuse pathway, improving the supply of acetyl-CoA, and regulating the expression of MetX from different sources. Finally, in a 5 L fermenter, OAH28 achieved an OAH titer of 47.12 g/L, with a glucose conversion rate of 32% and productivity of 0.59 g/(L·h). The results lay a foundation for increasing the OAH production by metabolic engineering and give insights into the industrial production of OAH.
Metabolic Engineering/methods*
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Escherichia coli/genetics*
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Homoserine/biosynthesis*
;
Fermentation
6.Exploration and practice of teaching reform in Synthetic Biology.
Bo ZHANG ; Lianggang HUANG ; Aiping PANG ; Zheyan WU ; Junping ZHOU ; Xue CAI ; Lijuan WANG ; Kun NIU ; Liqun JIN ; Zhiqiang LIU ; Yuguo ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3311-3317
Synthetic biology is a crucial tool for the development of the bio-industry and bio-economy, representing a significant aspect of new quality productive forces. As a core course for graduate students in bioengineering, Synthetic Biology plays a vital role in ensuring the supply of essential talents for the development of the bio-industry in the new era. To better serve regional economic development and provide high-level talents for China's progress in the bio-industry, we analyzed typical issues encountered in the past teaching activities, set up a multi-disciplinary teaching team, optimized the course contents, adjusted the teaching mode, and mobilized students' learning interest. With the application of scientific research project as the starting point, we guided students to think and discuss deeply through the simulation of application writing and project defense, which improved students' critical thinking and innovative thinking. With industrialization as a focus, we explored a new training model combining production, education, and research through the joint practice base of the university and enterprises introduced typical cases of biomanufacturing to encourage students to engage in scientific research. The teaching reform significantly enhances the comprehensive abilities and national sentiments of graduate students. This paper hopes to serve as a reference for colleagues engaged in teaching in this field.
Synthetic Biology/education*
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Teaching
;
China
;
Humans
7.Strategies and methods for dynamic parking management under the conditions of ensuring both hospi-tal operation and campus expansions
Min HUANG ; Shuimei LV ; Qiling HUANG ; Jie LIN ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Zhongpeng XU ; Yong LI ; Qing HE
Modern Hospital 2024;24(2):243-245,249
In the aftermath of the pandemic,the government is accelerating the development of top-tier medical resources to broaden the supply and deliver superior healthcare services.However,during this transitional phase,hospitals are experiencing operational challenges due to concurrent construction activities.Notably,a shortage of parking facilities and increased traffic con-gestion continue to impactmedial consultation experience of patients.This paper tries to explore strategies and methods for dynam-ic parking management during hospital campus expansions,offering insights for other medical institutions into grappling with pa-tient parking issues.
8.A digital anatomy study of the secure corridor for infra-acetabular screw placement
Gang LYU ; Chao MA ; Zhiqiang MA ; Yushan MAIMAIAILI ; Haiming SA ; Jiang ZHU ; Tuoliewuhan WUYILAHAN ; Yifei HUANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(3):209-214
Objective:To compare the parameters for infra-acetabular screw placement between men and women using a digital Chinese anatomical model of the pelvis and acetabulum.Methods:The normal pelvic CT data were collected from the 163 adult patients who had been admitted to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2018 to December 2021. There were 61 males and 102 females with an age of 53.0 (45.0, 60.0) years. Mimics 21.0 software was used to reconstruct the three dimensional pelvis which was then imported into Autodesk maya 2022 software before the model was flattened. Polygonal modeling tools were used to create a cylinder to simulate an infra-acetabular screw for length and angle measurements of the screw. The diameters of the infra-acetabular screws were measured by axial fluoroscopy in Mimics 21.0 software. The maximum diameters and maximum lengths of the infra-acetabular bone channel were compared between males and females, and the angles between the axis of the infra-acetabular screw and the anterior pelvic plane and the median sagittal plane were also compared between genders.Results:The maximum diameters of the left and right infra-acetabular corridors were 5.24 (4.26, 6.38) mm and 5.04 (4.50, 6.57) mm in males, and 3.99 (3.81, 4.51) mm and 3.89 (3.65, 4.90) mm in females; the maximum lengths of the left and right infra-acetabular corridors were (98.43±4.42) mm and (98.01±5.08) mm in males and 87.73 (84.22, 90.98) mm and 87.51 (84.59, 90.15) mm in females. The left and right angles between the infra-acetabular screw axis and the median sagittal plane were -0.98°±4.79° and -1.08°±4.91° in men, and 6.20° (3.34°, 11.16°) and 6.44° (3.77°, 11.85°) in women. The differences in the above data between men and women were statistically significant ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between men and women in the angle between the infra-acetabular screw axis and the anterior pelvic plane ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The length and diameter of the infra-acetabular corridor in males are greater than those in females, the angle between the infra-acetabular corridor and the sagittal plane in males is smaller than that in females, and the infra-acetabular corridor in males is more parallel to the sagittal plane. Therefore, the fluoroscopy angle should be adjusted for males to reduce the difficulty in screw placement when an infra-acetabular screw is placed during surgery.
9.Further exploration on TCM properties of the foreign Chinese materia medica of Mirabilis Radix
Zhiqiang HUANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yiqian WEI ; Huireng GAN ; Wei WANG ; Jianguo MU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(9):1105-1112
Mirabilis jalapa L. is a plant of the family of Miraceae, native to tropical America and introduced to China during the Ming Dynasty. Its main medicinal part is the root. After sorting, it was found that the research on the medicinal properties of the Mirabilis Radixis incomplete, and the records of medicinal properties do not fully match the current application, and there is a situation of "the raw and processed for different treatments". This study further explored its medicinal properties. The Mirabilis Radix is bitter, pungent, and slight cold; belonging to the bladder, liver, and stomach meridians; it has the functions of clearing heat and dampness, detoxifying and reducing swelling, promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation, dispelling wind and dampness, and nourishing yin. It was taken orally, with decoction, and adults should take 15-30 g, not in the form of original powder. People with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold should take it with caution, and pregnant women should not take it; for external use, an appropriate amount of fresh products should be applied and mashed. Processed Mirabilis Radix, recorded by Tujiazu medicine and Uyghur medicine, after boiling or steaming, the medicinal properties change and the nourishing effect is enhanced, but there is a lack of relevant research. Further exploration of the medicinal properties of the Mirabilis Radix can provide reference for clinical application, standard improvement, and product development.
10.Radon concentration and related employees’ chromosome aberration and micronuclei in subways in a city of Zhejiang Province
Zhiqiang XUAN ; Xinyu HUANG ; Zhongjun LAI ; Jiadi GUO ; Xiaoji HAO ; Shunfei YU ; Yiyao CAO ; Donghang WANG ; Duo ZHANG ; Jihua NIE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(9):1025-1031
Background Excessive radon exposure is considered the second risk factor for lung cancer. Since the opening of the subway in a city of Zhejiang Province, the exposure level of radioactive gas radon in subway stations and its impact on occupational health have become one of the important issues of public concern. Objective To monitor the radon concentration of subways in a city in Zhejiang Province and explore the effect of radon exposure on chromosome aberration and micronuclei in the working population. Methods A total of 55 vehicle control rooms of 55 stations affiliated to two different subway lines in a city were measured for one year; the 110 ticket offices and 55 security checkpoints from the same 55 stations were measured from 16 March to 14 June. The radon concentrations were compared by job types, subway lines, and seasons referring to Measurement methods for determination of radon in environmental air (HJ 1212-2021). Peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosome aberration and micronucleus analyses were conducted in 165 subway workers from monitoring sites for three different job types, then the influencing factors were analyzed. The detection methods were adopted from the standards of Test and assessment of chromosomal aberrations on occupational health examinations for radiation workers (GBZ/T 248-2014) and Standard for the method of micronucleus detection in lymphocytes on occupational health examination for radiation workers and exposure dose estimation (GBZ/T 328-2023). Results The radon concentration range of the target subways in Zhejiang Province was 10-320 Bq·m−3, all lower than the national limit (≤400 Bq·m−3). The differences in radon radioactivity levels among different lines, job types, and time segments were statistically significant (P<0.05). The rates of chromosomal aberration and micronucleus formation among the 165 subjects were 0.224% and 0.024%, respectively. There were significant differences in the rates of chromosome aberration and micronuclei among different jobs (vehicle control room, ticket office, security checkpoint) (P<0.05), but the abnormal rates were lower than the limits of the corresponding national standard. No significant correlation was found between jobs and chromosomal aberrations or micronuclei (P>0.05). Chromosome aberration and micronuclei varied by age, subway station seniority, and smoking (P<0.05). No effect of the above factors on chromosome aberration and micronuclei was observed by logistic regression (P>0.05). Conclusion The radon concentration in the target subway system is at a normal level. The rates of chromosomal aberration and micronucleus formation vary by jobs, but both are lower than the corresponding national limits. Therefore, radon exposure has not yet caused outstanding health impact on the subway workers.

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