1.Chufeng Yisuntang Ameliorates PM2.5-induced Dry Eye via ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Yuan ZHONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Shi TAN ; Yu TANG ; Dongdong LI ; Lihao CHEN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):191-200
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced dry eye and investigate whether Chufeng Yisuntang can ameliorate the PM2.5-induced ocular surface damage by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. Ten were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 50 mice received topical instillation of 1 drop (0.1 mL) of 5 g·L-1 PM2.5 suspension in both eyes, four times daily. Successfully modeled mice were randomized into four groups (n=10): Model, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Chufeng Yisuntang, and combination (Chufeng Yisuntang at 7.3 g·kg-1 + p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 5 mg·kg-1). Chufeng Yisuntang was administered via gavage, and the inhibitor group via intraperitoneal injection. The control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. All treatments lasted for 4 weeks. General conditions were dynamically observed. Tear secretion, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining were assessed. After intervention for 4 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and SOD2. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and gene levels, respectively, of p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the corneal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reduced tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with increased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group demonstrated increased tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with decreased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited marked increases in corneal epithelial cell layers and epithelial thickness, along with reduced meibomian gland acini and intensely stained, densely packed nuclei around the acini. Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group showed intact corneal structure, improved cell morphology, and reduced damage severity. ELISA revealed elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01) and decreased SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination lowered ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), while raising SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and reduced protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and increased protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Real-time PCR revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionChufeng Yisuntang may partially protect against PM2.5-induced corneal injury by inhibiting the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, enhancing antioxidant defense, and reducing epithelial apoptosis.
2.Influences of LncRNA MALAT1/miR-876-5p/FOXM1 axis on TNF-α-induced proliferation,apoptosis and inflammatory response of HaCaT cells
Zhao JIN ; Zhong LIU ; Jing PENG ; Rongyi HU ; Juan WU ; Qinsi HUANG ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):582-588,594
Objective:To investigate the influences of long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma tran-script 1(lncRNA MALAT1)/miR-876-5p/forkhead box protein M1(FOXM1)axis on TNF-α-induced proliferation,apoptosis and in-flammatory response of HaCaT cells.Methods:HaCaT cells were grouped into Ct group,Model group,si-NC group,si-MALAT1 group,mimic NC group,miR-876-5p mimic group,si-MALAT1+inhibitor NC group,and si-MALAT1+miR-876-5p inhibitor group.Except for the Ct group,cells in other groups were treated with 25 μg/L TNF-α to induce the in vitro cell model of psoriasis,and after 24 hours of TNF-α induction,the corresponding transfectants were transfected for 48 hours for subsequent experiments.qRT-PCR was applied to detect the expression of MALAT1 and miR-876-5p in cells;CCK-8 method and EdU staining were applied to detect cell pro-liferation;flow cytometry was applied to detect apoptosis;ELISA method was applied to detect the levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β in cell supernatant;Western blot was applied to detect the protein expressions of FOXM1,proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)and B-lymphocytoma-2(Bcl-2);dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to verify the rela-tionship between MALAT1 and miR-876-5p,miR-876-5p and FOXM1;and RNA pull down experiments were applied to verify the re-lationship between MALAT1 and miR-876-5p.Results:Compared with the control group,the expressions of MALAT1 and FOXM1 protein expression in the experimental group were increased,and the expression of miR-876-5p was decreased(P<0.05);compared with Ct group,the expressions of MALAT1 and FOXM1 protein expression in HaCaT cells,A450 value,EdU positive rate,the levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-1β,and the protein expressions of PCNA and Bcl-2 in cell supernatant in Model group increased,the expression of miR-876-5p,apoptosis rate and the protein expression of Bax were decreased(P<0.05);silencing MALAT1 or overexpressing miR-876-5p could inhibit the proliferation and inflammatory response of HaCaT cells induced by TNF-α,and promote cell apoptosis;miR-876-5p inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effects of silencing MALAT1 on TNF-α-induced HaCaT cell proliferation and inflammatory response,and the promotion on cell apoptosis;MALAT1 targeted and regulated the miR-876-5p/FOXM1 axis.Conclusion:Silencing MALAT1 may inhibit the expression of FOXM1 by up-regulating miR-876-5p,thereby inhibiting the proliferation and inflammatory re-sponse of HaCaT cells induced by TNF-α,and promoting cell apoptosis.
3.Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fracture plus posterolateral column collapse assisted by an anterior cruciate ligament tunnel locator
Tao LI ; Junhong LI ; Jianhua JI ; Hongjie WEN ; Peng LIAO ; Qinggang ZHAO ; Hang ZHAO ; Zhong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(11):935-942
Objective:To analyze the clinical effects of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tunnel locator applied in the arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fracture plus posterolateral column collapse.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 12 patients with Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fracture combined with posterolateral column collapse who had undergone arthroscopic reduction and fixation assisted by an ACL locator at Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, The Hospital Affiliated to Yunnan University from January 2020 to December 2022. There were 8 males and 4 females with an age of (44.5±6.4) years (set as an observation group). According to a 1∶1 ratio, another contemporary 12 patients of the same category were selected as a control group who had been treated by double-plate-screw fixation through internal and external double incisions. They were 7 males and 5 females with an age of (42.6±6.3) years. The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. At the same time, the Rasmussen radiological and functional scores at 1, 3, and 12 months after operation were recorded for intergroup and intragroup comparisons.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing the 2 groups were comparable ( P>0.05). All the 24 patients were followed up for (18.2±3.5) months after operation. In the observation group, the operation time [(96.3±6.3) min], incision length [(8.5±0.6) cm], and postoperative hospital stay [(8.1±1.3) d] were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(128.2±7.5) min, (15.9±0.8) cm, and (9.3±1.2) d], and the intraoperative blood loss [50.0 (41.5, 59.0) mL] was significantly less than that in the control group [135.0 (121.5, 147.5) mL] (all P<0.05). However, intergroup comparisons showed no statistically significant differences in Rasmussen radiographic scores or functional scores at 1 month, 3 months, or 12 months postoperatively between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in postoperative complications between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type Ⅳ tibial plateau fracture plus posterolateral column collapse, compared with the traditional double-plate-screw fixation through double incisions, assistance of an ACL tunnel locator leads to advantages of being more minimally invasive and more surgically efficient. However, the 2 techniques lead to comparable postoperative functional recovery.
4.Mechanism of action of Guizhi Fuling Pill in treating chronic prostatitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Ji SUN ; Xinfeng XIA ; Peng JIN ; Wei ZHONG ; Yanlin ZHAO ; Qinglei HANG ; Guohui ZHU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(20):72-77
Objective To investigate the mechanism of action of Guizhi Fuling pill in treating chro-nic prostatitis(CP)using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.Methods Compo-nents of Guizhi Fuling pill were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacolo-gy Platform(TCMSP),and target information was obtained from the SwissTarget database.Targets for chronic prostatitis were screened from the GeneCards,OMIM,CTD,and DisGeNET disease data-bases.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was established and analyzed.Gene ontology(GO)functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway en-richment analysis were performed using the DAVID database.The Cytoscape software was employed to construct an association network linking the components of Guizhi Fuling Pill,their targets,and the targets of chronic prostatitis.Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina software to verify the binding stability between the components of Guizhi Fuling pill and their targets.Results After screening and deduplication in the TCMSP database,76 components of Guizhi Fuling Pill were iden-tified,and 655 component targets were retrieved from the SwissTarget database.There were 190 intersecting targets between GuizhiFuling Pill and chronic prostatitis.GO analysis indicated that Guizhi Fuling Pill may treat chronic prostatitis by participating in processes such asapoptosis,ATP binding,and signal transduction.KEGG analysis suggested that Guizhi Fuling Pill can regulate pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)and mitogen-acti-vated protein kinase(MAPK)to intervene in chronic prostatitis.Molecular docking data demonstra-ted that the components of Guizhi Fuling pill exhibited stable conformations with their targets.Con-clusion The components of Guizhi Fuling Pill can stably bind to their targets and exert therapeutic effects on chronic prostatitis through multiple targets and pathways.
5.Phenotypic Function of Legionella pneumophila Type I-F CRISPR-Cas.
Ting MO ; Hong Yu REN ; Xian Xian ZHANG ; Yun Wei LU ; Zhong Qiu TENG ; Xue ZHANG ; Lu Peng DAI ; Ling HOU ; Na ZHAO ; Jia HE ; Tian QIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1105-1119
OBJECTIVE:
CRISPR-Cas protects bacteria from exogenous DNA invasion and is associated with bacterial biofilm formation and pathogenicity.
METHODS:
We analyzed the type I-F CRISPR-Cas system of Legionella pneumophila WX48, including Cas1, Cas2-Cas3, Csy1, Csy2, Csy3, and Cas6f, along with downstream CRISPR arrays. We explored the effects of the CRISPR-Cas system on the in vitro growth, biofilm-forming ability, and pathogenicity of L. pneumophila through constructing gene deletion mutants.
RESULTS:
The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system did not affect the in vitro growth of wild-type or mutant strains. The biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation of the mutant strains were weaker than those of the wild type owing to the regulation of type IV pili and Dot/Icm type IV secretion systems. In particular, Cas6f deletion strongly inhibited these processes.
CONCLUSION
The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system may reduce biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation in L. pneumophila.
Legionella pneumophila/pathogenicity*
;
CRISPR-Cas Systems
;
Biofilms/growth & development*
;
Phenotype
;
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism*
;
Gene Deletion
6.Study on synergistic promotion of ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by erastin combined with shikonin
Jian-jun WANG ; Yan-hua WANG ; Yu-ting TANG ; Jing-yi ZHANG ; Fang MA ; Xi HE ; Hui-xia YANG ; Qi-peng ZHAO ; Zhi-gang BAI ; Yin-ju HAO ; Gui-zhong LI ; Yi-deng JIANG ; Jiang-yong SHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):268-276
Aim To explore the mechanism of the syn-ergistic effect of the ferroptosis inducer erastin com-bined with shikonin in promoting ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts(HSFBs).Methods Hypertrophic scar tissues provided by the General Hos-pital of Ningxia Medical University were collected,and HSFBs were extracted.HSFBs were identified by HE staining and immunofluorescence.The inhibitory rates of Era and SHK on HSFBs at different concentrations were detected by CCK-8 assay,and the IC50 value was calculated.CompuSyn software was used to calculate the co-use index(CI).Control group,Erastin(Era)group,shikonin(SHK)group and Era+SHK group were set up,and the number and morphological chan-ges of cells were observed after 24 hours of interven-tion.The ability of cell migration and invasion was de-tected by scratch test and Transwell test.The changes of malondialdehyde(MDA),total iron ion and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by corresponding biochemical kits.The expressions of collagen I,α-SMA and GOT1,SLC7A11,GPX4 and FTH1 were detected by Western blot.Results The IC50 value of Era and SHK of primary HSFBs was 2.22 μmol·L-1 and 3.94μmol·L-1 respectively,which was used as the single drug concentration for subsequent experiments.The CompuSyn software was employed to calculate the CI value when the two drugs were used in combination,and the concentrations corresponding to CI=0.39597(Era:1.2 μmol·L-1+SHK:1.5 μmol·L-1)were selected as subsequent combination concentrations(Because when CI was equal to 0.395 97,the concen-tration of each drug was lower than the concentration of single drug,and the inhibition rate of combined drug was greater than 50%).Compared with the monother-apy group,the number of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group was significantly reduced,cell membrane showed breakage and vesiculation,cell wrinkling became smal-ler,and cytoplasm was concentrated.The migration and invasion ability of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group were obviously weakened(P<0.05),and the expres-sion of fibrosis-related proteins collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA was reduced(P<0.05);the contents of MDA,total i-ron ions,and ROS in HSFBs of the SHK+Era group increased(P<0.05),and the protein expression lev-els of SLC7A11,GOT1,GPX4,and FTH1 further de-creased(P<0.05).Conclusions Erastin in combi-nation with shikonin can synergistically inhibit the pro-liferation,migration and fibrosis levels of HSFBs.The mechanism may be that erastin enhances the inhibition of shikotin on GOT1,increases the levels of cellular i-ron ions,ROS,and lipid peroxides,thereby promoting ferroptosis in HSFBs.
7.The influence of two-way referral model on treatment and prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure
Yijun SUN ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Yue HU ; Zongwei LIN ; Jie XIAO ; Peng LI ; Xin ZHAO ; Huafang ZHANG ; Bo QIN ; Dequan JIA ; Tao ZHANG ; Jian MA ; Hongping CHEN ; Chunju ZHANG ; Xinwei GENG ; Kaiyan ZHANG ; Man ZHENG ; Fenglei ZHANG ; Yan LANG ; Hegong HOU ; Peng LIU ; Haifeng JIA ; Jianjun LU ; Kai ZHAO ; Hui ZHAO ; Jiechang XU ; Mi ZHANG ; Xiuxin LI ; Dongxia ZHANG ; Lin ZHONG ; Hui ZHAO ; Fangfang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Dongxia MIAO ; Chengwei WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Fen WANG ; Xuejuan ZHANG ; Huixia LYU ; Xiaoping JI
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(11):1244-1253
Objective:To explore the impact of the two-way referral model on compliance and prognosis in patients with heart failure.Methods:This bidirectional cohort study enrolled chronic heart failure (CHF) patients treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University or designated primary hospitals between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on referral status: two-way referral group (participating in the referral model with≥1 follow-up visit at primary hospitals) and the core hospital group (receiving treatment and follow-up exclusively at Qilu Hospital). Baseline clinical characteristics were collected and compared between groups. Patients underwent followed-up, with primary endpoints including follow-up rate, drug (β-blockers, angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers (ARB)/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) utilization rate and target dose achievement rate. Secondary endpoints encompassed changes from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plus cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed longitudinal trends in LVEF, LVEDd, and NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression evaluated LVEF recovery rates, supplemented by subgroup analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing target dose achievement rate for β-blockers and ACEI/ARB/ARNI therapies in CHF patients.Results:A total of 357 patients were enrolled, aged 53 (41, 63) years, including 256 males (71.7%). 157 patients were in the two-way referral group and 200 patients in the core hospital-treated group. Compared with the core hospital-treated group, the two-way referral group had lower baseline LVEF (28 (22, 34)% vs. 31 (23, 36)%, P=0.021) and systolic blood pressure (116 (104, 125) mmHg vs. 121 (109, 134) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), P=0.010). The 12-month follow-up rate of the two-way referral group was higher than the core hospital-treated group (73.8% vs. 56.0%, P=0.004). No significant between-group differences were observed in drug utilization rate of β-blockers, ACEI/ARB/ARNI, or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during follow-up (all P>0.05), while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists use showed a declining trend in both groups. Although the core hospital-treated group had higher target dose achievement rates for β-blockers (65.4% vs. 49.3%, P=0.042) and ACEI/ARB/ARNI (79.8% vs. 65.8%, P=0.046) than the two-way referral group, multivariate logistic regression indicated that the two-way referral model was not a negative predictor for these outcomes (all P>0.05). Both groups showed improved NT-proBNP, LVEDd, and LVEF from baseline (all P<0.001) with no significant difference in trends between groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the composite incidence (7.6% vs. 6.5%, P=0.674) and cumulative incidence (log-rank P=0.684) of cardiovascular death and heart failure rehospitalization at 12 months between two groups. Conclusion:The two-way referral model demonstrates advantages in improving medication adherence, drug utilization rates, and targetdoseachievement rates among CHF patients. This model not only promotes cardiac functional recovery but also reduces risks of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization, achieving comparable therapeutic and management outcomes to those observed in core hospital-treated patients.
8.Influences of LncRNA MALAT1/miR-876-5p/FOXM1 axis on TNF-α-induced proliferation,apoptosis and inflammatory response of HaCaT cells
Zhao JIN ; Zhong LIU ; Jing PENG ; Rongyi HU ; Juan WU ; Qinsi HUANG ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):582-588,594
Objective:To investigate the influences of long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma tran-script 1(lncRNA MALAT1)/miR-876-5p/forkhead box protein M1(FOXM1)axis on TNF-α-induced proliferation,apoptosis and in-flammatory response of HaCaT cells.Methods:HaCaT cells were grouped into Ct group,Model group,si-NC group,si-MALAT1 group,mimic NC group,miR-876-5p mimic group,si-MALAT1+inhibitor NC group,and si-MALAT1+miR-876-5p inhibitor group.Except for the Ct group,cells in other groups were treated with 25 μg/L TNF-α to induce the in vitro cell model of psoriasis,and after 24 hours of TNF-α induction,the corresponding transfectants were transfected for 48 hours for subsequent experiments.qRT-PCR was applied to detect the expression of MALAT1 and miR-876-5p in cells;CCK-8 method and EdU staining were applied to detect cell pro-liferation;flow cytometry was applied to detect apoptosis;ELISA method was applied to detect the levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β in cell supernatant;Western blot was applied to detect the protein expressions of FOXM1,proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)and B-lymphocytoma-2(Bcl-2);dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to verify the rela-tionship between MALAT1 and miR-876-5p,miR-876-5p and FOXM1;and RNA pull down experiments were applied to verify the re-lationship between MALAT1 and miR-876-5p.Results:Compared with the control group,the expressions of MALAT1 and FOXM1 protein expression in the experimental group were increased,and the expression of miR-876-5p was decreased(P<0.05);compared with Ct group,the expressions of MALAT1 and FOXM1 protein expression in HaCaT cells,A450 value,EdU positive rate,the levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-1β,and the protein expressions of PCNA and Bcl-2 in cell supernatant in Model group increased,the expression of miR-876-5p,apoptosis rate and the protein expression of Bax were decreased(P<0.05);silencing MALAT1 or overexpressing miR-876-5p could inhibit the proliferation and inflammatory response of HaCaT cells induced by TNF-α,and promote cell apoptosis;miR-876-5p inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effects of silencing MALAT1 on TNF-α-induced HaCaT cell proliferation and inflammatory response,and the promotion on cell apoptosis;MALAT1 targeted and regulated the miR-876-5p/FOXM1 axis.Conclusion:Silencing MALAT1 may inhibit the expression of FOXM1 by up-regulating miR-876-5p,thereby inhibiting the proliferation and inflammatory re-sponse of HaCaT cells induced by TNF-α,and promoting cell apoptosis.
9.Biomimetic dual-cell membrane nanoprobes employed for bimodal fluorescence-MR imaging of pancreatic cancer
Yanqi ZHONG ; Yingying MA ; Wenzheng LU ; Heng ZHANG ; Yuxi GE ; Peng WANG ; Jing ZHAO ; Jianying QIAN ; Jingxiao CHEN ; Shudong HU
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(2):88-93
Objective:To construct fused cancer cell/neutrophil membrane-coated polydopamine nanoparticles chelated with manganese ions (Ⅱ) (PMNP@FMs) and explore the potential for targeted pancreatic cancer fluorescence imaging and MRI.Methods:Cancer cell membranes fused with neutrophil membranes were encapsulated on the surface of polydopamine nanoparticles chelated with manganese ions (Ⅱ) (PMNPs) to prepare PMNP@FMs. The morphology, structure, and MRI performance of the product were characterized. The cytotoxicity of PMNP@FMs towards human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) and normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (hTERT-HPNE) was evaluated using cell counting kit (CCK)-8, and in vivo toxicity was assessed in healthy mice. PANC-1 pancreatic cancer xenograft nude mouse models were established for in vivo fluorescence imaging and MRI. Data were analyzed using the independent-sample t test, repeated measures analysis of variance and the least significance difference method. Results:PMNP@FMs exhibited a core-shell structure with a diameter of (112.81±8.64) nm, negative surface charge, and good dispersibility. The T 1 relaxivity of PMNPs was 18.81±0.22, which was 4.1 times higher than that of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) (4.55±0.24; t=75.54, P<0.001). Co-culture of PMNPs and PMNP@FMs with hTERT-HPNE and PANC-1 cells for 24 h resulted in cell viability above 90% within the concentration range of 0-500 μg/ml. PMNP@FMs did not affect mouse survival and showed no apparent organ damage. In vivo fluorescence imaging and MRI revealed that PMNP@FMs accumulated highly in tumors and reached the peak 24 h post intravenous administration (relative MR signal: 1.35±0.01, fluorescence intensity: (1.20±0.25)×10 10), surpassing the peak observed in the control group (1.22±0.01, (3.87±0.50)×10 9;F values: 11.03-188.01, t values: 18.20, 5.64, all P<0.05), with hepatic metabolism being the primary route of clearance. Conclusion:PMNP@FMs demonstrate a potential for targeted pancreatic cancer fluorescence imaging and MRI, offering promising prospect for precise diagnosis of early-stage pancreatic cancer.
10.Preliminary clinical study of a novel FAP-targeted PET tracer 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 in malignant solid tumors: a comparative study with 18F-FDG
Xi HE ; Meijuan ZHOU ; Peng HOU ; Kaixiang ZHONG ; Youcai LI ; Jie LYU ; Miao KE ; Ruiyue ZHAO ; Shaoyu LIU ; Yimin FU ; Huizhen ZHONG ; Xinlu WANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(12):708-713
Objective:To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted tracer 64Cu-FAP inhibitor (FAPI)-XT117 in patients with malignant solid tumors, and to compare with 18F-FDG. Methods:This self-controlled study was conducted on fifteen patients (8 males, 7 females; age (60 ±9) years) with malignant solid tumors from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between July 2023 and December 2023. Each subject underwent 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT at 30, 60, and 120min post-injection and was assigned to three dose cohorts (111MBq, 148MBq, and 185MBq; 5 patients in each cohort), and safety assessments were conducted within 24h after injection. In addition, all patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT at 60min post-injection. Time-activity curves were generated for 64Cu-FAPI-XT117, and the dosimetry was calculated. Image quality was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale, and the optimal injected activity and imaging time point were determined. The paired t test was used to compare differences of the lesion detection count and SUV max between 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results:64Cu-FAPI-XT117 was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Time-activity curves of 68Ga-FAPI-XT117 revealed prominent uptake in the uterus, while the background activity in other organs remained low, with the whole-body effective dose of (0.0084±0.0021)mSv/MBq. The optimal imaging time point for 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT was 60min post-injection, with an optimal administered activity of 111MBq. Compared with 18F-FDG, 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 demonstrated significantly higher uptake and more lesions in lymph-node metastases (SUV max: 8.6±3.8 vs 15.3±6.8, t=2.33, P=0.048; number of lesions: 8.3±5.4 vs 15.0±6.4; t=4.21, P=0.003) and distant metastases (SUV max: 11.8±3.7 vs 20.9±7.2, t=3.66, P=0.022; number of lesions: 7.0±3.2 vs 12.4±3.7, t=2.86, P=0.046). Conclusions:64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT is well tolerated in patients with solid tumors, with a controllable radiation risk. Moreover, it outperforms 18F-FDG PET/CT in the assessment of metastases.

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