1.Production of GTKO pigs and kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques
Yan WANG ; Yue CHANG ; Chang YANG ; Taiyun WEI ; Xiaoying HUO ; Bowei CHEN ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Heng ZHAO ; Jianxiong GUO ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiong ZHANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Wenmin CHENG ; Hongye ZHAO ; Kaixiang XU ; Ameen Jamal MUHAMMAD ; Zhendi WANG ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):526-537
Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68+ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.
2.Epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Nanjing from 2010 to 2023
Tao MA ; Cong CHEN ; Song-Ning DING ; Qing XU ; Jun-Jun WANG ; Heng-Xue WANG ; Zi-Kang YAN ; Meng-Yuan TIAN ; Yuan-Zhao ZHU ; Hui-Hui LIU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(9):841-847
This study was aimed at understanding the trends in,and scope of,severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)in Nanjing,analyzing the spatial distribution pattern,detecting high incidence cluster areas and key popula-tions,and scientifically guiding prevention and control strategies and measures.We obtained data on SFTS cases from 2010 to 2023 in Nanjing from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System,and described the time,popu-lation,and spatial distribution characteristics.We used joinpoint regression to calculate the annual percentage change(APC)in incidence,then used FleXScan spatial clustering scan analysis to explore spatial clustering areas at the street level.A total of 507 SFTS cases were reported from 2010 to 2023 in Nanjing.The APC was 31.8%(95%CI:22.5%-41.9%,P<0.001),and the reported incidence in 2023 was 1.42/100 000(134 cases).The seasonal indices from May to August were 2.7,2.1,3.0,and 1.3,respectively,accounting for 76.1%of the total cases.The median age was 66(IQR:55,73)years,which gradually increased from 59 years in 2010-2011 to 68 in 2022-2023(P<0.001);94.1%of cases were in individuals 45 years or older.Farmers,homemakers/unemployed individuals,and retirees accounted for 90.1%.The epidemic area increased from 11 streets in four districts in 2010-2011 to 58 streets in 11 dis-tricts in 2022-2023.Except for 2012-2013,global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed positive Moran's I values(0.224-0.526,P<0.001),and FlexScan scan indicated that several streets in Lishui District and Jiangning District were the most likely clusters.Four streets in Pukou District were the secondary clusters from 2018 to 2023,and three streets in Luhe District in 2022-2023 were the secondary clusters(all P<0.05).The reported incidence of SFTS in Nanjing showed a rapid upward trend,with spread of epidemic areas.The spatial distribution pattern was clustered.Strengthened training in diagnosis and treatment technology and detection ability of medical institutions,surveillance in high-incidence areas,tracing of case flow,and health education of tick and disease prevention knowledge are recommended.
3.Establishment and Evaluation Strategy of an in Vitro Cell Model of Bone Marrow Microenvironment Injury in Mouse Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Jia-Yi TIAN ; Pei-Lin LI ; Jie TANG ; Run-Xiang XU ; Bo-Feng YIN ; Fei-Yan WANG ; Xiao-Tong LI ; Hong-Mei NING ; Heng ZHU ; Li DING
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(2):617-624
Objective:To establish a mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)-based in vitro cell model for the evaluation of mouse bone marrow acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD).Methods:Female C57BL/6N mice aged 6-8 weeks were used as bone marrow and lymphocyte donors,and female BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were used as aGVHD recipients.The recipient mouse received a lethal dose(8.0 Gy,72.76 cGy/min)of total body γ irradiation,and injected with donor mouse derived bone marrow cells(1× 107/mouse)in 6-8 hours post irradiation to establish a bone marrow transplantation(BMT)mouse model(n=20).In addition,the recipient mice received a lethal dose(8.0 Gy,72.76 cGy/min)of total body γ irradiation,and injected with donor mouse derived bone marrow cells(1 × 107/mouse)and spleen lymphocytes(2 × 106/mouse)in 6-8 hours post irradiation to establish a mouse aGVHD model(n=20).On the day 7 after modeling,the recipient mice were anesthetized and the blood was harvested post eyeball enucleation.The serum was collected by centrifugation.Mouse MSCs were isolated and cultured with the addition of 2%,5%,and 10%recipient serum from BMT group or aGVHD group respectively.The colony-forming unit-fibroblast(CFU-F)experiment was performed to evaluate the potential effects of serums on the self-renewal ability of MSC.The expression of CD29 and CD105 of MSC was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining.In addition,the expression of self-renewal-related genes including Oct-4,Sox-2,and Nanog in MSC was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).Results:We successfully established an in vitro cell model that could mimic the bone marrow microenvironment damage of the mouse with aGVHD.CFU-F assay showed that,on day 7 after the culture,compared with the BMT group,MSC colony formation ability of aGVHD serum concentrations groups of 2%and 5%was significantly reduced(P<0.05);after the culture,at day 14,compared with the BMT group,MSC colony formation ability in different aGVHD serum concentration was significantly reduced(P<0.05).The immunofluorescence staining showed that,compared with the BMT group,the proportion of MSC surface molecules CD29+and CD 105+cells was significantly dereased in the aGVHD serum concentration group(P<0.05),the most significant difference was at a serum concentration of 10%(P<0.001,P<0.01).The results of RT-qPCR detection showed that the expression of the MSC self-renewal-related genes Oct-4,Sox-2,and Nanog was decreased,the most significant difference was observed at an aGVHD serum concentration of 10%(P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.001).Conclusion:By co-culturing different concentrations of mouse aGVHD serum and mouse MSC,we found that the addition of mouse aGVHD serum at different concentrations impaired the MSC self-renewal ability,which providing a new tool for the field of aGVHD bone marrow microenvironment damage.
4.Policy text analysis and its implications of prefectural-level basic medical insurance risk pooling in China from the perspective of policy tools
Xiao-Li ZHU ; Xin-Yue HUANG ; Yu-Heng WANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(5):25-32
Objective:To make a quantitative analysis of the policy tools of 261 prefectural-level basic medical insurance risk pooling policy text,analyze the distribution characteristics in dimensions including phases,tools and objectives,so as to provide references for the optimization of China's basic medical insurance risk pooling policy.Methods:Content analysis and quantitative analysis method were performed,a three-dimensional framework of"tools(X-dimension)-objectives(Y-dimension)-phases(Z-dimension)"was constructed,which was used to perform multi-dimensional classification and cross-comparison analysis on policy items.Results:According to the X-dimension,environmental and demand-based policy tools were constantly improving,but partial policy sub-tools are seriously missing.From the Y-dimension,policy objectives covered multiple dimensions but failed to complement each other.From the Z-dimension,the use of policy tools in different stages shows the characteristics of gradual progressive and hierarchical diffusion.policy suggestions are put forward:Optimize the combination of various policy tools,improve the adaptability of policy content and objectives,and form inter-dimensional policy synergy.On the basis of the summarized experience in the application of policy tools,providing references for provincial-level basic medical insurance risk pooling in China.
5.Perioperative application of immunoadsorption in highly sensitized kidney transplant recipients: single-center experience
Haojie HUANG ; Jie DING ; Yuting HU ; Dan SONG ; Ming ZHU ; Feng WANG ; Heng ZHENG ; Chenjie HUANG ; Qingling ZOU ; Zhangfei SHOU
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2024;45(10):702-709
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of immunoadsorption in highly sensitized kidney transplant (KT) candidates.Methods:From September 2019 to April 2023, the relevant clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 26 highly sensitized KT recipients. Protein A immunoadsorption desensitization therapy was offered after KT. The effect of immunosorbent on reducing anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies was summarized. And operative success rate and postoperative complication incidence were calculated.Results:The mean number of treatment session was (10.76±5.53). The highest level of HLA-Ⅰ antibody mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) dropped from (17 921±4 442) to (7 333±6 434) with a decline of 59% and HLA-Ⅱ antibody MFI decreased from (21 135±5 245) to (10 989±7 627) with a decline of 48%. The differences were statistically significant (both P<0.001). All kidneys were harvested from cadavers. The complications were acute antibody mediated rejection (7 cases), perioperative pulmonary infection (3 cases) and myelosuppression (2 cases). The average follow-up period was (30.8±12.6) month. The graft survival rate was 88.5% (23/26) and the recipient survival rate 100% (26/26) . Conclusions:Immunoadsorption therapy can effectively reduce HLA antibody in highly sensitized KT candidates, thereby increasing the probability of successful KT. In terms of safety, immunosorbent therapy may boost the potential risks of infection and myelosuppression. It requires heightened attention.
6.Integrated spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics decipher the hepatoprotection mechanisms of wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Chen PANPAN ; Zhu ZIHAN ; Geng HAOYUAN ; Cui XIAOQING ; Han YUHAO ; Wang LEI ; Zhang YAQI ; Lu HENG ; Wang XIAO ; Zhang YUN ; Sun CHENGLONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(4):552-561
Eclipta prostrata L.has been used in traditional medicine and known for its liver-protective properties for centuries.Wedelolactone(WEL)and demethylwedelolactone(DWEL)are the major coumarins found in E.prostrata L.However,the comprehensive characterization of these two compounds on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)still remains to be explored.Utilizing a well-established zebrafish model of thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver injury,the present study sought to investigate the impacts and mechanisms of WEL and DWEL on NAFLD through integrative spatial metabolomics with liver-specific transcriptomics analysis.Our results showed that WEL and DWEL significantly improved liver function and reduced the accumulation of fat in the liver.The biodistributions and metabolism of these two compounds in whole-body zebrafish were successfully mapped,and the discriminatory endogenous metabolites reversely regulated by WEL and DWEL treatments were also characterized.Based on spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics,we identified that steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism are mainly involved in the hepatoprotective effects of WEL instead of DWEL.Our study unveils the distinct mechanism of WEL and DWEL in ameliorating NAFLD,and presents a"multi-omics"platform of spatial metabolomics and liver-specific transcriptomics to develop highly effective compounds for further improved therapy.
7.Drug resistance and genetic diversity of clinical strains of Helicobacter pylori in the Qiannan Prefecture and Guiyang City,and their relationships with diseases
Yuan-Yuan ZHANG ; Ke PAN ; Meng-Heng MI ; Yu-Zhu GUAN ; Qiu-Dan LU ; Juan ZHENG ; Jin ZHANG ; Tian-Shu WANG ; Qi LIU ; Zheng-Hong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(1):46-55
To understand Helicobacter pylori's drug resistance,genetic diversity,and relationship with clinical diseases in the Guiyang and Qiannan minority areas of Guizhou Province,we collected samples through endoscopy,and isolated and cul-tured H.pylori.The drug resistance and genotype characteristics were determined.The differences in different regions and dis-ease types were compared,and the structural characteristics of H.pylori and mixed infections with different strains of H.py-lori in Qiannan Prefecture were analyzed.A difference in the composition ratio of EPYIA typing in the cagA variable region was observed between the two areas(P=0.012),and the composition ratio of the vacA genotype differed(P=0.000).A total of 94.6%(53/56)new sequences of H.pylori strains from two regions were obtained by MLST.The rate of infection by H.pylori mixed with different strains was 44.4%in Qiannan Pre-fecture,and no significant difference was observed in the com-position of H.pylori mixed infections among patients with dif-ferent clinical diseases(P=0.349).Differences in EPI YA typ-ing and the vacA genotype composition ratio in the cagA varia-ble region of H.pylori were observed between the Qiannan Prefecture and Guiyang City.
8.A novel anchor-loop internal fixation system in coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction for acromioclavicular dislocation: a biomechanical study
Chen WANG ; Na YANG ; Lisong HENG ; Wei FAN ; Yangjun ZHU ; Kun ZHANG ; Zhe SONG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(2):125-129
Objective:To explore the biomechanical stability of a novel anchor-loop internal fixation system in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation using cadaveric specimens.Methods:The acromioclavicular ligaments were severed in 12 complete shoulder joint specimens, in which the quasi-static non-destructive cycle experiment was performed until the coracoclavicular ligaments failed. The failure intensities of the coracoclavicular ligaments were recorded. Next, the 12 specimens were randomly divided into groups A, B, C and D ( n=3), in which 4 different internal fixation materials were used respectively to reduce and fix the acromioclavicular joint. Group A was subjected to 3.5 mm clavicular hook locking compression plate, group B to 5 mm soft tissue with wire anchor, group C to 10 mm Endobutton steel plate, and group D to the novel anchor-loop internal fixation system (5 mm soft tissue with wire anchor + 10 mm Endobutton steel plate). An X-ray machine was used to evaluate the reduction and internal fixation of the acromioclavicular joint. After the shoulder specimens were securely fastened by a homemade fixation jig to a 100 KN electronic universal mechanical testing machine, each experimental specimen was subjected to a destructive static tensile mechanic determination in the vertical direction at a loading speed of 100 mm/min. The load-displacement curves were recorded and drawn by a computer connected with the biomechanical testing machine. The failure strength and failure causes were recorded for each internal fixation. Results:The fracture strength of the coracoclavicular ligament in 12 cadaver specimens was (374.6±0.8) N. The mechanical load of internal fixation failure was (409.5±2.6) N in group A, (297.8±3.4) N in group B, (375.2±3.1) N in group C and (376.2±3.1) N in group D. The internal fixation failure was due to clavicular fracture in 2 specimens and to acromial fracture in 1 specimen in group A, to anchor protrusion in all the 3 specimens in group B, to coracoid base fracture in all the 3 specimens in group C, and to anchor protrusion in all the 3 specimens in group D. The mechanical loads of internal fixation failure were significantly different among the 4 experimental groups ( P<0.05). The mechanical load of internal fixation failure in group D was significantly different from that in groups A and B ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Our self-developed novel anchor-loop internal fixation system can effectively reposit the acromioclavicular joint to treat acromioclavicular joint dislocation, because it conforms to the biomechanical characteristics of the acromioclavicular joint, and is easy to handle. Therefore, its feasibility is high.
9.Treatment of Asthenospermia and Infertility with Liver Constraint and Kidney Deficiency in 45 Cases by Shugan Bushen Yulin Decoction (疏肝补肾毓麟汤) and Vitamin E Soft Capsules: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Wang WANG ; Jigang CAO ; Min XIAO ; Yangyang ZHU ; Mengjie GAO ; Qikai WANG ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Heng HAO ; Siyi CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(18):1909-1914
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Shugan Bushen Yulin Decoction (疏肝补肾毓麟汤, SBYD) in the treatment of asthenospermia and infertility with liver constraint and kidney deficiency. MethodsA multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted in three hospitals in central China. Totally 95 patients with asthenospermia and infertility were controlled. According to random number table, the patients were divided into treatment group (47 cases) and control group (48 cases). The control group was given vitamin E soft capsules (100 mg per time, twice daily) orally, and the treatment group was given SBYD (one dose daily, 30 min after breakfast and dinner, about 200 ml each time) orally. The course of treatment was 12 weeks in both groups. After the treatment, the sperm concentration, percentage of forward motile sperm (PR), and percentage of total sperm activity, that is PR + percentage of non-progressively motile sperm (NP) were compared between groups, and the clinical efficacy was judged. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score (inlcuding 6 single symptom scores and total symptoms score) and 21-item depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) scores (including depression, anxiety and stress scores) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The patients were followed up for 6 months, and the pregnancy status of spouse between groups was compared. The occurrence of adverse events and vital signs during the trial were recorded for safety assessment. ResultsTwo cases in the treatment group and three cases in the control group dropped out. Finally, 45 cases in each group were included in the statistical analysis. The total effective rate was 86.67% (39/45) in the treatment group, significantly higher than 73.74% (33/45) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, PR and PR + NP significantly increased in both groups, and were much higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of lumbar and knee soreness, emotional disturbance, cold sperm, chest and rib-side and lesser abdomen distension and pain, frequent sighing, and the total TCM syndrome score in the treatment group decreased after treatment (P<0.05); and except for cold sperm, the scores of other symptoms mentioned above as well as the total TCM syndrome score in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of depression, anxiety and stress of DASS-21 in the treatment group decreased after treatment, and were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, the spouses of 5 patients in the treatment group and 3 patients in the control group got pregnant (P>0.05). No adverse events occurred in both groups during the treatment, and their vital signs were stable. ConclusionSBYD can obviously improve sperm vitality and effectively improve the clinical symptoms, anxiety and depression, and is safe in treating asthenospermia and infertility with liver constraint and kidney deficiency.
10.Downregulation of Serum PTEN Expression in Mercury-Exposed Population and PI3K/AKT Pathway-Induced Inflammation
Peng MEI ; Min En DING ; Yang Hao YIN ; Xue Xue DING ; Huan WANG ; Feng Jian WANG ; Lei HAN ; Dong Heng ZHANG ; Li Bao ZHU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(4):354-366
Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg)exposure on human gene transcription and expression,and its potential biological mechanisms. Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation.Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN low-expression models were established in vitro using 293T cells.PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR,and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN,AKT,and PI3K protein levels.IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA. Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis,bioinformatics,and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group.In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L),a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed,accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K,AKT,and IL-6 expression.Similarly,a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K,AKT,and IL-6 levels. Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene,activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway,and increases the expression of inflammatory factors,ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.

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