1.Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked in a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced immune-mediated liver injury
Zhenzhen PAN ; Ling XU ; Xianru ZHU ; Zihao FAN ; Yaling CAO ; Yinkang MO ; Sai YAN ; Feng REN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (DDX3X) in immune-mediated liver injury (ILI), and to clarify its mechanism by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-dependent apoptotic pathway and its association with the clinical progression of hepatitis B. MethodsMice were given injection of concanavalin A (ConA) via the caudal vein to establish a model of ILI, PBS (control group) and different concentrations of ConA were injected into the tail vein of hepatocyte-specific DDX3X-knockout mice (DDX3XΔHep and DDX3X-flox mice (DDX3Xfl/fl), respectively.. The log-rank survival analysis, measurement of the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and HE staining of liver tissue were performed to assess liver injury, and qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and DDX3X in liver tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, 100 mg/kg) was performed to inhibit ERS. Serum samples (n=30) and liver tissue samples (n=6) were collected from healthy controls, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and hepatitis B virus-associated liver failure (HBV-LF) patients; ELISA was used to measure the serum level of DDX3X, and qRT-PCR/Western Blot was used to analyze the expression of targets in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group of mice, the expression of DDX3X in the liver of mice induced by ConA was significantly increased after liver injury (P<0.05), and hepatocyte-specific DDX3X knockout increased the 72-hour survival rate of mice by 55% (compared with 20% in the DDX3Xfl/fl group), with significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT and AST (P<0.000 1) and the expression levels of the ERS markers GRP78 and CHOP (P<0.05). After ERS was inhibited by 4-PBA, there was alleviation of liver injury (with reductions in ALT and AST, P <0.001) and a reduction in DDX3X expression (P<0.01). The analysis of clinical samples showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of liver DDX3X in CHB patients and HBV-LF patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (all P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in the serum level of DDX3X in HBV-LF patients (P<0.000 1). ConclusionDDX3X exacerbates ILI by regulating the ERS-dependent apoptotic pathway (GRP78/CHOP), and its expression is associated with the progression of hepatitis B. Therefore, it can be used as a potential therapeutic target.
2.The prognostic value and immune regulatory role of BRF1 in pan-cancer, and its function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Jianxin XU ; Zihao LI ; Wang LÜ ; ; Zhiyang XU ; Yunfeng YI ; Songlin CHEN ; Jian HU ; Luming WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):122-131
Objective To investigate the expression profile, prognostic value, gene co-expression network, and immunomodulatory role of BRF1 in a pan-cancer context, and to explore its biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The pan-cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to analyze the differential expression of BRF1 in tumor versus normal tissues, its association with patient survival, pathway enrichment for co-expressed genes, and immune features (including immune checkpoints, cytokines, and immune cell infiltration). The expression profile of BRF1 in ESCC was validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In vitro, BRF1 was knocked down in ESCC cells using siRNA. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression levels of proliferation- and migration-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. The correlation between BRF1 and ferroptosis was analyzed using TCGA data. Results BRF1 was significantly upregulated in over 20 types of cancer, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. BRF1 was found to positively regulate the T-cell-mediated cell death pathway in esophageal adenocarcinoma and was associated with the circadian rhythm regulation pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The correlation of BRF1 with immune checkpoints, cytokine networks, and immune cell infiltration was found to be cancer type-specific. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down BRF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells, accompanied by the downregulation of the proliferation marker PCNA. Cell migration was also significantly impaired, with decreased expression of Vimentin and MMPs and increased expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, the expression of BRF1 was positively correlated with that of ferroptosis-antagonizing genes, such as GPX4, HSPA5, and SLC7A11. Conclusion BRF1 plays complex roles in pan-cancer, participating in the regulation of tumorigenesis, progression, and immune infiltration. BRF1 promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, a mechanism potentially associated with the regulation of ferroptosis resistance. These findings suggest that BRF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
3.Gene frequencies and polymorphism of the MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou
Zihao XU ; Xiaoyan FU ; Zhen LIU ; Jia JIANG ; Yiming JIN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):397-401
[Objective] To investigate the antigen and gene frequency distribution of the MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou, and to explore the polymorphism of rare MNS blood group genes, in order to improve the construction of the local rare blood group database. [Methods] A total of 8 034 whole blood samples were randomly collected from Han blood donors at our station from October 2023 to June 2024. The MNS blood group phenotypes were identified using serological methods. Gene frequencies were analyzed and compared with those of ethnic populations in other regions. Rare MNS phenotype samples were subjected to gene sequencing. [Results] The distribution of MNS blood group system phenotypes within the population was as follows: the MM, NN, and MN phenotypes accounted for 23.00%, 27.12%, and 49.88% respectively; the SS, ss, and Ss phenotypes accounted for 0.30%, 90.99%, and 8.70% respectively. The gene frequencies of M, N, S, and s were 0.4794, 0.5206, 0.0465, and 0.9534 respectively. Chi-squared tests confirmed adherence to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with P-values of 0.997 and 0.349, showing statistical significance compared to some other regional ethnic populations (P<0.05). Additionally, one rare serological phenotype, S-s-, with a frequency of 0.01%, was identified. [Conclusion] The MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou exhibits polymorphism and regional distribution characteristics. Gene frequencies differ from those observed in other regions of China. It is essential to enhance the establishment of a rare blood type database in Suzhou to provide data support for precise clinical transfusion.
4.Genetic analysis of cases from a family with reduced B antigen expression in ABO blood group system
Taimei ZHOU ; Yingchun YANG ; Zihao ZHAO ; Weizhen XU ; Zishan JIAN ; Tongping YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):717-722
Objective: To classify the ABO blood group phenotypes of 5 cases from a family, and to explore the molecular mechanism for reduced B antigen expression in ABO blood group system. Methods: Serological identification of the ABO blood group was performed using microcolumn gel assay and saline tube method. The soluble antigens in saliva were detected by the agglutination inhibition assay. The full-length sequences and upstream promoter regions of ABO gene were sequenced for genotyping using PacBio SMRT sequencing technology. Results: The results of serological tests indicated the expression of B antigen decreased in 3 out of 5 blood samples. A mixed-field agglutination was observed with anti-B antibody. B antigen was not detected in all 5 saliva samples. The ABO genotype for all samples were ABO
B.01/ABO
O.01.02, and a novel mutation c. 28+5875C>T within the DNA-binding region of RUNX1 in +5.8-kb site were found in the B allele for 3 samples with reduced expression of B antigen. Conclusion: Results of serological and genetic analyses classify the 3 cases with reduced B antigen expression as B
phenotype. The novel mutation c. 28+5875C>T of RUNX1 could be the key reason for reduced B antigen expression in 3 cases with B
phenotype.
5.Analysis of red blood cell blood group gene polymorphism and applicability evaluation of PCR-TaqMan technology in the Hui ethnic blood donor population in Suzhou
Jia JIANG ; Zhihong FANG ; Zihao XU ; Kai WANG ; Nina JIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1218-1224
Objective: To investigate the characteristics of allele frequencies for 9 red blood cell (RBC) blood group systems in the Hui ethnic voluntary blood donor population of Suzhou using real-time fluorescence PCR technology, so as to provide technical support for establishing a RBC blood group genetic database. Methods: PCR-TaqMan technology was employed to perform genotyping detection for 9 RBC blood group systems using 144 samples from Hui voluntary blood donors in Suzhou, collected between October 2023 and August 2024. Results: Blood group allele frequencies among Suzhou Hui voluntary blood donors were distributed as follows: MNS system (M=0.566 0, N=0.434 0; S=0.079 9, s=0.920 1); Lutheran system (Lu
=0.003 5, Lu
=0.996 5; Au
=0.895 8, Au
=0.104 2); Kell system (K=0.000 0, k=1.000 0; Kp
=0.003 5, Kp
=0.996 5; JS
=0.000 0, JS
=1.000 0); Duffy system (Fy
=0.899 3, Fy
=0.100 7); Kidd system (JK
=0.451 4, JK
=0.548 6); Diego system (Di
=0.041 7, Di
=0.958 3); Yt system (Yt
=0.996 5, Yt
=0.003 5); Dombrock system (Do
=0.128 5, Do
=0.871 5); Colton system (Co
=1.000 0, Co
=0.000 0). The PCR-TaqMan-based RBC blood group genotyping technology successfully completed testing for all samples. Conclusion: The MNS, Lutheran, Duffy, Kidd, Diego, and Dombrock blood group systems in the Suzhou Hui population exhibited polymorphic distribution patterns, whereas the Colton system was monomorphic. Standardized application of PCR-TaqMan technology facilitates the establishment of an RBC blood group genetic database.
6.Resistance of Culex pipiens pallens to commonly used insecticides in Hefei City, Anhui Province
WANG Wenjun ; WEN Xing ; XU Hongping ; TANG Zihao ; ZHANG Lei
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(3):339-
Objective To understand and grasp the status quo of resistance of Culex pipiens pallens to four commonly used insecticides in Hefei City, and to provide a scientific basis for the chemical control of mosquito larvae. Methods From June to July 2023, Cx. pipiens pallens larvae were collected from 9 counties (cities and districts) in Hefei City. The LC50 of late third-instar to early fourth-instar larvae of Cx. pipiens pallens to commonly used insecticides was determined by larval immersion method (sensitive baseline method). Results Cx.pipiens pallens larvae in Hefei City exhibited different degrees of resistance to four insecticides: permethrin, beta-cypermethrin, temephos, and propoxur. The relative resistance coefficients to permethrin and beta-cypermethrin were 26.96 and 21.17, respectively, indicating the moderate resistance level. The relative resistance coefficients to propoxur were 6.70, indicating a low resistance level. The relative resistance coefficient to temephos was 2.43, indicating a sensitivity level. Culex pipiens pallens against pyrethroids such as 0.25% permethrin, 0.025% deltamethrin and 0.025% cypermethrin in 1 h knockout rate and 24 h mortality rates were 3.25% (4/123) and 46.34% (57/123), 3.60% (5/139) and 35.97% (50/139), 3.85% (6/156) and 40.38% (63/156), respectively. For 5% malathion and 0.1% propoxur, the 1 h knockdown rate and 24 h mortality rate were 97.69% (127/130) and 99.23% (129/130), 94.48% (137/145) and 100.00% (145/145), respectively. It showed resistance to 0.25% permethrin, 0.025% deltamethrin and 0.025% cypermethrin, and sensitivity to 5% malathion and 0.1% propoxur. Conclusions Culex pipiens pallens in Hefei City have developed varying degrees of resistance to parathyroid and carbamate insecticides. In the control of mosquito vectors, it is essential to strengthen the scientific and rational use of chemical control in combination with environmental and physical control measures to form an integrated control strategy. This approach will improve the control efficiency while delaying the occurrence and development of insecticide resistance.
7.Research progress on the application of exosomes in periodontal regeneration
Xinyue HUANG ; Xu GONG ; Weiwei GUO ; Zibin ZHANG ; Zihao GONG ; Zhongshan WANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(1):117-121
The prevalence of periodontal disease in Chinese population is more than 90%.The present treatment techniques can only control the development of the disease,inducement of bone tissue regeneration is a promising strategy and a challenge for the treatment.Exosomes are multivesicle structures derived from endosomes.More and more studies have been conducted on their application in perio-dontal regeneration.This paper reviews the application of exosome in periodontal regeneration in recent years,which is expected to pro-vide new idea for periodontal regeneration therapy.
8.Establishment and evaluation of a RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a method for detecting KPC carbapenemase genes
Yaling CAO ; Yuan TIAN ; Zihao FAN ; Ling XU ; Yao GAO ; Xiangying ZHANG ; Feng REN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;47(2):159-164
Objective:To establish a rapid and accurate method for the detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) carbapenemase gene based on recombinase aided amplification (RAA)-CRISPR-Cas13a (CRISPR-Cas13a) technology. Methods:Twenty-five clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and five carbapenem-sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae (CSKP) strains preserved in 2020-2021 in Beijing Chuiyangliu Hospital were randomly collected, and the total DNA samples of the strains was extracted. RAA primers specific for KPC DNA and CRISPR RNA (crRNA) were designed to establish a rapid and accurate method for the detection of KPC carbapenemase gene based on RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a technology. The method was evaluated by plasmids and clinical sample strains, and the detection was also performed by Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method to compare the detection rate and consistency of the two methods. Results:The RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a method can detect KPC plasmids and samples with a sensitivity of 1 copy/μl, which is higher than that of qPCR (10 1 copies/μl). Among the 30 clinical strains (including 25 CRKP strains and 5 CSKP strains), 23 strains were detected to carry KPC gene by both RAA-CRISPR-Cas13a method and qPCR method, and 7 strains were not detected with KPC gene. The detection rate of KPC gene in the 25 CRKP strains was 92% (23/25). The positive coincidence rate of the two methods was 100% (23/23). Conclusions:This study combined RAA amplification technology with CRISPR-Cas13a technology to establish a rapid and accurate method for detecting KPC carbapenemase gene. The method is useful for accurate screening of KPC carbapenemase-producing strains. It has a wide application prospect in drug resistance monitoring and infection control.
9.Effect of povidone-iodine on the immersion and flushing of wound tissue in rabbits
Qiang ZHANG ; Yan XU ; Zhuangzhuang MA ; Hao ZHANG ; Zihao LI ; Senhan LIU ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(23):3669-3673
BACKGROUND:Clinically,the most dangerous and serious complication of artificial joint replacement is periprosthetic infections.It is urgent to find a way to prevent periprosthetic infections after artificial joint replacement. OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of povidone-iodine on muscle,blood vessel,fat and bone of rabbits after immersion and flushing. METHODS:Forty male New Zealand rabbits aged 10 weeks were selected.The left hind leg of each rabbit served as the experimental group and the right hind leg served as the control group.After anesthesia,the hind limbs of each rabbit were cut open to expose the muscle,blood vessels,fat and bone.The control group was soaked and flushed with normal saline inside the surgical incision,while the experimental group was soaked and flushed with povidone-iodine inside the surgical incision.After being soaked in povidone-iodine for 0,1,3,5 minutes,10 rabbits were randomly selected and executed to collect wound tissue samples.The samples were made into pathological slices for hematoxylin-eosin staining observation as well as statistical analysis and comparison of cell counts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the muscle,blood vessels,fat and bone after immersion and flushing with povidone-iodine showed no obvious difference in cell structure,morphology and number under microscope.The paired t-test was used to explore the difference between the control and experimental groups,and the paired data did not show any difference(P>0.05).It is suggested that povidone-iodine shows no significant difference from normal saline after immersion and flushing of rabbit tissues such as muscle,blood vessels,fat and bone,indicating that povidone-iodine solution as an intra-incisional antiseptic is safe and effective.
10.Innovation and exploration of medical laboratory animal science teaching on the basis of a smart teaching environment
Zihao YANG ; Han MENG ; Zhaonan ZHANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Changhong SHI ; Xu GE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(2):108-113
Objective In the traditional laboratory zoology lecture environment,there is less teacher-student interaction,less student interest,and less engagement in learning.To improve the teaching quality of laboratory animal science,this teaching and research department was based on different teaching environments of multimedia and intelligent classrooms,theoretical course teaching of Medical Laboratory Animal Science as the research object,the course lecture format,teaching mode,teaching method,and other aspects of innovation and exploration.Methods This study used questionnaires to understand changes in student engagement in learning and preferences for smart classroom use,and NVivo qualitative analysis software was used to code student classroom behavior.Results The smart teaching environment resulted in higher student interest and more frequent teacher-student interaction in the classroom.Students were significantly more engaged in learning than in traditional teaching with higher correct rates on in-class and post-lesson exercises and a better grasp of concepts related to laboratory animal science.Conclusions A smart teaching environment brings students a better feeling and experience,improves their interest in laboratory animal science,increases classroom learning engagement,and achieves good teaching result.

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