1.Research progress in engineered hydrogels for organoids.
Ziran CHEN ; Rong HUANG ; Pengyu LI ; Yan LU ; Kai LI ; Wei SONG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3036-3048
Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) cellular structures formed through the differentiation and self-organization of pluripotent stem cells or tissue-derived cells, showing considerable potential in the research on disease mechanism, personalized medicine, and developmental biology. However, the development of organoids is limited by the complex composition, batch-to-batch variations, and immunogenicity of basement-membrane matrix in the current culture system, which hinders the clinical translation and in vivo applications of organoids. Hydrogels are highly hydrated 3D polymer network materials, with modifiable mechanical and biochemical properties by engineering, representing an ideal alternative to basement-membrane matrix. This article reviews the research progress in engineered hydrogels with defined composition currently used in organoid culture. We introduce the structural characteristics and engineering design considerations of hydrogels, emphasize the latest research progress and specific application cases, and discuss the future development of these engineered hydrogels, provide valuable insights for the further advancement and optimization of engineered hydrogels for organoid.
Hydrogels/chemistry*
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Organoids/cytology*
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Tissue Engineering/methods*
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Humans
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Animals
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Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology*
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Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional/methods*
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Tissue Scaffolds
2.Optimization of inferior vena cava imaging quality using spectral CT virtual monoenergetic images combined with multiphase scanning
Dapeng GAO ; Ziran WANG ; Xiangchuang KONG ; Quan CHEN ; Tianhe YE ; Beibei TIAN ; Shen GUI ; Lian YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(9):990-996
Objective:To investigate the optimization of inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with multiphase scanning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 184 patients who underwent inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer detector spectral CT at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2021 to October 2024. Each patient underwent multiphase scanning (60, 80, and 120 s after contrast injection were referred to as the first, second, and third phases, respectively). The images were reconstructed into conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image (PI) and VMIs at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV. Image quality of 120 kVp PI and VMI for each phase was evaluated. The objective image quality indicators included CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and noise. Comparisons of the above indictors within the same phase were performed using repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, while comparisons between different phases were conducted using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:At the same phase, the CT value, SNR, and CNR of the 40 keV VMI were higher than those of other energy level VMIs and PI (all P<0.001). The SNR of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly higher than in the first phase ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the first and second phases ( P>0.05). The standard deviation (SD) of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly lower than that in the first and second phases (all P<0.05). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI were higher than those for other energy level VMIs and PI at the same phase ( P<0.001). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI in the third phase were higher than those in the second and first phases ( P<0.001). The percentage of scores≥4 in the third phase (77.17%,142/184) was significantly higher than those in the first phase (28.26%,52/184) and second phase (61.96%,114/184) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:In inferior vena cava imaging, the 40 keV VMI, combined with the optimal phase (120 s delay), effectively optimizes image quality.
3.Effect of Jixiong Jiedu Decoction on the Efficacy and Intestinal Flora and Serum Trimethylamine Oxide in Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease
Zheng WANG ; Pengtao DONG ; Yabin GAO ; Ziran ZHAO ; Qing ZHANG ; Pengge CHEN ; Xue FENG ; Jianpeng LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1014-1024
Objective To evaluate the impact of Jixiong Jiedu decoction on the efficacy of diabetic kidney disease in mice and its influence on intestinal flora and trimethylamine oxide(TMAO)levels.Methods Twelve 7-week-old male db/db mice were randomly assigned to the model group or Jixiong Jiedu decoction group(6 mice per group),while 6 male db/m mice were designated as the control group.Following 8 weeks of continuous gavage,we monitored the body weight and blood glucose levels of the mice at weeks 0,4,and 8.Additionally,we assessed urinary microalbumin,kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1),creatinine(Scr),and urea nitrogen(BUN)levels in urine.Renal pathology was evaluated using HE and PAS staining.Furthermore,fecal samples underwent 16s RNA sequencing,and the serum TMAO levels were determined.Results Compared with the control group,the blood glucose,body weight,8-hour urinary microalbumin,KIM-1 and Scr in the model group were significantly increased,and the renal pathology showed that glomerular segmental mesangial matrix increased,glomerular volume hypertrophy and renal tubular epithelial cell swelling.The abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus in the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01).The abundance of Lachnospiraceae,Helicobacter and Oscillospira decreased significantly(P<0.01),the abundance of each bacterial group changed,and the serum TMAO content increased significantly.Compared with the model group,the 8h urinary microalbumin,KIM-1(P<0.01)and Scr(P<0.05)in the Jixiong Jiedu decoction group were significantly decreased,and there was no significant difference in BUN(P>0.05),and the renal pathological damage was significantly improved.The abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus in intestinal flora decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospira increased significantly(P<0.01,P<0.05).The structure of gut microbiota,the abundance of dominant and non-dominant bacteria were positively adjusted,and the serum TMAO content was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Jixiong Jiedu decoction effectively ameliorates intestinal flora disorders in db/db mice and regulates serum TMAO levels,thereby exerting a nephroprotective effect.
4.Intestinal dysbiosis and colorectal cancer.
Ziran KANG ; Shanshan JIANG ; Jing-Yuan FANG ; Huimin CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(11):1266-1287
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Emerging research highlights the crucial role of the gut microbiota, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their metabolites, in the pathogenesis of CRC. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in microbial composition, contributes to tumorigenesis through immune modulation, metabolic reprogramming, and genotoxicity. Specific bacterial species, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis , along with fungal agents like Candida species, have been implicated in CRC progression. Moreover, viral factors, including Epstein-Barr virus and human cytomegalovirus, are increasingly recognized for their roles in promoting inflammation and immune evasion. This review synthesizes the latest evidence on host-microbiome interactions in CRC, emphasizing microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, which may act as both risk factors and therapeutic agents. We further discuss the latest advances in microbiota-targeted clinical applications, including biomarker-assisted diagnosis, next-generation probiotics, and microbiome-based interventions. A deeper understanding of the role of gut microbiome in CRC pathogenesis could pave the way for diagnostic, preventive, and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Humans
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Dysbiosis/microbiology*
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Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*
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Animals
5.Application of scoring FOCUS-PDCA cycle management in improving the accuracy of nutritional risk screening 2002 scoring among inpatients
Jiajia CHEN ; Wenshi WU ; Haiyan LI ; Ziran TANG ; Huili WEN ; Cuiping WU ; Xiaojun LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(1):48-53
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of find-organize-clarify-understand- select-plan-do-check-act (FOCUS-PDCA) cycle management in improving the accuracy of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) scoring in inpatients.Methods:This study was a retrospective study. Data from a continuous quality improvement project, namely Improving the Accuracy of Nutritional Risk Screening for Inpatients from People's Hospital of Longhua in 2021 were selected. The NRS 2002 scores of newly admitted patients from 8 departments with relatively high nutritional risk (departments of gstroenterology, neurology, nephrology, respiratory medicine, oncology and hematology, neurosurgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and critical care medicine) from April 10, 2021 to April 29, 2021 (before intervention) were collected. The NRS 2002 scores were evaluated by a multidisciplinary nutrition support team in terms of accuracy and error types. Possible issues in the process of nutritional screening were analyzed and mitigated using the FOCUS-PDCA cycle management method. The NRS 2002 scores from July 18, 2021 to August 8, 2021 (after intervention) were collected in real time to summary the data on accuracy and error types and to evaluate the effect of FOCUS-PDCA.Results:The accuracy of NRS 2002 score in the 8 departments was increased from 52.97% (294/555) to 81.13% (473/583) after intervention, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=102.606, P<0.001). The accuracy of nutritional status impairment score was 64.14% before intervention, compared with 90.57% after intervention ( χ2=114.484, P<0.001). The accuracy of disease severity score was 78.56%, compared with 89.54% after intervention( χ2=25.736, P<0.001). The false-negative rate was 68.02% before intervention and 31.87% after intervention, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=31.501, P<0.001). Conclusion:FOCUS-PDCA can improve the accuracy of NRS 2002 scoring in inpatients, reduce the risk of failing to identify patients at nutritional risk, and contribute to further nutritional diagnosis and treatment.
6.Optimization of inferior vena cava imaging quality using spectral CT virtual monoenergetic images combined with multiphase scanning
Dapeng GAO ; Ziran WANG ; Xiangchuang KONG ; Quan CHEN ; Tianhe YE ; Beibei TIAN ; Shen GUI ; Lian YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(9):990-996
Objective:To investigate the optimization of inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with multiphase scanning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 184 patients who underwent inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer detector spectral CT at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2021 to October 2024. Each patient underwent multiphase scanning (60, 80, and 120 s after contrast injection were referred to as the first, second, and third phases, respectively). The images were reconstructed into conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image (PI) and VMIs at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV. Image quality of 120 kVp PI and VMI for each phase was evaluated. The objective image quality indicators included CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and noise. Comparisons of the above indictors within the same phase were performed using repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, while comparisons between different phases were conducted using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:At the same phase, the CT value, SNR, and CNR of the 40 keV VMI were higher than those of other energy level VMIs and PI (all P<0.001). The SNR of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly higher than in the first phase ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the first and second phases ( P>0.05). The standard deviation (SD) of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly lower than that in the first and second phases (all P<0.05). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI were higher than those for other energy level VMIs and PI at the same phase ( P<0.001). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI in the third phase were higher than those in the second and first phases ( P<0.001). The percentage of scores≥4 in the third phase (77.17%,142/184) was significantly higher than those in the first phase (28.26%,52/184) and second phase (61.96%,114/184) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:In inferior vena cava imaging, the 40 keV VMI, combined with the optimal phase (120 s delay), effectively optimizes image quality.
7.Application of scoring FOCUS-PDCA cycle management in improving the accuracy of nutritional risk screening 2002 scoring among inpatients
Jiajia CHEN ; Wenshi WU ; Haiyan LI ; Ziran TANG ; Huili WEN ; Cuiping WU ; Xiaojun LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(1):48-53
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of find-organize-clarify-understand- select-plan-do-check-act (FOCUS-PDCA) cycle management in improving the accuracy of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) scoring in inpatients.Methods:This study was a retrospective study. Data from a continuous quality improvement project, namely Improving the Accuracy of Nutritional Risk Screening for Inpatients from People's Hospital of Longhua in 2021 were selected. The NRS 2002 scores of newly admitted patients from 8 departments with relatively high nutritional risk (departments of gstroenterology, neurology, nephrology, respiratory medicine, oncology and hematology, neurosurgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and critical care medicine) from April 10, 2021 to April 29, 2021 (before intervention) were collected. The NRS 2002 scores were evaluated by a multidisciplinary nutrition support team in terms of accuracy and error types. Possible issues in the process of nutritional screening were analyzed and mitigated using the FOCUS-PDCA cycle management method. The NRS 2002 scores from July 18, 2021 to August 8, 2021 (after intervention) were collected in real time to summary the data on accuracy and error types and to evaluate the effect of FOCUS-PDCA.Results:The accuracy of NRS 2002 score in the 8 departments was increased from 52.97% (294/555) to 81.13% (473/583) after intervention, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=102.606, P<0.001). The accuracy of nutritional status impairment score was 64.14% before intervention, compared with 90.57% after intervention ( χ2=114.484, P<0.001). The accuracy of disease severity score was 78.56%, compared with 89.54% after intervention( χ2=25.736, P<0.001). The false-negative rate was 68.02% before intervention and 31.87% after intervention, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=31.501, P<0.001). Conclusion:FOCUS-PDCA can improve the accuracy of NRS 2002 scoring in inpatients, reduce the risk of failing to identify patients at nutritional risk, and contribute to further nutritional diagnosis and treatment.
8.Effect of Jixiong Jiedu Decoction on the Efficacy and Intestinal Flora and Serum Trimethylamine Oxide in Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease
Zheng WANG ; Pengtao DONG ; Yabin GAO ; Ziran ZHAO ; Qing ZHANG ; Pengge CHEN ; Xue FENG ; Jianpeng LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1014-1024
Objective To evaluate the impact of Jixiong Jiedu decoction on the efficacy of diabetic kidney disease in mice and its influence on intestinal flora and trimethylamine oxide(TMAO)levels.Methods Twelve 7-week-old male db/db mice were randomly assigned to the model group or Jixiong Jiedu decoction group(6 mice per group),while 6 male db/m mice were designated as the control group.Following 8 weeks of continuous gavage,we monitored the body weight and blood glucose levels of the mice at weeks 0,4,and 8.Additionally,we assessed urinary microalbumin,kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1),creatinine(Scr),and urea nitrogen(BUN)levels in urine.Renal pathology was evaluated using HE and PAS staining.Furthermore,fecal samples underwent 16s RNA sequencing,and the serum TMAO levels were determined.Results Compared with the control group,the blood glucose,body weight,8-hour urinary microalbumin,KIM-1 and Scr in the model group were significantly increased,and the renal pathology showed that glomerular segmental mesangial matrix increased,glomerular volume hypertrophy and renal tubular epithelial cell swelling.The abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus in the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01).The abundance of Lachnospiraceae,Helicobacter and Oscillospira decreased significantly(P<0.01),the abundance of each bacterial group changed,and the serum TMAO content increased significantly.Compared with the model group,the 8h urinary microalbumin,KIM-1(P<0.01)and Scr(P<0.05)in the Jixiong Jiedu decoction group were significantly decreased,and there was no significant difference in BUN(P>0.05),and the renal pathological damage was significantly improved.The abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus in intestinal flora decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospira increased significantly(P<0.01,P<0.05).The structure of gut microbiota,the abundance of dominant and non-dominant bacteria were positively adjusted,and the serum TMAO content was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Jixiong Jiedu decoction effectively ameliorates intestinal flora disorders in db/db mice and regulates serum TMAO levels,thereby exerting a nephroprotective effect.
9.Construction of pancreatic cancer organoids and their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs
Jingyu WANG ; Rong HUANG ; Yan LU ; Ziran CHEN ; Xiaojie ZHANG ; Hu REN ; Nan ZHANG ; Dongbing ZHAO ; Wei SONG ; Xingguang ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(9):1853-1858
Objective To construct and identify a patient-derived organoid model,and to investigate the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs using this model.Methods Pancreatic cancer cells were obtained from the surgical specimens of two female patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer after tumor tissue digestion,and then the cells were inoculated into a culture dish using matrigel for three-dimensional culture.Paraffin sections were prepared for HE staining and immunohistochemical staining and were compared with the parent tumor tissue to determine whether the histopathological features of the tumor in vivo were preserved.The pancreatic cancer organoids were treated with seven chemotherapy drugs at different concentrations;Cell Titer-Glo?3D reagent was used to measure cell viability,and the results of drug sensitivity were analyzed.Results Two patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids were successfully constructed,and HE staining and immunohistochemical staining showed that the pancreatic cancer organoids had consistent histopathological features with the tumors of the corresponding patient.Both pancreatic cancer organoids were more sensitive to gemcitabine monotherapy and the combination of oxaliplatin+SN38+fluorouracil,and patient 1 was more sensitive than patient 2.There were individual differences in the response to drugs between the organoids from different patients.Conclusion The pancreatic cancer organoid model successfully constructed in this study can reflect the histological classification of parent pancreatic tumors and can be used for in vitro chemotherapy drug sensitivity test,which is expected to provide a reference for clinical medication.
10.Wang Xingkuan's Experience in Treating Perimenopausal Women with Burning Mouth Syndrome Based on the Theory of"Yin Injury and Internal Dryness"
Maowen WANG ; Ziran ZHOU ; Zhixiang CHEN ; Yaowu CHEN ; Pei XIA ; Mengli JI ; Wen ZHANG ; Xingkuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(12):172-175
This article introduced Professor Wang Xingkuan's academic thoughts and clinical experience in diagnosing and treating burning mouth syndrome(BMS)in perimenopausal women based on the theory of"yin injury and internal dryness".Professor Wang advocates the principle of"treating the root cause of the disease and harmonizing multiple organs".Starting from the unique physiological characteristics of perimenopausal women,he believes that the BMS in perimenopausal women should be attributed to the kidneys,liver,heart,and small intestine.The fundamental cause of the disease is the deficiency of kidney essence and the gradual decline of liver blood,and the key to the onset is the dryness of the kidney,liver,heart,and small intestine.In treatment,the overall strategy is to take"yin injury and internal dryness"as the main guideline,focusing on the liver and kidney,with nourishing and replenishing the liver and kidney as the main approach and clearing heat and moistening as auxiliary methods.The basic formula for treating BMS is a combination of Erdong Decoction and Baihe Dihuang Decoction,which has shown significant clinical efficacy.

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