1.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
2.Advancements in Gas-releasing Micro/Nanoplatforms for Overcoming MDR Bacterial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
Ruo-Can LIU ; Yu-Qian WANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Shao-Zhi ZUO ; Yun-Di WU ; Xi-Long WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1356-1375
Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen (H2), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H2 acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.
3.Role of Central Nervous System Circuits in Promotion of Breast Cancer Progression by Depression
Yingchao WU ; Yuqi LIANG ; Qian ZUO ; Qianjun CHEN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):25-30
With the development of neuroscience and oncology, the direct regulation effect of central nervous system circuits on tumors has been gradually revealed. Evidence indicates that the therapy targeting emotion-related encephalic regions may have great potential in blocking the promotion of breast cancer progression by depression. The underlying complex mechanisms involve the generation of depression and the regulation of tumors by central nervous system circuits. However, a systematic summary is lacking in this field. This article reviews the latest research progress of the central nervous system circuits and the generation of depression, the neural connection between the central nervous system and peripheral tumor, and the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by
4.Application and significance of modified ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation in complex liver resection
Yu ZHANG ; Chong YANG ; Qian HE ; Donghui CHENG ; Jipeng JIANG ; Gang WU ; Bangyou ZUO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(7):868-873
Complex liver resection (CLR) is a collective term for surgical procedures addre-ssing complex invasion of intrahepatic vasculobiliary structures that cannot be radically resected through conventional methods. The ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA) and its modified techniques have significantly enhanced the technical feasibility of CLR implementation. In recent years, advancements in modified ELRA techniques and derivative procedures, including conversion resection, in-situ hypothermic perfusion, and auxiliary liver transplantation, have further diversified CLR methodologies, offering more personalized treatment options for CLR candidates. Given the complexity of such cases and substantial variations in surgical approach selection, improving procedural safety and scalability remains a critical challenge in CLR practice. The authors review the current application of modified techniques based on ELRA in CLR, evaluate the clinical significance based on institutional experiences, and propose future directions and individual selection for advancing the safe implementation of CLR.
5.Development of an organoid-based pan-TKI precision screening platform to enhance therapeutic efficacy of ET+CDK4/6 inhibitors in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer
Yingchao WU ; Liushan CHEN ; Yuqi LIANG ; Jieting CHEN ; Junfeng HUANG ; Qian ZUO ; Qianjun CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2786-2795
Objective To investigate the underlying mechanisms contributing to the limited therapeutic efficacy of endocrine therapy combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer,and to develop a breast cancer organoid model as a tool for the precise identification of HR+/HER2-low patients who are responsive to pan-TKI treatment.Methods Transcriptomics was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in HR+/HER2-0 and HR+/HER2-low breast cancer samples and to perform functional enrichment analysis.Tumor organoid models were established using breast cancer tissues obtained from clinical sources,and the differential sensitivity of these samples to therapeutic agents was assessed using Calcein-AM/PI cell viability staining and EdU-based cell proliferation assays.Results The results of transcriptomic enrichment analysis indicated that EGFR was signifi-cantly activated in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer and exhibited characteristics of resistance to TKIs.Breast cancer organoids were successfully established.Drug sensitivity testing revealed that the therapeutic efficacy of ET combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors was suboptimal in certain cases of HR+/HER2-low breast cancer,while the addition of TKIs effectively restored sensitivity to the ET+CDK4/6 inhibitor regimen(P<0.05).Conclusions TKI can restore the reduced sensitivity of HR+/HER2-low breast cancer to endocrine therapy combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors.Breast cancer organoids hold promise as screening tools for assessing drug sensitivity in clinical settings for patients with HR+/HER2-low breast cancer.
6.Application and significance of modified ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation in complex liver resection
Yu ZHANG ; Chong YANG ; Qian HE ; Donghui CHENG ; Jipeng JIANG ; Gang WU ; Bangyou ZUO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(7):868-873
Complex liver resection (CLR) is a collective term for surgical procedures addre-ssing complex invasion of intrahepatic vasculobiliary structures that cannot be radically resected through conventional methods. The ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA) and its modified techniques have significantly enhanced the technical feasibility of CLR implementation. In recent years, advancements in modified ELRA techniques and derivative procedures, including conversion resection, in-situ hypothermic perfusion, and auxiliary liver transplantation, have further diversified CLR methodologies, offering more personalized treatment options for CLR candidates. Given the complexity of such cases and substantial variations in surgical approach selection, improving procedural safety and scalability remains a critical challenge in CLR practice. The authors review the current application of modified techniques based on ELRA in CLR, evaluate the clinical significance based on institutional experiences, and propose future directions and individual selection for advancing the safe implementation of CLR.
7.Development of an organoid-based pan-TKI precision screening platform to enhance therapeutic efficacy of ET+CDK4/6 inhibitors in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer
Yingchao WU ; Liushan CHEN ; Yuqi LIANG ; Jieting CHEN ; Junfeng HUANG ; Qian ZUO ; Qianjun CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2786-2795
Objective To investigate the underlying mechanisms contributing to the limited therapeutic efficacy of endocrine therapy combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer,and to develop a breast cancer organoid model as a tool for the precise identification of HR+/HER2-low patients who are responsive to pan-TKI treatment.Methods Transcriptomics was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in HR+/HER2-0 and HR+/HER2-low breast cancer samples and to perform functional enrichment analysis.Tumor organoid models were established using breast cancer tissues obtained from clinical sources,and the differential sensitivity of these samples to therapeutic agents was assessed using Calcein-AM/PI cell viability staining and EdU-based cell proliferation assays.Results The results of transcriptomic enrichment analysis indicated that EGFR was signifi-cantly activated in HR+/HER2-low breast cancer and exhibited characteristics of resistance to TKIs.Breast cancer organoids were successfully established.Drug sensitivity testing revealed that the therapeutic efficacy of ET combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors was suboptimal in certain cases of HR+/HER2-low breast cancer,while the addition of TKIs effectively restored sensitivity to the ET+CDK4/6 inhibitor regimen(P<0.05).Conclusions TKI can restore the reduced sensitivity of HR+/HER2-low breast cancer to endocrine therapy combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors.Breast cancer organoids hold promise as screening tools for assessing drug sensitivity in clinical settings for patients with HR+/HER2-low breast cancer.
8.Establishment of Human Luminal Breast Cancer Stem Cell Model and the Therapeutic Effects of Astragaloside Ⅳ
Liushan CHEN ; Huachao LI ; Yingchao WU ; Yuqi LIANG ; Peng WU ; Congwen YANG ; Junfeng HUANG ; Jieting CHEN ; Zhili ZENG ; Chen FANG ; Qian ZUO ; Qianjun CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(9):2295-2304
Objective To establish a human luminal breast cancer stem cell(BCSC)model and investigate the inhibitory effects of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)on BCSC growth.Methods MCF-7 breast cancer cells were cultured in stem cell-specific medium to induce BCSC formation.The BCSCs were then divided into a blank control group and an AS-Ⅳ treatment group,both groups were given PBS or AS-Ⅳ treatment.Morphological changes were observed after intervention.The therapeutic efficacy of AS-Ⅳ was evaluated using 3D spheroid formation and cell viability assays.Transcriptomic profiling and gene expression analysis were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Results Compared with the MCF7 breast cancer cells,MCF7 breast cancer stem cell mammospheres exhibited accelerated growth(P<0.01)and significantly increased expression of the stemness marker ALDH1A1(P<0.01).Further comparison with the blank control group revealed that astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)treatment significantly inhibited MCF7 breast cancer stem cell proliferation(P<0.001)and slowed mammosphere growth(P<0.01).Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that differentially expressed genes(DEGs)induced by stem cell modeling and AS-Ⅳ intervention were enriched in the cellular senescence signaling pathway.AS-Ⅳ intervention substantially increased the number of SA-β-gal-positive cells(P<0.01).RT-PCR analysis confirmed that AS-Ⅳsignificantly upregulated mRNA expression of IL-1α(P<0.01),P21(P<0.001),and P53(P<0.05)in MCF7 breast cancer stem cells.Conclusion Astragaloside Ⅳ suppresses the growth of human luminal breast cancer stem cells by inducing cellular senescence.
9.Expert recommendations for diagnosis and treatment routes of severe infections in elderly people based on immune function evaluation
Lina ZHANG ; Chunhui LI ; Zhihong ZUO ; Zhanwen WANG ; Fulai YUAN ; Chuan-chang LI ; Qiong CHEN ; Wei LIU ; Anhua WU ; Zhaoxin QIAN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(8):1027-1032
The aging trend is intensifying currently,but there is still a lack of standardized diagnosis and treat-ment schemes for severe infections in elderly people.This paper focuses on the recommendations for immune-related clinical diagnosis and treatment routes as well as the idea of risk stratified diagnosis and treatment for elderly peo-ple,aiming to effectively prevent infectious diseases in elderly people and perform stratified management through systematic and scientific means of immune function monitoring and regulation,so as to enhance the standardized level of diagnosis and treatment as well as clinical treatment effect of infection in elderly people.
10.Expert recommendations for diagnosis and treatment routes of severe infections in elderly people based on immune function evaluation
Lina ZHANG ; Chunhui LI ; Zhihong ZUO ; Zhanwen WANG ; Fulai YUAN ; Chuan-chang LI ; Qiong CHEN ; Wei LIU ; Anhua WU ; Zhaoxin QIAN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(8):1027-1032
The aging trend is intensifying currently,but there is still a lack of standardized diagnosis and treat-ment schemes for severe infections in elderly people.This paper focuses on the recommendations for immune-related clinical diagnosis and treatment routes as well as the idea of risk stratified diagnosis and treatment for elderly peo-ple,aiming to effectively prevent infectious diseases in elderly people and perform stratified management through systematic and scientific means of immune function monitoring and regulation,so as to enhance the standardized level of diagnosis and treatment as well as clinical treatment effect of infection in elderly people.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail