1.Ectopic expression of hemoglobin subunits enhances the in vitro cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against tumor cells under hypoxic conditions
YANG Jianxun1,2 ; ZHENG Rui3 ; LIANG Sixin3 ; PAN Jie4 ; LI Yanlong5 ; ZHAI Chenxi5 ; ZHAO Xiaojuan2 ; WANG Pengju3 ; DONG Hao4 ; YAN Bo2 ; SUN Zhihong1 ; YANG Angang3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(3):233-242
[摘 要] 目的:探讨异位表达血红蛋白亚基(HBA/HBB)对缺氧条件下嵌合抗原受体T细胞(CAR-T细胞)功能障碍的改善作用及其对肿瘤细胞的杀伤效应。方法:全基因合成技术合成靶向HER2的CAR序列,构建共表达HBA或HBB的CAR慢病毒载体,包装慢病毒后感染人原代T淋巴细胞,制备异位表达HBA/HBB的CAR-T细胞,命名为HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T。采用缺氧探针检测小鼠实体瘤缺氧状态。通过流式细胞术检测瘤内CAR-T细胞占比、异位表达血红蛋白亚基的CAR-T细胞阳性率及CAR-T细胞的活性氧、凋亡水平。WB法检测HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T内相关血红蛋白亚基表达情况,采用细胞计数板计数检测细胞增殖水平,通过萤光素酶报告基因法检测CAR-T细胞对肿瘤细胞的杀伤能力,qPCR检测CAR-T细胞中缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)表达水平,利用MitoXpress Intra试剂盒检测CAR-T细胞内氧气含量。结果:不同细胞构建的实体瘤模型均存在明显缺氧情况,且CAR-T细胞浸润水平与缺氧程度呈显著负相关(P < 0.000 1)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T构建成功(阳性率 > 60%),相应血红蛋白亚基可稳定表达。缺氧环境下HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T的ROS水平、凋亡水平显著下降,增殖、对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤能力显著强于传统CAR-T细胞(均P < 0.05)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T内HIF-1α表达降低(均P < 0.001),且缺氧程度显著降低(均P < 0.001)。结论:异位表达血红蛋白亚基可改善缺氧条件下CAR-T细胞功能障碍并增强其对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤作用。
2.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.
3.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.
4.Construction and Application of "Source-Pivot-Convergence" Pattern Identification and Treatment Model for Malignant Tumors
Yuling JIANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yang ZHONG ; Chunxia HUANG ; Qiong MA ; Chuan ZHENG ; Xi FU ; Fengming YOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):956-960
Based on LI Gao's Academic Thought, focusing on the process of qi transformation and taking the regulation and restoration of metabolism and immunity as the entry point, a "source-pivot-convergence" diagnostic and therapeutic model for malignant tumors is constructed. In this model, spleen and stomach internal injury is the source of malignant tumor occurrence, while the disorder of ascending and descending is the pivot of the disease development, and the generation of yin fire is the convergence of malignant tumor progression. Based on this, the three major therapeutic methods of clearing the source, harmonizing the pivot, and resolving the convergence are established. To fortify spleen and boost qi, consolidate the root and clear the source, modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(补中益气汤)can be used. To raise the clear and direct the turbid downward, regulate qi and harmonize the pivot, modified Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤) is suggested. To restore balance and promote circulation, disperse accumulation and resolve convergence, modified Shengyang Sanhuo Decoction (升阳散火汤) is selected. In clinical practice, these formulas can be used in combination according to the complexity of the pathogenesis, and further adapted with prescriptions for promoting dispersion and penetrating pathogenic factors, resolving phlegm and promoting circulation, activating blood and eliminating concretions, which can provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of tumor diseases.
5.Construction and Application of "Source-Pivot-Convergence" Pattern Identification and Treatment Model for Malignant Tumors
Yuling JIANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yang ZHONG ; Chunxia HUANG ; Qiong MA ; Chuan ZHENG ; Xi FU ; Fengming YOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):956-960
Based on LI Gao's Academic Thought, focusing on the process of qi transformation and taking the regulation and restoration of metabolism and immunity as the entry point, a "source-pivot-convergence" diagnostic and therapeutic model for malignant tumors is constructed. In this model, spleen and stomach internal injury is the source of malignant tumor occurrence, while the disorder of ascending and descending is the pivot of the disease development, and the generation of yin fire is the convergence of malignant tumor progression. Based on this, the three major therapeutic methods of clearing the source, harmonizing the pivot, and resolving the convergence are established. To fortify spleen and boost qi, consolidate the root and clear the source, modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(补中益气汤)can be used. To raise the clear and direct the turbid downward, regulate qi and harmonize the pivot, modified Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤) is suggested. To restore balance and promote circulation, disperse accumulation and resolve convergence, modified Shengyang Sanhuo Decoction (升阳散火汤) is selected. In clinical practice, these formulas can be used in combination according to the complexity of the pathogenesis, and further adapted with prescriptions for promoting dispersion and penetrating pathogenic factors, resolving phlegm and promoting circulation, activating blood and eliminating concretions, which can provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of tumor diseases.
6.Characterization of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Xiaoxiao LIANG ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Linru DUAN ; Xi CHEN ; Tingyu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1208-1213
BACKGROUND:Impaired postural control is an important risk factor for falls and secondary damage in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.Most of the existing studies have analyzed the gait parameters of patients during straight-line walking,but few have analyzed the postural stability characteristics of patients during static and dynamic activities. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the characteristics of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. METHODS:Twenty-two patients clinically diagnosed with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus at the Department of Neurosurgery,Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University,Shanghai,China,from September 2022 to February 2023 were selected as the patient group,and 18 healthy accompanying family members were selected as the healthy control group.The postural stability characteristics of the subjects were assessed using the Timed Up-and-Go Test,Multi-Directional Reach Test,Berg Balance Scale,and Static Balance Function Test(reaction time,speed of movement,directional control,maximum offset distance,and endpoint travel). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The time required to complete the Timed Up-and-Go Test was significantly longer in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P<0.05).The results of the stretching test in the four directions of anterior,posterior,leftand right were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P<0.05).The Berg Balance Scale scores in the patient group were lower than those in the healthy control group(P<0.05).In the Static Balance Function Test,the results of reaction,movement speed,directional control,maximum offset distance and endpoint travel index were smaller in the patient group than the healthy control group(P<0.05).To conclude,patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus exhibit overall postural control deficits,and impaired reaction and execution abilities make these patients unable to make timely and accurate motor responses in the face of disturbances from internal or external sources,resulting in postural instability and increasing the risk of falls.
7.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
8.Meta-analysis of influencing factors of retinal re-detachment after the first silicone oil removal
Jiatao LU ; Zheng ZHENG ; Pengcheng HU ; Xi WANG ; Xiaoying HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(1):60-68
Objective:To systematically evaluate the influencing factors of retinal re-detachment after the first silicone oil removal.Methods:Chinese databases (CNKI, CBM, VIP, Wanfang) and English databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of science) were searched to retrieve the factors affecting the retinal re-detachment after the first pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with silicone oil removal from the inception of the databases to August 20, 2023.The quality of literature was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).The influencing factors related to the retinal re-detachment after the first silicone oil removal were extracted from the literature, and the influencing factors mentioned in <3 literatures were excluded.RevMan5.3 software was used for quantitative and comprehensive analysis.Results:A total of 14 articles were included, including 3 393 eyes, with 498 eyes in the recurrent group, and 2 895 eyes in the non-recurrent group.The results of meta-analysis showed that high myopia (odds ratio [ OR]=1.40, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.08-1.81), giant retinal hole( OR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.63-3.41), vitreous residue ( OR=130.02, 95% CI: 66.03-256.02), intraocular lens status before PPV ( OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.26-2.75) were the risk factors for retinal re-detachment after silicone oil removal.Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment ( OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.92), PPV combined with external scleral compression ( OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88) and fundus laser photocoagulation 2-4 weeks before silicone oil removal ( OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.13-0.49) were protective factors for retinal detachment after silicone oil removal.The results of sensitivity analysis showed that there was no significant change in the analysis results after changing the analysis model.There was no publication bias among the included studies. Conclusions:High myopia, giant retinal detachment, vitreous residue and intraocular lens status before PPV increased the risk of retinal re-detachment after the first silicone oil removal, Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, PPV combined with external scleral pressure and fundus laser photocoagulation 2-4 weeks before silicone oil removal may be protective factors.
9.Epidemiological investigation and analysis of occupational injuries of workers in metallurgical and shipbuilding and repairing industry
Xi LUO ; Zepeng LI ; Yingyin ZHANG ; Dan WANG ; Weijiang HU ; Jinnan ZHENG ; Shibiao SU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(3):201-205
Objective:To understand the occupational injury situation of front-line workers in metallurgical and shipbuilding and repairing industry, and explore the risk factors of occupational injury.Methods:From September 2023 to March 2024, using cluster sampling method, front-line workers from 2 metallurgical enterprises in Shaoguan and Jinan City and 2 shipbuilding and repairing enterprises in Jiangmen and Shenzhen City were selected as the investigation objects. 6248 questionnaires were distributed and collected, and 6178 were effective questionnaires, with a effective recovery rate of 98.88%. The basic information, living habits, working system, protection and occupational injury of workers were investigated, and the data of occupational injury in factories was collected. The types, jobs and main causes of occupational injuries in different industries were analyzed, and the influencing factors of occupational injuries were analyzed by univariate and multi-factor logistic regression.Results:The incidence of occupational injury was 3.13% (128/4086) in metallurgical industry and 4.02% (84/2092) in shipbuilding and repairing industry. The top three occupational injuries in the metallurgical industry were furnace worker (17.19%, 22/128), steel rolling worker (14.84%, 19/128), maintenance worker (10.16%, 13/128), and the top three injury types were mechanical injury (24.22%, 31/128), height fall (20.31%, 26/128) and object strikes (17.97%, 23/128). The top three occupational injuries in shipbuilding and repairing industry were welder (20.24%, 17/84), riveter (9.52%, 8/84) and crane (8.33%, 7/84). The top three injury types were hit by objects (34.52%, 29/84), hit by falling objects (22.62%, 19/84), and lifting injury (20.24%, 17/84). The injuries of workers in metallurgical industry and shipbuilding and repairing industry were mainly fractures, accounting for 32.03% (41/128) and 60.71% (51/84), respectively. The incidence of occupational injury was higher in males, with sleep disorder, high temperature exposure and chemical toxicity exposure ( P<0.05). There were significant differences in age, smoking degree, working age and emotional state between workers with occupational injury and those without occupational injury ( P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that male, age above 50 years old, moderate smoking, working years of 5-9 years, mild anxiety, poor health status and high temperature exposure were risk factors for occupational injury ( OR=25.57, 3.72, 14.27, 2.09, 1.50, 4.36, 0.66, P<0.05) . Conclusion:The incidence of occupational injury is higher in shipbuilding and repairing industry, and fracture is the main type of occupational injury. The occurrence of occupational injury is affected by gender, age, smoking, working age, emotional state, health status and high temperature exposure.
10.Establishment and evaluation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced sepsis model in mice
Wei LIU ; Jingyi WANG ; Xi ZHENG ; Yue HAN ; Wenxiong LI ; Jin ZHANG
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(2):324-332
Objective To establish a reliable Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA)-induced sepsis model,providing an effective experimental method for investigating the pathogenicity,antibiotic resistance mechanism and infection-related inflammatory pathways of PA.Methods PA ATCC 27853 was selected as experimental strain.Different concentrations of bacterial suspension were applied to the surface of erector spinae muscle in mice.Echocardiography was performed 24 h after infection to examine cardiac function.Heart,lung,kidney tissue and blood samples were collected.Serum creatinine(Cr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),inflammatory factors,and cardiac troponin Ⅰ(CTNI)were detected.The pathological changes in the heart,lung,and kidney tissues were observed.Results The survival rates of the 107 CFU/mL group,108 CFU/mL,109 CFU/mL,and 1010 CFU/mL groups were 100%,93.3%,73.3%,and 26.7%,respectively.The concentration of interleukin-6(IL-6)in the PA-infected group was significantly higher than that in the non-infected group.The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in 108 CFU/mL group and 109 CFU/mL group were significantly higher than that in the non-infected group.The left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)of 108 CFU/mL and 109 CFU/mL groups decreased significantly compared to the non-infected group,and the CTNI level increased significantly in infected group compared to the non-infected group.Compared with the non-infected group,only the 109 CFU/mL group showed significant statistical differences in Cr and BUN levels,while no significant differences were observed in the other PA-infected groups.The results of histopathology showed that the heart,lung,and kidney tissues of mice in the 109 CFU/mL group were significantly infiltrated by inflammatory cells,with obvious edema of tissue cells,disordered structural arrangement,thickening of alveolar septa,and renal interstitial stenosis.Conclusion The experiment successfully established a sepsis model induced by PA with a bacterial concentration of 109 CFU/mL,which is stable and reliable,and can provide a model basis for exploring sepsis and PA infection diseases.

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