1.Logic-gated tumor-microenvironment nanoamplifier enables targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for multimodal cancer therapy.
Yongchun PAN ; Xiaowei LUAN ; Fei ZENG ; Xuyuan WANG ; Shurong QIN ; Qianglan LU ; Guanzhong HE ; Yanfeng GAO ; Xiaolian SUN ; Xin HAN ; Bangshun HE ; Yujun SONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):795-807
Recent innovations in nanomaterials inspire abundant novel tumor-targeting CRISPR-based gene therapies. However, the therapeutic efficiency of traditional targeted nanotherapeutic strategies is limited by that the biomarkers vary in a spatiotemporal-dependent manner with tumor progression. Here, we propose a self-amplifying logic-gated gene editing strategy for gene/H2O2-mediated/starvation multimodal cancer therapy. In this approach, a hypoxia-degradable covalent-organic framework (COF) is synthesized to coat a-ZIF-8 in which glucose oxidase (GOx) and CRISPR system are packaged. To intensify intracellular redox dyshomeostasis, DNAzymes which can cleave catalase mRNA are loaded as well. When the nanosystem gets into the tumor, the weakly acidic and hypoxic microenvironment degrades the ZIF-8@COF to activate GOx, which amplifies intracellular H+ and hypoxia, accelerating the nanocarrier degradation to guarantee available CRISPR plasmid and GOx release in target cells. These tandem reactions deplete glucose and oxygen, leading to logic-gated-triggered gene editing as well as synergistic gene/H2O2-mediated/starvation therapy. Overall, this approach highlights the biocomputing-based CRISPR delivery and underscores the great potential of precise cancer therapy.
2.Erratum: Author correction to "Tumor-microenvironment activated duplex genome-editing nanoprodrug for sensitized near-infrared titania phototherapy" Acta Pharm Sin B (2022) 4224-4234.
Zekun LI ; Yongchun PAN ; Shiyu DU ; Yayao LI ; Chao CHEN ; Hongxiu SONG ; Yueyao WU ; Xiaowei LUAN ; Qin XU ; Xiaoxiang GUAN ; Yujun SONG ; Xin HAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):897-899
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.06.016.].
3.Mechanism Exploration of TG Regulating PI3K/Akt to Improve Insulin Resistance in Liver of T2DM Rats Based on Transcriptomics
Qin LI ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xiaowei SHI ; Xuan LIU ; Xiangdong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):99-109
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tangzhi pills on the improvement of insulin resistance (IR) in the liver with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by regulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway based on differential genes and its possible molecular mechanism. MethodT2DM rat models were prepared by high fat (HFD) diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection. The experiment was divided into blank group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (0.18 g·kg-1), Tangzhi pills high (1.08 g·kg-1), medium (0.54 g·kg-1) and low (0.27 g·kg-1) dose groups. Rat serum, liver, and pancreatic tissue were collected, and the pathological tissue of the liver and pancreas was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The fasting blood glucose level (FBG) was detected, and oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) tests were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect fasting serum insulin (FINS) and glycated hemoglobin (GHb) levels in rats. IR homeostasis model index (HOMA-IR), β cellular homeostasis index (HOMA-β), and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were calculated. Biochemical methods were used to determine the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in rat serum. Transcriptomics obtained differentially expressed mRNA from liver tissue and enriched differentially expressed pathways. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of cyclic adenylate responsive element binding protein 3-like protein 2 antibody (CREB3l2), B-lymphocyte tumor 2 (Bcl-2), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDNK1A), and DNA damage induced transcription factor 4-like protein (DDIT4) in liver tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), insulin receptor (INSR), and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2). ResultThe pharmacodynamic experiment results showed that compared with model group, Tangzhi pills groups repaired liver and pancreatic tissue to varying degrees, reduced blood sugar (P<0.01), and promoted a decrease in serum FINS, GHb, and HOMA-IR (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, HOMA-β and ISI increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the levels of HDL-C increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The transcriptomics experimental results confirmed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was significantly expressed in both the blank group and model group, as well as in the high-dose Tangzhi pills group and model group. CDNK1A, DDIT4, CREB3l2, Bcl-2, and TLR2 were significantly differentially expressed mRNA during TG intervention in T2DM. Compared with the model group, the protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, GLUT4, INSR, and IRS2 increased in all Tangzhi pills groups (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of CREB3l2, Bcl-2, and TLR2 increased (P<0.01), while that of CDNK1A and DDIT4 decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangzhi pills may regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway based on the differential mRNA expression of CREB3l2, Bcl-2, TLR2, CDNK1A, and DDIT4, thereby improving IR in the liver with T2DM.
4.Correlation analysis of self-care contribution and binary coping among spouse caregivers of middle-aged and young stroke patients
Bingbing WANG ; Rui HOU ; Yingzhi MA ; Xiaowei SUN ; Qin YANG ; Jiangqin XIAO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(6):457-463
Objective:To investigate the self-care contribution and binary coping level of spouse caregivers for middle-aged and young stroke patients and explore the relationship between the two, in order to improve the quality of self-care contribution of spouse caregivers to middle-aged and young stroke patients.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 middle-aged and young stroke patients ′ spouse caregivers in the People ′s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January to June 2023 by the general data questionnaire, the Caregiver Contribution to Self-care of Stroke Patient Scale, the Dyadic Coping Inventory. The correlation between self-care contributions and binary coping strategies of spousal caregivers was analyzed, and the factors that affect their self-care contributions were screened. Results:Finally, 192 middle-aged and young stroke patients ′ spouse caregivers were included, including 70 males and 122 females, aged 18-59 years old. The total score of self-care contribution of spousal caregivers of middle-aged and young stroke patients was (75.43 ± 6.80) points, and the total score of binary coping was (117.12 ± 9.59) points, both of which were positively correlated ( r=0.691, P<0.05). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that after controlling for the influence of general data, binary coping could explain 28.4% variation in the self-care contribution of spouse caregivers of middle-aged and young stroke patients ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The duality coping level positively predicts the quality of spouse caregivers ′ self-care contribution to middle-aged and young stroke patients. Medical staff should assess the dual coping level of middle-aged and young stroke patients and their spouses, and carry out targeted dual intervention measures to improve the quality of caregivers' contribution to stroke patients ′ self-care.
5.Discussion on the Construction and Operational Experience of Intelligent Control Systems for Laboratory Animal Facilities: Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control as an Example
Long ZENG ; Junpeng LI ; Xiaowei WANG ; Ning CHEN ; Ping WANG ; Meirong QIN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(2):220-226
Intelligent control systems can effectively assist in the construction and management of laboratory animal facilities, improving operational efficiency, ensuring the reliability of animal experimental results, and significantly saving human resources. The intelligent control system for laboratory animal facilities at Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control was completed in April 2021. It includes an intelligent management platform and an information management system for animal laboratories. The intelligent management platform regulates room environment parameters such as temperature, humidity, and pressure through building equipment management system, controlling devices such as the Venturi valve, electric air valve, electric water valve, and steam humidification valve. At the same time, various environmental parameters are monitored online through the environmental monitoring system. The laboratory’s intelligence is further enhanced by systems such as automatic lighting control, full HD video monitoring, automatic access control and door system, independent ventilation and feeding, automatic cleaning, automatic exhaust gas treatment, centralized gas supply, and real-time instrument parameter monitoring. The information management system for animal laboratories integrates inspection, instrument and equipment, personnel, documents, standard substances, reagents, inspection standards, books, records, scientific research management, relevant applications, quality management, and query statistics. For animal experimentation, a management module has been developed to achieve a comprehensive digitization of animal management. Furthermore, real-time collection and recording of data such as balance calibration, sample quality, and animal weight are facilitated through electronic experimental recording. In summary, the Animal Laboratory of Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control has extensively utilized intelligent systems to achieve real-time online control and monitoring, improve efficiency, ensure high-quality facility operation, and meet standard requirements. Smooth execution of all inspection and research activities has been achieved over the past three years. This paper provides insights into the construction, management, and operation of laboratory animal facilities at Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, offering guidance for the implementation of intelligent control in similar facilities across China.
6.Development and evaluation of a rapid and sensitive POC chemiluminescent assay for β-human chorionic gonadotropin
Haiyu XIE ; Jing QIN ; Yanni ZHANG ; Junjie LIU ; Xiaowei HE ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(3):615-620
Objective:To develop and evaluate a rapid and sensitive point-of-care chemiluminescent assay(POC-CLIA)for β-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-HCG).Methods:POC-CLIA was constructed based on alkaline phosphatase(Alp)-AMPPD lumi-nescence system and magnetic particles(Mps)carrier.Performance of POC-CLIA,including sensitivity,precision,accuracy,linear dilution,specificity,stability,hook effect and clinical application were evaluated.Results:Detection limit of β-HCG was 0.71 mU/ml,linear detection range was 0.710~1.092×104 mU/ml,and was no hook effect up to 1.7×105 mU/ml.Intra and inter batch coefficients of variation were less than 10%,and could be stored stably at 37℃ for 10 days.Accuracy deviation was within±10%,so results were reliable.There was no cross-reactivity between interfering substances and anti-β-HCG antibdies.For detecting β-HCG in 100 clinical serum samples,results were highly correlated with those that were tested by clinical standard methods(R2=0.997 0).Turnaround time for single sample was less than 15 min and throughput could reach 200 T/h.Conclusion:This method is adequate that can be widely used in grassroots communities to help large-scale screening of pregnancy and related diseases.
7.Construction, Activity Evaluation and Molecular Simulation Study of α-Naphthylthiol Amino Acid Esters as Novel LSD1 Inhibitors
Zhonghua LI ; Zhenzhen WANG ; Tingting QIN ; Pan WANG ; Kai HU ; Zhishen XIE ; Lixin LI ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Junying SONG ; Weihong REN ; Jinlian MA
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(3):295-302
OBJECTIVE
To design and synthesize novel α-naphthylthiol amino acid ester lysine specific demethylase 1(LSD1) inhibitors, evaluate their inhibitory activity with selectivity against LSD1, and explore their binding mechanism through molecular docking and dynamics simulation.
METHODS
Based on the binding mode of hit compound 3a with LSD1, the α- naphthyl mercapto amino acid ethyl ester small molecule compound were designed by fixing the planar hydrophobic naphthyl ring in the structure, while introducing hydrophilic amino fragment, and they were prepared through a multi-component one-pot cascade reaction. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against LSD1 at concentrations of 5.0 and 1.0 μmol·L–1 using the LSD1 screening platform of research group. The most potent compound was tested for its IC50 value and enzyme selectivity over MAO-A and MAO-B, and its binding mode was investigated through molecular docking and dynamics simulation.
RESULTS
A total of 13 compounds were obtained, all of which exhibited significant inhibitory effects on LSD1. Among them, nine compounds showed an inhibitory rate of over 50.0% against LSD1 at a concentration of 1.0 μmol·L–1, while compound 3l displaying the best activity with an IC50 value of 0.17 μmol·L–1, 174 times higher than the positive control. It also showed excellent selectivity towards MAO-A and MAO-B. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations indicated that compound 3l inhibited the activity of LSD1 through multiple interactions.
CONCLUSION
The structures of α-naphthylthiol amino acid ester can serve as lead compounds or active fragments, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent design of LSD1 inhibitors based on structure-oriented drug design.
8.Dawn of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases
Yuxin LIU ; Minghao DONG ; Yunhui CHU ; Luoqi ZHOU ; Yunfan YOU ; Xiaowei PANG ; Sheng YANG ; Luyang ZHANG ; Lian CHEN ; Lifang ZHU ; Jun XIAO ; Wei WANG ; Chuan QIN ; Daishi TIAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(10):1140-1150
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Based on the immunomodulatory capability of CAR-T cells, efforts have turned toward exploring their potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Bibliometric analysis of 210 records from 128 academic journals published by 372 institutions in 40 countries/regions indicates a growing number of publications on CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases, covering a range of subtypes such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, among others. CAR-T therapy holds promise in mitigating several shortcomings, including the indiscriminate suppression of the immune system by traditional immunosuppressants, and non-sustaining therapeutic levels of monoclonal antibodies due to inherent pharmacokinetic constraints. By persisting and proliferating in vivo, CAR-T cells can offer a tailored and precise therapeutics. This paper reviewed preclinical experiments and clinical trials involving CAR-T and CAR-related therapies in various autoimmune diseases, incorporating innovations well-studied in the field of hematological tumors, aiming to explore a safe and effective therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory autoimmune diseases.
9.Progress of Basic Research on the Intervention of TCM Targeted Ferroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Qin LI ; Xiankang MA ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Xiaowei SHI ; Xuan LIU ; Yonglin LIANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(6):181-186
Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is one of the most serious microangiopathies in diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease.Ferroptosis,as a mode of programmed cell death,is mainly manifested by excessive accumulation of intracellular lipid peroxides and iron.Ferroptosis is involved in a series of pathological processes such as damage to DN renal podocytes,mesangial cells,and renal tubular epithelial cells.Chinese materia medica has the characteristics of significant therapeutic effects and minimal adverse reactions in the treatment of diseases,and has been widely used in the prevention and treatment of DN.This article summarized the key factors regulating ferroptosis in DN,as well as the active components and TCM formulas targeting the inhibition of ferroptosis in the prevention and treatment of DN,providing reference for the development of DN targeted drugs.
10.Long-term constancy analysis of image uniformity and noise of cone-beam CT for the OBI system
Feiyue SHI ; Long CHENG ; Min WANG ; Wei QIN ; Hang QIN ; Xiaowei WEI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(9):845-852
Objective:To evaluate the long-term constancy of image uniformity and noise of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the on-board imager (OBI) system of a Varian linac.Methods:Monthly quality assurance (QA) tests were carried out for the OBI system of a Clinac iX linac, and CBCT images of Catphan 504 phantom were obtained with six scanning protocols. The 6 protocols were high-quality head (HQH), low-dose head (LDH), pelvis spot light (PSL), standard-dose head (SDH), low-dose thorax (LDT) and pelvis, respectively. The 144 series of CBCT images acquired from Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University between January 2020 and December 2021 were analyzed, and the data of image uniformity and noise were obtained by delineating regions of interest (ROI) in the images of CTP486 module. Image uniformity was expressed by the absolute value of the maximum difference between the average CT value of the ROI in the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock directions and the central ROI. Image noise was expressed by the standard deviation of CT value of large circular ROI. The smaller the values of image uniformity and noise, the better the image quality. Statistical description was applied to obtain data of the maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation for the above mentioned two parameters. Y was defined as the difference between the average CT value of ROI in each direction and the average CT value of central ROI, which was used to represent the monthly changes of image quality.Results:The image uniformity and noise of CBCT images of the OBI system were generally stable during 2 years. For the 6 protocols of HQH, LDH, PSL, SDH, LDT and pevlis, the image uniformity was (21.5±1.0), (21.4±2.2), (21.3±0.9), (18.3±1.3), (3.4±1.9) and (7.2±1.9) HU, respectively. The image noise was (19.2±0.2), (41.0±0.3), (14.2±0.3), (38.2±0.2), (16.0±0.9) and (13.5±0.9) HU, respectively. The average image uniformity of LDT was the smallest, and the average image noise of pelvis was the smallest. Under the 6 scanning protocols, the average CT values of central ROI involved in image uniformity were (32.3±2.7), (24.0±3.3), (19.3±2.4), (11.1±2.5), (67.2±2.1), (-24.6±1.7) HU, respectively. The average CT values were stable. The standard deviation of Y was < 3 HU, suggesting that the stability of image quality was favorable every month.Conclusions:The image uniformity and noise of CBCT images for the OBI system are generally stable in 2 years. Among the 6 scanning protocols, LDT yields the best image uniformity, and pelvis has the lowest image noise.


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