1.Research progress on strategies to target intestinal microbiota to improve drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy
Hui-ling LI ; Bi-qing LIU ; Ying-nan FENG ; Xin HU ; Lan ZHANG ; Xian-zhe DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):260-268
A growing body of research points out that gut microbiota plays a key role in tumor immunotherapy. By optimizing the composition of intestinal microbiota, it is possible to effectively improve immunotherapy resistance and enhance its therapeutic effect. This article comprehensively analyzes the mechanism of intestinal microbiota influencing tumor immunotherapy resistance, expounds the current strategies for targeted regulation of intestinal microbiota, such as traditional Chinese medicine and plant components, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics and dietary therapy, and explores the potential mechanisms of these strategies to improve patients' resistance to tumor immunotherapy. At the same time, the article also briefly discusses the prospects and challenges of targeting intestinal microbiota to improve tumor immunotherapy resistance, which provides a reference for related research to help the strategy research of reversing tumor immunotherapy resistance.
2.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
3.Effect of Baihe Yuzi Prescription on CFTR, AQP, and ZIP Ion Channels and Oxidative Stress in Epididymis of Oligoasthenozoospermia Rats
Guangjian WANG ; Jiajie BI ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Jing MA ; Shusong WANG ; Bo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):140-146
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Baihe Yuzi prescription (BYP) on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), aquaporin (AQP), zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein (ZIP) and local oxidative stress in epididymis of oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS) rats, and to explore the mechanism of its intervention in OAS. MethodAfter 35 rats were acclimatized for 1 week, 7 rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 28 rats were given tripterygium glycosides (TG) 30 mg·kg-1. After 4 weeks of modeling, they were randomly divided into 4 groups: model group, BYP low-dose group (LBYP), BYP high-dose group (HBYP) and levocarnitine group, with 7 rats in each group. The rats in the normal group and model group were given normal saline at the same dosage. The levocarnitine group rats were given L-carnitine oral liquid (100 mg·kg-1) by gavage. The LBYP group rats were given BYP 6.3 g·kg-1, and the HBYP group rats were given BYP 12.6 g·kg-1 by gavage once a day for consecutive 4 weeks. After the end of the intervention, sperm count and motility of all rats were detected, the histopathological structure of epididymis was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the expressions of CFTR, AQP9, AQP3, ZIP8, ZIP12 and other proteins were detected by Western blot. The contents of α-glycosidase (α-GC), sialic acid (SA), carnitine, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total zinc content was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Free zinc ion content was detected by zinc ion probes. ResultCompared with those in the normal group, the sperm count and motility of rats were decreased and the epididymal structure was disordered in the model group. The contents of α-GC and carnitine were decreased in epididymis (P<0.05). MDA levels were increased, while SOD, GSH-Px and zinc levels were decreased (P<0.05). The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were down-regulated, and AQP3 expression was up-regulated. The expression of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis was up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, BYP can significantly improve the sperm count and motility, the epididymal structure of OAS rats and the levels of α-GC and carnitine (P<0.05). The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were up-regulated, while the expressions of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis and AQP3 in the head of the epididymis were decreased (P<0.05). The SOD and GSH-Px levels and total zinc content in epididymis were increased, and the MDA levels were decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionBYP may improve the sperm quality and repair epididymal tissue structure and function of OAS rats, by regulating the expressions of CFTR, AQP3, and ZIP12 ion channels and local antioxidant mechanism.
4.Repetitive magnetic stimulation of S3 nerve root and M1 area for treating urinary retention after spinal cord injury
Zihan XU ; Yunfeng BI ; Jiang LI ; Zongliang ZHANG ; Chen SONG ; Jie DONG ; Dong LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(11):1719-1723
BACKGROUND:Repetitive magnetic stimulation of either S3 nerve root or M1 area can improve the urination function of patients with urinary retention after spinal cord injury,but there are few reports on the repetitive magnetic stimulation of both sites in patients with urinary retention after spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of repetitive magnetic stimulation of both S3 nerve root and M1 area on urinary retention after spinal cord injury. METHODS:Forty patients with urinary retention after spinal cord injury were enrolled and were randomly divided into two groups(n=20 per group):group A(repetitive magnetic stimulation in both S3 nerve root and M1 area)and group B(repetitive magnetic stimulation in the S3 nerve root and sham stimulation in the M1 area).Patients in both groups were given 4-week repetitive magnetic stimulation based on conventional bladder function intervention.The stimulation time and duration of treatment were same in both groups,with a treatment time of 21 minutes daily,5 days per week,for 4 weeks in total.The urination diary and urodynamics were compared between two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Before treatment,there were no statistically significant differences in the average daily catheterization times,average daily catheterization volume,average single urinary volume,urinary storage period(maximum bladder volume,bladder pressure),and urinary voiding period(detrusor pressure,residual urine volume)between the two groups(P>0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the average daily catheterization times in group A were lower than before treatment(P<0.05),while the average single urination volume in group A was higher than that before treatment(P<0.05);and the average daily catheterization times in group B were lower than before treatment(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the average daily catheterization times in group A were lower than those in group B,and the average single urination volume was higher than that in group B(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the maximum bladder volume and detrusor pressure during urination were increased in both groups compared with before treatment(P<0.05),while the bladder pressure and residual urine volume at the maximum volume of the two groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05).Compared with group B,the maximum bladder volume and detrusor pressure during urination were higher in group A,while the bladder pressure and residual urine volume at maximum volume were lower in group A(P<0.05).To conclude,two treatments can both improve the urination function of patients with urinary retention after spinal cord injury,and repetitive magnetic stimulation of both S3 nerve root and M1 area is superior to repetitive magnetic stimulation of S3 nerve root alone.Repetitive magnetic stimulation of both S3 nerve root and M1 area can effectively improve the urination function of patients with urinary retention after spinal cord injury.
5.Treatment Strategy of Leukopenia After Chemotherapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Generation and Transmission of Defense Qi
Sheng BI ; Yinwen WU ; Liling LI ; Weina ZHANG ; Jinchang HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):113-120
By analysing the similarity between defense qi and leukocytes in terms of function, site of action, and circadian rhythm, it is proposed that in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the pathogenesis of leukopenia is defense qi deficiency. By analyzing the relevant discussions on the generation and transmission of defense qi in TCM classics, it is believed that the original qi in lower jiao (焦) is the source of defense qi, while the water and grain qi in middle jiao enriches defense qi, and the upper jiao transmits and distributes defense qi to the whole body. Therefore, when treating leukopenia after chemotherapy with TCM, Guilu Erxian Gelatin (龟鹿二仙胶) and Yougui Pill (右归丸) are often used to tonify the kidney and supplement essence, and moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Qihai (CV 6) is usually accompanied to replenish the original qi in lower jiao and enrich the source of defense qi. Guipi Decoction (归脾汤), Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤), Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散), and Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) are often suggested to strengthen spleen and replenish qi, in combination with moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV 12) and Zusanli (ST 36) to transport the spleen and stomach in the middle jiao to enrich the defense qi. Modified Guizhi Decoction (桂枝汤) to harmonize nutrient and defensive aspects is often used, and moxibustion at Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) or scraping is added to dredge the striae and interstice in the upper jiao and promote transmission and dissemination of the defense qi. Considering the whole process of generation and distribution of defense qi, it is suggested to choose the most appropriate treatment modality flexibly, and combine internal treatment with external treatment, in order to provide ideas for the treatment of leukopenia in tumour patients.
6.Reduced expression of semaphorin 3A in osteoclasts causes lymphatic expansion in a Gorham-Stout disease(GSD)mouse model
ZHANG DONGFANG ; XU HAO ; QIN CHI ; CAI KANGMING ; ZHANG JING ; XIA XINQIU ; BI JINGWEN ; ZHANG LI ; XING LIANPING ; LIANG QIANQIAN ; WANG WENSHENG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2024;25(1):38-50,中插1-中插8
Gorham-Stout disease(GSD)is a sporadic chronic disease characterized by progressive bone dissolution,absorption,and disappearance along with lymphatic vessel infiltration in bone-marrow cavities.Although the osteolytic mechanism of GSD has been widely studied,the cause of lymphatic hyperplasia in GSD is rarely investigated.In this study,by comparing the RNA expression profile of osteoclasts(OCs)with that of OC precursors(OCPs)by RNA sequencing,we identified a new factor,semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),which is an osteoprotective factor involved in the lymphatic expansion of GSD.Compared to OCPs,OCs enhanced the growth,migration,and tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells(LECs),in which the expression of Sema3A is low compared to that in OCPs.In the presence of recombinant Sema3A,the growth,migration,and tube formation of LECs were inhibited,further confirming the inhibitory effect of Sema3A on LECs in vitro.Using an LEC-induced GSD mouse model,the effect of Sema3A was examined by injecting lentivirus-expressing Sema3A into the tibiae in vivo.We found that the overexpression of Sema3A in tibiae suppressed the expansion of LECs and alleviated bone loss,whereas the injection of lentivirus expressing Sema3A short hairpin RNA(shRNA)into the tibiae caused GSD-like phenotypes.Histological staining further demonstrated that OCs decreased and osteocalcin increased after Sema3A lentiviral treatment,compared with the control.Based on the above results,we propose that reduced Sema3A in OCs is one of the mechanisms contributing to the pathogeneses of GSD and that expressing Sema3A represents a new approach for the treatment of GSD.
7.Relationship between preoperative serum bilirubin concentration and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement
Shuhui HUA ; Mengya ZHANG ; Shanling XU ; Yunchao YANG ; Haoran ZHANG ; Chuan LI ; Yanan LIN ; Rui DONG ; Hongyan GONG ; Xu LIN ; Yanlin BI ; Bin WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(3):286-291
Objective:To evaluate the relationship between preoperative serum bilirubin concentrations and postoperative delirium (POD) in the patients undergoing knee or hip replacement.Methods:Medical records from 413 patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty were selected from August 2020 to October 2023 at Qingdao Municipal Hospital using a nested case-control design based on the PNDABLE study cohort. The patients were divided into POD group ( n=77) and non-POD group ( n=336) according to whether POD occurred. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for POD. The significance of mediation effect was tested. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate the accuracy of risk factors in predicting POD. Results:There were significant differences in age, education time, ratio of diabetes history, Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale score, total bilirubin concentration, direct bilirubin concentration, indirect bilirubin concentration, Aβ 42 concentration, p-tau concentration, t-tau concentration, Aβ 42/p-tau ratio and Aβ 42/t-tau ratio between POD group and non-POD group ( P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin were risk factors for POD ( P<0.05). The results of mediation effects showed that the concentration of total tau protein in CSF partly mediated the relationship between high serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin concentrations and POD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin combined with CSF biomarker concentrations in predicting POD was 0.83 ( P<0.001). Conclusions:Preoperative elevated concentrations of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin are risk factors for POD in the patients undergoing knee or hip replacement. CSF t-tau concentration has a partly mediating role in the association between serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin concentrations and the development of POD.
8.Preparation of soluble microneedles of Aconitum brachypodum alkaloids
Yao CHEN ; Bi-Li DENG ; Jing WAN ; Na-Na DONG ; Xiao-Lan CHEN ; Yong-Ping ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(3):740-747
AIM To prepare the soluble microneedles of Aconitum brachypodum Diels alkaloids.METHODS Centrifugal molding method was adopted in the preparation of soluble microneedles.With chondroitin sulfate consumption,PVP K120 consumption and 40%ethanol consumption as influencing factors,piercing rate as an evaluation index,the formulation was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method,after which the morphology,piercing performance,drug content and in vitro transdermal performance were investigated.RESULTS The optimal formulation was determined to be 123 mg for chondroitin sulfate consumption,298 mg for PVP K120 consumption,and 2.4 mL for 40%ethanol consumption,the piercing rate was 98.3%.The soluble microneedles were yellow and square patch with conoid needle,which could pierce aluminum foil and rat skin,along with the drug content of(0.94±0.025)mg.The soluble microneedle group demonstrated the accumulative permeability rate of 91.4%within 24 h,which was higher than that in the gel ointment group,and the permeability accorded with Higuchi equation.CONCLUSION The soluble microneedles of A.brachypodum alkaloids exhibit good mechanical strength,which can achieve effective transdermal delivery of drugs.
9.Virulence determinants and genetic diversity of foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from Wenzhou
Ai-Rong XIE ; Yi LI ; Hui-Huang LOU ; Zhong-Bi XIE ; Le-Yi ZHANG ; Yu-Qin HU ; Yue-Jin WU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(1):40-45
The aim of this study was to investigate the virulence determinants and genetic diversity of foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica from Wenzhou.A total of 71 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica were isolated from food and foodborne diarrhea ca-ses in Wenzhou,and their biotypes,serotypes,and drug resistance were analyzed.On the basis of whole genome sequencing,we assessed virulence gene profiles,and performed multilocus sequence typing(MLST)and core gene multilocus sequence typ-ing(cgMLST).A total of 94.4%(67/71)of isolates belonged to biotype 1A,and the highest proportion had serotype lA/O∶5(29.6%,21/71).The sensitivity rates of the isolates to 14 antibiotics exceeded 95.8%.A total of 16 categories and 126 viru-lence genes were identified,with two strains carrying the pYV plasmid and chromosome-related virulence genes.ST3(31.6%,12/38)was the most widespread MLST type,and cgMLST analysis revealed no dense clusters of genotypes except for strains sharing the same ST.In conclusion,pathogenic strains were identified from foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica in Wenzhou and were found to exhibit high genetic polymorphism.Enhanced regulatory supervision is essential to prevent the outbreak of food-borne diseases caused by Yersinia enterocolitica.
10.Comparison of demographic and clinical characteristics of bipolar Ⅰ disorder and bipolar Ⅱ disorder
Li ZHOU ; Yiling XIE ; Tingting ZHANG ; Yueqin HUANG ; Liang ZHOU ; Yan LIU ; Bo LIU ; Jie ZHANG ; Yuandong GONG ; Zhongcai LI ; Bi LI ; Zhipeng LI ; Qingyuan ZENG ; Zonglin SHEN ; Wenming CHEN ; Zhaorui LIU ; Jin LU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(1):33-41
Objective:To compare demographic characteristics,clinical characteristics,therapeutic characteris-tics and physiological indicators of patients with bipolar Ⅰ disorder and bipolar Ⅱ disorder.Methods:A total of 381 patients with bipolar disorder(BD)diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 th Edi-tion(DSM-5)were selected,including 302 patients with BD-Ⅰ(79.27%),74 patients with BD-Ⅱ(19.42%)and 5 patients with other specific and related disorders(1.31%).Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected with self-designed clinical information questionnaire.Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate linear regres-sion analysis were used for analysis.Results:Compared with patients with BD-Ⅱ,patients with BD-Ⅰ had more risk to have psychotic features(OR=5.75,95%CI:2.82-11.76),longer disease duration,and more repeated transcra-nial magnetic therapy(OR=3.09,95%CI:1.02-9.35),higher uric acid,total cholesterol and high-density lipo-protein.BD-Ⅰ in Han nationality was more common(OR=11.50,95%CI:1.76-75.30),and had lower education level(OR=10.22,95%CI:1.16-89.77),and less family history of psychosis(OR=2.34,95%CI:1.01-5.42).Conclusion:There are significant differences between BD-Ⅰ and BD-Ⅱ in demographic and clinical charac-teristics,treatment status,and physiological indicators,which could provide clues for exploring the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder.

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