1.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
2.Analysis on Acupuncture in the Treatment of Post-stroke Dysphagia Based on the Theory of "Latent Pathogen in Cerebral Collaterals"
Hongtao LI ; Yaqi HUANG ; Lulu YAO ; Bing GAO ; Yu YE ; Nenggui XU ; Lin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):901-905
Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke. Combining the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern research findings, it is proposed that "latent pathogen in the cerebral collaterals" constitutes the core pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). In clinical practice, treatment is tailored according to the location of PSD. During the oral stage, when the pathogen invades the face and mouth, resulting in excessive salivation, acupoints are primarily selected from the foot shaoyin (少阴) kidney channel, in combination with ren mai (任脉) , du mai (督脉), chong mai (冲脉) and the spleen channel, to replenish essence and fill the marrow, dispel dampness and unblock the channels. In the pharyngeal stage, as the pathogen obstructs the throat, disrupting normal swallowing, the therapy emphasizes dredging the shaoyang (少阳) channel and warming and tonifying the jueyin (厥阴) channel, by taking acupoints mainly from the hand and foot shaoyang channels, along with the jueyin channels, so as to soothe the liver and promote bile secretion, regulate and harmonize qi and blood. During the esophageal stage, where the pathogen damages the esophagus, impeding food passage, the treatment emphasizes activating the yangming (阳明) channels and regulating taiyin (太阴) channels; acupoints are mainly selected from the foot yangming stomach channel, along with the taiyin channels, aiming to warm yang, unblock the channels and dispel stasis.
3.Preparation and osteogenic properties of liquid crystal display light-cured polylactic acid scaffold loaded with nano-tantalum
Mingzhe LI ; Xiangling YE ; Bing WANG ; Xiang YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):670-677
BACKGROUND:Polylactic acid(PLA)has good biocompatibility and a controllable degradation rate and is currently widely used in biomedical engineering.However,PLA has shortcomings such as low mechanical strength and insufficient biological activity,which limits its further application in bone tissue engineering. OBJECTIVE:To construct polylactic acid/polydopamine/tantalum(PLA/PDA/Ta)bone tissue engineering scaffolds,and explore their biosafety and in vitro osteogenesis. METHODS:A PLA scaffold with a porous structure was prepared through liquid crystal display light-curing technology.PLA/PDA scaffolds and PLA/PDA/Ta scaffolds were prepared by soaking PLA scaffolds in dopamine solution and dopamine-tantalum nanoparticle solution,respectively.The microstructure and water contact angle of scaffolds were characterized.MC3T3-E1 cells were co-cultured with PLA,PLA/PDA,and PLA/PDA/Ta scaffolds,respectively,and CCK-8 assay and live/dead cell staining were performed.After osteogenic differentiation,alkaline phosphatase,alizarin red staining,and osteogenic gene detection were performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The scanning electron microscope results exhibited that the three kinds of prepared scaffolds had an interconnected porous three-dimensional structure,and the average pore diameter was 200 μm.The water contact angle of PLA/PDA/Ta scaffolds was lower than that of PLA and PLA/PDA scaffolds(P<0.05).(2)CCK-8 assay showed that compared with PLA and PLA/PDA scaffolds,PLA/PDA/Ta scaffolds could promote cell proliferation(P<0.05).Live/dead cell staining showed good cell proliferation in the three groups.(3)Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining showed that compared with PLA and PLA/PDA scaffolds,PLA/PDA/Ta scaffolds could promote the expression of alkaline phosphatase and the formation of mineralized nodules.RT-qPCR showed that compared with PLA and PLA/PDA scaffolds,PLA/PDA/Ta scaffolds could enhance the mRNA expression of cell bone morphogenetic protein,Runx-2,and type I collagen(P<0.05,P<0.01).(4)The results showed that the PLA/PDA/Ta scaffold had excellent osteogenic activity and the ability to promote cell proliferation.
7.The Role and Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Enhancing Insulin Sensitivity by Reducing Circulating Glutamate
Xiao-Rui XING ; Qin SUN ; Huan-Yu WANG ; Ruo-Bing FAN ; Ru WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1373-1385
ObjectiveTo explore the role and potential mechanism of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity by aerobic exercise. This research may provide a novel strategy for preventing metabolic diseases through precise exercise interventions. MethodsTo investigate the effects of elevated circulating glutamate on insulin sensitivity and its potential mechanisms, 18 male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a group receiving 500 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (M), and a group receiving 1 000 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (H). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with treatments administered 6 d per week. Following the intervention, an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and a glucose tolerance test (GTT) were conducted. Circulating glutamate levels were measured using a commercial kit, and the activity of the skeletal muscle InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed via Western blot. To further investigate the role of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity through aerobic exercise, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (CS), an exercise intervention group (ES), and an exercise combined with glutamate supplementation group (EG). The ES group underwent treadmill-based aerobic exercise, while the EG group received glutamate supplementation at a dosage of 1 000 mg/kg in addition to aerobic exercise. The intervention lasted for 10 weeks, with sessions occurring 6 d per week, and the same procedures were followed afterward. To further elucidate the mechanism by which glutamate modulates the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, C2C12 myotubes were initially subjected to graded glutamate treatment (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 mmol/L) to determine the optimal concentration for cellular intervention. Subsequently, the cells were divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a glutamate intervention group (G), and a glutamate combined with MK801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) intervention group (GK). The G group was treated with 5 mmol/L glutamate, while the GK group received 50 μmol/L MK801 in addition to 5 mmol/L glutamate. After 24 h of intervention, the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed using Western blot. ResultsCompared to the mice in group C, the circulating glutamate levels, the area under curve (AUC) of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group H were significantly increased. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle were significantly downregulated. Compared to the mice in group CS, the circulating glutamate levels, the AUC of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group ES were significantly reduced. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle of group ES mice were significantly upregulated. There were no significant changes observed in the mice of group EG. Compared to the cells in group 0 mmol/L, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in cells of group 5 mmol/L were significantly downregulated. Compared to the cells in group C, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in the cells of group G were significantly downregulated. No significant changes were observed in the cells of group GK. ConclusionLong-term aerobic exercise can improve insulin sensitivity by lowering circulating levels of glutamate. This effect may be associated with the upregulation of the InsR/IRS1/AKT signaling pathway activity in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, glutamate can weaken the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in skeletal muscle, potentially by binding to NMDAR expressed in skeletal muscle.
8.Xiaoyao Shukun Decoction Treats Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease by Regulating Neutrophil Extracellular Traps via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Jing PAN ; Bing ZHANG ; Chunxiao DANG ; Jinxiao LI ; Pengfei LIU ; Xiao YU ; Yuchao WANG ; Jinxing LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):69-78
ObjectiveTo investigate how Xiaoyao Shukun decoction (XYSKD) regulates the formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, thereby reducing inflammation, inhibiting the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts in pelvic adhesion tissue, decreasing adhesion and fibrosis, and repairing the tissue damage in sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (SPID). MethodsA total of 84 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into seven groups: blank, model, XYSKD (8 mg·kg-1), mTOR agonist (10 mg·kg-1), mTOR agonist + XYSKD (10 mg·kg-1+8 mg·kg-1), mTOR inhibitor (2 mg·kg-1), and mTOR inhibitor + XYSKD (2 mg·kg-1+8 mg·kg-1). The rat model of SPID was constructed by starvation, fatigue, and ascending Escherichia coli infection. After 14 days of drug intervention, the ultrastructure of fibroblasts in the pelvic adhesion tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The general morphology of the uterus, fallopian tube, and ovary was observed by laparotomy. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the peritoneal flushing fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone 3 (H3) in the fallopian tube was detected by immunofluorescence. Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the relative protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of neutrophil elastase (NE), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), H3, PI3K, and Akt. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group presented a large number of collagen fibers in bundles, numerous cytoplasmic folds of fibroblasts, reduced or absent mitochondrial cristae, and disordered and expanded endoplasmic reticulum. By laparotomy, extensive pelvic congestion, connective tissue hyperplasia, thickening and hardening of the tubal end near the uterus, and tubal and ovarian adhesion or cyst were observed in the model group. In addition, the model group showed raised levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in the peritoneal flushing fluid (P<0.01), increased average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of NE, H3, CD54, PI3K, and Akt (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mTOR agonist group showed increased fibroblasts and cytoplasmic folds, absence of mitochondrial cristae, endoplasmic reticulum dilation, and evident collagen fiber hyperplasia. Pelvic adhesions were observed to cause aggravated damage to the uterine, fallopian tube, and ovarian tissues. The levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in the peritoneal lavage fluid elevated (P<0.01) and the average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 enhanced (P<0.01) in the mTOR agonist group. In contrast, the XYSKD group and the mTOR inhibitor group showcased decreased fibroblasts and collagen fibers, alleviated mitochondrial crista loss and endoplasmic reticulum dilation, improved morphology and appearance of the uterine, fallopian tube, and ovarian tissues, lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in the peritoneal lavage fluid (P<0.01), decreased average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of NE, H3, CD54, PI3K, and Akt (P<0.05). Compared with the mTOR agonist group, the mTOR agonist + XYSKD group showed alleviated pathological changes in the pelvic tissue, declined levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α (P<0.01), decreased average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of NE, H3, CD54, α-SMA, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt (P<0.01) and mRNA levels of NE, H3, CD54, α-SMA, PI3K, and Akt (P<0.01). Compared with the mTOR inhibitor group, the mTOR inhibitor + XYSKD group demonstrated reduced pathological severity of the pelvic tissue, reduced levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α (P<0.01), decreased average fluorescence intensities of MPO and H3 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of NE and CD54 (P<0.05). ConclusionXYSKD can inhibit the excessive formation and release of NETs via PI3K/Akt/mTOR to ameliorate the inflammatory environment and reduce fibrosis and adhesion of the pelvic tissue, thereby playing a role in the treatment of SPID. It may exert the effects by lowering the levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α and down-regulating the expression of NE, H3, CD54, α-SMA, PI3K, and Akt in the pelvic adhesion tissue.
9.Characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 2013‒2023
Qiumiao YU ; Chuchu YE ; Li ZHANG ; Rongxin WU ; Xuechun ZHANG ; Bing ZHAO ; Yuanping WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):410-415
ObjectiveTo investigate the infection characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, from 2013 to 2023, so as to provide an evidence for the prevention and control of RSV in Shanghai. MethodsChildren who sought medical care at sentinel healthcare facilities in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, between January 2013 and December 2023 and met the case definition of ARI were included in the study. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected and tested for viral pathogens using real-time fluorescene PCR, and the clinical information of whom was collected simultaneously. ResultsA total of 4 980 children were included in the ARI surveillance, among whom 231 tested positive for RSV, with an overall detection rate of 4.64%. Of these, 106 cases were type A and 125 were type B. From 2013 to 2023, the detection rate of RSV in children showed an overall trend of initial increase followed by a decline, with higher detection rates in autumn and winter and lower rates in spring and summer. The RSV detection rate gradually decreased with age, with the highest rate observed in children <1 year old, accounting for 16.33% (80/490) of RSV-detection cases. Cough was the most common clinical symptom. Among the RSV-positive cases, 36 involved co-infection with another virus, 6 co-infected with three viruses, and 1 with mixed infection of four viruses. The most frequent co-infection was RSV and human coronavirus. ConclusionChildren under 1 year of age are more susceptible to RSV infection, with cough being the predominant symptom. RSV infection in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, mainly occurs in winter. Targeted prevention and control measures should be taken for children under 1 year old during the winter season to reduce the risk of both RSV infection and co-infection with human coronavirus and influenza virus.
10.Analyzing the impact of individual and enterprise characteristics on occupational health literacy of key populations
Min YANG ; Huiqing CHEN ; Xinyang YU ; Junle WU ; Bing XIA ; Liping HUANG ; Xiaoyi LI
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):257-263
Objective To analyze the factors influencing the occupational health literacy (OHL) level among workers in key industries from the perspectives of both individual workers and enterprises. Methods A total of 32 336 front-line workers from 12 key industries in the secondary industry in Guangdong Province were selected as the research subjects by a stratified cluster random sampling method. Their OHL level was investigated using Occupational Health Literacy Questionnaire of National Key Populations, and the influencing factors were analyzed. Results The OHL level of the research subjects was 48.5%. The OHL level of the research subjects in four dimensions from high to low was basic knowledge of occupational health protection, occupational health practice and behavior, legal knowledge of occupational health, and basic skills of occupational health protection (80.7%, 61.2%, 48.3% and 29.5%, respectively). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the OHL level of female workers was lower than that of males (P<0.05). Lower OHL was also associated with older age, lower education level, lower personal monthly income of workers (all P<0.01). The workers with length of service < 3 years and ≥ 20 years had lower OHL level than those with length of service 3-<10 years and 10-<20 years, respectively (all P<0.05). Workers in larger enterprises had higher OHL levels (all P<0.01). The OHL level of workers in the sixth category of industries with occupational injuries had higher occupational injury risks than those in the third and fourth categories (all P<0.05). The OHL levels of workers in state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, foreign-funded enterprises, and other enterprises were higher than that of workers in public institutions (all P<0.05). Conclusion The influencing factors of workers′ OHL in key industries of the secondary industry include individual factors (gender, age, education level, personal monthly income, length of service) and enterprise factors (enterprise size, enterprise nature and industry injury risk category). Female, older workers, those with lower education or income, and those with short length of service represent priority groups for OHL interventions, while small and micro enterprises are priority units for future workplace health promotion intervention.

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