1.Effect of USP9X on Akt phosphorylation and platelet function
Xuemei JIA ; Shujun SHAO ; Lujie ZHOU ; Danxin DU ; Huangying LU ; Cheng CHEN ; Rong XIA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(4):377-384
【Objective】 To explore the expression of USP9X in platelets and its effect on platelet function. 【Methods】 The expression of USP9X in human and mouse was evaluated by PCR and Western blot. Platelets from young and old mice were separated and prepared, and the expression of USP9X was detected. USP9X inhibitos were used to assess the regulation of USP9X in platelet function, including aggregation, ATP release and spreading. Platelet lysates were collected in different time points to evaluate the change of phosphorylation of Akt in USP9X inhibitors treated platelets. 【Results】 Both human and mouse platelets expressed USP9X. Compared to the young mice, the old mice showed significantly enhanced expression of USP9X(P<0.05). To assess the effect of USP9X on platelet function, USP9X inhibitor was used to pre-incubate platelets for 30 min and platelet function were examined later. Results showed that USP9X inhibitor significantly decreased platelet activation including aggregation, ATP release and spreading(P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the inhibitor treated group showed a significant decrease in the spreading area after 45 minutes. The Western blot results showed a significant decrease in Akt phosphorylation levels of platelets in the USP9X inhibitor treated group. 【Conclusion】 Both human and mouse platelet express USP9X, and inhibition of USP9X decreased platelet function including aggregation, ATP release and spreading. USP9X can also influence the phosphorylation of Akt. The inhibitor of USP9X may become a potential therapeutic target for thrombosis intervention.
2.Binding and carrying role of human serum albumin from various sources to sphingosine-1-phosphate
Qing LIU ; Yafei ZHAO ; Jun XU ; Lu CHENG ; Yuwei HUANG ; Xi DU ; Changqing LI ; Zongkui WANG ; Li MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(5):524-533
Objective To investigate the binding and carrying effects of human serum albumin(HSA)from various sources on sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P).Methods Utilizing human plasma-derived HSA(pHSA)and recombinant HSA(rHSA)samples as the focal points of our investigation,LC-MS/MS technology was employed to meticulously compare and an-alyze the disparities in S1P content among the aforementioned samples.Subsequently,under physiological concentration condi-tions,S1P was directly introduced to HSA samples for loading processing,facilitating a comprehensive comparison of the bind-ing efficacy of HSA from different sources to S1P.Within a serum-free culture setting,HSA samples from various sources were co-cultured with HUVEC cells.The alterations in S1P content within the cell culture supernatant across different treatment groups were meticulously analyzed,allowing for a nuanced comparison of the S1P carry effects exerted by HSA from different sources on cells.The interaction between HSA and S1P molecules from different sources was analyzed and their affinity was cal-culated using surface plasmon resonance(SPR)technology.Furthermore,leveraging AutoDock Vina software and the Mol-prophet platform,the molecular docking analysis of HSA and S1P was conducted,aiming to predict the key binding pocket do-main of S1P within HSA.Results All pHSA samples exhibited detectable levels of S1P(ranging from 3.31±0.03 to 30.35±0.07 μg/L),with significant variations observed among pHSA samples from different manufacturers(P<0.001).Conversely,S1P was undetectable in all rHSA samples.Upon load treatment,the binding affinity of HSA from diverse sources to S1P dem-onstrated significant discrepancies(P<0.001),with rHSA exhibiting approximately double the average S1P loading compared to pHSA(ΔCrHSA=801.75±142.45 μg/L vs ΔCpHSA=461.94±85.73 μg/L;P<0.001,t=5.006).Co-culture treatment out-comes revealed a significant elevation in S1P concentration within the supernatant after 6 hours of co-culture across all HSA sample processing groups with HUVEC cells,while no changes were observed in the supernatant of the blank control group.Notably,significant differences in supernatant S1P concentration were observed among treatment groups at 6 h,12 h,and 24 h(P<0.001).SPR analysis unveiled a stronger affinity of pHSA for S1P compared to rHSA(KDpHSA-S1P:2.38E-06,KDrHSA-S1P:3.72E-06).Molecular docking analysis and binding pocket prediction suggested that the key binding pocket of HSA and S1P may reside in the IB subdomain of the HSA molecule.Conclusion HSA from various sources exhibits distinct binding and carrying effects on S1P,which appear to be closely associated with the IB subdomain of the HSA molecule.
3.Clinical Validation of a Prototype Smart Non-Invasive Pregnancy Glucose Monitor
Heqing LU ; Lirui CHENG ; Qiaoling DU ; Xiaofeng ZHANG ; Zhenzhen SUN ; Zhigang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Medical Instrumentation 2024;48(5):539-543
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a smart non-invasive blood glucose monitor prototype during pregnancy through clinical validation.The monitor utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy combined with AI big data analysis of photoelectric volumetric pulse wave data to achieve non-invasive monitoring of blood glucose in women during pregnancy.The research team developed a monitor that employs a sensing chip,effectively overcoming the problems of weak signals and individual differences in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring.The user experience is enhanced by visualizing the test results on the accompanying cell phone APP(application)of the smart non-invasive pregnancy blood glucose monitor.Clinical validation revealed that the non-invasive monitoring data for pregnant women aged 20~30 years significantly differed from those obtained via traditional blood glucose measurement methods,whereas no significant difference(P<0.05)was observed for pregnant women aged 31~42 years.The study concluded that further calibration of the monitor and an expansion of the sample size are necessary to enhance consistency with invasive glucose monitoring results.
4.Results of Lung Cancer Screening with Low-dose Computed Tomography and Exploration of Risk Factors in Guangzhou
LU XUANZHUANG ; QIU QIUXIA ; YANG CHUNYU ; LI CAICHEN ; LI JIANFU ; XIONG SHAN ; CHENG BO ; ZHOU CHUJING ; DU XIAOQIN ; ZHANG YI ; HE JIANXING ; LIANG WENHUA ; ZHONG NANSHAN
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2024;27(5):345-358
Background and objective Both of lung cancer incidence and mortality rank first among all cancers in China.Previous lung cancer screening trials were mostly selective screening for high-risk groups such as smokers.Non-smoking women accounted for a considerable proportion of lung cancer cases in Asia.This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of community-based mass screening in Guangzhou and identify the high-risk factors for lung cancer.Methods Residents aged 40-74 years in Guangzhou were screened with low-dose computed tomography(LDCT)for lung cancer and the pulmonary nodules were classified and managed according to China National Lung Cancer Screening Guideline with Low-dose Computed Tomography(2018 version).The detection rate of positive nodules was calculated.Before the LDCT examination,residents were required to complete a"lung cancer risk factors questionnaire".The risk factors of the questionnaire were analyzed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)penalized Logistic regression analysis.Results A total of 6256 residents were included in this study.1228 positive nodules(19.63%)and 117 lung cancers were confirmed,including 6 cases of Tis,103 cases of stage Ⅰ(accounting for 88.03%of lung cancer).The results of LASSO penalized Logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥50 yr(OR=1.07,95%CI:1.06-1.07),history of cancer(OR=3.29,95%CI:3.22-3.37),textile industry(OR=1.10,95%CI:1.08-1.13),use coal for cooking in childhood(OR=1.14,95%CI:1.13-1.16)and food al-lergy(OR=1.10,95%CI:1.07-1.13)were risk factors of lung cancer for female in this district.Conclusion This study highlighted that numerous early stages of lung cancer cases were detected by LDCT,which could be applied to screen-ing of lung cancer in women.Besides,age ≥50 yr,personal history of cancer,textile industry and use coal for cooking in childhood are risk factors for women in this district,which suggested that it's high time to raise the awareness of early lung cancer screening in this group.
5.Long-term efficacy of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation for hypertension treatment
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(6):324-329
The morbidity and mortality of hypertension have increased in recent years,threatening human cardiovascular health and increasing the global health burden.Renal sympathetic denervation(RDN),which reduces blood pressure by inhibiting renal sympathetic nerve activity,is a promising and novel treatment for hypertension.Among them,catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation has already been studied in several large-scale clinical studies,and the long-term follow-up results have been published,which has triggered a new thinking about the long-term efficacy of RDN.Therefore,this article focuses on the long-term efficacy of RSD and its potential influencing factors,aiming to provide a reference for the clinical application of RDN.
6.Mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 alleviating testicular injury induced by heat stress in mice
Yinhu HUANG ; Ziling WANG ; Kunhang DU ; Cheng WANG ; Caihong HUANG ; Ting YANG ; Han WEI ; Honghui JIANG ; Lu WANG ; Qinghua ZHANG ; Yaping WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(10):1123-1131
Objective To explore the mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 in alleviating heat stress-induced testicular injury in mice.Methods A total of 20 C57BL/6 male mice(6~8 weeks old)were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=5).The mice from the control group and heat stress(HS)group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mL/(kg·d)0.9%normal saline for 14 d,while those in the HS+Rg1 group and the Rg1 group were given an intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/(kg·d)for 14 d,and then on the 7th day after administration,the mice in the HS group and the HS+Rg1 group had the lower abdomen put into a 43 ℃ water bath for 30 min as a single heat stress after being anesthetized with 4%chloral hydrate.Mouse spermatocytes GC-2spd(ts)were divided into control group(routine culture for 48 h),HS group(placed in a 43 ℃ water bath for 30 min after 36 h of conventional culture,and cultured till the end of 48 h),HS+Rg1 group(50 μmol/L Rg1 treatment followed by heat stress injury),and Rg1 group(no heat stress injury).In 1 d after modeling,the eyeball blood samples were collected to detect serum testosterone with ELISA,and the testicles were extracted to observe the morphology and weighed to calculate the testicular index.HE staining was used to observe the histopathology of testis,and corresponding reagents and kits was employed to detect the content of malondialdehyde(MDA)and activities of catalase(CAT)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in testis tissue.After the epididymal sperm were collected,the sperm concentration and motility were analyzed by computer-assisted sperm analysis(CASA)system.In in vitro experiments,cell apoptosis was detected with TUNEL staining,the protein levels of Nrf2,Keap1,HO-1,Bax,Bcl-2 and Caspase3 were detected with Western blotting,and the mRNA levels of GCLC,GCLM and NQO1 were detected by RT-qPCR.Results Rg1 prevented the decreases in testicular weight and testicular index caused by heat stress,reduced the damage of testicular tissue structure,prevented the decrease of sperm concentration and vitality,antagonized the decreasd number of Leydig cells and serum testosterone level,reduced the accumulation of MDA in testicular tissue,and enhanced the activities of CAT and SOD.Rg1 treatment alleviated the apoptosis of GC-2spd(ts)cells,down-regulated the expression of Bax,Caspase3 and Keap1 proteins,enhanced the expression of Bcl-2,Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins,and increased the transcriptional levels of Nrf2 target genes GCLC,GCLM and NQO1.Conclusion Rg1 has no significant effect on the structure and function of mouse testes,but it can effectively improve the ability of mouse testes to resist heat stress injury,which may be related to the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway,the improvement of antioxidant enzyme activity,and the reduction of apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.
7.Angelica Sinensis polysaccharide promoting hematopoietic reconstruction in receptor mice after bone marrow transplantation
Ting YANG ; Kui LIAO ; Cai-Hong HUANG ; Han WEI ; Cheng WANG ; Kun-Hang DU ; Zi-Ling WANG ; Lu WANG ; Ya-Ping WANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(5):556-564
Objective To explore the mechanism of Angelica Sinensis polysaccharide(ASP)promoting donor bone marrow transplantation(BMT)to reconstruct hematopoietic function of receptor mice by regulating bone marrow stromalcells(BMSCs).Methods Bone marrow mononuclear cells(BMMNCs)of male C57BL/6J mice aged 8-10 weeks were separated,purified and transplanted into female receptor mice of the same age.On the ninth day,receptor mice BMMNCs were separated,purified and transplanted again into female receptor mice.The transplanted receptor mice were divided into control group:sham irradiation;Irradiation(IR)group:a whole-body irradiation with a total dose of 8.0 Gy X-ray;BMT group:the receptor mice treated in the same way as the IR group and transplanted BMMNCs(5×106 cells)from male donor via the tail vein;BMT+ASP group:the receptor mice treated in the same way as the BMT group,and injected ASP[100 mg/(kg·d)×9]by intraperitoneal route from the first day of transplantation.Changes in body weight and survival rate of mice were recorded during modeling,receptor mice BMMNCs were collected to detect sex-determining region of Y(SRY)gene after building model,peripheral blood indexes,the number of BMMNCs in femur and histopathology of bone marrow were detected;BMSCs in receptor mice was separated and purified,BMSCs adhesion ability was observed,proliferation ability was detected by 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(EdU);The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS),the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and the content of malondialdehyde(MDA)in BMSCs were detected;The levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF),stem cell factor(SCF),insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)in culture supernatant of BMSCs were determined,CFU-Mix was counted after BMMNCs co-cultured with receptor BMSCs in each group for 48 hours;The expression of Notch signaling pathway related genes(Notch1,Jagged1,Hes1)in BMMNCs were measured by Real-time PCR.Results All mice in IR group were died,the body weight loss in BMT+ASP group was not obvious.The SRY gene was detected in the receptor female mice BMMNCs.Peripheral blood indexes and the number of BMMNCs were not significantly decreased in BMT+ASP group receptor mice,and bone marrow histopathological injury was reduced.ASP promoted the proliferation of BMSCs,decreased the contents of ROS and MDA,and increased the activity of SOD in BMSCs.ASP promoted the secretion of SCF,GM-CSF and IGF-1 in BMSCs,and increased CFU-Mix yield of BMMNCs co-cultured with receptor BMSCs.ASP increased the expression of Notch1,Jagged1 and Hes1 mRNA in BMMNCs.Conclusion The mechanism of ASP promoting receptor hematopoietic function reconstruction is related to reducing the oxidative stress damage of hematopoietic microenvironment,improving the secretion of hematopoietic growth factors in BMSCs,and regulating Notch signaling pathway.
8.Continuation, reduction, or withdrawal of tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis achieving sustained disease control: a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial.
Mengyan WANG ; Yu XUE ; Fang DU ; Lili MA ; Liang-Jing LU ; Lindi JIANG ; Yi-Li TAO ; Chengde YANG ; Hui SHI ; Honglei LIU ; Xiaobing CHENG ; Junna YE ; Yutong SU ; Dongbao ZHAO ; Sheng-Ming DAI ; Jialin TENG ; Qiongyi HU
Chinese Medical Journal 2023;136(3):331-340
BACKGROUND:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, is characterized by synovitis and progressive damage to the bone and cartilage of the joints, leading to disability and reduced quality of life. This study was a randomized clinical trial comparing the outcomes between withdrawal and dose reduction of tofacitinib in patients with RA who achieved sustained disease control.
METHODS:
The study was designed as a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients who were taking tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily) and had achieved sustained RA remission or low disease activity (disease activity score in 28 joints [DAS28] ≤3.2) for at least 3 months were enrolled at six centers in Shanghai, China. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to one of three treatment groups: continuation of tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily); reduction in tofacitinib dose (5 mg daily); and withdrawal of tofacitinib. Efficacy and safety were assessed up to 6 months.
RESULTS:
Overall, 122 eligible patients were enrolled, with 41 in the continuation group, 42 in the dose-reduction group, and 39 in the withdrawal group. After 6 months, the percentage of patients with a DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of <3.2 was significantly lower in the withdrawal group than that in the reduction and continuation groups (20.5%, 64.3%, and 95.1%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). The average flare-free time was 5.8 months for the continuation group, 4.7 months for the dose reduction group, and 2.4 months for the withdrawal group.
CONCLUSION:
Withdrawal of tofacitinib in patients with RA with stable disease control resulted in a rapid and significant loss of efficacy, while standard or reduced doses of tofacitinib maintained a favorable state.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chictr.org, ChiCTR2000039799.
Humans
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Quality of Life
;
China
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
;
Piperidines/therapeutic use*
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Treatment Outcome
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Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use*
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Pyrroles/therapeutic use*
9.Multicenter epidemiological characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children in Hainan Province, 2012-2020
LIAO Shang-qiu ; TAN Hui ; ZHANG Xue-mei ; WAN Ke-cheng ; LU Xiong-fu ; ZHU Hou-cai ; YANG Zi-jiang ; ZHANG Yu-qing ; LIU Jia-yu ; TAN Xiao-yu ; DU Yu-ang ; BAI En-xu ; CAI Si-ming ; HUO Kai-ming
China Tropical Medicine 2023;23(5):511-
Abstract: Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics (season, age, gender, mixed infection and clinical manifestations, etc.) of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in children in Hainan Province, so as to provide epidemiological evidence-based medical basis for the prevention and control of MP infection in children in Hainan Province. Methods The serum IgM antibodies of MP, Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydia pneumoniae, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Q fever Rickettsia, parainfluenza virus, influenza A virus and influenza B virus in children with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) who were hospitalized in pediatrics of many hospitals in Hainan Province from March 2012 to February 2020 were detected by indirect immunofluorescence method. The positive serum MP-IgM antibody was defined as MP infection. The epidemiological and clinical data of MP infected cases were analyzed retrospectively. Results From March, 2012 to February, 2020, a total of 35 731 qualified pediatric inpatients with RTIs in many hospitals in Hainan Province were tested for serum MP-IgM with the total positive rate of 39.12% (13 978/35 731). The yearly positive rates of MP-IgM from 2012 to 2020 were 48.39%, 56.23%, 56.62%, 47.04%, 29.71%, 24.14%, 47.55%, 36.84% and 24.46% respectively. The positive rates of MP-IgM in 2013 and 2014 were significantly higher than those in other years (P<0.05). The positive rate of MP-IgM in summer in Hainan Province was the highest (41.34%) and the lowest in winter (35.77%) (P<0.05). MP infection occurred in all age groups, the positive rate of MP-IgM in children of preschool (51.80%) was significantly higher than that in other age groups (P<0.01), and the positive rate of MP IgM in children of infancy (15.36%) was lower than that in other age groups (P<0.01). The positive rate of MP-IgM in female was 44.77%, which was significantly higher than that in male (35.83%) (P<0.05). MP infection combined with positive IgM of another pathogen accounted for 32.63% (4 561 cases), positive IgM of another two pathogens accounted for 1.26% (176 cases). MP infection was mostly found in pneumonia (68.73%), and the main clinical symptoms were cough (84.72%), fever (51.01%) and wheezing (3.16%). Conclusions MP is an important pathogen of respiratory tract infection in children in Hainan Province, and infection is more common in children in early school age and early childhood. Mp-specific tests should be performed to identify the pathogen in children suspected of MP infection. In the high incidence season, health education should be strengthened in kindergartens, schools and other places to prevent respiratory tract infection.
10.Therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autologous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis
Yu SU ; Teng MA ; Ming LI ; Yibo XU ; Yao LU ; Qiang HUANG ; Bing DU ; Dongchen LI ; Yanling YANG ; Cheng REN ; Kun ZHANG ; Zhong LI
International Journal of Surgery 2023;50(7):457-463,C1
Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was peformed in 29 patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis treated with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft in the Xi′an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi′an Jiaotong University from April 2013 to January 2020. There were 19 males and 10 females, with the age of (45.38±12.85) years, ranged from 22 to 67 years. The course of disease was (16.00±6.96) months, ranged from 6 to 36 months. The skin defect area was (41.9±15.9) cm 2, ranged from 11.8 to 86.8 cm 2. The causes of injury: 18 cases of high fall, 6 cases of traffic accidents, 3 cases of heavy rolling, the remaining 2 cases were machine strangulation and sharp stab wounds. The inflammatory markers [white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP)] and bone healing time were recorded before operation, 2, 4, 8 weeks and 6 months after operation. During the follow-up period, the flap texture, survival were observed, and the ankle-posterior foot function recovery was evaluated by the American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score were observed before and after the operation, and the incidence of complications were recorded. The measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the t-test was used for inter-group comparison; the levels of WBC, ESR, PCT and CRP at different time points before and after operation were compared by repeated measurement ANOVA, and the LSD t-test was used for pairwise comparison. Results:All the 29 patients were followed up for (14.51±6.10) months, ranged from 6 to 30 months. All the flaps survived without abrasion, ulceration, or skin protrusion, and all patients could walk normally with shoes. There were 28 cases of stage I bone healing, with an average of (5.87±2.07) months, ranged from 3 to 12 months. The inflammatory indexes was significantly decreased at different time points after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 6 months and 8 weeks after operation ( P>0.05), while there was significant difference at other time points ( P<0.05). The ankle-posterior foot score of AOFAS at 6 months after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment (83.44±7.93 vs 55.37±8.07), the differences was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The clinical efficacy of foot function recovery was excellent in 12 cases, good in 15 cases and fair in 2 cases among 29 patients .The excellent and good rate was 93.1% (27/29). One patient recurred 1 month after operation and was re-implanted with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate mixed autogenous iliac bone after debridement, no recurrence was found. The total complication rate was 31.0%, but there was no significant impact on the patient's life in the later period. All patients returned to daily life and work. Conclusion:The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft can effectively control infection, reconstruct calcaneal and soft tissue structure, promote functional recovery of affected limb, and ultimately improve the patient′s quality of life.

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