1.Application of CRISPR/Cas System in Precision Medicine for Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Hui-Ling LIN ; Yu-Xin OUYANG ; Wan-Ying TANG ; Mi HU ; Mao PENG ; Ping-Ping HE ; Xin-Ping OUYANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):279-289
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a distinctive subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, TNBC poses significant chanllenges for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The advant of clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has profoundly enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of the TNBC genome, providing a powerful tool for investigating the occurrence and development of diseases. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. We begin by discussing the unique attributes of TNBC and the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment approaches: conventional diagnostic methods provide limited insights into TNBC, while traditional chemotherapy drugs are often associated with low efficacy and severe side effects. The CRISPR/Cas system, which activates Cas enzymes through complementary guide RNAs (gRNAs) to selectively degrade specific nucleic acids, has emerged as a robust tool for TNBC research. This technology enables precise gene editing, allowing for a deeper understanding of TNBC heterogeneity by marking and tracking diverse cell clones. Additionally, CRISPR facilitates high-throughput screening to promptly identify genes involved in TNBC growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, thus revealing new therapeutic targets and strategies. In TNBC diagnostics, CRISPR/Cas was applied to develop molecular diagnostic systems based on Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, each employing distinct detection principles. These systems can sensitively and specifically detect a variety of TNBC biomarkers, including cell-specific DNA/RNA and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the realm of precision therapy, CRISPR/Cas has been utilized to identify key genes implicated in TNBC progression and treatment resistance. CRISPR-based screening has uncovered potential therapeutic targets, while its gene-editing capabilities have facilitated the development of combination therapies with traditional chemotherapy drugs, enhancing their efficacy. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas technology remains in its early stages. Several clinical trials are underway to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of various genetic diseases and cancers. Challenges such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and delivery methods remain to be addressed. The integration of CRISPR/Cas with other technologies, such as 3D cell culture systems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to further advance precision medicine for TNBC. These technological convergences can offer deeper insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas system holds immense potential in the precise diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. As the technology progresses and becomes more costs-effective, its clinical relevance will grow, and the translation of CRISPR/Cas system data into clinical applications will pave the way for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for TNBC patients. However, technical hurdles and ethical considerations require ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.
2.Research progress of needle-free injection technology
He ZHANG ; Shuo LI ; Yi CHENG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Nan LIU ; Meng LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Ai-ping ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):591-599
Needle-free injection technology (NFIT) refers to the drug delivery systems in which drugs are propelled as high-speed jet streams using any of the pressure source to penetrate the skin to the required depth. NFIT is a promising drug delivery system as it enables the injection of liquids, powders, and depot/projectiles, and has the advantages of preventing needle stick accidents, improving drug bioavailability, eliminating needle-phobia, increasing vaccine immunity, simplifying operations and is convenient for patients to use. NFIT and its research background, the structure and classification of needle-free jet injectors (NFJI), drugs that can be delivered using NFJI and the factors affecting the injection effect are comprehensively reviewed in this paper. The limitations and potential development directions are summarized to provide a theoretical basis for the application and development of NFIT.
3.A reporter gene assays for bioactivity determination of human chorinonic gonadotropin
Ying HUANG ; Xiao-ming ZHANG ; He-yang LI ; Lü-yin WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Ping LÜ ; Jing LI ; Xiang-dong GAO ; Cheng-gang LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):432-438
This study constructed a LHCGR-CRE-luc-HEK293 transgenic cell line according to the activation of the cAMP signaling pathway after recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin binding to the receptor. The biological activity of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin was assayed using a luciferase assay system. The relative potency of the samples was calculated using four-parameter model. And the method conditions were optimized to validate the specificity, relative accuracy, precision and linearity of the method. The results showed that there was a quantitative potency relationship of human chorinonic gonadotropin (hCG) in the method and it was in accordance with the four-parameter curve. After optimization, the conditions were determined as hCG dilution concentration of 2.5 μg·mL-1, dilution ratio of 1∶4, cell number of 10 000-15 000 cells/well, and induction time of 6 h. The method had good specificity, relative accuracy with relative bias ranging from -8.9% to 3.4%, linear regression equation correlation coefficient of 0.996, intermediate precision geometric coefficient of variation ranging from 3.3% to 15.0%, and linearity range of 50% to 200%. This study successfully established and validated a reporter gene method to detect hCG biological activity, which can be used for hCG biological activity assay and quality control.
4.Direct Determination of 23 Kinds of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Crude Plant Extracts by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Online Solid Phase Extraction
Nan SHEN ; Tong-Zhu HAN ; Can-Can SHENG ; Xiu-Ping HE ; Jun-Hui CHEN ; Chen-Guang LIU ; Xian-Guo LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(2):286-295,后插1-后插5
A new method for simultaneous determination of 23 kinds of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs)(13 kinds of perfluoro carboxylic acids,4 kinds of perfluoro sulfonic acids,and 6 kinds of new substitutes)in plant leaf tissue by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)using automatic online solid phase extraction(SPE)to remove the matrix interference components in plant crude extracts was developed.The plant leaf samples were extracted twice with 1%formic acid-methanol solution,then evaporated to dry,redissolved with 70%methanol solution,and directly injected for analysis.After 23 kinds of target PFASs were purified automatically by online SPE with a WAX column,the six-way valve was switched to rinse PFASs onto an alkaline mobile phase system-compatible C18 analytical column.Then,the 23 kinds of target PFASs were separated within 16 min by gradient elution using a binary mobile phase system of methanol/water(Containing 0.4%ammonium hydroxide).Tandem mass spectrometry was performed in multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)mode for online detection of various PFASs,and quantification was carried out by internal standard method.The results of the method validation showed that satisfactory average recoveries of 23 kinds of PFASs in plant leaf samples(64.2%-125.5%),precision(relative standard deviations(RSDs)of 0.7%-12.8%),linearity(R2>0.990),and sensitivity(the detection limits(S/N=3)were in the range of 0.02-0.50 μg/kg)were achieved.Finally,this method was used to detect PFASs in the marine green tide algae(Enteromorpha prolifera)and several tree leaves,and a total of 6 kinds of PFASs were detected,in which PFBA was the main contaminant.Compared with the reported offline SPE methods,the proposed online SPE technique significantly simplified the sample pretreatment process and provided an automatic,simple,and environment-friendly method for the routine monitoring of legacy and emerging PFASs in plant tissues.
5.Bioequivalence study of buspirone hydrochloride tablets in Chinese healthy subjects
Ping LU ; Rui WANG ; Hui-Hui WU ; Hai-Yan LIU ; Ge-Fei HE ; Shun-Zhi ZHANG ; Wei WU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):723-727
Objective To study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of buspirone hydrochloride tablets in healthy adult populations under conditions of fasting and postprandial administration.Methods A single-center,randomized,three-cycle partially repeated crossover trial design was adopted,and 36 subjects were enrolled on fasting/postprandial,one tablet of the test preparation was taken in one cycle,one tablet of reference preparation(5 mg of buspirone tablets)was taken once in each of 2 cycles,the drug concentration of buspirone in plasma was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by WinNonlin software.Results Main pharmacokinetics of buspirone after oral administration of test and reference preparations in fasting group,the Cmax was(285.72±286.08)and(308.94±341.03)pg·mL-1;AUC0-t were(577.09±491.10)and(618.62±642.56)pg·mL-1·h;AUC0-∞ were(586.85±510.04)and(655.92±687.95)pg·mL-1·h;tmax was 0.75(0.33-4.00)and 0.75(0.33-1.75)h.Main pharmacokinetics of buspirone after oral administration of test and reference preparations in the postprandial group,the Cmax were(676.36±603.64)and(760.33±610.27)pg·mL-1;AUC0-t were(1 755.58±1 001.69)and(1 743.00±1 073.33)pg·h·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were(1 839.97±1 044.60)and(1 818.00±1 106.95)pg·mL-1·h;tmax was 1.25(0.25-4.50)and 1.00(0.25-3.50)h.The 90%confidence intervals of the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ geometric mean ratios of the test preparation and the reference preparation in the fasting test and the postprandial test all fell between 80.00%and 125.00%,and the 95%upper confidence limit of of Cmax was ≤0 and geometric mean ratios point estimates fall between 80.00%and 125.00%.Conclusion Two kinds of buspirone hydrochloride are bioequivalent in Chinese healthy adult subject.
6.Application of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with chronic kidney disease
Yi HE ; Hui ZHONG ; Hen XUE ; Youqin YANG ; Min ZHAO ; Xiaodong CHANG ; Maoli CHEN ; Ping FU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2024;40(1):67-73
As a new strategy for the application of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) in patients with CKD, much evidence showed that it improved the prognosis of patients with CKD. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan in physiology, pathology, pharmacology and clinical application by searching Wanfang, CNKI, PubMed and other databases for related articles on the application of sacubitril/valsartan in CKD patients. Although LBQ657, the active product of sacubitril, has a high drug accumulation in patients with moderate, severe renal injury, and ESRD, it is not cleared in hemodialysis, and has very little eliminated in peritoneal dialysis, which does not affect its safety. Compared with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker drugs, LCZ696 could increase the blood pressure control rate, improve cardiac function, slow down the decline of glomerular filtration rate, and significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes without more adverse events. Sacubitril/valsartan can be used in all levels of CKD patients complicated with hypertension and/or heart failure, with reliable safety and tolerance.
7.Relationship between early dialysis anemia status and prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Hui FANG ; Bin PAN ; Siyu CHEN ; Yongchun HE ; Lihui QU ; Qi GUO ; Jianghua CHEN ; Ping ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2024;40(2):85-93
Objective:To analyze the status of anemia at the beginning of dialysis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) adult patients, and to explore the relationship between early dialysis anemia and early survival and long-term survival.Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. The baseline demographic and clinical data of newly admitted MHD patients from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the hemoglobin (Hb) level at the beginning of dialysis, the patients were divided into high Hb group (Hb≥110 g/L), middle Hb group (80 g/L≤Hb<110 g/L) and low Hb group (Hb<80 g/L). The baseline data among the three groups were compared, and the changing trend of Hb level in MHD patients during the 8 years was analyzed. The follow-up ended at peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation, death or on December 31, 2021. All-cause death event within 6 months after the initiation of dialysis was defined as early death, while all-cause death event more than 6 months after the initiation of dialysis was defined as long-term death. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the survival rate, and log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates among the three groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis model was used to analyze the association between anemia (Hb<110 g/L) at the beginning of dialysis and both early and long-term mortality.Results:A total of 36 216 MHD patients were included in this study, with age of (61.3±15.5) years old and 22 163 males (61.20%). The Hb at the beginning of dialysis was (89.33±20.89) g/L. The compliance rate of Hb (≥110 g/L) was 16.43% (5 952/36 216). There were 12 232 patients (33.78%), 18 032 patients (49.79%), and 5 952 patients (16.43%) in low Hb group, middle Hb group, and high Hb group, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in gender distribution, age, serum creatinine, blood phosphorus, blood calcium, C-reactive protein, intact parathyroid hormone, blood leukocytes, platelets, serum albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and proportions of chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, tumors, emporary catheter, long-term catheter and autologous arteriovenous fistula among the three groups (all P<0.05). During the 8-year period, the Hb level had an increased trend steadily each year, and Hb was (88.48±22.07) g/L, (88.52±21.43) g/L, (87.86±21.29) g/L, (88.93±20.69) g/L, (88.87±20.69) g/L, (90.03±20.47) g/L, (90.74±20.31) g/L and (90.31±20.54) g/L year by year. There were 2 176 early deaths (6.01%), and 6 557 long-term deaths (18.10%) by the end of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that early survival rate of low Hb group was significantly lower than those of high Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=57.115, P<0.001) and middle Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=49.918, P<0.001), and long-term survival rates of low Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=107.097, P<0.001) and middle Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=47.430, P<0.001) were significantly lower than that of high Hb group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Hb<80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis was an independent influencing factor of early death (Hb ≥110 g/L as a reference, HR=1.307, 95% CI 1.096-1.559), and 80 g/L≤Hb<110 g/L and Hb<80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis were the independent influencing factors of long-term death (Hb≥110 g/L as a reference, HR=1.108, 95% CI 1.021-1.203; HR=1.228, 95% CI 1.127-1.339, respectively) in MHD patients. Conclusions:The compliance rate of Hb at the beginning of dialysis in MHD patients is low. Hb <80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis is an independent risk factor of early death, and Hb <110 g/L at the beginning of dialysis is an independent risk factor of long-term death in MHD patients.
8.Study on the Taste-masking Effects of Cyclodextrins on Lanqin Extract
Yong XU ; Haiqing YANG ; Yining KONG ; Xiating PING ; Hui LI ; Houhong HE ; Jianbiao YAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(2):228-235
OBJECTIVE
To prepare Lanqin extract/cyclodextrin complexes for probing its effects of different kinds of cyclodextrins on the taste-masking.
METHODS
Bitter compounds in the extracts were performed on ion exchange resin adsorption combined with HPLC. The formulations of complexes were screened by human taste panel method. The complexes were prepared by spray-drying and characterized through scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and hygroscopicty test. Moreover, the in vitro bitter taste perception of complexes was evaluated by electronic tongue and further valuation the credibility of the results was conducted on human gustatory sensation tests.
RESULTS
The sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin-based combinational formulation with multiple cyclodextrins could significantly inhibit the bitter taste of the extract which mainly caused by its alkaline constituents at a lower dosage. The results of electron scanning microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and hygroscopicity indicated that the Lanqin extract and cyclodextrin in the complex may form inclusion complexes rather than physical mixtures. The results of electronic tongue and human gustatory sensation tests showed that, compared with the extract suggested the taste characteristics of the optimal complexes was similar to corresponding excipient while the bitterness significantly reduced.
CONCLUSION
The Lanqin extract/cyclodextrin complexes prepared in this study are suitable for industrial production for its good flavour, less total amount of cyclodextrins, and simple process. The present study has important significance for the development of related taste masking products of Lanqin.
9.Analysis of nutritional status of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and its impact on quality of life
Kai ZHOU ; Xiao-Xia GOU ; Hu MA ; Guo-Ping HE ; Xin TIAN ; Hui XU ; Bi FENG
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2024;31(5):280-287
Objective:To investigate the correlation between nutritional status and quality of life in inpatients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to analyze the factors affecting nutritional status,so as to provide evidence for clinical nutritional support treatment.Methods:In this study,we retrospectively collected data from patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the Head and Neck Oncology Department of Zunyi Medical University Affiliated Hospital from 2014 to 2019.The NRS 2002 scale was used for nutritional risk screening,the PG-SGA scale for nutritional status assessment and the EORTCQLQ-C30 V3.0 scale for quality of life assessment.To further explore the correlation between nutritional status and quality of life,as well as the factors affecting nutritional status.Results:A total of 216 patients were collected,including 168 male(77.78%);average age(50.5±10.58)years;26.85%were at nutritional risk(NRS 2002 score≥3);28.70%were moderate malnutrition(PG-SGA score 4-8),and 23.15%were severe malnutrition(PG-SGA score≥9).There were significant differences in several physical examinations(such as body weight,body mass index,muscle circumference at the midpoint of the upper arm,etc.)and blood biochemical indexes(such as prealbumin,neutrophils,urea nitrogen,etc.)of patients with different nutritional status were differed between groups(P<0.05).Univariate analysis showed that age≥65 years was a risk factor for the development of severe malnutrition(OR:3.429,95%CI:1.467 to 8.014,P=0.004),whereas a high level of education(senior high school and above)was a protective factor(OR:0.027,95%CI:0.011 to 0.064,P=0.000).The poorer the nutritional status of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients,the lower the quality of life.Conclusion:Nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients have a high incidence of malnutrition;the poorer the nutritional status of the patient,the lower the quality of life;routine nutritional diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after admission to the hospital is recommended to improve clinical outcomes.
10.Clinical Observation on Comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy in Treating Refractory Sudden Hearing Loss
Qi XIAO ; Dan-Hui ZHANG ; Peng LIU ; Wei-Zhe HONG ; Wei-Ping HE ; Hua-Min GUO ; Hui-Xian XU ; Jing LIU ; En-Qin GUO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(6):1486-1492
Objective To observe the curative effect of comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)therapy for the treatment of refractory sudden hearing loss(i.e.,suffering sudden hearing loss more than 2 weeks),and to analyze the factors that may affect the prognosis.Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out in 405 hospitalized patients with refractory sudden hearing loss who were treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology,the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from 2005 to 2022.The patients were all treated by comprehensive TCM therapy including oral administration of Chinese medicine,acupuncture,acupoint seed-pressing application after individualized syndrome differentiation.The overall clinical efficacy was evaluated,and the difference of efficacy in the patients with various courses of disease,degrees of deafness,types of hearing curve,concomitant symptoms and TCM syndrome types,having or not having previous treatment history was analyzed.Results For the 405 patients with refractory sudden hearing loss,the cure rate was 5.7%and the total effective rate was 28.1%.Among the 405 patients,the best efficacy was achieved in the patients with mild hearing loss,low-frequency decline type of hearing curve,and having no previous treatment history,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).There was no significant difference in the efficacy of patients with different courses of disease,with or without concomitant symptoms,or with various syndrome types(P>0.05).Conclusion The comprehensive TCM therapy has a certain effect on refractory sudden hearing loss.Patients with poor efficacy after conventional western medicine can still benefit from the comprehensive TCM therapy.


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