1.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
2. Effects of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid on promoting transdifferentiation of pancreatic OL cells into pancreatic β cells
Chao-Feng XING ; Min-Yi TANG ; Qi-Hua XU ; Shuai WANG ; Zong-Meng ZHANG ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Yun-Pin MU ; Fang-Hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):31-38
Aim To investigate the role of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in promoting the transdifferentiation of pancreatic α cells to β cells. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with 60 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) for five consecutive days to establish a type 1 diabetes (T1DM) mouse model. After two weeks, they were randomly divided into model groups and 97% EPA diet intervention group, 75% fish oil (50% EPA +25% DHA) diet intervention group, and random blood glucose was detected every week; after the model expired, the regeneration of pancreatic β cells in mouse pancreas was observed by immunofluorescence staining. The islets of mice (obtained by crossing GCG
3. Expression, purification, and functional verification of recombinant human glycoprotein hormone beta 5/alpha 2 fusion protein in CHO-S cells
Ai-Jun QIAN ; Geng-Miao XIAO ; Zhuang LI ; Yun-Ping MU ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Fang-Hong LI ; Zhi-Cheng LIANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):390-396
Aim To express and purify recombinant hCGH-CTP fusion protein in high-density suspension culture of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-S), and to verify the lipid accumulation effect of rhCGH-CTP on 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. Methods The recombinant protein expression vector (pcDNA3. 1-rhCGH-CTP) was constructed, achieved by fusing the human glycoprotein hormone beta 5/alpha 2 cDNA with CTP Linker. The expression plasmid was transiently transfected into the suspended CHO-S to express rhCGH-CTP protein and then purified, and the protein biological activity was verified. Intervention with 3T3-L1 mature adipocyte cells for 24 h was performed to detect the changes of intracellular triglyceride (TG) level. Results Western blot results showed that rhCGH-CTP protein was successfully expressed in CHO-S cells, and the yield was up to 715. 4 mg • L~ . The secreted protein was purified by AKTA pure system with higher purity that was up to 90% as identified by SDS-PAGE. In addition, the intracellular cAMP content of mature adipocytes with high expression of TSHR gene significantly increased after intervention with different concentrations of rhCGH-CTP protein by ELISA kit, indicating that rhCGH-CTP protein had biological activity. Oil red 0 staining showed that compared with the control group, the lipid content of mature adipocytes in the intervention groups with different concentrations of rhCGH-CTP protein significantly decreased (P < 0. 05) . Conclusions The rhCGH-CTP protein has been successfully expressed and purified with biological activity, and effectively reduce TG. This research provides an important theoretical basis for further revealing the physiological role of CGH protein and its potential application in clinical practice.
4.Effect of hand hygiene intervention on healthcare-associated case infection incidence from 2014 to 2022
Jia-Yan DING ; Rui-Hong SHEN ; Wen-Qin ZHOU ; Ya-Yun YUAN ; Mei HUANG ; Ya YANG ; Bing-Chao CAI ; Hai-Qun BAN ; Xiao-Fang FU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(2):208-213
Objective To observe the effect of multi-modal hand hygiene(HH)intervention on HH compliance,as well as the relationship between HH compliance and the healthcare-associated(HA)case infection incidence.Methods From 2014 to 2022,the infection control team in a tertiary first-class hospital implemented multi-modal HH intervention for health care workers(HCWs).The changing trend of HH monitoring data,the correlation be-tween HH compliance rate and HA case infection incidence were analyzed retrospectively.Results The consump-tion of HH products in the wards showed a stable upward trend;HH compliance rate increased from 64.98%in 2014 to 85.01%in 2022(P<0.001),and HA case infection incidence decreased from 1.21%to 0.83%(P<0.05).HH compliance rate was negatively correlated with HA case infection incidence(r=-0.369,P=0.027).HH compliance rates in different regions and job posts in each quarter were increased(P<0.001).For 5 different HH moments in each quarter,HH compliance rate fluctuated slightly before sterile manipulation and after touching patient;presented rising trend after touching surroundings around patient,and decreased before touching patient and after touching patient's body fluid since 2020(P<0.001).Conclusion Multi-modal HH intervention can im-prove the HH compliance of HCWs,improving their HH awareness is conducive to reducing HA case infection incidence.
5.Extraction process,enzymatic properties and practical application of glucuronic hydrolase in Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves
Yu-Jie CHENG ; Xu CHEN ; Yun-Hua LIU ; Zhi-Fang HUANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yu-Hong LIU ; Jin-Hai YI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(1):35-40
AIM To study the extraction process,enzymatic properties and practical application of glucuronic hydrolase in Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves(sbsl GUS).METHODS With granularity,water consumption,extraction time and extraction frequency as influencing factors,enzymatic activity as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by orthogonal test on the basis of single factor test.The relationship between substrate(baicalin)concentration and enzymolysis rate,after which Vmax and Km were calculated,the effects of pH value,temperature and metal ion on enzymatic activity were investigated,pH stability and heat stability were evaluated.sbsl GUS was adotped in the enzymolysis of baicalin to prepare baicalein,then the effects of pH value,temperature,reaction time,initial substrate concentration and enzyme addition on transfer rate were investigated.RESULTS The optimal extraction process was determined to be 40 mesh for granularity,10 times for water consumption,15 min for extraction time,and 3 times for extraction frequency.The enzymolysis accorded with the kinetics of enzymatic reaction,Km was 0.006 3 mol/L,Vmax was 70.42 μmol/h,the strongest enzymatic activity was found at the pH value of 6.0,temperature of 45℃and metal ion of 100 mmol/L Cu2+,sbsl GUS demonstrated good stability at the ranges of 4.0-7.0 for pH value and 4-30℃for temperature.The optimal preparation process was determined to be 6.0 for pH value,45℃for temperature,more than 12 h for reaction time,67.2 mmol/L for initial substrate concentration,and 1 mL/0.269 mmol baicalin for enzyme addition,the transfer rate was 97.83%.CONCLUSION sbsl GUS enzymolysis exhibits high efficiency and mild condition,which can provide a simple preparation method for obtaining baicalein,and expand the application path of Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves.
6.Application of Functionalized Liposomes in The Delivery of Natural Products
Cheng-Yun WANG ; Xin-Yue LAN ; Jia-Xuan GU ; Xin-Ru GAO ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jun LI ; Bing FANG ; Wen-Tao XU ; Hong-Tao TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(11):2947-2959
Plant natural products have a wide range of pharmacological properties, not only can they be used as plant dietary supplements to meet the nutritional needs of the human body in the accelerated pace of life, but also occupy an important position in the research and development of therapeutic drugs for the treatment of tumors, inflammation and other diseases, and have been widely accepted by the public due to their good safety. However, despite the above advantages of plant natural products, limiting factors such as low solubility, poor stability, lack of targeting, high toxicity and side effects, and unacceptable odor have greatly impeded their conversion to clinical applications. Therefore, the development of new avenues for the application of new natural products has become an urgent problem to be solved at present. In recent years, with the continuous development of research, various strategies have been developed to improve the bioavailability of natural products. Among them, nanocarrier delivery system is one of the most attractive strategies at present. In past studies, a large number of nanomaterials (organic, inorganic, etc.) have been developed to encapsulate plant-derived natural products for their efficient delivery to specific organs and cells. Up to now, nanotechnology has not only been limited to pharmaceutical applications, but is also competing in the fields of nanofood processing technology and nanoemulsions. Among the various nanocarriers, liposomes are the largest nanocarriers with the largest market share at present. Liposomes are bilayer nanovesicles synthesized from amphiphilic substances, which have advantages such as high drug loading capacity and stability. Attractively, the flexible surface of liposomes can be modified with various functional elements. Functionalized modification of liposomes with different functional elements such as antibodies, nucleic acids, peptides, and stimuli-responsive moieties can bring out the excellent drug delivery function of liposomes to a greater extent. For example, the modification of functional elements with targeting function such as nucleic acids and antibodies on the surface of liposomes can deliver natural products to the target location and improve the bioavailability of drugs; the modification of stimulus-responsive groups such as photosensitizers, magnetic nanoparticles, pH-responsive groups, and temperature sensitizers on the surface of liposomes can achieve controlled release of drugs, localized targeting, and synergistic thermotherapy. In addition to the above properties, by using functionalized liposomes to encapsulate natural products with irritating properties can also effectively mask the irritating properties of natural products, improve public acceptance, and increase the possibility of application of irritating natural products. There are various strategies for modifying liposomes with functional elements, and the properties of functionalized liposomes constructed by different construction strategies differ. The commonly used construction strategies for functionalized liposomes include covalent modification and non-covalent modification. These two types of construction strategies have their own advantages and disadvantages. Covalent modification has better stability than non-covalent modification, but its operation is cumbersome. With the above background, this review focuses on the three typical problems faced by plant natural products at present, and summarizes the specific applications of functionalized liposomes in them. In addition, this paper summarizes the construction strategies for building different types of functionalized liposomes. Finally, this paper will also review the opportunities and challenges faced by functionalized liposomes to enter clinical therapy, and explore the opportunities to overcome these problems, with a view to better realizing the precise control of plant nanomedicines, and providing ideas and inspirations for researchers in related fields as well as relevant industrial staff.
7.Qualitative study on the experience and demand of endoscopic treatment for patients with pancreatic duct stones
Hong TAO ; Yu CAO ; Jia-Yun CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Fang-Lei XU ; Zhuan LIAO
Modern Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment in Gastroenterology 2024;29(5):519-522,527
Objective To explore the feelings and needs of patients with pancreatic duct stones undergoing endoscopic treatment,and to provide a basis for formulating personalized methods.Methods Purposive sampling method was used to select 15 patients who were treated in the Department of Gastroenterology of a Class Ⅲ Grade A hospital in Shanghai from February to April 2023 for semi-structured interviews.Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to code and summarize the data to refine the theme.Results The treatment experience and needs of patients were summarized into four themes.① Inadequate pain cognition and coping management before treatment:characterized by persistent or intermittent abdominal pain;The location of onset is hidden and easy to be misdiagnosed.Ineffective coping style;Affecting daily life and reducing the quality of life.② Changes of physiological comfort during the diagnosis and treatment period:abdominal soft tissue injury;Postoperative complications.③ Attitude changes after treatment:expectant treatment before diagnosis and treatment;Disappointment and doubt when expectations are not met;Belief after symptom improvement;④ Needs during treatment:professional guidance;Continuous nursing support.Conclusion Patients with pancreatic duct stones have insufficient knowledge of pain before endoscopic treatment.During the treatment,their attitudes may change and they may seek external support.Medical staff should pay attention to the dynamic changes of their physiological,psychological and social needs,and take corresponding measures to reduce pain,improve comfort and promote rehabilitation of patients.
8.Clinical characterisation of creatine transporter deficiency associated with SLC6A8 gene variants
Lei YANG ; Fang FANG ; Hong JIN ; Yun WU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(12):1202-1207
Objective:To analyze the clinical features of creatine transporter(CRTR) deficiency associated with SLC6A8 gene variants.Methods:The clinical data (clinical presentation, brain imaging, creatine metabolism test and gene variants) of 5 patients admitted to Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University and diagnosed with CRTR deficiency associated with SLC6A8 gene variants from January 2016 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 5 patients, all male, presented with the onset of the disease at 1 year and 1 month old to 1 year and 10 months old, and diagnosis at 1 year and 3 months to 9 years old. All patients exhibited varying degrees of intellectual and physical developmental deficits, with autistic-like behaviors present in 2 patients and convulsive episodes present in 4 patients. The brain magnetic resonance imaging, of all 5 patients showed either poor or slightly delayed myelination. Additionally, the brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) imaging of 5 patients all showed decreased creatine peaks, and 4 patients had elevated urinary creatine levels indicated by blood and (or) urine creatine metabolism tests. There were 3 patients completed blood creatinine tests, all indicating reduction. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on all 5 patients, and 4 unreported novel variants were identified: c.371G>C, c.1017-1G>A, c.912+1G>T and c.1016+2T>A. Following treatment with creatine, arginine, and glycine supplementation, no significant advancement was observed in motor and language development.Conclusions:CRTR deficiency associated with SLC6A8 gene variants manifests as developmental delay with or without seizures, with atypical clinical features, the presence of decreased blood creatinine levels and elevated urinary creatine levels. Combined with brain MRS and genetic testing results, patients can be diagnosed.
9.Study on the Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Correlation with Serum Inflammatory Factors and Adiponectin Levels
Hong-Yun WU ; Zhen-Xuan YUAN ; Fang CHEN ; Wei YE ; Li-Qun HU ; Xian-Zhong ZENG ; Zhe XU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(6):1371-1379
Objective To investigate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes in patients with type 2 diabetic retinopathy(T2DR)and to explore the correlation of TCM syndromes with serum inflammatory factors and adiponectin(APN)levels,so as to provide evidence for TCM syndrome differentiation of T2DR.Methods A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted in 42 patients(involving 84 eyes)diagnosed as T2DR in the Department of Ophthalmology,Ganzhou People's Hospital from September 2022 to March 2023.The correlation between fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA)staging and TCM syndrome differentiation in patients with T2DR was explored.The relationship between TCM syndrome types and serum levels of inflammatory factors and APN,as well as the differences in serum inflammatory factors and APN levels of the patients with various FFA stages were analyzed.The correlation between each variable and TCM syndrome types in patients with T2DR was investigated.Results(1)Among the 42 patients with T2DR,27 cases were male and 15 cases were female,and their age averaged(54.0±12.0)years old.Among them,14 cases(33.3%)were differentiated as liver-kidney deficiency with malnutrition of eye collateral syndrome,15 cases(35.7%)were differentiated as yin-essence deficiency with internal dry-heat syndrome,9 cases(21.4%)were differentiated as qi-yin deficiency with collateral stasis and obstruction syndrome,4 cases(9.5%)were differentiated as yin-yang deficiency with blood stasis and phlegm coagulation syndrome,and none case(0.0%)was differentiated as spleen dysfunction and water-damp obstruction syndrome.(2)FFA staging showed that FFA staging ≥ 4[i.e.,having proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)]was found in 78.6%(11/14)of the patients with liver-kidney deficiency with malnutrition of eye collaterals syndrome,73.3%(11/15)of the patients with yin-essence deficiency with internal dry-heat syndrome,100%(9/9)of the patients with qi-yin deficiency with collateral stasis and obstruction syndrome,and 100%(4/4)of the patients with yin-yang deficiency with blood stasis and phlegm coagulation syndrome.But the intergroup comparison showed no significant differences among various syndrome types(P=0.272).(3)Among the 42 patients with T2DR,35 patients(83.3%)had higher level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),28 patients(68.3%)had higher level of C-reactive protein(CRP)and 38 patients(90.5%)had higher level of glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)than the normal.However,there was no significant difference in the levels of serum inflammatory factors of TNF-α,CRP,interleukin-6(IL-6)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),APN and HbA1c among the patients with different FFA stages(P>0.05),neither did the difference in serum APN,TNF-α,CRP,IL-6 and VEGF levels among the patients with different TCM syndrome types(P>0.05).(4)The correlation analysis showed that the patients with yin-yang deficiency with blood stasis and phlegm coagulation syndrome had a shorter course of eye diseases than the patients with liver-kidney deficiency with malnutrition of eye collaterals syndrome(r=-0.467,P=0.051),had higher CRP level than the patients with yin-essence deficiency with internal dry-heat syndrome(r=0.592,P=0.010),and had higher CRP level(r=0.668,P=0.013)and a longer course of diabetes(r=0.629,P=0.021)than the patients with qi-yin deficiency with collateral stasis and obstruction syndrome.Conclusion Increased serum TNF-α and CRP expressions are presented in the patients with T2DR.Liver-kidney deficiency with malnutrition of eye collaterals syndrome and yin-essence deficiency with internal dry-heat syndrome are the common syndromes in T2DR.Yin-yang deficiency with blood stasis and phlegm coagulation syndrome is closely correlated with CRP level,and the patients with yin-yang deficiency with blood stasis and phlegm coagulation syndrome have a longer course of diabetes.
10.mfat-1 gene therapy prevents and ameliorates multiple sclerosis in mice
Min-Yi TANG ; Xin-Yun BI ; Shuai WANG ; Chao-Feng XING ; Xiao-Li WU ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Fang-Hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(10):1930-1936
Aim To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of the mfat-1 gene therapy on exper-imental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice.Meth-ods mfat-1 gene therapy was used to render the host endogenous capability of producing ω-3 PUFAs,con-comitantly reduce the levels of ω-6 PUFAs,and change the proportion of ω-3/ω-6 PUFAs.Then,the levels of PUFAs in blood were analyzed by gas chromatography.The neurological deficits in mice were evaluated by neurological dysfunction score.HE staining and LFB staining of mouse spinal cord slices were used to ob-serve central nervous system inflammation infiltration and demyelinating lesions.Flow cytometry microsphere microarray technology was used to detect the content of cytokines in serum.Results The mfat-1 gene therapy could significantly raise the proportion of ω-3/ω-6 PU-FAs(P<0.05),markedly delay the incubation period and peak period and reduce neurological dysfunction scores(P<0.05),and improve inflammation and de-myelination of spinal cords(P<0.05).It could also greatly increase the levels of IL-2,IFN-γ,IL-4 and IL-17 in serum(P<0.05).Conclusion The pro-portion of ω-3/ω-6 PUFAs in blood circulation en-hanced by mfat-1 gene therapy can effectively prevent and treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice.

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