Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68⁺ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.

BACKGROUND:It is known that N6-methyladenosine(m6A)plays a role in the pathogenesis of various diseases and studies have suggested its involvement in the pathologic changes of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis(SNFH).However,research on m6A methylation modifications in steroid-induced femoral head necrosis is limited. OBJECTIVE:Using bioinformatics methods to identify the differential expression of m6A-related genes in steroid-induced femoral head necrosis and to predict miRNAs associated with these genes to further elucidate the role and mechanism of m6A methylation in steroid-induced femoral head necrosis. METHODS:Differential gene expression between steroid-induced femoral head necrosis and control groups was analyzed using GSE123568 gene expression data and identified using the"limma"package in R.Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the differentially expressed genes.Differential analysis of the related genes was carried out using the"ggstatsplot"package in R.The differential genes were cross-validated using the GSE74089 dataset.An mRNA-miRNA regulatory network was constructed,and co-expression analysis was performed on the module genes followed by enrichment analysis.Differences in immune cell infiltration between steroid-induced femoral head necrosis and control groups were quantified using the ssGSEA method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Correlation analysis revealed 13 m6A-related genes,and further analysis through the protein-protein interaction network identification and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that YTHDF2 was expected to be a core differential gene as a potential early biomarker.Enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in inflammation and immune response and were closely related to osteoclasts.Cross-validation analysis showed that differential gene expression results between the two datasets were consistent.mRNA-miRNA regulatory network analysis revealed that YTHDF2 was negatively correlated with miRNA-27a.Immune infiltration analysis revealed an increase in immune cell infiltration in steroid-induced femoral head necrosis,and YTHDF2 was positively correlated with the infiltration of CD4+T cells.To conclude,m6A-related gene YTHDF2 can serve as a potential biomarker of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis and is valuable for the early clinical diagnosis and treatment of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis.The negative correlation between YTHDF2 and mir-27a and the positive correlation between YTHDF2 and CD4+T cell infiltration provide new insights into the early diagnosis and treatment of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis and shed light on the mechanism of m6A in steroid-induced femoral head necrosis.

BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture is a common fracture secondary to osteoporosis.At present,there is no effective prediction index and method for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the predictive effect of the comprehensive index of lumbar vertebral body bone strength on osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. METHODS:233 patients with osteoporosis were divided into a fracture group and a non-fracture group according to whether a vertebral fracture occurred.The demography,body mass index,vertebral bone mineral density and other details were collected.Lateral X-ray films of the lumbar spine were photographed.The vertebral body width,vertebral body length,sacral slope,pelvic tilt,pelvic incidence,lumbar compressive strength index and the lumbar impact strength index were measured,calculated,and analyzed by univariate and multivariate,and the receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed.The survival analysis was conducted according to the cut-off value. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All patients were followed up for 2-4 years,with an average of 3.1 years.During the follow-up period,99 cases(38 cases of L1 vertebral body,61 cases of L2 vertebral body)had fractures(fracture group),and 134 cases(52 cases of L1 vertebral body,82 cases of L2 vertebral body)had no fractures(non-fracture group).Univariate analysis showed that there was no significant difference in age,sex,height,body mass,body mass index and fracture segment between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)Lumbar compressive strength index and lumbar impact strength index in the fracture group were lower than those in the non-fracture group(P<0.05).Pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt in the fracture group were higher than those in the non-fracture group(P<0.05).(3)Multivariate analysis showed that lumbar compressive strength index,lumbar impact strength index and pelvic tilt were risk factors for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(P<0.05).(4)Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff values of vertebral bone mineral density,lumbar compressive strength index,lumbar impact strength index,pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence were 0.913 5 g/cm2,1.932,0.903,21.5° and 55°,respectively;areas under the curve were 0.630,0.800,0.911,0.633 and 0.568,respectively.(5)According to the survival analysis(with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture as the end point),the average survival time of the patients with lumbar impact strength index≥0.903 was significantly longer than that of the patients with lumbar impact strength index<0.903(P<0.05).(6)These findings conclude that the comprehensive index of lumbar vertebral body bone strength is more accurate than the bone mineral density of the vertebral body and spine-pelvis sagittal parameters in predicting osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,which is helpful for early prevention and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

BACKGROUND:Osteoporosis vertebral compression fracture is a common fracture secondary to osteoporosis,and there is currently a lack of effective predictive indicators and methods for osteoporosis vertebral compression fracture. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the predictive effects of paravertebral muscle degeneration,functional cross-sectional area,and percentage of fat infiltration on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. METHODS:The 224 patients with osteoporosis diagnosed from January 2018 to June 2022 were included.They were followed up for more than 2 years.They were divided into fracture group and non-fracture group according to the presence and absence of vertebral fracture.The detailed information of demographics,body mass index,bone mineral density and so on were collected.The functional cross-sectional area and percentage of fat infiltration of bilateral Psoas major muscle and extensor dorsi(Erector spinae muscles muscle and multifidus muscle)at the level of lower endplate of L2 vertebral body were measured and calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)224 patients were ultimately included,of which 126 had fractures as the fracture group and 98 had no fractures as the non-fracture group.There was no statistically significant difference in age,gender,height,body mass,body mass index,and fracture segment between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)The bone mineral density of the fracture group was significantly lower than that of the non-fracture group(P<0.05).Functional cross-sectional areas of Psoas major muscle and extensor dorsi in the fracture group were significantly lower than those in the non-fracture group(P<0.05).The percentage of fat infiltration of the extensor dorsi in the fracture group was significantly higher than that in the non-fracture group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in percentage of fat infiltration of Psoas major muscle between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the vertebral bone mineral density,percentage of fat infiltration of extensor dorsi,functional cross-sectional area of extensor dorsi and percentage of fat infiltration of Psoas major muscle were 0.903 g/cm2,35.426%,418.875 mm2,and 6.375%,respectively.The areas under curve were 0.634,0.755,0.876,and 0.585,respectively.(4)These findings indicate that paravertebral muscle degeneration is strongly associated with the occurrence of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.The functional cross-sectional area of extensor dorsi muscle can effectively predict the occurrence of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,which is helpful for early prevention and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

In view of the current norms and demands of human gene editing technology at home and abroad, the paper explained that the regulatory difficulties faced by human gene editing technology were due to the conflict between economic interests and moral bottom line by constructing a game model in a hypothetical way. On this basis, the ideas of the supervision mode of human gene editing technology were put forward: establish unified international standards based on the country as the main body, enact more stringent and effective laws, to jointly deal with the behavior of genetic manipulation of human gametes, zygotes and embryos for the purpose of reproductive, and ensure the normalization and legalization of gene editing technology to avoid technology abuse.

Objective To investigate the application prospect of the most extensive genome engineering pig internationally in preclinical xenotransplantation. Methods Porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) knockout combined with 3 major heterologous antigen gene knockouts and 9 humanized genes for inhibition of complement activation, regulation of coagulation disorders, anti-inflammatory and anti-phagocytosis were transferred into a pig (PERV-KO/3-KO/9-TG) as a donor, and the heart, liver and kidney were obtained and transplanted to 3 Rhesus macaque recipients respectively to establish a preclinical research model of pig-to-Rhesus macaque xenotransplantation. The functional status of xenografts after blood flow reconstruction was observed and the survival of recipients was summarized. The hemodynamics of xenografts were monitored. The change of hematological indexes of each recipient was compared. The histopathological manifestation of xenografts was observed. Results After the blood flow was reconstructed, all xenografts showed ruddy color, soft texture and good perfusion. The transplant heart, liver and kidney showed full arterial and venous blood flow and good perfusion at 1 d after operation. The postoperative survival time of heart, liver, and kidney transplant recipients was 7, 26, and 1 d, respectively. The levels of creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, and lactate dehydrogenase increased in heart transplant recipient at 1 d after operation, and gradually recovered to near normal levels at 6 d after operation. All indexes increased sharply at 7 d after operation. The level of aspartate aminotransferase increased in liver transplant recipients at 2 d after operation, and the alanine aminotransferase basically returned to normal at 10 d after operation, but the total bilirubin continued to increase. Both aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase increased at 12 d after operation, and reached a peak at 15 d after operation. The kidney transplant recipient developed mild proteinuria at 1 d after operation, and died of sudden severe arrhythmia. Histopathology showed that the tissue structure of cardiac and renal xenografts was close to normal, and liver xenografts presented with patchy necrosis, the liver tissue structure was disordered, accompanied by inflammatory damage, interstitial hemorrhage and thrombotic microangiopathy. Conclusions PERV-KO/3-KO/9-TG pig shows advantages in overcoming hyperacute rejection, mitigating humoral rejection and coagulation dysregulation. However, whether it can be used as potential donor for clinical xenotransplantation needs further evaluation.

Objective To investigate the reasons of HOXA5 overexpression in GBM and the molecular mechanism of miR-128-3p regulating the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of glioblastoma multiforme. Methods After increasing and decreasing miR-128-3p expression in U87 cell lines by lentivirus transfection, the changes of HOXA5 expression were detected by Western blot, to explore the correlation between miR-128-3p and HOXA5 in GBM. The dual-luciferase reporter tests were performed to detect the target interaction of miR-128-3p with HOXA5. Through CCK-8 test, Transwell test, flow cytometric assay and tumor cell xenograft in nude mice, we verified molecular mechanism of miR-128-3p regulating the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of GBM in vitro and in vivo. Results The expression level of HOXA5 was decreased in U87 cell line after miR-128-3p upregulation. In addition, the expression level of HOXA5 was increased in U87 cell line after miR-128-3p downregulation (P < 0.05). The expression level of HOXA5 was correlated negatively with the expression of miR-128-3p in U87 cell lines. MiR-128-3p targetedly interacted with 3'UTR of HOXA5 and inhibited the expression of HOXA5. The proliferation, invasion and anti-apoptosis of U87 cells were significantly decreased in the miR-128-3p+control group. Conclusion MiR-128-3p regulates negatively the proliferation, invasion and anti-apoptosis of GBM cells by targeting HOXA5. The overexpression of HOXA5 is induced by downregulation of miR-128-3p in GBM.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out genetic and metabolite analysis for an infant with cerebral creatine deficiency syndrome type 2 (CCDS2). METHODS: Clinical data of the child was collected. Whole-exome sequencing was carried out to identify potential variants by next generation sequencing. Candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Metabolites were determined by tandem mass spectrometry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Treatment was carried out following the diagnosis and genetic counseling for the affected family. RESULTS: Two novel heterozygous variants (c.289delC and c.392-1G>C) of the GAMT gene were identified in the proband, which were respectively inherited from her father and mother. In silico analysis suggested both variants to be pathogenic. Creatine (Cr) level of the child was very low, and cerebral guanidinoacetate (GAA) level was slightly increased. But both had recovered to normal in two weeks, and cerebral Cr level was significantly improved after two months. Intellectual and motor development of the child were significantly improved. CONCLUSION The child was diagnosed with CCDS type 2, for which pathogenic variants of the GAMT gene may be accountable. Treatment has attained a satisfactory effect for the patient.

This study aims to discuss the therapeutic effect of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate on hepatitis B virus(HBV)transgenic mouse and its effect on cellular immunity and liver inflammation. The changes of serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)activity, the difference of serum hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg), liver tissue HBsAg mRNA, and the pathological morphological changes of liver tissue were detected to investigate the hepatic inflammatory lesions and the efficacy of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate in HBV transgenic mouse. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were classified by flow cytometry, and serum cytokines were detected by cytometric bead array(CBA)to explore the mechanism of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate to reduce hepatic inflammatory lesions in HBV transgenic mouse. After grouping HBV transgenic mouse with serum transaminase activity and 35 days of continuous administration, serum transaminases level in magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate ［15 mg/(kg ·d)］ group was significantly lower than that in control group(P< 0. 05), serum HBsAg protein and liver tissue HBsAg mRNA increased with time, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The main pathological changes of liver were liver cell swelling, necrosis and focal inflammatory cell infiltration, and the pathological changes of liver in magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate group were lighter than those in control group. The number of CD8+ cells in the blood of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate group was significantly less than that in the control group(P< 0. 05)and the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio was significantly higher than that in the control group(P< 0. 05). The content of inflammatory cytokines in serum of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate group decreased significantly(P< 0. 05). Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate can regulate the immune function of HBV transgenic mouse, decrease the infiltration of inflammatory cells in hepatic tissue and hepatocyte injury, but do not affect the expression of hepatocyte HBsAg.

Objective To investigate the metabolic characteristics,body composition and dietary intake in elderly sarcopenia patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM).Methods A total of 652 T2DM patients(327 males and 325 females)aged over 60 years were selected from endocrinology department of nine different hospitals in Beijing.Body composition was measured by bioimpedance analysis,and the appendicular skeletal mass index(ASMI)was calculated.Sarcopenia was defined as body height-adjusted skeletal muscle mass (ASMI)below the lower quintile of the young reference group.The diagnostic cutoff points for sarcopenia were 7.18 kg/m2 for men and 5.73 kg/m2 for women.All patients were divided into the sarcopenia group versus the control group(below vs.not below 7.18 kg/m2 for men and 5.73 kg/m2 for women).The anthropometric parameters,body composition,biochemical laboratory results and dietary intake were compared between the two groups.The blood glucose target levels were less than 7 mmol/L of fasting plasma glucose(FPG)or less than 7％ of haemoglobin A1c(HbA1c).The obesity ratio was calculated according to body fat percentage more than 25％ in men and more than 30％ in women as obesity.Results There were 116 (17.8％)patients in the sarcopenia group (men/women,82/34),and 536 (82.2 ％) patients in the control group (men/women,245/291).Age was higher in the sarcopenia group than in the control group(t =4.385,P =0.000),and body mass index and waist hip ratio(WHR)were lower in the sarcopenia group than in the control group(t =11.724 and 4.173,P=0.000 and 0.000).FPG[(7.5±2.4) mmol/L vs.(8.5±2.5)mmol/L,t =-3.450,P=0.001]and HbA1c[(7.0±1.6) ％ vs.(8.2± 1.7) ％,t =-5.745,P =0.000] were higher in male sarcopenia group than in male control group.The control rate of FPG (127.0％ or 51.8％ vs.27.0％ or 32.9％,x2=8.817,P=0.003)and HbA1c(131.0％ or 53.5％ vs.23.0％ or 28.0％,x2 =15.934,P=0.000)were lower in the sarcopenia group than in the control group.The red blood cell counts,hemoglobin and serum albumin levels,estimated glomerular filtr ationrate(eGFR)were lower in male sarcopenia group than in the male control group(P＜0.05).eGFR was lower in female sarcopenia group than in female control group(t =4.090,P =0.000).Both in men and women,ASMI,grip power,fatless circumference on upper arm,bone mineral content and basal metabolic rate were lower in the sarcopenia group than in the control group(P＜0.05).The total daily intake of energy,carbohydrate,protein and fat were lower in male sarcopenia group than in male control group(P＜ 0.05).Conclusions Compared with the control group,sarcopenia patients are older with worse glycemic control and lower levels of BMI,WHR,renal function,muscle mass and muscle strength.Sarcopenia patients are more prone to osteoporosis.Furthermore,they have poorer nutritional status with an imbalance of dietary intake.Appropriate increase of protein especially high quality protein intake should be recommended to sarcopenia patients with T2DM.