1.Research on The Construction and Application of Multiple Fluorescence Amplification System for Three Kinds of Stains
Yi-Fan BAI ; He-Miao ZHAO ; Jing CHEN ; Hong-Di LIU ; Rui-Qin YANG ; Chong WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):982-994
ObjectiveA multiplex amplification system was constructed based on the capillary electrophoresis platform for simultaneous detection of saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions using tissue-specific RNA markers. The aim of this study is to identify the tissue origin of suspicious body fluid stains found at crime scenes and determine whether the body fluid stains at the crime scene are one or several types among saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. MethodsThirty saliva samples, forty semen samples, and forty vaginal secretion samples (half from 2015 and half from 2024) were collected from healthy adult volunteers. Through primer designing, system formulation, and PCR condition optimization, a multiplex fluorescent amplification system was constructed. The specificity, sensitivity, and detection ability for mixed samples of this system were investigated, and it was tested using real crime scene materials. In the primer design stage, to reduce the requirements for RNA template quality, the amplification products were set within 80-300 bp. In the system formulation stage, dominant and subordinate primers were mainly considered. By reducing the concentration of dominant primers and increasing that of subordinate primers, a capillary electrophoresis spectrum with an appropriate peak height ratio was finally obtained. Additionally, gradient experiments were designed to adjust the concentrations of PCR reagents and PCR amplification conditions, and multiple versions of DNA amplification enzymes were optimized to achieve the best experimental results. ResultsThrough statistical analysis, there was no significant difference in the capillary electrophoresis of the 3 types of body fluid samples from the two years (2015 and 2024), demonstrating that the sample preservation method in this study can preserve samples for a relatively long time. The composite amplification system constructed in this study exhibited high specificity for all 3 types of body fluid, with no cross-reactions between the markers of each type of body fluid. The minimum detection thresholds for the 3 types of body fluid reached 0.002 9, 0.001 5, and 0.42 mg/L, respectively. This system also had a high degree of discrimination for mixed samples, especially for semen-saliva mixtures, where each body fluid marker could still be successfully detected when the concentration ratio of semen to saliva was 100:1. Meanwhile, in the two actual cases presented in this article, the application of this composite amplification system performed outstandingly. ConclusionThe composite amplification detection system constructed in this study can achieve the correct screening of saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions, overcoming the problems such as low specificity and sensitivity of marker tests and unbalanced RFU values of each marker in previous studies. The specificity and sensitivity meet the practical work requirements, and the operation is simple. It provides an analytical and identification method for body fluid stains in actual case and is applicable to the identification of the tissue origin of biological evidence at crime scenes involving sexual assault, indecent assault, and other criminal acts. In the future, more types of body fluid markers will be screened to expand the types of body fluids detected by the system, and body fluid-specific cSNP and cInDel genetic markers will be introduced to infer the sources (individuals and types) of mixed and complex stains more accurately.
2.Pathophysiological Evolution and Syndrome-Based Stratified Treatment of Qi Deficiency with Stagnation in Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppression
Jing LONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Wenbo HUANG ; Feng YU ; Yifang JIANG ; Zhuoling DAI ; Chong XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1109-1113
The concept of "qi deficiency with stagnation" refers to a pathological state characterized by the depletion of primordial qi, impaired qi transformation, and the development of internal stagnation. Under the cyclic chemotherapy regimen in oncology, chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression follows a progressive pathological course from qi deficiency to increasing stagnation. This sequential evolution from mild to severe myelosuppression closely aligns with the dynamic syndrome differentiation and treatment framework of "qi deficiency with stagnation". "Qi deficiency" reflects the gradual depletion of qi, blood, and essence, while "stagnation" refers to the accumulation of phlegm, turbid dampness, and blood stasis. These two components interact reciprocally, forming a vicious cycle where deficiency leads to stagnation, and stagnation further damages the healthy qi. In the early stage of mild myelosuppression, chemotoxicity begins to accumulate in the bone marrow, leading to qi consumption, blood deficiency, yin injury, and the gradual formation of turbid phlegm and damp stagnation. In the advanced stage of severe myelosuppression, the accumulation of toxicity causes qi sinking, exhaustion of essence, and marrow depletion, along with blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. Treatment strategies should be based on syndrome differentiation, with an emphasis on assessing the severity of the condition, balancing deficiency and excess, and achieving both symptomatic relief and root cause resolution.
4.Effects of repeated superovulation on developmental potential of oocytes in mice and humans
Chong LI ; Xiaoli SHEN ; Jingwei YANG ; Jing GUO ; Juan XIE ; Guoning HUANG ; Jingyu LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(19):3018-3023
BACKGROUND:Superovulation is a common therapy in assisted reproductive technology.In clinical practice,some patients experience repeated superovulation to get pregnant. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of repeated superovulation on the developmental potential of oocytes in mice and humans. METHODS:Both animal experiments and retrospective clinical research were conducted.The animal study involved 90 SPF grade ICR 8-week-old female mice,who were randomly divided into three groups for 1,3,and 5 superovulations,respectively.The clinical study involved 306 patients who had undergone three consecutive in vitro fertilization cycles.The number of ovules obtained and embryonic development in different cycles were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The animal study indicated that repeated superovulation did not affect the embryonic development or developmental speed of mouse embryos.Similarly,there was no significant difference in the mouse blastocyst apoptosis,DNA damage,or the formation of inner cell mass and trophectoderm(P>0.05).(2)The clinical study also revealed no significant differences in the number of retrieved oocytes(8.60±5.04,8.58±4.87,and 8.38±4.63,P=0.81)and transferable embryos(2.42±1.99,2.40±1.92,and 2.64±2.00,P=0.26)over the three cycles.(3)In both the young group(<35 years)and the old group(≥35 years),the embryo quality was not affected by repeated superovulation(P>0.05).(4)These findings show that repeated superovulation does not affect the developmental potential of oocytes in mice and humans.
5.Effect of Qianyang Yuyin Granules on Mesenchymal Transdifferentiation of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Induced by TGF-β1
Xue KONG ; Guoshun HUANG ; Xueling HAN ; Jinbo ZHANG ; Jing DAI ; Mengnan SHANG ; Chong ZOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):56-63
ObjectiveBy observing the effect of Qianyang Yuyin granules on the phenotype of renal tubule epithelial cells, the intervention of Qianyang Yuyin granule on renal interstitial fibrosis was investigated. MethodThe renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were treated with different concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 μg·L-1) for 24 hours, and cell morphology and growth state were observed with an inverted phase contrast microscope. The 20 μg·L-1 was selected as the most appropriate concentration of TGF-β1 according to Western blot results for subsequent experiments. HK-2 cells were divided into six groups: blank group, TGF-β1 group (concentration of 20 μg·L-1), low, medium, and high dose Qianyang Yuyin granule groups (concentration of 0.5, 1, 2 g·L-1), and valsartan group (1 × 10-5 mol·L-1). The cell activity was measured by cell proliferation and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The cell migration ability was detected by scratch test. The Transwell method was used to detect the invasiveness of cells. Western blot was used to detect levels of fibronectin (FN), E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle activator (α-SMA), Vimentin, collagen type Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ), collagen type Ⅳ(Col Ⅳ), and other related proteins. ResultTGF-β1 stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tubular epithelial cells was time- and concentration-dependent. Compared with the blank group, higher concentration in the TGF-β1 group indicates longer intervention time and more obvious long spindle change of cells, and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was significantly enhanced. The protein expression level of FN, α-SMA, Vimentin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅳ increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expression level of E-cadherin protein decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the TGF-β1 group, Qianyang Yuyin granule groups could maintain normal cell morphology, and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was inhibited. The protein expression level of FN, α-SMA, Vimentin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅳ decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of E-cadherin protein was significantly restored (P<0.05). ConclusionQianyang Yuyin granule can reverse TGF-β1-induced interstitial transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells by reducing the phenotypic expression of mesenchymal cells and increasing the phenotypic expression of epithelial cells.
6.Mechanism of Inducing Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Shugan Quyu Jiedu Prescription Based on p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway
Xiaojun CAI ; Renyi YANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Yilin GONG ; Ke WANG ; Lizhu LIN ; Chong ZHONG ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):74-82
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shugan Quyu Jiedu prescription (SGQYJDF) on inducing ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells based on the tumor protein 53 (p53)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MethodMHCC97H cells were divided into the blank serum group (10% blank serum medium), SGQYJDF-containing serum low concentration group (5% SGQYJDF-containing serum and 5% blank serum medium), SGQYJDF-containing serum medium concentration group (7.5% SGQYJDF-containing serum and 2.5% blank serum medium), SGQYJDF-containing serum high concentration group (10% SGQYJDF-containing serum medium) and sorafenib group (sorafenib concentration of 10 μmol·L-1 in 10% blank serum medium). After 24 hours of intervention, the cell survival rate was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The cell proliferation ability was detected by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining. The intracellular ferrous ion (Fe2+) level was detected by ferrous ion fluorescent probe (FerroOrange) staining. The intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were detected by colorimetric assays. The ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 were detected by Western blot. ResultIn terms of cell viability, compared with the blank serum group, the SGQYJDF group showed a dose-dependent decrease in the survival rate of MHCC97H cells. Effect of the medium and high concentrations of SGQYJDF on the survival rate of MHCC97H cells were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Additionally, the results of the EdU assay showed that both the medium and high concentrations of SGQYJDF were able to inhibit the proliferation ability of MHCC97H cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). Regarding the biochemical indicators of ferroptosis, compared to the blank serum group, the medium and high concentrations of SGQYJDF were able to dose-dependently increase the intracellular Fe2+ level (P<0.01). The low, medium, and high concentrations of SGQYJDF were able to dose-dependently decrease the level of GSH in MHCC97H cells (P<0.01) and increase the level of MDA in the cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). In terms of pathway-related protein expression, compared to the blank serum group, the medium and high concentrations of SGQYJDF could significantly increase the expression of p53 (P<0.01). The low, medium, and high concentrations of SGQYJDF could significantly decrease the expression of GPX4 (P<0.01). The high concentration of SGQYJDF could decrease the expression of SLC7A11 (P<0.01). In terms of the cell morphology of ferroptosis, compared with the blank serum group, transmission electron microscopy revealed that the low concentration of SGQYJDF caused mitochondrial deformation, while the medium and high concentrations of SGQYJDF resulted in reduced mitochondrial volume, increased double-layer membrane density, and decreased mitochondrial cristae. These features were similar to those of sorafenib-induced ferroptosis. Furthermore, compared with the sorafenib group, the high concentration of SGQYJDF showed no statistically significant differences in cell survival rate, proliferation ability, Fe2+ level, MDA level, and GSH level. ConclusionThe results suggest that SGQYJDF may induce ferroptosis and inhibit proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97H cells by upregulating the expression of p53, suppressing the expressions of GPX4 and SLC7A11, downregulating the level of GSH, and leading to the accumulation of intracellular Fe2+ and MDA.
7.Protective effect and mechanisms of neostigmine in combination with anisodamine against pulmonary oxygen toxicity
Guangyu ZHANG ; Jing DU ; Mengzhen LIU ; Danni ZHU ; Hui YAN ; Chong LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2024;42(10):433-438,444
Objective Pulmonary oxygen poisoning resulting from hyperbaric oxygen,frequently occurs in specialized operations,without any current effective prevention or treatment measures.To elucidate the impact and mechanism of neostigmine(NEO)in combination with anisodamine(ANI)(neoscopolamine)on pulmonary oxygen toxicity.Methods The animal model of pulmonary oxygen poisoning was established.C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 2.5 ATA 99.9%oxygen for 6 h.The control group mice were injected with normal saline ip,while the treatment group mice received injections of ANI(25 mg/kg,ip)and NEO(50 μg/kg,ip).Lung tissues were collected and stained with HE to observe any pathological injuries after exposure.Evans blue stain was utilized to identify lung permeability,wet/dry lung ratio,and protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)to assess the lung injury's severity.The modifications in inflammatory factors,oxidative stress indicators,and iron content in lung tissue were assessed.Results The results showed that the 2.5 ATA 99.9%oxygen-exposed group experienced a significant worsening of lung injury,as well as increased lung permeability,lung wet/dry ratio,and protein content in alveolar lavage fluid when compared to the control group.Moreover,mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and IFN-γ in the lung tissue of the model group were significantly elevated,while the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and TGF-β were significantly reduced.The oxidative index MDA also significantly increased,while the antioxidant index GSH significantly decreased.Additionally,the expression of GPX4,a marker of ferroptosis,increased with an increase in iron content.Neoscopolamine treatment successfully reversed those effects.Conclusion The combined use of ANI and NEO had a protective effect on pulmonary oxygen poisoning.Neoscopolamine may inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway,thereby reducing the content of free iron in lung tissue and finally inhibiting cell ferroptosis.
8.Morphology and proteomic analysis of leukocyte-free apheresis-derived exosome in storage
Yuena XIE ; Qian ZHAO ; Jing LI ; Jiahui ZHANG ; Fengyuan LI ; Jinghui CHONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(10):1101-1109
Objective To investigate the morphological and proteomic differences in exosomes(EXOs)during the stor-age of leukocyte-free apheresis platelets(LFA-Plt),evaluate the quality of platelets in storage and predict the function of EXOs at different storage periods.Methods EXOs were isolated by ultracentrifugation,then the morphological observation was performed by electron microscope.Particle size analysis and WB protein index detection were performed.4D Label-free quantitative proteomics technology was used to perform quantitative and bioinformatics analysis on identified proteins.Protein differential analysis on the LFA-Plt EXO between group day 3 and day 5 was performed,and GO function and KEGG path-way enrichment analysis on differential proteins was conducted.Results Cup shaped,CD9/TSG101 enriched and Calnexin(-)EXO was successfully obtained.The particle size(nm)of LFA-Plt EXO for day 3 and day 5 were(82.2±19.6)and(83.4±19.4)respectively,and the protein concentration(μ g/uL)were(0.55±0.13)and(0.51±0.08)respectively,with no statistically significant difference between two groups(P>0.05).1 504 proteins were identified in all samples.GO func-tional enrichment analysis showed that the LFA-Plt EXO proteins were mainly concentrated in the cell membrane,extracel-lular domain and proteasome core complex,and were related to the binding ability of proteins,ATP,calcium ions and GTP,and mainly participated in processes such as redox,protein hydrolysis and signal transduction.KEGG functional annotation showed that the EXO proteins mainly participated in material transportation and catabolism,genetic information processing,and were closely related to human tumors and viral bacterial infections,affecting the metabolism of human immune system.Compared with day 3,day 5 EXO showed significant up-regulation in 16 proteins.The GO enrichment analysis showed that 16 upregulated proteins were mainly associated with adenosine homocysteine activity and 6-phosphofructose kinase activity,and were mainly involved in the metabolism of organic nitrogen compound.KEGG enrichment pathway analysis showed that the most important function of upregulated proteins was participating in signaling pathway for oocyte maturation mediated by progesterone.Conclusion Under the preparation and storage conditions of LFA-Plt in our center,platelet quality can be relatively stable.The functions of EXO proteins varies with different storage periods,which may affect the effectiveness of platelet transfusion.
9.Impact of ERCC1 C8092A gene polymorphism on the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy for lung cancer
LI Yixuan ; WANG Yiwei ; FU Yihui ; MENG Chong ; KUANG Shicheng ; LYU Pengfei ; ZHOU jing ; XU Qiongjun ; HUANG Hairong ; XIAO Sha
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(1):65-
Objective To explore the relationship between the polymorphism of excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) C8092A locus and the efficacy and prognosis of platinum-based chemotherapy for lung cancer (LC), and to provide a theoretical basis for precision treatment of LC. Methods From January 2014 to October 2017, 120 patients from two tertiary hospitals in Haikou City, and with pathologically confirmed lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were selected as the research objects. After informed consent was obtained, peripheral blood samples were collected for DNA extraction, and the genotype of ERCC1 C8092A locus was detected by mass spectrometry. WHO's Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) was used to judge patients' chemotherapy efficacy and patients' survival status was obtained by telephone follow-up and other means. Results Among the 120 LC patients, the genotype frequencies of ERCC1 C8092A locus were 67 cases of CC wildtype (55.8%), 45 cases of CA heterozygous type (37.5%), and 8 cases of AA rare mutation type (6.7%), which conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ2=0.140, P>0.05). The total effective rate of chemotherapy was 32.5%, with the highest effective rate in patients with the CA genotype (42.2%) at the ERCC1 C8092A locus and the lowest in patients with the CC genotype (25.4%). The overall one-year survival rate was 68.3% and the three-year survival rate was 35.8%. The patients with ERCC1 C8092A AA genotype had the lowest survival rate, with a one-year survival rate of 50.0% and three-year survival rate of only 25.0%. However, there were no statistical differences in the overall survival rate among the three genotypes of carriers of ERCC1 C8092A (χ2=0.328, P=0.849). Conclusions The polymorphism of ERCC1 C8092A locus is associated with the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy for LC, and patients with CA genotype have the highest efficacy. The one-year and three-year survival rates of patients with CC genotype are significantly higher than those of CA and AA genotypes.
10.Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the outbreak of healthcare-associated infection with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Peng-Chao FAN ; He LIU ; Jing-Chong BA ; Wen-Zhi LIU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(2):182-188
Objective To explore the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)technology in the investigation of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii(CRAB).Methods Pathogenic detection by mNGS and conventional pathogen culture were performed on 5 patients in the intensive care unit(ICU)of a hospital from June 8 to 22,2023 from whom CRAB were detected.Microbial sampling was carried out in potentially contaminated environment.Bacterial culture,identification,and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted.Comprehensive control measures were taken,and the effect was evaluated.Results The time required for reporting results by mNGS was shorter than the culture time([3.92± 1.05]days vs[6.24±0.25]days,P<0.001).CRAB was isolated from the specimens of 5 patients.mNGS de-tected OXA-23 resistance genes from all patients.After comprehensive assessment by experts,4 patients were HAI and 1 patient was due to specimen contamination.According to the definition from Guidelines for HAI outbreak control,this event was considered an outbreak of HAI.The monitoring results of environmental hygiene showed that the detection rate of CRAB in the environment during the outbreak was 51.30%(59/115),mainly from the hands of health care workers and the surface of ventilators.After implementing multidisciplinary infection control measures,clinicians'hand hygiene compliance rate and implementation rate of ventilator disinfection increased from 40.83%(49/120)and 33.33%(16/48)to 82.61%(95/115)and 83.33%(30/36),respectively.The prognosis of patients was good,and no new case emerged during subsequent monitoring.The outbreak of HAI in this hospital has been effectively controlled.Conclusion mNGS is characterized by high precision,less time consumption,and high accuracy,and can be applied to the prevention and control of HAI outbreak and the study of antimicrobial-re-sistant genomes.It is of great significance for the anti-infection treatment of patients with multidrug-resistant orga-nism infection as well as the formulation of HAI prevention and control measures.Continuous improving disinfec-tion effectiveness and hand hygiene compliance is important for preventing and controlling CRAB infection.

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