1.Construction of PD-L1hitol-DC derived from bone marrow of DA rats and identification of its immunological function
Zhiqi YANG ; Peibo HOU ; Lang WU ; Jing LIU ; Yang DING ; Minghao LI
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):83-90
Objective To construct programmed cell death protein-ligand 1(PD-LI)hi tolerogenic dendritic cell (tol-DC) derived from bone marrow of DA rats and identify its immunological function. Methods DA rat bone marrow cells were extracted, combined with recombinant mouse granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and recombinant mouse interleukin (IL)-4, and cultured for 6 days in vitro to induce the differentiation of bone marrow cells into immature dendritic cells (imDC). Lipopolysaccharide was used to stimulate cell maturation and cultured for 2 days to collect mature dendritic cells (mDC). PD-L1 lentiviral vector virus stock solution or equivalent dose lentiviral stock solution was added, and PD-L1hitol-DC and Lv-imDC were collected after culture for 2 days. The morphology of PD-L1hitol-DC was observed by inverted phase contrast microscope and transmission electron microscope. Real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression level of specific markers on cell surface. CD8+T cells derived from Lewis rat spleen were co-cultured with imDC, mDC, Lv-imDC and PD-L1hitol-DC, respectively. The levels of inflammatory factors in the supernatant of each group were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The apoptosis of T cells and the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg) in each group were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results The morphology of PD-L1hitol-DC modified by PD-L1 gene was consistent with tol-DC characteristics, and the expression levels of CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the surface were low. After mixed culture with CD8+ T cells, the levels of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF) -β1 in the supernatant of PD-L1hitol-DC group were higher, the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and IL-17A were lower, and the apoptosis of T cells and Treg differentiation were increased. Conclusions Overexpression of PD-L1 through lentiviral vectors may successfully induce the construction of bone-marrow derived PD-L1hitol-DC in DA rats, promote the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors and T cell apoptosis, induce the differentiation of Treg, and inhibit the immune response of allogeneic CD8+T cells, which provides experimental basis for the next organ transplantation immune tolerance study.
2.The Impairment Attention Capture by Topological Change in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hui-Lin XU ; Huan-Jun XI ; Tao DUAN ; Jing LI ; Dan-Dan LI ; Kai WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):223-232
ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.
3.Effects of Moxibustion at "Guanyuan (CV 4)" on Oxidative Stress and Autophagy-Related Gene Expression of Skin Tissue in Photoaging Model Rats
Qianqian HUI ; Yuan JING ; Sijie OUYANG ; Shijing YOU ; Boying TONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):621-628
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) in delaying skin photoaging. MethodsThirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely blank group, model group, vitamin E group, and moxibustion group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, dorsal skin of rats were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation to establish a skin photoaging model. One week after modeling, the moxibustion group received moxibustion at "Guanyuan (CV 4)" once a day, five days per week; the vitamin E group received vitamin E (25 mg/kg·d) once a day by gavage, five days per week; the blank group, model group, and moxibustion group received an equivalent volume of normal saline via gavage; the intervention lasted for 7 weeks. After 7 weeks, dorsal skin tissues were collected to analyze the following indicators, such as skin tissue moisture content, histomorphological changes using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ content using ELISA. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and catalase (CAT) activity in skin tissue were dectected. Western Blot was used to determin autophagy-related proteins, including microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), polyubiquitin-binding protein (p62), and autophagy-specific gene (Beclin-1); LC3, p62, and Beclin-1 mRNA expression was detected via qRT-PCR, and autophagosome formation was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsHE staining showed that the epidermal structure in the blank group was orderly and evenly thick, while the model group exhibited uneven epidermal thickness. In the moxibustion group, the epidermis was well-structured, smooth, and uniform, with densely arranged dermal layers; the epidermis in the vitamin E group was thicker than that in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited decreased skin moisture content and reduced level of Collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ, reduced SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activity in skin tissue, increased H2O2 and MDA activity, elevated p62 protein and mRNA expression, reduced LC3 and Beclin-1 protein and mRNA expression (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the moxibustion group showed significant improvement in all these indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01); whereas the vitamin E group did not show a statistically significant difference in Collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ levels (P>0.05). TEM results showed that, compared with the blank group, the model group had atrophic skin cells, extensive mitochondrial vacuolization, and degraded cellular structures; the moxibustion group exhibited crescent- or cup-shaped autophagosomes with a significantly increased number of autophagosomes per unit area, whereas the vitamin E group showed less improvement than the moxibustion group. ConclusionMoxibustion at "Guanyuan (CV 4)" may alleviate skin photoaging by regulating oxidative stress imba-lance, modulating cellular autophagy, and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby slowing the aging process of the skin.
4.Action mechanisms and application pathways of biomaterials in promoting corneal alkali burn repair
Hui XIAO ; Dongyan LI ; Jing JI ; Lizhen WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2162-2170
BACKGROUND:Traditional treatments for corneal alkali burns are limited,especially in controlling inflammation,preventing neovascularization,and inhibiting corneal scarring.Natural,synthetic,or composite materials provide a wide range of treatment options.However,the mechanism by which biomaterials promote corneal alkali burn repair has not yet been systematically understood. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the current research on biomaterials in promoting corneal alkali burn repair in and outside China,and review the mechanism and application of biomaterials in repairing corneal alkali burn. METHODS:The first author searched"cornea,alkali burn,amniotic membrane,hyaluronic acid,collagen,chitosan,polymer materials"as Chinese keywords and"amniotic membrane,hyaluronic acid,collagen,chitosan,polymer,cornea,alkali burn"as English keywords in PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang databases.According to inclusion and exclusion criteria,76 eligible articles were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the field of corneal alkali burn repair,biomaterials such as amniotic membrane,hyaluronic acid,collagen,chitosan,and degradable polymer materials have been widely studied and applied.Each of these biomaterials has its own characteristics,advantages,and disadvantages,and stands out in different aspects.(2)First and foremost,amniotic membranes are considered one of the most promising biomaterials due to their abundance of bioactive factors.They are biocompatible and can regulate the corneal inflammatory response.However,there are issues with donor shortages and susceptibility to infectious diseases.(3)Hyaluronic acid has good moisturizing properties and biocompatibility,and is able to improve the survival rate of corneal cells and increase corneal transparency.(4)The good biocompatibility and scaffold structure of collagen enable the promotion of corneal cell adhesion and proliferation,as well as the reconstruction of corneal tissue structure.(5)Chitosan is recognized for its good biocompatibility and degradability,making it suitable as a carrier for drug delivery and cell transplantation.(6)Degradable polymer materials have good controllability over degradation and can provide a good support and delivery platform for the repair of corneal alkali burns,but further research is needed on their stability and biocompatibility.(7)Overall,there is currently no single biomaterial that can completely address the repair problem of corneal alkali burns,and each biomaterial has its own specific application scenarios and limitations.(8)Future research directions should focus on further improving the properties and structure of biomaterials,exploring more effective combination applications,and deeply understanding the interaction mechanism between biomaterials and corneal tissue,in order to enhance the therapeutic effect of corneal alkali burns and the quality of life of patients.
5.Association between physical activity levels and metabolic syndrome among children aged 8-9 years old in Pudong New Area, Shanghai
QIN Cun, MAIHELIYAKEZI Tuersunniyazi, REN Yaping, JING Guangzhuang, HU Hui, BAI Pinqing, SHI Huijing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):260-265
Objective:
To understand 24 h physical activity levels of children aged 8-9 years in Pudong New Area and to explore its association with metabolic syndrome, so as to provide scientific basis for children s participation in physical activities and reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Methods:
A stratified cluster random sampling method was adopted to select 13 schools in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. A total of 2 013 primary school students aged 8-9 years old were included as the research subjects. During September 2021 to December 2022, Actigraph GT3X accelerometer, height measuring gauge, electronic sphygmomanometer and waist circumference tape was used to measure physical activity, height, blood pressure and waist circumference, respectively. A total of 5 mL of venous blood was collected from students, and the levels of triglycerides (TG), highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were detected, and online questionnaires were conducted. The ttest and oneway ANOVA were employed to compare the differences in 24 h physical activity levels among children with different characteristics. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the 24 h physical activity levels and metabolic syndrome as well as its components.
Results:
Among primary school students, the average daily time of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was (34.25±13.49)min, the attainment rate was 1.59%. The average daily sleep (SLP) time was (538.27±28.53) min, attainment rate was 1.89%. The detection rates of metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity (AO), elevated blood pressure (BP), elevated TG, low HDL-C, and elevated FPG were 2.48%, 34.53%, 10.38%, 10.73%, 1.24% and 0.70%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, for every 10minute increase in sedentary behavior (SB) time, the risks of AO, elevated BP, and elevated TG increased by 2% ( OR=1.02, 95%CI =1.01-1.04), 5% ( OR=1.05, 95%CI =1.01-1.08), and 6% ( OR= 1.06, 95%CI =1.02-1.11), respectively ( P <0.05). For every 10minute increase in MVPA time, the risk of metabolic syndrome decreased by 27% ( OR=0.73, 95%CI=0.57-0.93, P <0.05). For every 10 minute increase in SLP time, the risks of AO, elevated BP, and metabolic syndrome decreased by 16% ( OR=0.84, 95%CI =0.80-0.88), 9% ( OR=0.91, 95%CI =0.82- 0.99 ), and 15% ( OR=0.85, 95%CI =0.77-0.94), respectively (P <0.05).
Conclusions
The time of MVPA and SLP are seriously insufficient among children aged 8-9 years in Pudong New Area. There is an association between physical activity levels and metabolic syndrome as well as its components. Increasing the time of MVPA and SLP is of great significance for maintaining a relatively low risk of metabolic syndrome in children.
6.Construction of Tax-PC/SDC/PVP-K30 micelles and their protective effect on alcoholic liver injury
Shi-yu ZHANG ; Jing-meng SUN ; Dong-dong LI ; Xin ZHANG ; Jia-hui ZHANG ; Wei-yu ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):488-497
Taxifolin (Tax) has been proved to be a medicinal edible substance with protective effects against alcoholic liver injury, however, its poor hydrophilicity and permeability have hindered the clinical application of Tax. In this study, we prepared taxifolin-phosphatidylcholine/sodium deoxycholate/PVP-K30 micells (Tax-MLs). Box-Behnken test was used to obtain the optimal preparation process, and Tax-MLs were characterised by transmission electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Physicochemical parameters such as proximate micelle concentration, equilibrium solubility and oil-water partition coefficient were determined, and the release pattern of Tax-MLs was investigated by
7.Cloning, subcellular localization and expression analysis of SmIAA7 gene from Salvia miltiorrhiza
Yu-ying HUANG ; Ying CHEN ; Bao-wei WANG ; Fan-yuan GUAN ; Yu-yan ZHENG ; Jing FAN ; Jin-ling WANG ; Xiu-hua HU ; Xiao-hui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):514-525
The auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) gene family is an important regulator for plant growth hormone signaling, involved in plant growth, development, as well as response to environmental stresses. In the present study, we identified
8.Exploring mechanism of Porana racemosa Roxb. in treating rheumatoid arthritis based on integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental validation
Chen-yu YE ; Ning LI ; Yin-zi CHEN ; Tong QU ; Jing HU ; Zhi-yong CHEN ; Hui REN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):117-129
Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, combined with
9.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
10.Proportions of memory T cells and expression of their associated cytokines in lymph nodes of mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis
Yinshi LI ; Duolikun ADILAI ; Bingqing DENG ; Ainiwaer ABIDAN ; Sheng SUN ; Wenying XIAO ; Conghui GE ; Na TANG ; Jing LI ; Hui WANG ; Tao JIANG ; Chuanshan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):136-143
Objective To investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on levels of memory T (Tm) cells and their subsets in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of infection, so as to provide new insights into immunotherapy for alveolarechinococcosis. MethodsTwenty-four C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 9 weeks were randomly divided into the infection group and the control group, of 12 mice in each group. Mice in the infection group were administered with 3 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces via portal venous injection, while animals in the control group were administered with an equal volume of physiological saline. Three mice from each group were sacrificed 4, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-infection, and lymph nodes were sampled and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to investigate the histopathological changes of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group. The expression and localization of T lymphocyte surface markers CD3, CD4, and CD8 were observed in mouse lymph nodes using immunohistochemical staining. In addition, lymphocyte suspensions were prepared from mouse lymph nodes in both groups at different time points post-infection, and the levels of Tm cell subsets and their secreted cytokines were detected using flow cytometry. Results HE staining showed diffuse structural alterations in the subcapsular cortical and paracortical regions of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group 4 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis. Immunohistochemical staining detected CD3, CD4 and CD8 expression in mouse lymph nodes in both groups. Flow cytometry revealed higher proportions of CD4+ Tm cells [(55.3 ± 4.8)% vs. (38.8 ± 6.1)%; t = -4.259, P < 0.05] and CD4+ tissue-resident Tm (Trm) cells [(57.7 ± 3.7)% vs. (34.1 ± 11.2)%; t = -3.990, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks post-infection, and higher proportions of CD4+ Tm cells [(34.6 ± 3.2)% vs. (23.3 ± 7.5)%; t = -2.764, P < 0.05] and CD4+ Trm cells [(44.0 ± 1.9)% vs. (31.2 ± 1.5)%; t = -4.039, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post-infection. The proportions of CD8+ Tm cells were higher in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks [(56.8 ± 2.7)% vs. (43.9 ± 5.2)%; t = -4.416, P < 0.01] and 12 weeks post-infection [(25.4 ± 2.7)% vs. (12.0 ± 2.6)%; t = -2.552, P < 0.05], while the proportions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α+ CD4+ T cells [(15.7 ± 5.0)% vs. (49.4 ± 6.4)%; t = 7.150, P < 0.01], TNF-α+CD8+ T cells [(20.7 ± 5.5)% vs. (57.5 ± 8.4)%; t = -6.694, P < 0.01], and TNF-α+ CD8+ Tm cells [7.0% (1.0%) vs. 31.0% (11.0%); Z = -2.236, P < 0.05] were lower in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post-infection. Conclusions Tm cells levels are consistently increased in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of E. multilocularis infection, with Trm cells as the predominantly elevated subset. The impaired capacity of CD8+ Tm cells to secrete the effector molecule TNF-α in mouse lymph nodes at the late-stage infection may facilitate chronic parasitism of E. multilocularis.


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