1.Prospects for 3D Bioprinting Research and Transdisciplinary Application to Preclinical Animal Models
Min HU ; Lexuan DONG ; Yi GAO ; Ziqi XI ; Zihao SHEN ; Ruiyang TANG ; Xin LUAN ; Min TANG ; Weidong ZHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):318-330
Animal experiments are widely used in biomedical research for safety assessment, toxicological analysis, efficacy evaluation, and mechanism exploration. In recent years, the ethical review system has become more stringent, and awareness of animal welfare has continuously increased. To promote more efficient and cost-effective drug research and development, the United States passed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Modernization Act 2.0 in September 2022, which removed the federal mandate requiring animal testing in preclinical drug research. In April 2025, the FDA further proposed to adopt a series of "new alternative methods" in the research and development of drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, which included artificial intelligence computing models, organoid toxicity tests, and 3D micro-physiological systems, thereby gradually phasing out traditional animal experiment models. Among these cutting-edge technologies, 3D bioprinting models are a significant alternative and complement to animal models, owing to their high biomimetic properties, reproducibility, and scalability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advancements and applications of 3D bioprinting technology in the fields of biomedical and pharmaceutical research. It starts by detailing the essential elements of 3D bioprinting, including the selection and functional design of biomaterials, along with an explanation of the principles and characteristics of various printing strategies, highlighting the advantages in constructing complex multicellular spatial structures, regulating microenvironments, and guiding cell fate. It then discusses the typical applications of 3D bioprinting in drug research and development,including high-throughput screening of drug efficacy by constructing disease models such as tumors, infectious diseases, and rare diseases, as well as conducting drug toxicology research by building organ-specific models such as those of liver and heart. Additionally,the review examines the role of 3D bioprinting in tissue engineering, discussing its contributions to the construction of functional tissues such as bone, cartilage, skin, and blood vessels, as well as the latest progress in regeneration and replacement. Furthermore, this review analyzes the complementary advantages of 3D bioprinting models and animal models in the research of disease progression, drug mechanisms, precision medicine, drug development, and tissue regeneration, and discusses the potential and challenges of their integration in improving model accuracy and physiological relevance. In conclusion, as a cutting-edge in vitro modeling and manufacturing technology, 3D bioprinting is gradually establishing a comprehensive application system covering disease modeling, drug screening, toxicity prediction, and tissue regeneration.
2.Prospects for 3D Bioprinting Research and Transdisciplinary Application to Preclinical Animal Models
Min HU ; Lexuan DONG ; Yi GAO ; Ziqi XI ; Zihao SHEN ; Ruiyang TANG ; Xin LUAN ; Min TANG ; Weidong ZHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):318-330
Animal experiments are widely used in biomedical research for safety assessment, toxicological analysis, efficacy evaluation, and mechanism exploration. In recent years, the ethical review system has become more stringent, and awareness of animal welfare has continuously increased. To promote more efficient and cost-effective drug research and development, the United States passed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Modernization Act 2.0 in September 2022, which removed the federal mandate requiring animal testing in preclinical drug research. In April 2025, the FDA further proposed to adopt a series of "new alternative methods" in the research and development of drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, which included artificial intelligence computing models, organoid toxicity tests, and 3D micro-physiological systems, thereby gradually phasing out traditional animal experiment models. Among these cutting-edge technologies, 3D bioprinting models are a significant alternative and complement to animal models, owing to their high biomimetic properties, reproducibility, and scalability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advancements and applications of 3D bioprinting technology in the fields of biomedical and pharmaceutical research. It starts by detailing the essential elements of 3D bioprinting, including the selection and functional design of biomaterials, along with an explanation of the principles and characteristics of various printing strategies, highlighting the advantages in constructing complex multicellular spatial structures, regulating microenvironments, and guiding cell fate. It then discusses the typical applications of 3D bioprinting in drug research and development,including high-throughput screening of drug efficacy by constructing disease models such as tumors, infectious diseases, and rare diseases, as well as conducting drug toxicology research by building organ-specific models such as those of liver and heart. Additionally,the review examines the role of 3D bioprinting in tissue engineering, discussing its contributions to the construction of functional tissues such as bone, cartilage, skin, and blood vessels, as well as the latest progress in regeneration and replacement. Furthermore, this review analyzes the complementary advantages of 3D bioprinting models and animal models in the research of disease progression, drug mechanisms, precision medicine, drug development, and tissue regeneration, and discusses the potential and challenges of their integration in improving model accuracy and physiological relevance. In conclusion, as a cutting-edge in vitro modeling and manufacturing technology, 3D bioprinting is gradually establishing a comprehensive application system covering disease modeling, drug screening, toxicity prediction, and tissue regeneration.
3.Detection of germline variants in pancreatic cancer by next-generation sequencing and correlation analysis of clinical factors
Hui-Qin JIANG ; Li ZHANG ; Fei HUANG ; Xin-Ning CHEN ; Li YU ; Min-Na SHEN ; Bei-Li WANG ; Bai-Shen PAN ; Wei GUO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(1):19-24
Objective To investigate the rate of germline variants in patients with pancreatic cancer and clinical characteristics related with germline variants.Methods A total of 271 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were enrolled in this study.Germline variants of 21 tumor susceptibility genes were detected by next-generation sequencing,and the relationship between germline variants and clinical factors such as age of onset,family history and personal history was analyzed.Results The rate of germline P/LP variants was 6.3%in unselected pancreatic cancer patients,but was high as 17.1%in genetic high-risk group patients(those with a family or personal history of cancer,or early-onset).Genes with higher frequency of germline variants in pancreatic cancer patients were PALB2,BRCA2,and ATM.Conclusion The rate of germline variants in overall pancreatic cancer patients is not high,but it increases significantly in genetic high-risk group,proving the importance of clinical factors in the screening of hereditary pancreatic cancer.
4.The value of high-throughput sequencing data reanalysis in identifying ERBB2 amplification in colorectal cancer patients
Min-Na SHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Xin-Ning CHEN ; Fei HUANG ; Chao-Gang BAI ; Li-Meng CHEN ; Hai-Xiang PENG ; Yan ZHOU ; Bei-Li WANG ; Bai-Shen PAN ; Wei GUO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(2):166-171
Objective To evaluate the value of high-throughput sequencing(HTS)data reanalysis that does not include ERBB2 copy number variation(CNV)analysis,in identifying ERBB2 amplification in patients with colorectal cancer.Methods The HTS data of 252 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed by pathological biopsy who received peripheral blood cfDNA HTS detection samples were retrospectively analyzed.According to the HTS data of ERBB2 non-amplified samples judged by immunohistochemistry(IHC)and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH),the number of chromosome 17(Chr17)reads in the total number of reads was calculated the range of the ratio was initially determined as the threshold for prompting ERBB2 amplification.Suspected positive samples were screened according to thresholds and verified by digital PCR,IHC and FISH.Results The proportion of the number of Chr17 reads accounts for the number of total reads in the 89 cases of ERBB2 non-amplified samples determined by IHC and/or FISH ranged from 0.188 to 0.299(0.239±0.192).Using 0.298(1.25 times the mean)as the threshold indicating ERBB2 amplification,the data of 163 samples were analyzed,of which 7 cases were suspected to be positive,and the ratio ranged from 0.302 to 0.853.Among them,5 cases were determined to be positive by IHC and/or FISH,and 6 cases were confirmed to be positive by digital PCR.The ratio of the number of Chr17 reads to the number of total reads was positively correlated with the ratio of ERBB2/EIF2C1,and the correlation was good(r2=0.909).Conclusion The high-throughput sequencing data that does not cover the ERBB2 CNV analysis has a certain hint value for ERBB2 amplification in patients with colorectal cancer.
5.Association of Cytokines with Clinical Indicators in Patients with Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Hua Wei CAO ; Ting Ting JIANG ; Ge SHEN ; Wen DENG ; Yu Shi WANG ; Yu Zi ZHANG ; Xin Xin LI ; Yao LU ; Lu ZHANG ; Yu Ru LIU ; Min CHANG ; Ling Shu WU ; Jiao Yuan GAO ; Xiao Hong HAO ; Xue Xiao CHEN ; Ping Lei HU ; Jiao Meng XU ; Wei YI ; Yao XIE ; Hui Ming LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(5):494-502
Objective To explore characteristics of clinical parameters and cytokines in patients with drug-induced liver injury(DILI)caused by different drugs and their correlation with clinical indicators. Method The study was conducted on patients who were up to Review of Uncertainties in Confidence Assessment for Medical Tests(RUCAM)scoring criteria and clinically diagnosed with DILI.Based on Chinese herbal medicine,cardiovascular drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),anti-infective drugs,and other drugs,patients were divided into five groups.Cytokines were measured by Luminex technology.Baseline characteristics of clinical biochemical indicators and cytokines in DILI patients and their correlation were analyzed. Results 73 patients were enrolled.Age among five groups was statistically different(P=0.032).Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(P=0.033)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(P=0.007)in NSAIDs group were higher than those in chinese herbal medicine group.Interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in patients with Chinese herbal medicine(IL-6:P<0.001;TNF-α:P<0.001)and cardiovascular medicine(IL-6:P=0.020;TNF-α:P=0.001)were lower than those in NSAIDs group.There was a positive correlation between ALT(r=0.697,P=0.025),AST(r=0.721,P=0.019),and IL-6 in NSAIDs group. Conclusion Older age may be more prone to DILI.Patients with NSAIDs have more severe liver damage in early stages of DILI,TNF-α and IL-6 may partake the inflammatory process of DILI.
6.The study on biological exposure index of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds
Yue SHEN ; Jie LIU ; Xin CHOU ; Kunpeng MA ; Daoyuan SUN ; Zhen MIN
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):84-89
Objective:To establish biological exposure index (BEI) of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds through occupational epidemiology and the regression analysis of internal and external exposure of workers.Methods:In November 2021, 125 workers with occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds and 49 office administrators in a non-ferrous metal smelter in Yunnan Province were selected as the exposure group and control group, respectively. Air samples from the workplace of the study subjects on weekdays were collected and arsenic concentrations were determined. Urine samples were collected in end-of-work weekend and high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) was used to detect the levels of trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAs 3+) , pentavalent inorganic arsenic (iAs 5+) , monomethyl arsenic (MMA) and dimethyl arsenic (DMA) in urine. The correlations between arsenic concentration in the workplace air and arsenic species in urine of workers were analyzed. Arsenic exposure concentration and the level of urinary arsenic (∑iAs+MMA+DMA) of workers was analyzed by linear regression and the BEI of arsenic and its inorganic compounds in the workplace was proposed based on the results of micronucleus test. Results:The median of time-weighted average concentration ( CTWA) of arsenic in the workplace air of the exposure group was 0.0116 mg/m 3, and the over-standard rate was 71.2% (89/125) . The concentrations of iAs 3+, iAs 5+, inorganic arsenic (iAs=∑iAs 3++iAs 5+) 、MMA、DMA and urinary arsenic in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group at the end of shift, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The concentration of arsenic in the workplace air had the strongest correlation with the concentration of urinary arsenic at the end of the shift ( rs=0.909, P<0.001) . The regression equation was lg ( y) =7.662+2.968lg ( x) ( r=0.821, P<0.05) . According to the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of arsenic in China, the concentration of urinary arsenic in the end-of-work weekend was calculated to be 53.2 μg/L. Combined with the results of micronucleus test, the BEI of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds in the workplace was proposed to be 50 μg/L. Conclusion:The urinary arsenic in the end-of-work weekend can be used as a biomarker of occupational exposure to arsenic, and its BEI is recommended to be 50 μg/L.
7.Correlation analysis of urinary arsenic species and health effect indicators of occupational arsenic exposure workers
Wei QIU ; Xin CHOU ; Yue SHEN ; Kunpeng MA ; Daoyuan SUN ; Zhen MIN
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):102-107
Objective:To explore the correlation between urinary arsenic and health effects through the determination and analysis of urinary arsenic levels in occupational arsenic exposed workers.Methods:In November 2021, 95 workers exposed to arsenic and its inorganic compounds and 31 administrative personnel from a non-ferrous metal smelter in Yunnan Province were selected as the contact group and control group, respectively. Urine forms of arsenic, blood tumor markers, liver function were detected, and micronucleus test was used to analyze the chromosome damage. The correlation between urine forms of arsenic and health effects were analyzed.Results:Compared with the control group, the concentrations of urinary trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAs 3+) , pentavalent inorganic arsenic (iAs 5+) , inorganic arsenic (iAs=∑iAs 3++iAs 5+) , monomethyl arsenic (MMA) , dimethyl arsenic (DMA) and urinary arsenic (∑iAs+MMA+DMA) at the end of class in contact group were higher ( P<0.05) . There was no statistically significant difference in blood tumor markers and liver function indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05) . Compared with the control group, the peripheral blood micronucleus rate and cell micronucleus rate in the contact group were significantly increased ( P<0.05) . The urinary arsenic, iAs 5+, inorganic arsenic and DMA were positively correlated with peripheral blood micronucleus rate in contact group ( rs=0.48, 0.34, 0.37, 0.23, P<0.05) , and the urinary arsenic, iAs 5+, DMA were positively correlated with peripheral blood micronucleus rate ( rs=0.48, 0.34, 0.26, P<0.05) . Conclusion:There is a significant correlation between different valence states of arsenic in the urine and abnormal health effects of occupational arsenic exposed workers. It is necessary to strengthen the detection of arsenic species in the urine of occupational arsenic exposed workers to better protect their health.
8.The study on biological exposure index of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds
Yue SHEN ; Jie LIU ; Xin CHOU ; Kunpeng MA ; Daoyuan SUN ; Zhen MIN
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):84-89
Objective:To establish biological exposure index (BEI) of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds through occupational epidemiology and the regression analysis of internal and external exposure of workers.Methods:In November 2021, 125 workers with occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds and 49 office administrators in a non-ferrous metal smelter in Yunnan Province were selected as the exposure group and control group, respectively. Air samples from the workplace of the study subjects on weekdays were collected and arsenic concentrations were determined. Urine samples were collected in end-of-work weekend and high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) was used to detect the levels of trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAs 3+) , pentavalent inorganic arsenic (iAs 5+) , monomethyl arsenic (MMA) and dimethyl arsenic (DMA) in urine. The correlations between arsenic concentration in the workplace air and arsenic species in urine of workers were analyzed. Arsenic exposure concentration and the level of urinary arsenic (∑iAs+MMA+DMA) of workers was analyzed by linear regression and the BEI of arsenic and its inorganic compounds in the workplace was proposed based on the results of micronucleus test. Results:The median of time-weighted average concentration ( CTWA) of arsenic in the workplace air of the exposure group was 0.0116 mg/m 3, and the over-standard rate was 71.2% (89/125) . The concentrations of iAs 3+, iAs 5+, inorganic arsenic (iAs=∑iAs 3++iAs 5+) 、MMA、DMA and urinary arsenic in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group at the end of shift, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The concentration of arsenic in the workplace air had the strongest correlation with the concentration of urinary arsenic at the end of the shift ( rs=0.909, P<0.001) . The regression equation was lg ( y) =7.662+2.968lg ( x) ( r=0.821, P<0.05) . According to the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of arsenic in China, the concentration of urinary arsenic in the end-of-work weekend was calculated to be 53.2 μg/L. Combined with the results of micronucleus test, the BEI of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds in the workplace was proposed to be 50 μg/L. Conclusion:The urinary arsenic in the end-of-work weekend can be used as a biomarker of occupational exposure to arsenic, and its BEI is recommended to be 50 μg/L.
9.Correlation analysis of urinary arsenic species and health effect indicators of occupational arsenic exposure workers
Wei QIU ; Xin CHOU ; Yue SHEN ; Kunpeng MA ; Daoyuan SUN ; Zhen MIN
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2024;42(2):102-107
Objective:To explore the correlation between urinary arsenic and health effects through the determination and analysis of urinary arsenic levels in occupational arsenic exposed workers.Methods:In November 2021, 95 workers exposed to arsenic and its inorganic compounds and 31 administrative personnel from a non-ferrous metal smelter in Yunnan Province were selected as the contact group and control group, respectively. Urine forms of arsenic, blood tumor markers, liver function were detected, and micronucleus test was used to analyze the chromosome damage. The correlation between urine forms of arsenic and health effects were analyzed.Results:Compared with the control group, the concentrations of urinary trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAs 3+) , pentavalent inorganic arsenic (iAs 5+) , inorganic arsenic (iAs=∑iAs 3++iAs 5+) , monomethyl arsenic (MMA) , dimethyl arsenic (DMA) and urinary arsenic (∑iAs+MMA+DMA) at the end of class in contact group were higher ( P<0.05) . There was no statistically significant difference in blood tumor markers and liver function indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05) . Compared with the control group, the peripheral blood micronucleus rate and cell micronucleus rate in the contact group were significantly increased ( P<0.05) . The urinary arsenic, iAs 5+, inorganic arsenic and DMA were positively correlated with peripheral blood micronucleus rate in contact group ( rs=0.48, 0.34, 0.37, 0.23, P<0.05) , and the urinary arsenic, iAs 5+, DMA were positively correlated with peripheral blood micronucleus rate ( rs=0.48, 0.34, 0.26, P<0.05) . Conclusion:There is a significant correlation between different valence states of arsenic in the urine and abnormal health effects of occupational arsenic exposed workers. It is necessary to strengthen the detection of arsenic species in the urine of occupational arsenic exposed workers to better protect their health.
10.Effect of different expression levels of GRIM-19 on the resistance of prostate cancer cells to docetaxel chemotherapy
Hai-Li LIN ; Yong-Xin HE ; Tian-Qi LIN ; Zai-Xiong SHEN ; Liu-Tao LUO ; Si-Xing HUANG ; Yi HUANG ; Yu ZHOU ; Min-Yi RUAN
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(10):884-888
Objective:To investigate the effect of GRIM-19 on the resistance of carcinoma cells to the chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel in the treatment of PCa.Methods:Using siRNA technology to interfere with the gene expression in PCa cells,we estab-lished a model of GRIM-19 overexpression/knockdown in PCa cells.We investigated the effect of different expression levels of GRIM-19 on docetaxel-induced death of the PCa cells by qPCR,Western blot and flow cytometry,and assessed the value of GRIM-19 in re-ducing the chemotherapy-resistance of PCa cells.Results:GRIM-19 was down-regulated in PCa tissues and cells.Knockout of GRIM-19 significantly decreased the expression of siGRIM19 in the PC-3 and LNCaP cells,and reduced their death rate when treated with docetaxel compared with the control group.The expressions of GRIM-19 mRNA and protein were remarkably upregulated after transfection with GRIM-19,and the overexpressed GRIM-19 promoted the death of the PC-3 and LNCaP cells treated with docetaxel in a dose-dependent manner.Flow cytometry analysis showed a lower apoptosis rate of PC-3-R cells than that of PC-3 cells at different time points of docetaxel-induction at different doses.Conclusion:GRIM-19 is a PCa suppressor gene with a significant facilitating effect on the apoptosis of PCa cells,and the overexpression of GRIM-19 promotes docetaxel-induced PCa cell death and improves the sensitivity of chemotherapy.

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