1.Effect of Mahuang Xixin Fuzitang on Migration of Dendritic Cells in Mice by Regulating Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway
Shuyue FAN ; Luwei WU ; Tongtong SUN ; Yuying NI ; Jing GAO ; Ying CUI ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(18):35-42
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Mahuang Xixin Fuzitang on the migration of dendritic cells (DCs) in mice and its underlying mechanism. MethodMouse bone marrow-derived DCs were isolated and cultured. The morphological changes of the cells at different stages were observed under a microscope, and the CD11c+ proportion was detected by flow cytometry to identify DC purity. Cells were treated with Mahuang Xixin Fuzitang (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, 100 g·L-1) for 24 hours, and the effect of Mahuang Xixin Fuzitang on cell proliferation was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to determine the appropriate concentrations for treatment. After modeling by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction, DCs were divided into a blank group, a model group, and Mahuang Xixin Fuzitang groups (2, 4, 8 g·L-1). The expression of surface molecules CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex-Ⅱ (MHC-Ⅱ) were detected by flow cytometry. Transwell chamber assay was used to observe cell migration. The levels of chemokine C-C-primitive receptor 7 (CCR7) and chemokine C-X-C-primitive receptor 4 (CXCR4) on the cell surface were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of filamentous actin (F-actin) in the cell microfilament cytoskeleton was detected by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA expression levels of Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1). Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expression of RhoA and ROCK1. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly higher expression levels of CD80, CD86, and MHC-Ⅱ (P<0.01), a significantly increased number of cells migrating to the lower chamber (P<0.01), and significantly elevated levels of CCR7 and CXCR4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, F-actin expression was significantly increased (P<0.01), and both RhoA and ROCK1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, treatment with Mahuang Xixin Fuzitang (2, 4, 8 g·L-1) for 24 hours resulted in significantly lower expression levels of CD80, CD86, and MHC-Ⅱ (P<0.01), a significantly reduced number of cells migrating to the lower chamber (P<0.05), and significantly decreased levels of CCR7 and CXCR4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, F-actin expression was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and both RhoA and ROCK1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMahuang Xixin Fuzitang can inhibit the migration of DCs in mice, and its mechanism of action may be related to reducing the activity of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway, thereby affecting changes in the cell cytoskeleton.
2.Bmal1 mediates the neuroprotective effect of sodium butyrate in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Feixia WANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Yan SUN ; Liujing YANG ; Tongtong GUO ; Yeting PAN ; Songtao DING ; Lin JIANG ; Handeng LIU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(5):876-884
Objective To investigate the mechanisms that mediate the neuroprotective effect of the intestinal microbial metabolite sodium butyrate(NaB)in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease(PD)via the gut-brain axis.Methods Thirty-nine 7-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into control group,PD model group,and NaB treatment group.In the latter two groups,PD models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)once daily for 5 consecutive days,and normal saline was injected in the control group.After modeling,the mice received daily gavage of NaB(300 mg/kg)or an equal volume of saline for 14 days.Behavioral tests were carried out to assess the changes in motor function of the mice,and Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and α-synuclein(α-syn)in the striatum and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin 6(IL-6),and the tight junction proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudinin the colon.HE staining was used to observe inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon of the mice.RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes in mouse colon tissues,and their expressions were verified using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Results The mouse models of PD with NaB treatment showed significantly increased movement speed and pulling strength of the limbs with obviously upregulated expressions of TH,Occludin,and Claudin and downregulated expressions of α-syn,NF-κB,TNF-α,and IL-6(all P<0.05).HE staining showed that NaB treatment significantly ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon of the PD mice.RNA sequencing suggested that Bmal1 gene probably mediated the neuroprotective effect of NaB in PD mice(P<0.05).Conclusion NaB can improve motor dysfunction,reduce dopaminergic neuron loss in the striatum,and ameliorate colonic inflammation in PD mice possibly through a mechanism involving Bmal1.
3.Construction of recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase directed inte-grated goat fetal fibroblast cell lines based on CRISPR/Cas9 system
Yunpeng WU ; Yefeng QIU ; Yuling TANG ; Tianqi SUN ; Tongtong QIN ; Rui ZHANG ; Yunzhi FA
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(6):421-428
Objective To construct recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase(rhBChE)knock-in goat fetal fibroblast cell lines(GFFs)by using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9(Cas9)-mediated homology-directed repair mechanism for subsequent production of goat expressing rhBChE.Methods The efficient sgRNA sites targeting goat[3-casein(CSN2)gene were designed and screened,and the targeting efficiency of the sgRNA in goat mammary epithelial cells(GMECs)was confirmed by electro-transfection,flow sorting,and sequencing of PCR products.The red fluorescent reporter gene homology repair vector(P2A-mCherry)targeting the sgRNA was constructed,and then the integration and expression efficiency was detected by flow cytometry.The rhBChE homology repair vector(P2A-rhBChE)targeting the sgRNA of CSN2 gene was constructed in GFFs,the rhBChE positive cell clones were obtained via electro-transfection and flow sorting,and the rhBChE knock-in cell lines was identified by sequencing of PCR products.Results The sgRNA4 was identified as an efficient target of goat CSN2 gene,which could be also used for targeted integration of other genes.Three rhBChE knock-in cell lines were successfully constructed.Conclusion The rhBChE knock-in GFFs targeting goat CSN2 gene lays the foundation for the production of mammary bioreactors expressing rhBChE.
4.Bmal1 mediates the neuroprotective effect of sodium butyrate in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Feixia WANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Yan SUN ; Liujing YANG ; Tongtong GUO ; Yeting PAN ; Songtao DING ; Lin JIANG ; Handeng LIU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(5):876-884
Objective To investigate the mechanisms that mediate the neuroprotective effect of the intestinal microbial metabolite sodium butyrate(NaB)in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease(PD)via the gut-brain axis.Methods Thirty-nine 7-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into control group,PD model group,and NaB treatment group.In the latter two groups,PD models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)once daily for 5 consecutive days,and normal saline was injected in the control group.After modeling,the mice received daily gavage of NaB(300 mg/kg)or an equal volume of saline for 14 days.Behavioral tests were carried out to assess the changes in motor function of the mice,and Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and α-synuclein(α-syn)in the striatum and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin 6(IL-6),and the tight junction proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudinin the colon.HE staining was used to observe inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon of the mice.RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes in mouse colon tissues,and their expressions were verified using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Results The mouse models of PD with NaB treatment showed significantly increased movement speed and pulling strength of the limbs with obviously upregulated expressions of TH,Occludin,and Claudin and downregulated expressions of α-syn,NF-κB,TNF-α,and IL-6(all P<0.05).HE staining showed that NaB treatment significantly ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon of the PD mice.RNA sequencing suggested that Bmal1 gene probably mediated the neuroprotective effect of NaB in PD mice(P<0.05).Conclusion NaB can improve motor dysfunction,reduce dopaminergic neuron loss in the striatum,and ameliorate colonic inflammation in PD mice possibly through a mechanism involving Bmal1.
5.A Scoping Review of Digital Health Literacy Assessment Tools for the Elderly
Yiming SUN ; Tongtong LI ; Difei DUAN
Journal of Medical Informatics 2024;45(11):15-21
Purpose/Significance To review digital health literacy assessment tools for the elderly,and to provide a theoretical basis for assessment,intervention and optimization.Method/Process A scoping review method is used to systematically review and evaluate digital health literacy assessment tools for the elderly.Result/Conclusion The 10 included assessment tools are generally applicable to the elderly population,but research targeting specific groups remains insufficient.These assessment tools should be further integrated in the future to promote the understanding and research of digital health literacy measurement methods.
6.Hepatocellular carcinoma prediction model performance decreases with long-term antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients
Xiaoning WU ; Xiaoqian XU ; Jialing ZHOU ; YaMeng SUN ; Huiguo DING ; Wen XIE ; Guofeng CHEN ; Anlin MA ; HongXin PIAO ; Bingqiong WANG ; Shuyan CHEN ; Tongtong MENG ; Xiaojuan OU ; Hwai-I YANG ; Jidong JIA ; Yuanyuan KONG ; Hong YOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2023;29(3):747-762
Background/Aims:
Existing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prediction models are derived mainly from pretreatment or early on-treatment parameters. We reassessed the dynamic changes in the performance of 17 HCC models in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during long-term antiviral therapy (AVT).
Methods:
Among 987 CHB patients administered long-term entecavir therapy, 660 patients had 8 years of follow-up data. Model scores were calculated using on-treatment values at 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, and 5 years of AVT to predict threeyear HCC occurrence. Model performance was assessed with the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC). The original model cutoffs to distinguish different levels of HCC risk were evaluated by the log-rank test.
Results:
The AUROCs of the 17 HCC models varied from 0.51 to 0.78 when using on-treatment scores from years 2.5 to 5. Models with a cirrhosis variable showed numerically higher AUROCs (pooled at 0.65–0.73 for treated, untreated, or mixed treatment models) than models without (treated or mixed models: 0.61–0.68; untreated models: 0.51–0.59). Stratification into low, intermediate, and high-risk levels using the original cutoff values could no longer reflect the true HCC incidence using scores after 3.5 years of AVT for models without cirrhosis and after 4 years of AVT for models with cirrhosis.
Conclusions
The performance of existing HCC prediction models, especially models without the cirrhosis variable, decreased in CHB patients on long-term AVT. The optimization of existing models or the development of novel models for better HCC prediction during long-term AVT is warranted.
7.Venetoclax combined with avapritinib for treatment of refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia with KIT gene mutation: report of 2 cases and review of literature
Lian BAI ; Shengli XUE ; Jia YIN ; Tongtong ZHANG ; Aining SUN ; Depei WU
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2023;32(9):533-537
Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of venetoclax combined with avapritinib in treatment of refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with KIT gene mutation.Methods:The clinical data of 2 AML patients with KIT gene mutation who received venetoclax combined with avapritinib admitted to Canglang Hospital of Suzhou in October 2022 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and the relevant literature was reviewed.Results:Both patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory AML and KIT gene mutation were females; the one was 53 years and the other was 17 years. Case 1 was diagnosed with AML-M 2, and genetic testing revealed positive mutations in ASXL1, KIT, and RUNX1. The patient relapsed after transplantation and then was treated with venetoclax combined with avapritinib achieving morphologic leukemia-free status (MLFS). Case 2 was diagnosed with AML, and RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) fusion gene and KIT and DX15 gene mutations were detected. The patient was treated with venetoclax combined with avapritinib regimen after relapse, and the treatment regimen significantly reduced the tumor load. Complete remission was achieved after bridging to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Conclusions:AML with KIT gene mutation is heterogeneous and some patients are difficult to treat with very poor prognosis. Bridging (secondary) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be the better treatment choice for relapsed patients achieving MLFS or complete remission after venetoclax combined with avapritinib treatment regimen.
8.Molecular analysis of 23 cases of B subgroup.
Jinhui XIE ; Shuangyu LI ; Mengli XUE ; Lina WU ; Ying ZHAO ; Xian HUANG ; Jinghui CHONG ; Wei WANG ; Zheng DONG ; Bo SUN ; Tongtong LI ; Shiping AN ; Lixin LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2022;39(5):546-547
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the molecular reasons of weak expression of B antigen on the red cell.
METHODS:
Serological test for blood group was carried out, including red cell and plasma grouping, and anti-A1 and anti-H testing, and confirming weak A or B antigens by adsorption and elution. Exons 1-7 were sequenced directly, and one of them was cloned and sequenced.
RESULTS:
All of the 23 samples showed the weak B antigen by serological method. The alleles of the subgroups were identified by DNA sequencing, including 2 Bel subgroup, 4 B3 subgroup, 14 Bw subgroup, 2 CisAB subgroup and a novel allele. The novel allele showed a nucleotide substitution 662G>A in the exon 7, and the sequence was submitted to Blood Group Antigen Gene Mutation Database, and the novel allele was named Bel10.
CONCLUSION
Nucleotide substitution in exon results in blood subgroup, which showed that the antigens were weakened, and Bw phenotype was the most frequently subgroup.
ABO Blood-Group System/genetics*
;
Alleles
;
Exons
;
Genotype
;
Humans
;
Nucleotides
;
Phenotype
9.Experimental study on the feasibility of optimizing chemotherapy regimen for mouse model of 5-FU resistant gastric cancer by the early changes of apparent diffusion coefficient after chemotherapy
Jia SUN ; Laiyun ZHANG ; Yuelei LYU ; Yanhua TANG ; Tongtong LIU ; Qinglei SHI ; Lei YANG ; Tao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2022;56(11):1242-1247
Objective:To prospectively guide the change of chemotherapy regimen in mouse 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance subcutaneous xenograft tumor model derived from gastric cancer patients by the early changes of MRI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and to compare the difference of tumor load between ADC guided dressing change group and volume guided dressing change group.Methods:From January to June 2020, thirty patient-derived xenografts mouse models were established using 5-FU resistant gastric cancer cells coming from patients, and were randomly divided into experimental group and control group by AdaBoost algorithm, with 15 mice in each group. On the 26th day after transplantation, all mice began chemotherapy with 5-FU as the first-line chemotherapy drug, and underwent MR examination once every two days, including T 2WI and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Volumes of tumors were measured using an open-source software ITK-SNAP and values of ADC were measured on ADC maps. According to the change rate of tumor ADC value in the experimental group and the tumor volume growth rate in the control group, the replacement time of chemotherapy drugs was determined, and 5-FU was replaced by paclitaxel. The end point of the experiment was the day that the mice entered the cachexia state. Independent-sample t test was used to compare the difference of tumor load between the two groups. Results:After 5-FU treatment, the ADC value of the two groups both increased. The ADC value began to decline on the 4th day after chemotherapy, and the experimental group continued chemotherapy with paclitaxel instead of 5-FU at this time point. The tumor volume growth rate of the control group increased significantly on the 6th day after chemotherapy (from 8.6% to 16.1%), and the control group used paclitaxel instead of 5-FU chemotherapy at this time point. The observed end point was on the 18th day after chemotherapy. The tumor load of the experimental group [(1.82±0.09) cm 3] was lower than that of the control group [(2.01±0.09) cm 3], and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.25, P=0.033). On the 16th day after chemotherapy in the experimental group and the 18th day after chemotherapy in the control group, the time of paclitaxel administration in both groups was 12 days. The tumor load in the experimental group [(1.61±0.12) cm 3] was also lower than that in the control group [(2.01±0.09) cm 3], and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.03, P=0.040). Conclusions:For the subcutaneous transplantation model of 5-FU resistant gastric cancer mice, according to the early changes of tumor ADC value after chemotherapy, the replacement of chemotherapy drugs can obtain a lower tumor load, suggesting that it is a feasible method to optimize the chemotherapy regimen.
10.Histological regression and clinical benefits in patients with liver cirrhosis after long-term anti-HBV treatment
Shuyan CHEN ; Yameng SUN ; Jialing ZHOU ; Xiaoning WU ; Tongtong MENG ; Bingqiong WANG ; Hui LIU ; Tailing WANG ; Chen SHAO ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Xiaoqian XU ; Yuanyuan KONG ; Xiaojuan OU ; Jidong JIA ; Hong YOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2022;30(6):583-590
Objective:Our study aims to determine histological regression and clinical improvement after long-term antiviral therapy in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis patients.Methods:Treatment-na?ve chronic hepatitis B patients with histologically or clinically diagnosed liver cirrhosis were enrolled. Liver biopsies were performed after 5 years entecavir-based antiviral treatment. Patients were followed up every 6 months. Cirrhosis regression was evaluated based on Metavir system and P-I-R score. Clinical improvement was evaluated before and after the long-term treatment. Kruskal Wallis test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for continuous variables, Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis.Results:Totals of 73 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis were enrolled. Among them, 30 (41.1%) patients were biopsy proved liver cirrhosis and the remaining 43 (58.9%) cirrhotic patients were diagnosed by clinical features. Based on Metavir system and P-I-R score, 72.6% (53/73) patients attained histological regression. Furthermore, 30.1% (22/73) were defined as significant regression (Metavir decrease ≥2 stage), 42.5% (31/73) were mild regression (Metavir decrease 1 stage or predominantly regressive by P-I-R system if still cirrhosis after treatment) and 27.4% (20/73) were the non-regression. Compared to levels of clinical characteristics at baseline, HBV DNA, ALT, AST, liver stiffness(decreased from 12.7 to 6.4 kPa in significant regression, from 18.1 to 7.3 kPa in mild regression and from 21.4 to 11.2 kPa in non-regression)and Ishak-HAI score significantly decreased after 5 years of anti-HBV treatment, while serum levels of platelets and albumin improved remarkably ( P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, only the pre-treatment liver stiffness level was associated with significant regression ( OR=0.887, 95% CI: 0.802-0.981, P=0.020). Conclusions:After long-term antiviral therapy, patients with HBV-related cirrhosis are easily to attain improvements in clinical parameters, while a certain percentage of these patients still cannot achieve histological reversal.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail