1.Construction Strategies and Challenges of Vascularized Brain Organoids
Meng-Meng CHEN ; Nan HU ; Shuang-Qing BAO ; Xiao-Hong LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1757-1770
Brain organoids are three-dimensional (3D) neural cultures that self-organize from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) cultured in vitro. Compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) neural cell culture systems, brain organoids demonstrate a significantly enhanced capacity to faithfully replicate key aspects of the human brain, including cellular diversity, 3D tissue architecture, and functional neural network activity. Importantly, they also overcome the inherent limitations of animal models, which often differ from human biology in terms of genetic background and brain structure. Owing to these advantages, brain organoids have emerged as a powerful tool for recapitulating human-specific developmental processes, disease mechanisms, and pharmacological responses, thereby providing an indispensable model for advancing our understanding of human brain development and neurological disorders. Despite their considerable potential, conventional brain organoids face a critical limitation: the absence of a functional vascular system. This deficiency results in inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the core regions of the organoid, ultimately constraining long-term viability and functional maturation. Moreover, the lack of early neurovascular interactions prevents these models from fully recapitulating the human brain microenvironment. In recent years, the introduction of vascularization strategies has significantly enhanced the physiological relevance of brain organoid models. Researchers have successfully developed various vascularized brain organoid models through multiple innovative approaches. Biological methods, for example, involve co-culturing brain organoids with endothelial cells to induce the formation of static vascular networks. Alternatively, co-differentiation strategies direct both mesodermal and ectodermal lineages to generate vascularized tissues, while fusion techniques combine pre-formed vascular organoids with brain organoids. Beyond biological approaches, tissue engineering techniques have played a pivotal role in promoting vascularization. Microfluidic systems enable the creation of dynamic, perfusable vascular networks that mimic blood flow, while 3D printing technologies allow for the precise fabrication of artificial vascular scaffolds tailored to the organoid’s architecture. Additionally, in vivo transplantation strategies facilitate the formation of functional, blood-perfused vascular networks through host-derived vascular infiltration. The incorporation of vascularization has yielded multiple benefits for brain organoid models. It alleviates hypoxia within the organoid core, thereby improving cell survival and supporting long-term culture and maturation. Furthermore, vascularized organoids recapitulate critical features of the neurovascular unit, including the early structural and functional characteristics of the blood-brain barrier. These advancements have established vascularized brain organoids as a highly relevant platform for studying neurovascular disorders, drug screening, and other applications. However, achieving sustained, long-term functional perfusion while preserving vascular structural integrity and promoting vascular maturation remains a major challenge in the field. In this review, we systematically outline the key stages of human neurovascular development and provide a comprehensive analysis of the various strategies employed to construct vascularized brain organoids. We further present a detailed comparative assessment of different vascularization techniques, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. Additionally, we summarize the principal challenges currently faced in brain organoid vascularization and discuss the specific technical obstacles that persist. Finally, in the outlook section, we elaborate on the promising applications of vascularized brain organoids in disease modeling and drug testing, address the main controversies and unresolved questions in the field, and propose potential directions for future research.
2.Comparison of the risk of gastroesophageal reflux between the lithotomy position and the supine position under SaCoVLM laryngeal mask ventilation
Kun LIU ; Xiao ZHAO ; Chao GONG ; Shuang WU ; Shi-Tong LI ; Lian-Hua CHEN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(3):385-391
Objective To observe whether SaCoVLM laryngeal mask can cause gastroesophageal reflux when the body position changes(lithotomy position and supine position).Methods A total of 70 patients were selected for elective surgery in Shanghai General Hospital from Dec 1st,2021 to Sep 30th,2022.There were 35 patients with ureteroscopy in urology and 35 patients with ankle surgery in trauma orthopedics selected as lithotomy position group and supine position group,respectively.Under SaCoVLM laryngeal mask anesthesia,a dual probe pH electrode was placed in the esophagus to continuously monitor the pH value in the esophagus.The pH values and their changing trends in the lithotomy position and supine position of the esophagus were compared under general anesthesia with SaCoVLM laryngeal mask ventilation,and the possibility of gastroesophageal reflux occurring in both positions was explored.Results The peak airway pressure at each time point(5 min,10 min,15 min,20 min and 30 min)after body position was determined in the two groups,and it in lithotomy position group was significantly higher than that in supine position group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The middle and upper esophageal pH values of the two groups were compared 10 min after laryngeal mask insertion,and it in lithotomy position group(6.045±0.490)was significantly lower than the supine group(6.532±0.366),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The middle and upper esophageal pH values of the two groups were compared 10 min and 15 min after laryngeal mask insertion.They in lithotomy position group were significantly lower than those in supine position group,and the differences were statistically significant(10 min:6.045±0.490 vs.6.532±0.366,P=0.031;15 min:5.828±0.487 vs.6.474±0.411,P=0.048).There was no significant difference in the pH of the middle and upper esophagus between the two groups at 1,5,20 and 30 minutes of laryngeal mask insertion.There was no significant difference in the pH value of the esophageal opening between the two groups at each time point after laryngeal mask insertion.Conclusion Under SaCoVLM laryngeal mask ventilation,the risk of gastroesophageal reflux during lithotomy surgery may be higher than during supine surgery.
3.Predictive value of disulfidptosis-related genes in the prognosis and drug sensitivity of colorectal cancer
Shuang-Yi SUN ; Xin-Xin HE ; Wen-Tong CHEN ; Bin LYU ; Meng-Xiao GE ; Yu-Meng GUO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(4):473-483
Objective To establish a scoring model for predicting the prognosis and drug sensitivity of colorectal cancer(CRC)based on the expression of disulfidptosis-related genes by bioinformatics analyses combined with the validation with CRC patient-derived organoids(CRC-PDOs).Methods NMF(non-negative Matrix Factorization)algorithm,Cox and LASSO regression analyses were used to identify disulfidptosis-related genes with predictive value for CRC prognosis,and disulfidptosis-related risk scoring formula was constructed.The differential genes and enrichment pathways among different clusters were analyzed by GO(Gene Ontology)and KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes).The sensitivity of the high/low-risk clusters of CRC patients to chemotherapy drugs was predicted using the GDSC database and validated using CRC-PDOs.Results The results of NMF algorithm showed that CRC patients could be grouped into two clusters based on the disulfidptosis-related genes.COX regression analysis demonstrated that LRPPRC and SLC7A11 were the only two genes with significance to predict the prognosis of CRC patients(P=0.047,0.033).Low expression of SLC7A11 or high expression of LRPPRC in tumors of CRC patients was significantly correlated with overall survival(OS)(P=0.004,0.003).Based on LASSO regression analysis,the mortality risk scoring formula for disulfidptosis was as follows:Risk score=LRPPRC×(-0.670 5)+SLC7A11×0.311 2,and the GSE161158 dataset could be re-grouped into high-risk and low-risk clusters accordingly.There were 125 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between the two clusters.According to the GO and KEGG results,the up-regulated genes in high-risk cluster were mainly enriched in immune regulation,such as leukocyte chemotaxis,granulocyte migration and toll-like receptor binding.Low-risk cluster was characterized by pathways associated with sulfide metabolism,such as sulfur compound transmembrane transporter activity.Based on the GDSC database,the expression level of SLC7A11 and LRPPRC could predict chemotherapy drug sensitivity.As a representative,the efficacy of chemotherapy drug(irinotecan)on inhibiting the growth of CRC-PDOs was shown to be linearly correlated with the relative gene expression levels of SLC7A11 and LRPPRC in CRC tissues of patients(P=0.007,0.040).Conclusion According to the results based on the bioinformatics analyses and drug sensitivity testing on CRC-PDOs,disulfidptosis risk score could predict the prognosis and drug sensitivity of CRC patients,with potential clinical application prospect.
4.A deep learning model based on magnetic resonance imaging and clinical feature fusion for predicting preoperative cytokeratin 19 status in hepatocellular carcinoma
Weiyang FANG ; Hui XIAO ; Shuang WANG ; Xiaoming LIN ; Chaomin CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(9):1738-1751
Objective To establish a deep learning model for testing the feasibility of combining magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)deep learning features with clinical features for preoperative prediction of cytokeratin 19(CK19)status of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A retrospective experiment was conducted based on the data of 116 HCC patients with confirmed CK19 status.A single sequence multi-scale feature fusion deep learning model(MSFF-IResnet)and a multi-scale and multi-modality feature fusion model(MMFF-IResnet)were established based on the hepatobiliary phase(HBP),diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)sequences of enhanced MRI images,and the clinical features significantly correlated with CK19 status.The classification performance of the models were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the deep learning models for predicting CK19 status of HCC before surgery.Results Multivariate analysis showed that an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(P=0.029)and incomplete tumor capsule(P=0.028)were independent predictors of CK19 expression in HCC.The deep learning models improved by multi-scale feature fusion and multi-modality feature fusion methods achieved better classification results than the traditional machine learning models and baseline models,and the final MMFF-IResnet model showed the best classification performance with an AUC of 84.2%,an accuracy of 80.6%,a sensitivity of 80.1%and a specificity of 81.2%.Conclusion The multi-scale and multi-modality feature fusion model based on MRI and clinical parameters is capable of predicting CK19 status of HCC,demonstrating the feasibility of combining deep learning methods with MRI and clinical features for preoperative prediction of CK19 status.
5.Consideration on non-clinical evaluation of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone drugs
Mei-Ling CHEN ; Zeng-Ping XU ; Lan CUI ; Ping CAO ; Shuang WU ; Xiao-Dong ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1385-1392
This article summarizes the domestic and international research progress of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone(rFSH).According to relevant guidelines and application cases,the general requirements and common problems for non-clinical evaluation of rFSH are summarized.The clinical development prospects of long-acting rFSH products which is a hot research topic in recent years are analyzed and corresponding suggestions are given in order to provide reference for related work.
6.Role of problem chain and course ideological and political cases teaching method in enhancing clinical medication ability research
Zhi-Hua QIN ; Long-Xi PENG ; Gao-Shuang LAN ; Xiao-Bin ZHANG ; Jiao-Jiao YANG ; Liang ZHU ; Xi-Long QIU ; Yun-Long CHEN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1650-1653
Nowadays,with the continuous deepening and development of vocational education teaching reform,medical higher vocational education always takes moral education as the fundamental task.As an independent type of education,vocational education should always deepen the integration of industry and education and the integration of science and education.Through the teaching research of"problem chain+course ideological and political case",this study innovates the coordinated education team of drug nursing curriculum,the collaborative education method and the collaborative education evaluation,and improves the teaching effect.
7.A deep learning model based on magnetic resonance imaging and clinical feature fusion for predicting preoperative cytokeratin 19 status in hepatocellular carcinoma
Weiyang FANG ; Hui XIAO ; Shuang WANG ; Xiaoming LIN ; Chaomin CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(9):1738-1751
Objective To establish a deep learning model for testing the feasibility of combining magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)deep learning features with clinical features for preoperative prediction of cytokeratin 19(CK19)status of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A retrospective experiment was conducted based on the data of 116 HCC patients with confirmed CK19 status.A single sequence multi-scale feature fusion deep learning model(MSFF-IResnet)and a multi-scale and multi-modality feature fusion model(MMFF-IResnet)were established based on the hepatobiliary phase(HBP),diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)sequences of enhanced MRI images,and the clinical features significantly correlated with CK19 status.The classification performance of the models were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the deep learning models for predicting CK19 status of HCC before surgery.Results Multivariate analysis showed that an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(P=0.029)and incomplete tumor capsule(P=0.028)were independent predictors of CK19 expression in HCC.The deep learning models improved by multi-scale feature fusion and multi-modality feature fusion methods achieved better classification results than the traditional machine learning models and baseline models,and the final MMFF-IResnet model showed the best classification performance with an AUC of 84.2%,an accuracy of 80.6%,a sensitivity of 80.1%and a specificity of 81.2%.Conclusion The multi-scale and multi-modality feature fusion model based on MRI and clinical parameters is capable of predicting CK19 status of HCC,demonstrating the feasibility of combining deep learning methods with MRI and clinical features for preoperative prediction of CK19 status.
8.Dynamic changes of neuronal cells at different time points following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Xu-Huan ZOU ; Rui LAN ; Xue-Qin FU ; Wei-Wei WANG ; Man-Man WANG ; Chen TANG ; Shuang LIU ; Hong-Yu LI ; Xiao-Ming SHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1056-1066
Aim To investigate the dynamic changes of neuronal cells at different time points following acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by establishing a model of brain ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were ran-domly divided into six groups:sham group and cere-bral ischemia-reperfusion injury(IR)groups at differ-ent time points.Focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established using the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)technique.The Longa sco-ring method was used to assess neurobehavioral scores in rats.After successful model preparation,routine paraffin sections were made,and TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry staining with NeuN antibody were performed to observe cell apoptosis and neuronal cell survival,respectively.Immunohistochemistry stai-ning was also performed to investigate the changes in glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)as a marker for astrocytes,ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA-1)as a marker for microglia,and CD31 as a marker for endothelial cells at different time points.Results No significant changes were observed in neu-ronal cells of the sham group at different time points.In the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury groups,cell apoptosis was activated at IR3h and increased in quan-tity with morphological damage as time progressed.Ne-uN+neurons showed signs of ischemic injury after IR3h,with abnormal cell morphology.From 12 h,Ne-uN+neurons decreased in a time-dependent manner and reached their peak severity at 24 h.GFAP+astro-cytes decreased significantly after IR3h,while poorly labeled GFAP+astrocytes increased at IR 6 h and al-most disappeared in the infarcted area at 24 h and 48 h.The number of IBA-1+microglia-positive cells de-creased at IR3h,and their volume increased at IR6h.Microglial cell death was observed in the infarcted area at IR12h.CD31+endothelial cells around the infarc-ted cortex and striatum increased significantly after IR3h and persisted until 48 h.Conclusions After cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,the number of ap-optotic cells increases with the prolongation of time,and NeuN+neurons exhibit the most severe damage at 24 h.GFAP+astrocytes and microglial cells gradually die over time.The number of CD31+endothelial cells increases significantly around the infarcted cortex and striatum after 3 h of reperfusion and persists until 48 h.
9.A randomized positive parallel-controlled clinical study of Dibai Yijing Formula for the treatment of male infertility with essence deficiency in the kidney and damp-heat type in the essence chamber
Shuang WU ; Chao-Qian CHEN ; Yun-Zhi LI ; Qiu-Jian FENG ; Hui LÜ ; Xiao-Jing AN ; Jun GUO
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(11):1019-1024
Objective:This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Dibai Yijing Formula(DYF)in the treat-ment of male infertility with essence deficiency in the kidney and damp-heat in the essence chamber(Abbreviation:kidney deficiency and damp-heat type).Methods:This study employed a randomized,controlled clinical trial design,recruiting 72 male patients with infertility due to kidney deficiency and damp-heat type.Patients were randomly assigned to an treatment group(36 patients)and a control group(36 patients)using a random number table.The control group received oral Clomiphene Citrate Capsules(50 mg,twice daily),while the treatment group received oral DYF(one dose daily,200 ml each time,30 minutes after breakfast and dinner).Both groups underwent a 12-week treatment period.After treatment,sperm concentration(SC),percentage of progressively motile sperms(PR),total sperm motility[PR+percentage of non-progressively motile sperms(NP)],and semen volume(SV)were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Additionally,the total score of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome score and sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and pregnancy outcomes of the patients'spouses were compared between the two groups.Results:Three patients dropped out from the treatment group and four from the control group.There were no statistically sig-nificant differences in semen parameters between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the patients in the treatment group showed significant difference in the percentage of SC([19.42±5.30]x 106/ml vs[10.75±2.41]x 106/ml),PR([27.72±6.62]%vs[20.04±4.10]%),PR+NP([49.86±10.68]%vs(33.74±5.58)%],DFI([12.33±3.43]%vs[15.06±3.98]%)and TCM symtom score([7.45±1.82]vs[13.85±1.91]),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The patients in the control group showed significant difference in the percentage of SC([19.56±5.24]× 106/ml vs[11.31±2.08]× 106/ml)and TCM symptom score([12.81±1.86]vs[14.06±1.64]).But no significant changes were observed in the PR([21.75±5.93]%vs[20.05±4.67]%),PR+NP([34.23±7.15]%vs[32.35±4.09]%),SV([3.19±1.08]ml vs[3.12±1.13]ml),and DFI([15.11±4.76]%vs[15.51±4.35]%)were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Improve-ments in PR,PR+NP,TCM symptom score and DFI in the treatment group were better than those in the control group after treatment(P<0.05);the differences in SC and SV and spousal pregnancy in the treatment group were not statistically significant compared with those in the control group(P>0.05).No serious adverse events occurred in both groups during the treatment period.Conclusion:The treatment of male infertility with DYF is effective and safe.
10.Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes podocyte pyroptosis in hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis by down-regulating microRNA -223 targeting NLRP3 inflammasome.
Ya Ni YU ; Yue Qi CHEN ; Bao Shuang LI ; Xiao Qian YANG ; Mo Xuan FENG ; Wei JIANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2023;39(1):20-31
Objective: To investigate the potential function and related mechanism of microRNA-223 (miRNA-223) in the podocyte pyroptosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated glomerulonephritis induced by HBV X protein (HBx). Methods: HBx-overexpressing lentivirus was transfected into human renal podocytes to mimic the pathogenesis of HBV-GN. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting experiments were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of pyroptosis-related proteins [nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and caspase-1], and inflammatory factors (interleukin-1β and interleukin-18), respectively.TUNEL staining and flow cytometry were used to detect the number of pyroptosis cells. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of podocytes biomarkers desmin and nephrin; Hoechst 33342 staining was used to observe the morphological and quantitative changes of podocyte nuclei. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure caspase-1 activity. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the downstream target of miRNA-223. Podocytes were divided into the following nine groups: control group (no special treatment), empty plasmid group (transfected with empty plasmid), HBx overexpression group (transfected with HBx overexpression lentivirus), HBx overexpression+miRNA-223 mimic group (transfected with HBx overexpression lentivirus and miRNA-223 mimic), HBx overexpression+miRNA-223 inhibitor group (transfected with HBx overexpression lentivirus and miRNA-223 inhibitor), HBx overexpression+miRNA-223 mimic+NLRP3 group (transfected with HBx overexpression lentivirus, miRNA-223 mimic and NLRP3 overexpression plasmid), HBx overexpression+miRNA-223 mimic+ NLRP3 siRNA group (transfected with HBx overexpression lentivirus, miRNA-223 mimic and NLRP3 siRNA), HBx overexpression+miRNA-223 inhibitor+NLRP3 group (transfected with HBx overexpression lentivirus, miRNA-223 inhibitor and NLRP3 overexpression plasmid), HBx overexpression+miRNA-223 inhibitor+NLRP3 siRNA group (transfected with HBx overexpression lentivirus, miRNA-223 inhibitor and NLRP3 siRNA). Results: miRNA-223 was down-regulated in HBx overexpression group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). TUNEL and immunofluorescence staining showed that NLRP3 knockdown attenuated podocyte injury and pyroptosis induced by HBx overexpression (P < 0.05). Dual luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that NLRP3 was one of the downstream targets of miRNA-223. Rescue experiments revealed that NLRP3 overexpression weakened the protective effect of miRNA-223 in podocyte injury (P < 0.05). The addition of miRNA-223 mimic and NLRP3 siRNA decreased the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and cytokines, and reduced the number of pyroptosis cells induced by HBx overexpression (all P < 0.05); The addition of miRNA-223 inhibitor and NLRP3 overexpression plasmid significantly increased the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and cytokines, caspase-1 activity, and the number of pyroptosis cells (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: HBx may promote podocyte pyroptosis of HBV-GN via downregulating miRNA-223 targeting NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting that miRNA-223 is expected to be a potential target for the treatment of HBV-GN.
Humans
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Inflammasomes/metabolism*
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
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Pyroptosis
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Podocytes/metabolism*
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Hepatitis B virus/genetics*
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Caspase 1/metabolism*
;
Cytokines/metabolism*
;
Carrier Proteins/metabolism*
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Glomerulonephritis/metabolism*
;
RNA, Small Interfering

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