1.Collection, storage and utilization of lung transplant tissue samples
Yixing LI ; Xue SHI ; Hongyi WANG ; Runyi TAO ; Ye SUN ; Ailing SU ; Liyan TONG ; Jinteng FENG ; Yanpeng ZHANG ; Shuo LI ; Yawen WANG ; Guangjian ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):147-155
After continuous development and improvement, lung transplantation has become the preferred means to treat a variety of benign end-stage lung diseases. However, the field of lung transplantation still faces many challenges, including shortage of donor resources, preservation and maintenance of donor lungs, and postoperative complications. Lung tissue samples removed after lung transplantation are excellent clinical resources for the study of benign end-stage lung disease and perioperative complications of lung transplantation. However, at present, the collection, storage and utilization of tissue samples after lung transplantation are limited to a single study, and unified technical specifications have not been formed. Based on the construction plan of the biobank for lung transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, this study reviewed the practical experience in the collection, storage and utilization of lung transplant tissue samples in the aspects of ethical review, staffing, collection process, storage method, quality control and efficient utilization, in order to provide references for lung transplant related research.
2.Exploration of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling Improvement in Rats at Different Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Qibai Pingfei Capsules Based on TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Lu ZHANG ; Li FANG ; Shuyu XU ; Xue LIANG ; Jie ZHU ; Xiangli TONG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):48-56
ObjectiveTo investigate the improvement effect of Qibai Pingfei capsules on pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats at different stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to analyze its possible mechanism of action. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, an early COPD model group, an advanced COPD model group, an early-intervention high-dose group, a late-intervention high-dose group, an early-intervention low-dose group, a late-intervention low-dose group, an early-intervention pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, and a late-intervention PDTC group, with 15 rats in each group. A rat model of early COPD was constructed by using cigarette smoke combined with airway infusion using lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and a rat model of advanced COPD was constructed by using airway infusion with LPS, cigarette smoke, and hypoxia. All groups except the normal group were given LPS airway drops on days 1 and 14 of the experiment, smoked for 1 h per day, and administered the drug once a day for 40 weeks from day 15 onward. In the high- and low-dose groups, rats were given 1 g·kg-1 and 250 mg·kg-1 Qibai Pingfei capsules, respectively by gavage, and in PDTC groups, rats were given 100 mg·kg-1 of PDTC by intraperitoneal injection. The advanced COPD model group underwent 6 h of hypoxia per day in weeks 5-6. Lung function and mean pulmonary artery pressure were tested in rats. Morphologic changes in lung tissues were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining. Collagen deposition in lung tissues was examined by Masson staining, and the levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in lung tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of inflammatory cells in the alveolar lavage fluid of rats in each group was detected by Giemsa staining, and the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), TNF-α, vascular endothelial-cadherin(VE-cadherin), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31) was detected by Western blot in the lung tissues of rats. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s (FEV0.3), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV0.3/FVC ratio related to lung function (P<0.05), thickening of pulmonary vasculature, increased collagen deposition in the lungs, and enhanced mean pulmonary arterial pressure and expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05). Additionally, the model group also exhibited increased numbers of macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils (P<0.05), significantly higher protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, and α-SMA (P<0.05), and significantly lower protein expression of VE-cadherin and CD31 (P<0.05). Lung function was significantly improved in the Qibai Pingfei capsules groups compared with the model group (P<0.05), with mean pulmonary arterial pressure reduced and pulmonary vascular thickening and collagen deposition in the lungs ameliorated. The Qibai Pingfei capsules groups also showed reduced expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05) and decreased numbers of macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils (P<0.05), as well as reduced protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, and α-SMA (P<0.05) and elevated protein expression of VE-cadherin and CD31 (P<0.05) in rat lung tissues. ConclusionQibai Pingfei capsules inhibits inflammatory response and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition probably by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus improving pulmonary vascular remodeling in COPD model rats and showing therapeutic effects in the early stage of COPD.
3.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.
4.Promotion of Angiogenesis by Colorectal Cancer Cell LoVo Derived-exosomes Through Transferring pEGFR
Ya-Jie CHENG ; Xue-Tong ZHOU ; Rui WANG ; Jin FANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1229-1240
ObjectiveThis study sought to investigate the impact of exosomes derived from LoVo cells (LoVo-Exos) in colorectal cancer (CRC) on tumor angiogenesis, as well as to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying their pro-angiogenic effects. MethodsLoVo-Exos were isolated via ultracentrifugation, and their internalization into recipient human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was visualized using confocal microscopy. The influence of LoVo-Exos on angiogenesis was assessed through an in vitro tube formation assay. Additionally, the pro-angiogenic effects of LoVo-Exos were evaluated in vivo using a matrix gluing assay in mice. To investigate the molecular mechanisms through which LoVo-Exos facilitate angiogenesis, Western blot analysis was employed to examine the transfer of pEGFR by LoVo-Exos into recipient cells. Both Western blot and ELISA were utilized to assess the expression levels of key signaling proteins within the EGFR-ERK pathway, as well as the expression of downstream angiogenic core molecules. Furthermore, the impact of EGFR knockdown and ERK inhibitor treatment on angiogenesis was evaluated, with subsequent analysis of the expression of downstream angiogenic core molecules following these interventions. ResultsConfocal microscopy demonstrated the internalization of LoVo-Exos into HUVECs. In vitro angiogenesis assays further indicated that LoVo-Exos significantly enhanced the formation of tubular structures in HUVECs. Additionally, macroscopic examination of subcutaneous matrix plug formation in mice revealed a substantial increase in vascular-like structures within the matrix plugs following the administration of LoVo-Exos, compared to the PBS control group. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed the presence of erythrocyte-filled microvessels within the matrix plugs combined with LoVo-Exos. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the expression of the endothelial cell marker CD31 in these matrix plugs. The presence of CD31-positive cells in the LoVo-Exos-treated matrix plugs was associated with a significant enhancement in the formation of luminal structures. These findings suggest that LoVo-Exos facilitate the in vivo development of vascular-like structures. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that LoVo-Exos facilitated the delivery of pEGFR to HUVEC, thereby enhancing angiogenesis. Conversely, LoVo-Exos with EGFR knockdown exhibited a diminished capacity to promote angiogenesis, an effect that was further attenuated by the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126. Western blot analysis assessing the activation of the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway in HUVEC indicated that LoVo-Exos augmented angiogenesis through the activation of this pathway. Furthermore, analysis of the impact of LoVo-Exos on the expression of downstream angiogenic core molecules revealed an increase in interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion in HUVEC. The enhancement observed was diminished in LoVo-Exos following EGFR knockdown, and this reduction was counteracted by the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126. ConclusionThe underlying mechanism may involve the delivery of pEGFR in LoVo-Exos to HUVECs, leading to increased IL-8 secretion via the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway, thereby enhancing the angiogenic potential of HUVECs. This finding may offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis.
5.Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Bulinus globosus
Peijun QIAN ; Mutsaka-Makuvaza MASCELINE JENIPHER ; Chao LÜ ; Yingjun QIAN ; Wenya WANG ; Shenglin CHEN ; Andong XU ; Jingbo XUE ; Jing XU ; Xiaonong ZHOU ; Midzi NICHOLAS ; Shizhu LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):116-126
Objective To analyze the structural and phylogenetic characteristics of the mitochondrial genome from Bulinus globosus, so as to provide a theoretical basis for classification and identification of species within the Bulinus genus, and to provide insights into understanding of Bulinus-schistosomes interactions and the mechanisms of parasite transmission. Methods B. globosus samples were collected from the Ruya River basin in Zimbabwe. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from B. globosus samples and the corresponding libraries were constructed for high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. After raw sequencing data were subjected to quality control using the fastp software, genome assembly was performed using the A5-miseq and SPAdes tools, and genome annotation was conducted using the MITOS online server. Circular maps and sequence plots of the mitochondrial genome were generated using the CGView and OGDRAW software, and the protein conservation motifs and structures were analyzed using the TBtools software. Base composition and codon usage bias were analyzed and visualized using the software MEGA X and the ggplot2 package in the R software. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was created in the software MEGA X after sequence alignment with the software MAFFT 7, and visualized using the software iTOL. Results The mitochondrial genome of B. globosus was a 13 730 bp double-stranded circular molecule, containing 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 13 protein-coding genes, with a marked AT preference. The mitochondrial genome composition of B. globosus was similar to that of other species within the Bulinus genus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of B. globosus was clustered with B. truncatus, B. nasutus, and B. ugandae into the same evolutionary clade, and gene superfamily analysis showed that the metabolism-related proteins of B. globosus were highly conserved, notably the cytochrome c oxidase family, which showed a significant consistency. Conclusions This is the first whole mitochondrial genome sequencing to decode the compositional features of the mitochondrial genome of B. globosus from Zimbabwe and its evolutionary relationship within the Bulinus genus, which provides important insights for further understanding of the phylogeny and mitochondrial genome characteristics of the Bulinus genus.
6.A novel TNKS/USP25 inhibitor blocks the Wnt pathway to overcome multi-drug resistance in TNKS-overexpressing colorectal cancer.
Hongrui ZHU ; Yamin GAO ; Liyun LIU ; Mengyu TAO ; Xiao LIN ; Yijia CHENG ; Yaoyao SHEN ; Haitao XUE ; Li GUAN ; Huimin ZHAO ; Li LIU ; Shuping WANG ; Fan YANG ; Yongjun ZHOU ; Hongze LIAO ; Fan SUN ; Houwen LIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(1):207-222
Modulating Tankyrases (TNKS), interactions with USP25 to promote TNKS degradation, rather than inhibiting their enzymatic activities, is emerging as an alternative/specific approach to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we identified UAT-B, a novel neoantimycin analog isolated from Streptomyces conglobatus, as a small-molecule inhibitor of TNKS-USP25 protein-protein interaction (PPI) to overcome multi-drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). The disruption of TNKS-USP25 complex formation by UAT-B led to a significant decrease in TNKS levels, triggering cell apoptosis through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Importantly, UAT-B successfully inhibited the CRC cells growth that harbored high TNKS levels, as demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing cell line-based and patient-derived xenografts, as well as APCmin/+ spontaneous CRC models. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting the TNKS-USP25 PPI using a small-molecule inhibitor represents a compelling therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment, and UAT-B emerges as a promising candidate for further preclinical and clinical investigations.
7.Challenges and Countermeasures of Mental Health Social Work in Shanghai in Post-Epidemic Era
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;35(5):583-588
This paper summarized three developing conditions and five service modes of mental health social work in Shanghai by reading literature and investigating and interviewing the social work service of mental health medical institutions in Shanghai. Three challenges to mental health social work after COVID -19 were identified: firstly, the reduction of direct services led to a decrease in the number of service beneficiaries, and the effectiveness of services could not be guaranteed; secondly, the application of social work methods was forced to adjust, which challenges the service ability of social workers; thirdly, the expansion or increase of the scope of service objects and the insufficient number of social workers led to difficulties in service response. In view of the above challenges and problems, countermeasures are proposed: ensure the continuity of professional relationship and service effectiveness through flexible and diversified service methods; knit for social work online working ability training, increasing network service experience; the scope of service objects expanding gradually and multi-sectoral cooperation to prevent psychological problems in key groups; set up a volunteer team to serve mental health.
8. Mechanism of ellagic acid improving cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS double transgenic mice based on PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway
Li-Li ZHONG ; Xin LU ; Ying YU ; Qin-Yan ZHAO ; Jing ZHANG ; Tong-Hui LIU ; Xue-Yan NI ; Li-Li ZHONG ; Yan-Ling CHE ; Dan WU ; Hong LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):90-98
Aim To investigate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on cognitive function in APP/PS 1 double- transgenic mice, and to explore the regulatory mechanism of ellagic acid on the level of oxidative stress in the hippocampus of double-transgenic mice based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3 (PI3K/AKT/GSK-3 β) signaling pathway. Methods Thirty-two SPF-grade 6-month-old APP/PS 1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into four groups, namely, APP/PS 1 group, APP/PS1 + EA group, APP/PS1 + LY294002 group, APP/PS 1 + EA + LY294002 group, with eight mice in each group, and eight SPF-grade C57BL/6J wild type mice ( Wild type) were selected as the blank control group. The APP/PS 1 + EA group was given 50 mg · kg
9. A new strategy for evaluating antitumor activity in vitro with time-dimensional characteristics of RTCA technology
Fang-Tong LIU ; Shu-Yan XING ; Jia YANG ; Guo-Ying ZHANG ; Rong RONG ; Xiao-Yun LIU ; Dong-Xue YE ; Yong YANG ; Xiao-Yun LIU ; Dong-Xue YE ; Rong RONG ; Yong YANG ; Xiao-Yun LIU ; Dong-Xue YE ; Yong YANG ; Xiao-Yun LIU ; Dong-Xue YE ; Yong YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):592-598
Aim To analyze the anti-A549 and HI299 lung ade-nocarcinoma activities via using examples of baicalin, astragalo-side, hesperidin and cisplatin based on real time cellular analysis (RTCA) technology, and to build a new strategy for EC50 e-valuation reflecting the time-dimensional characteristic. Methods Using RTCA Software Pro for data analysis and GraphPad Prism and Origin Pro plotting, the in vitro anti-A549 and H1299 lung adenocarcinoma activities of baicalin, astragaloside, hesperidin, and cisplatin were characterized using the endpoint method and time dimension, respectively. Results (X) There were significant differences in EC50 values of A549 and H1299 cells at 24 h and 48 h endpoint methods. (2) The correlation coefficient of the curve fitted with the four-parameter equation was > 0. 9, and the dynamic change of EC50 remained relatively stable (the linear fitting of EC50 at adjacent 4 points I slope 1^1) used to calculate the EC50 value within this time dimension. The EC50 of baicalin, astragaloside, hesperidin and cisplatin on A549 cells was 52. 97 ±1.75 плпо! • L~1(16~48 h) , 62.88 ± 2.91 ijunol • L"1 (32.25 -48 h) , 78.84 ±0.33 плпо1 • L"1 (21.5 -29.75 h), 13.57 ±1.54 плпо1 • L_1(27.5 -48 h), respectively; the EC50 of baicalin, astragaloside, hesperidin and cisplatin on H1299 cells was 43. 71 ± 1. 26 |лто1 • L_1 ( 19. 5 -48 h), 47.23 ±1. 19 |лто1 • L_1(14 -48 h) , 39.45 ±0.24 плпо1 • L"1 (12.75 -46.25 h), 25.97 ±4.76 плпо1 • L"1 (10. 25 -48 h) , respectively. The results showed that the time window for the anti-tumor effect of the test solution/drug was different. Conclusions Based on RTCA technology, it is more accurate and reasonable to select EC50 data that exhibit better fitting, stable changes, and time-dimensional characteristics for the evaluation of anti-tumor activity. In addition, this method of distinguishing different effective time of antitumor drugs can provide a reference for the timing of clinical combination drugs, and this approach will also provide a reference for further related studies.
10.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of trastuzumab biosimilars versus original drug in the treatment of recurrent/metastatic HER-2 positive breast cancer
Yue XING ; Tong LIU ; Xue TENG ; Mei DONG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(9):1113-1117
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of trastuzumab biosimilars (Hanquyou) versus original drug (Hesaiting) in the treatment of recurrent/metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) positive breast cancer. METHODS A partitional survival model was constructed based on the NCT03084237 trial data. The simulation period was 3 weeks, and the simulation time was 10 years. Using costs and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as the output indicator, the cost- utility analysis method was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the two schemes mentioned above. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the basic analysis. RESULTS The costs of the trastuzumab biosimilars group and original drug group were 111 516.72 yuan and 111 122.30 yuan respectively, with health utility values of 1.52 QALYs and 1.36 QALYs, and ICER of 2 465.12 yuan/QALY, which were less than 3 times China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 as the threshold for willingness-to-pay (WTP) (268 200 yuan/QALY). Univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of the trastuzumab biosimilars and original drug had a great impact on the ICER. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the probability of trastuzumab biosimilars being cost-effective was 100% at WTP threshold of 14 902 yuan/QALY. CONCLUSIONS When WTP threshold is 3 times China’s GDP in 2023 (268 200 yuan/QALY), compared with original drug, trastuzumab biosimilars have good cost-effectiveness in the treatment of recurrent/metastatic HER-2 positive breast cancer.

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