1.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
2.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
3.Experts consensus on standard items of the cohort construction and quality control of temporomandibular joint diseases (2024)
Min HU ; Chi YANG ; Huawei LIU ; Haixia LU ; Chen YAO ; Qiufei XIE ; Yongjin CHEN ; Kaiyuan FU ; Bing FANG ; Songsong ZHU ; Qing ZHOU ; Zhiye CHEN ; Yaomin ZHU ; Qingbin ZHANG ; Ying YAN ; Xing LONG ; Zhiyong LI ; Yehua GAN ; Shibin YU ; Yuxing BAI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yanyi WANG ; Jie LEI ; Yong CHENG ; Changkui LIU ; Ye CAO ; Dongmei HE ; Ning WEN ; Shanyong ZHANG ; Minjie CHEN ; Guoliang JIAO ; Xinhua LIU ; Hua JIANG ; Yang HE ; Pei SHEN ; Haitao HUANG ; Yongfeng LI ; Jisi ZHENG ; Jing GUO ; Lisheng ZHAO ; Laiqing XU
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2024;59(10):977-987
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are common clinical conditions. The number of patients with TMJ diseases is large, and the etiology, epidemiology, disease spectrum, and treatment of the disease remain controversial and unknown. To understand and master the current situation of the occurrence, development and prevention of TMJ diseases, as well as to identify the patterns in etiology, incidence, drug sensitivity, and prognosis is crucial for alleviating patients′suffering.This will facilitate in-depth medical research, effective disease prevention measures, and the formulation of corresponding health policies. Cohort construction and research has an irreplaceable role in precise disease prevention and significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment levels. Large-scale cohort studies are needed to explore the relationship between potential risk factors and outcomes of TMJ diseases, and to observe disease prognoses through long-term follw-ups. The consensus aims to establish a standard conceptual frame work for a cohort study on patients with TMJ disease while providing ideas for cohort data standards to this condition. TMJ disease cohort data consists of both common data standards applicable to all specific disease cohorts as well as disease-specific data standards. Common data were available for each specific disease cohort. By integrating different cohort research resources, standard problems or study variables can be unified. Long-term follow-up can be performed using consistent definitions and criteria across different projects for better core data collection. It is hoped that this consensus will be facilitate the development cohort studies of TMJ diseases.
4.Hospice and palliative care non-pharmacological intervention improves cancer-related fatigue in the elderly
Jue DU ; Lichao YING ; Jinzheng CHI ; Yu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(7):822-827
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of non-drug interventions in hospice and palliative care(HPC)for improving cancer-related fatigue(CRF)in elderly individuals and its impact on quality of life.Methods:This study presents findings from a single-center randomized controlled trial conducted at Zhejiang Hospital, focusing on 40 elderly patients experiencing cancer-related fatigue(CRF)between February 2022 and February 2023.The participants were randomly assigned into a control group and an intervention group, each consisting of 20 individuals, using the random number table method.Both groups received routine comprehensive treatment, with the intervention group additionally receiving hospice and palliative care(HPC)non-drug intervention.Following 6 weeks of continuous treatment, the study compared the clinical efficacy, changes in CRF, and quality of life before and after treatment between the two groups.Results:Comparing the baseline data of the two groups of patients, the difference was not statistically significant(all P>0.05).After 6 weeks of treatment, patients in the intervention group reported lower levels of current fatigue, general fatigue, worst fatigue in the past 24 hours, and impact of fatigue on various aspects of their lives compared to the control group(all P<0.01).The clinical remission rate of cancer-related fatigue(CRF)in the intervention group was 60%, significantly higher than the 5% in the control group( P<0.01).Additionally, the intervention group showed improvement in overall quality of life and emotional function with decreased symptom areas scores(fatigue, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, sleep disorders, and loss of appetite)( P<0.01 for quality of life and emotional function, P<0.05 for symptom areas). Conclusions:Non-pharmacological interventions within the context of hospice and palliative care have been shown to alleviate cancer-related fatigue in elderly cancer patients, ultimately improving their quality of life.These interventions have demonstrated positive effects on various aspects such as overall quality of life, functional status, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, sleep disorders, and decreased appetite.Furthermore, these interventions are considered safe and effective in the treatment of elderly cancer patients experiencing fatigue.
5.Predicting the potential suitable areas of Platycodon grandiflorum in China using the optimized Maxent model
Yu-jie ZHANG ; Han-wen YU ; Zhao-huan ZHENG ; Chao JIANG ; Juan LIU ; Liang-ping ZHA ; Xiu-lian CHI ; Shuang-ying GUI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2625-2633
italic>Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC is one of the most commonly used bulk medicinal herbs. It has important value in the fields of medicine, food and cosmetics, and its market demand is increasing year by year, and it has a good development prospect. In this study, based on 403 distribution records and 8 environmental variables, we used Maxent model to predict the potential distribution of
6.Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort in East China
Ying SUN ; Haojie ZHANG ; Bin WANG ; Yuying WANG ; Chi CHEN ; Yi CHEN ; Yingli LU ; Ningjian WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(8):972-979
Background::The serum vitamin D level varies widely by population, and studies have linked vitamin D levels with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the relationship is inconsistent and the impact of vitamin D on T2DM among East Chinese adults is unclear. The study aimed to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and the risk of T2DM and evaluated whether the association is modified by genetic predisposition.Methods::In the Survey on Prevalence in East China for Metabolic Diseases and Risk Factors (SPECT-China) cohort, 1862 participants free of T2DM at baseline were included. A weighted genetic risk score was calculated with 28 variants associated with T2DM. Hierarchical logistic models were used to examine the association of serum 25(OH)D and genetic risk with T2DM.Results::After a 5-year follow-up, 132 cases of T2DM were documented. We observed no significant association between quartiles of serum 25(OH)D and T2DM risk after multivariable adjustment (χ 2 = 0.571, Pfor trend = 0.426). Compared to those in the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D, the odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for participants with increased quartiles were 1.29 (0.74-2.25), 1.35 (0.77-2.36), and 1.27 (0.72-2.24), respectively. We observed a positive association of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with 25(OH)D at baseline (β = 1.752, P = 0.001) and after follow-up (β = 1.385, P = 0.003), and a negative association of ln conversion homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-β with 25(OH)D at baseline (β = -0.982, P = 0.021). There was no significant interaction between 25(OH)D and diabetes genetic predisposition on the risk of T2DM (χ 2 = 2.710, Pfor interaction = 0.100). The lowest OR (95% CI) of T2DM was among participants with low genetic risk and the highest quartile of 25(OH)D (0.17 [0.05–0.62]). Conclusion::Serum 25(OH)D may be irrelevant to the risk of incident T2DM among East Chinese adults regardless of genetic predisposition.
7.Establishment of BCL-2 Inhibitors-Resistant B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Lines and Study on Their Resistance Mechanisms
Yi-Xuan WU ; Yong-Juan DUAN ; Yu-Li CAI ; Xuan WEI ; Ying-Chi ZHANG ; Jing-Liao ZHANG ; Xiao-Fan ZHU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(5):1305-1312
Objective:RS4;11 cell line was used to establish BCL-2 inhibitor-resistant cell lines of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL)and explore the possible mechanisms of drug resistance.Methods:RS4;11 cell line was continuously induced and cultured by low and ascending concentrations of BCL-2 inhibitors navitoclax and venetoclax to construct navitoclax-resistant cell line RS4;11/Nav and venetoclax-resistant cell line RS4;11/Ven.The cell viability was detected by MTT assay,and the cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between RS4;11 drug-resistant cell lines and parental cell line were detected by transcriptome sequencing technology(RNA-seq),and mRNA expression levels of DEGs between drug-resistant cell lines and parental cell line were detected by real-time PCR(RT-PCR).Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of BCL-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins in drug-resistant cell lines and parental cell line.Results:The drug-resistant cell lines RS4;11/Nav and RS4;11/Ven were successfully established.The resistance index(RI)of RS4;11/Nav to navitoclax and RS4;11/Ven to venetoclax was 328.655±47.377 and 2 894.027±300.311,respectively.The results of cell apoptosis detection showed that compared with the drug-resistant cell lines,RS4;11 parental cell line were significantly inhibited by BCL-2 inhibitors,while the apoptosis rate of drug-resistant cell lines was not affected by the drugs.Western blot assay showed that the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins of BCL-2 family did not increase significantly in drug-resistant cell lines.RNA-seq,RT-PCR and Western blot assays showed that the expression of EP300 in drug-resistant cell lines was significantly higher than that in parental cell line(P<0.05).Conclusion:Drug-resistant B-ALL cell lines could be successfully established by exposing RS4;11 cell line to the ascending concentration of BCL-2 inhibitors,and the drug resistance mechanism may be related to the overexpression of EP300.
8.Relationship of uric acid metabolism and brain injury post-cardiopulmonary bypass in rats
Ting-Ting YU ; Tian YU ; Hai-Ying WANG ; Sheng-Li DENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Chi CHENG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(10):1123-1133
Objective To investigate the relationship between uric acid metabolism and brain injury following cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)in rats.Methods Healthy male SD rats were randomly assigned to either a Sham group or a CPB group,each comprising 12 rats.The Sham group only underwent vascular puncture and did not perform CPB conversion,while the CPB group was subjected to a CPB procedure with a perfusion duration of 110 min,and the brain tissue was collected post-procedure.Microdialysate was collected 1 h before and after CPB initiation.Apoptosis in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN)was assessed using TUNEL staining,and the expression of Bax mRNA in cerebral cortex and hypothalamus was determined via real-time quantitative PCR.Apoptosis-related protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified through RNA-sequencing between brain tissues of two groups,and Gene Ontology(GO)analysis was performed to identify enriched pathways among the DEGs.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed using String and Cytoscape softwares to identify key genes.Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was employed to analyze differential metabolites in the PVN before and after CPB,with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis constructed subsequently.Uric acid levels in the hypothalamus was measured using a uric acid assay kit,and the expression of key enzymes of uric acid metabolism[xanthine reductase(XDH),adenosine deaminase(ADA)]and uric acid transporter[organic anion transporter family protein 1(OAT1),organic anion transporter family protein 3(OAT3),ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 2(ABCG2),glucose transporter 9(GLUT9)]genes in the hypothalamus was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR.Results Real-time quantitative PCR revealed a significant upregulation of Bax mRNA in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus of CPB group compared to Sham group(P<0.05).TUNEL staining indicated a significantly higher apoptosis rate of cells in PVN region in CPB group than that in Sham group(19.0%±5.0%vs.7.6%±0.8%,P=0.01).Western blotting showed a significantly increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the hypothalamus of CPB group compared to Sham group(P<0.05).A total of 2829 DEGs were identified between Sham group and CPB group,with 1374 upregulated genes and 1455 downregulated genes.Uric acid metabolism-related pathways were predominantly enriched in purine nucleoside metabolism and biosynthesis,purine nucleoside monophosphate metabolism,purine nucleoside triphosphate metabolism,purine ribonucleotide metabolism and biosynthesis,purine ribonucleoside monophosphate metabolism and biosynthesis,purine ribonucleoside triphosphate metabolism and biosynthesis,and reaction to purine compounds.Eighteen differential metabolites were identified in the microdialysate,with 13 upregulated and 5 downregulated metabolites.KEGG enrichment analysis identified 7 significantly enriched metabolic pathways,among which the nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism pathways were closely related to uric acid metabolism.Both RNA-sequencing and LC-MS/MS analysis suggested alterations in uric acid metabolism in CPB groups.Post-CPB,uric acid concentration in the hypothalamic tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression of XDH and ADA mRNA in the hypothalamus were significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of ABCG2,OAT1,OAT3 and GLUT9 mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.001).Conclusion Uric acid metabolism in brain is altered during CPB,which may be an important mechanism for brain injury following CPB.
9.MicroRNA-145 Gene Modification Enhances the Retention of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells within Corpus Cavernosum by Targeting Krüppel-Like Factor 4
Daoyuan HU ; Yunlong GE ; Yuhang XI ; Jialiang CHEN ; Hua WANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Yubin CUI ; Lizhao HE ; Ying SU ; Jun CHEN ; Cheng HU ; Hengjun XIAO
The World Journal of Men's Health 2024;42(3):638-649
Purpose:
The poor retention and ambiguous differentiation of stem cells (SCs) within corpus cavernosum (CC) limit the cell application in erectile dysfunction (ED). Herein, the effects and mechanism of microRNA-145 (miR-145) gene modification on modulating the traits and fate of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were investigated.
Materials and Methods:
The effects of miR-145 on cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and differentiation were determined by flow cytometry, cell counting kit-8, transwell assays and myogenic induction. Then, the age-related ED rats were recruited to four groups including phosphate buffer saline, BMSC, vector-BMSC, overexpressed-miR-145-BMSC groups. After cell transplantation, the CC were harvested and prepared to demonstrate the retention and differentiation of BMSCs by immunofluorescent staining. Then, the target of miR-145 was verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical. After that, APTO-253, as an inducer of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), was introduced for rescue experiments in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) under the co-culture system.
Results:
In vitro, miR-145 inhibited the migration and apoptosis of BMSCs and promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into smooth muscle-like cells with stronger contractility. In vivo, the amount of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU)+cells within CC was significantly enhanced and maintained in the miR-145 gene modified BMSC group. The EdU/CD31 co-staning was detected, however, no co-staining of EdU/α-actin was observed. Furthermore, miR-145, which secreted from the gene modified BMSCs, dampened the expression of KLF4. However, the effects of miR-145 on CCSMCs could be rescued by APTO-253.
Conclusions
Overall, miR-145 modification prolongs the retention of the transplanted BMSCs within the CC, and this effect might be attributed to the modulation of the miR-145/KLF4 axis. Consequently, our findings offer a promising and innovative strategy to enhance the local stem cell-based treatments.
10.Fortify clinical advantages and promote innovative development: comparison of the Chinese Colorectal Cancer Surgery Database with foreign databases.
Jun Hao ZHANG ; Rui Qing LIU ; Yuan GAO ; Hong Wei YAO ; Ying Chi YANG ; Zhong Tao ZHANG ; Yun LU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2023;61(5):362-367
With the continuous development of evidence-based medicine, increasing attention has been paid to the construction of a large medical database to ensure a source of high quality real-world data. The Chinese Medical Association Colorectal Surgery Group created the Chinese Colorectal Cancer Surgery Database (CCCD), whose objective is to promote the development of colorectal surgery and improve patient prognosis with evidence-based medicine theory. Compared to major databases around the world, CCCD contains more comprehensive information on colorectal cancer surgical cases, recording the main epidemiological characteristics and detailed surgical information, but perioperative treatment data still need to be strengthened. It is necessary to continuously expand the coverage, enrich perioperative data and strengthen data, quality control. In the future, CCCD is expected to play a role in promoting homogenization of medical services, promoting smooth and effective graded diagnosis and treatment, giving full role to the characteristics of each center to achieve integrated development, and connecting real-world data and artificial intelligence.

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