1.Application of CRISPR/Cas System in Precision Medicine for Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Hui-Ling LIN ; Yu-Xin OUYANG ; Wan-Ying TANG ; Mi HU ; Mao PENG ; Ping-Ping HE ; Xin-Ping OUYANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):279-289
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a distinctive subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, TNBC poses significant chanllenges for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The advant of clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has profoundly enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of the TNBC genome, providing a powerful tool for investigating the occurrence and development of diseases. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. We begin by discussing the unique attributes of TNBC and the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment approaches: conventional diagnostic methods provide limited insights into TNBC, while traditional chemotherapy drugs are often associated with low efficacy and severe side effects. The CRISPR/Cas system, which activates Cas enzymes through complementary guide RNAs (gRNAs) to selectively degrade specific nucleic acids, has emerged as a robust tool for TNBC research. This technology enables precise gene editing, allowing for a deeper understanding of TNBC heterogeneity by marking and tracking diverse cell clones. Additionally, CRISPR facilitates high-throughput screening to promptly identify genes involved in TNBC growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, thus revealing new therapeutic targets and strategies. In TNBC diagnostics, CRISPR/Cas was applied to develop molecular diagnostic systems based on Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, each employing distinct detection principles. These systems can sensitively and specifically detect a variety of TNBC biomarkers, including cell-specific DNA/RNA and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the realm of precision therapy, CRISPR/Cas has been utilized to identify key genes implicated in TNBC progression and treatment resistance. CRISPR-based screening has uncovered potential therapeutic targets, while its gene-editing capabilities have facilitated the development of combination therapies with traditional chemotherapy drugs, enhancing their efficacy. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas technology remains in its early stages. Several clinical trials are underway to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of various genetic diseases and cancers. Challenges such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and delivery methods remain to be addressed. The integration of CRISPR/Cas with other technologies, such as 3D cell culture systems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to further advance precision medicine for TNBC. These technological convergences can offer deeper insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas system holds immense potential in the precise diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. As the technology progresses and becomes more costs-effective, its clinical relevance will grow, and the translation of CRISPR/Cas system data into clinical applications will pave the way for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for TNBC patients. However, technical hurdles and ethical considerations require ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.
2.Mechanism of Action of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang Against Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation
Jie HU ; Gaojun TANG ; Ouyang RAO ; Sha XIE ; Ying LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):10-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang (HGWT) against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) based on bioinformatics and experimental validation. MethodsBiological informatics methods were used to screen for active components of HGWT and their targets. The GEO database was utilized to obtain CIRI-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and platforms such as GeneCards were used to identify disease targets. Venn diagram analysis was conducted to identify overlapping targets, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI), gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, as well as immune infiltration and immune cell differential analysis. Core genes (Hub genes) were screened using LASSO regression and ROC curves, and molecular docking was used to validate the binding efficiency between the active components of the drug and the core targets. A rat CIRI model was established, with rats randomly divided into five groups (n=10): Sham surgery group (Sham), model group (MG), and low-dose (LD,5.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose (MD,10.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose (HD,21.2 g·kg-1) HGWT groups. From 3 days before modeling to 7 days after surgery, oral administration was performed daily: Sham and MG groups received physiological saline, while each drug group received the corresponding dose of HGWT. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL staining) were used to assess the repair effects of HGWT on neural damage. Western blot analysis was used to detect B-cell lymphoma-2 protein (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3 [p-STAT3 (Tyr705)], protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and phosphorylated Akt1 [p-Akt1 (Ser473)], among other target proteins. ResultsAfter screening, 56 common target points of DEGs-disease-drug were obtained. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that HGWT primarily functions in pathways such as apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant association between HGWT's anti-CIRI activity and immune cells such as Th17 cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) (P0.01). LASSO-ROC analysis identified Akt1, Caspase-3, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and STAT3 as core genes. Molecular docking confirmed that Hub genes exhibit significant binding affinity with the active components of HGWT (binding energy ≤ -5 kJ·mol-1)(1 cal≈4.186 J). Animal experiment results showed that compared with the sham group, the MG group exhibited significant neuronal necrosis, nuclear condensation, and vacuolar degeneration in rat brains, with a significant decrease in Nissl body density (P0.01) and increased neuronal apoptosis in rat brains as indicated by TUNEL staining (P0.01). Compared with the MG, the LD, MD, and HD groups showed reduced neuronal necrosis, nuclear condensation, and vacuolar degeneration in rat brain neurons, increased Nissl body density, and reduced apoptosis (P0.01), with significant differences among the drug groups (P0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham group, the MG group had reduced Bcl-2 and p-Akt1 (P0.01) and increased Bax and p-STAT3 (P0.01). Compared with the MG group, the drug groups showed increased Bcl-2 and p-Akt1 (P0.01) and decreased Bax and p-STAT3 (P0.01). There were no significant changes in total Akt1 and STAT3 protein levels among the groups. ConclusionBased on network pharmacology and experimental verification, HGWT may exert its neuroprotective effects by regulating the phosphorylation levels of Akt1 and STAT3, thereby alleviating cell apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress in rat brain tissue following CIRI. This provides theoretical support for the clinical treatment of CIRI.
3.Research on the Path of Integrating the Life View of "Human Life is Most Important" in Traditional Chinese Medicine into Medical Ethics Education for Medical Students
Yanhong ZHOU ; Jing OUYANG ; Yingbo LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Ying HOU ; Guihua LUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;35(3):332-337
The life view of "human life is the most important" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originates from the people-oriented theory of Chinese traditional culture, the benevolence thought of Confucianism, the rebirth thought of Taoism and the compassion thought of Buddhism. Taking the life view of "human life is the most important" as the starting point, it has formed medical ethics thoughts such as the social responsibility of saving the world, the medical practice purpose of treating all patients equally, the meticulous working attitude, the diligent and tireless learning attitude, and the exploration spirit of widely exploring the medical roots, which still has important educational significance. Therefore, the life view of "human life is the most important" should be integrated into the medical ethics education of medical students, and the medical ethics literacy of medical students should be improved through the following ways: strengthen the vocational ideal education of saving the dying and healing the wounded, and enhance the sense of social responsibility of medical students; consolidate the theme of life first classroom education and improve the professional identity of medical students; enrich and innovate the practice forms of protecting life, pay attention to the practicality of medical ethics education.
4.Hemodynamics and arrhythmia disorder caused by lithium poisoning:A case report
Yujue WANG ; Lijun OUYANG ; Xiaoqian MA ; Danyan XU ; Xiaogang CHEN ; Ying HE
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(1):153-158
Bipolar affective disorder refers to a category of mood disorders characterized clinically by the presence of both manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.Lithium stands out as the primary pharmacological intervention for managing bipolar affective disorder.However,its therapeutic dosage closely approaches toxic levels.Toxic symptoms appear when the blood lithium concentration surpasses 1.4 mmol/L,typically giving rise to gastrointestinal and central nervous system reactions.Cardiac toxicity is rare but serious in cases of lithium poisoning.The study reports a case of a patient with bipolar affective disorder who reached a blood lithium concentration of 6.08 mmol/L after the patient took lithium carbonate sustained-release tablets beyond the prescribed dosage daily and concurrently using other mood stabilizers.This resulted in symptoms such as arrhythmia,shock,impaired consciousness,and coarse tremors.Following symptomatic supportive treatment,including blood dialysis,the patient's physical symptoms gradually improved.It is necessary for clinicians to strengthen the prevention and recognition of lithium poisoning.
5.Prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis and genetic analysis of fetal congenital heart diseases
Bocheng LIANG ; Dandan LUO ; Caiqun LUO ; Ying TAN ; Shuyuan OUYANG ; Yimei LIAO ; Ying YUAN ; Huaxuan WEN ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(2):251-255
Objective To explore the genetic characteristics of fetuses with congenital heart diseases(CHD)diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound.Methods Data of 613 singletons with prenatal ultrasonic diagnosed CHD were retrospectively analyzed.The cardiac structural abnormalities were classified into 8 types.Whole-exome sequencing(WES)was performed for 40 fetuses since chromosomal karyotyping analysis and/or chromosomal microarray analysis(CMA)showed benign copy number variations(CNV)or variants of uncertain significance(VUS).Results Among 613 fetuses,479 fetuses underwent both chromosomal karyotyping analysis and CMA,genomic abnormalities were detected in 60 fetuses(60/479,12.53%).Among 134 fetuses underwent only CMA,genomic abnormalities were found in 4 fetuses(4/134,2.99%).According to results of chromosomal karyotyping analysis and/or CMA,abnormalities were noticed in 40 fetuses(40/568,7.04%)among 568 fetuses with isolated CHD,while in 15 fetuses(15/45,33.33%)among 45 fetuses with non-isolated CHD,respectively.Abnormality detection rate of chromosomal karyotyping analysis and/or CMA in fetuses with complex CHD(10/41,24.39%)was higher than that in fetuses with non-complex CHD(54/572,9.44%).Among complex CHD fetuses,abnormality detection rate was the highest in fetuses with conotruncal defect(CTD)combined with malformation of venous system(4/13,30.77%),while among fetuses with non-complex CHD,situs inversus viscerum had the highest detection rate(1/4,25.00%).Among 40 fetuses chromosomal karyotyping analysis and/or CMA showed benign CNV or VUS,WES indicated pathogenic CNV/likely pathogenic CNV(P/LP)in 3 fetuses,VUS in 3 fetuses and benign CNV in 34 fetuses.Conclusion Fetuses with CHD,especially extracardiac malformations had possibilities of genomic abnormalities.Fetuses with CTD combined with malformation of venous system had higher possibilities of genomic abnormalities.Compared with CMA alone,chromosomal karyotyping analysis combined with CMA was helpful for detecting genomic abnormalities.
6.Bioequivalence of lamotrigine tablets in Chinese healthy subjects
Jin-Sheng JIANG ; Hong-Ying CHEN ; Jun CHEN ; Yao CHEN ; Kai-Yi CHEN ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jie HU ; Xin LIU ; Xin-Yi HUANG ; Dong-Sheng OUYANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):894-898
Objective To study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of lamotrigine tablets in Chinese healthy subjects under fasting and fed conditions,and to evaluate the bioequivalence and safety profiles between the domestic test preparation and the original reference preparation.Methods Twenty-four Chinese healthy male and female subjects were enrolled under fasting and fed conditions,18 male and 6 female subjects under fasting conditions,17 male and 7 female subjects under fed conditions.A random,open,single-dose,two preparations,two sequences and double-crossover design was used.Plasma samples were collected over a 72-hour period after give the test or reference preparations 50 mg under fasting and fed conditions.The concentration of lamotrigine in plasma was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated to evaluate the bioequivalence by WinNonLin 8.1 program.Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters of single-dose the tested and reference preparations were as follows:The fasting condition Cmax were(910.93±248.02)and(855.87±214.36)ng·mL-1;tmax were 0.50(0.25,4.00)and 1.00(0.25,3.50)h;t1/2 were(36.1±9.2)and(36.0±8.2)h;AUC0_72h were(27 402.40±4 752.00)and(26 933.90±4 085.80)h·ng·mL-1.The fed condition Cmax were(701.62±120.67)and(718.95±94.81)ng·mL-1;tmax were 4.00(1.00,5.00)and 4.00(0.50,5.00)h;t1/2 were(44.2±12.4)and(44.0±12.0)h;AUC0-72h were(30 253.20±7 018.00)and(30 324.60±6 147.70)h·ng·mL-1.The 90%confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratios of Cmax and AUC0-72 hfor the test preparation and reference preparation were all between 80.00%and 125.00%under fasting and fed conditions.Conclusion Two kinds of lamotrigine tablets are bioequivalent,and have similar safety in Chinese healthy male and female subjects under fasting and fed conditions.
7.Exploring the mechanism of lamotrigine in treatment of major depressive disorder based on network pharmacology,molecular docking,and Mendelian randomization
Jin-Sheng JIANG ; Hong-Ying CHEN ; Wei-Quan WANG ; Hai-Hong HU ; Yao CHEN ; Dong-Sheng OUYANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(7):1068-1071
Objective To explore the mechanism of action of lamotrigine in the treatment of major depressive disorder(MDD).Methods Information on the drug targets of lamotrigine and the therapeutic targets of MDD were collected for intersection target gene analysis and protein-protein interaction screening.Various biological pathways related to lamotrigine in treatment of MDD were determined through gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis.The screened core targets were preliminarily validated using molecular docking technology.Further validation of Mendelian randomization was conducted using genome-wide association analysis data from gamma-aminobutyric acid recep tor-associated protein-like 1(GABARAPL1)and MDD in the OpenGWAS database.Results The biological pathways related to lamotrigine in treatment of MDD were identified,which included gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)ergic synapses,nicotine addiction,glutamatergic synapses,endogenous cannabinoid signaling.Molecular docking showed that the docking energy of lamotrigine with GABRA1,GABRB2,GABRA6,GABRD,GABRG2,GABRG1,GABRA5,GABRA4,GABRB3,and GABRA2 receptors was-5.8 kCal·mol-1.Among them,the GABRB3 receptor showed the strongest docking energy with lamotrigine,which was-9.5 kCal·mol-1.In the genome-wide association analysis data of GABARAPL1,303 single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with GABARAPL1(P<5 × 106).15 single nucleotide polymorphisms were screened and retained for Mendelian randomization analysis,and the results showed that GABA receptors may be an important therapeutic target for MDD.Conclusion The treatment of MDD with lamotrigine may be achieved by acting on GABA receptors,which provided a research basis for the clinical application of lamotrigine in treating MDD.
8.Impact of uremic toxins on cognitive function in end-stage renal disease patients:the mediating effect of depression
Ying LIU ; Junya MU ; Ming ZHANG ; Zhaoyao LUO ; Yuanshuo OUYANG ; Qingjuan CHEN ; Yi LI ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(4):621-628
Objective To explore the mediating role of depression between uremic toxins and cognitive function in end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients,so as to provide a basis for early clinical intervention.Methods A retrospective study involved 49 predialysis ESRD patients diagnosed in the Nephrology Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between August 2018 and October 2021,along with 50 healthy controls(HC).General information of the two groups was collected.Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),Auditory Verbal Learning Test-Huashan Version(AVLT-H),Trail Making Test A(TMT-A),Beck Depression Inventory(BDI),and Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI)were used to collect data on cognitive function,anxiety,and depression in both groups.Serological indicators in the ESRD group were used to clarify the impact of uremic toxins on cognitive function.PROCESS v3.4.1 was applied to explore the relationship between uremic toxins,depression,and cognitive function,as well as the mediating effect of depression.Results Significant differences were found between the ESRD group and the HC group in MoCA total score(P<0.001),AVLT-H(word learning;short-term delay;long-term delay,P<0.001;word recognition,P=0.001),TMT-A(P<0.001),BDI(P<0.001),and BAI(P=0.009).Cystatin C was a negative influencing factor for short-term delay in AVLT-H(B=-0.834,P=0.019),while BDI was a negative influencing factor for long-term delay in AVLT-H(B=-0.102,P=0.002),word recognition in AVLT-H(B=-0.071,P<0.001),and MoCA total score(B=-0.135,P=0.002).BDI partially mediated the effect of cystatin C on short-term delay in AVLT-H(total effect,c=-0.3346;direct effect,c'=-0.223 5;mediating effect,a×b=-0.111 0;and mediating effect proportion,33.2%)and long-term delay in AVLT-H(total effect,c=-0.318 7;direct effect,c'=-0.218 8;mediating effect,a×b=-0.099 9;and mediating effect proportion,31.3%).Conclusion ESRD patients experience cognitive decline as well as anxiety and depression.Cystatin C and depression are both negative influencing factors for cognitive decline in ESRD patients.Cystatin C indirectly affects cognitive function in ESRD patients through depression.
9.Discussion on the application of lotus needle cupping and dredging method in primary dysmenorrhea based on the theory of "toxin deficiency" in Zhuang medicine
Ying HUANG ; Ning LI ; Ouyang LI ; Fangyuan SU ; Faming SHU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):545-549
Zhuang medicine believes that "toxin deficiency" is a key factor in the onset of primary dysmenorrhea, and the failure of the "three pathways and two pathways" is the direct cause of its onset. The treatment should follow the method of "restoring visceral function". The Zhuang medicine lotus needle cupping and dredging method has strong Zhuang characteristics, and is widely used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and has achieved good therapeutic effects. Based on the theory of "toxin deficiency" in Zhuang medicine, this article discussed the application of lotus needle cupping and dredging method in primary dysmenorrhea, and provided reference for its treatment.
10.Analysis and summary of clinical characteristics of 289 patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Zhejiang Province
Gaixiang XU ; Weimei JIN ; Baodong YE ; Songfu JIANG ; Chao HU ; Xin HUANG ; Bingshou XIE ; Huifang JIANG ; Lili CHEN ; Rongxin YAO ; Ying LU ; Linjie LI ; Jin ZHANG ; Guifang OUYANG ; Yongwei HONG ; Hongwei KONG ; Zhejun QIU ; Wenji LUO ; Binbin CHU ; Huiqi ZHANG ; Hui ZENG ; Xiujie ZHOU ; Pengfei SHI ; Ying XU ; Jie JIN ; Hongyan TONG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(6):549-555
Objective:To further improve the understanding of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), we retrospectively analyzed and summarized the clinical characteristics, treatment status, and survival status of patients with PNH in Zhejiang Province.Methods:This study included 289 patients with PNH who visited 20 hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Their clinical characteristics, comorbidity, laboratory test results, and medications were analyzed and summarized.Results:Among the 289 patients with PNH, 148 males and 141 females, with a median onset age of 45 (16-87) years and a peak onset age of 20-49 years (57.8% ). The median lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level was 1 142 (604-1 925) U/L. Classified by type, 70.9% (166/234) were classical, 24.4% (57/234) were PNH/bone marrow failure (BMF), and 4.7% (11/234) were subclinical. The main clinical manifestations included fatigue or weakness (80.8%, 235/289), dizziness (73.4%, 212/289), darkened urine color (66.2%, 179/272), and jaundice (46.2%, 126/270). Common comorbidities were hemoglobinuria (58.7% ), renal dysfunction (17.6% ), and thrombosis (15.0% ). Moreover, 82.3% of the patients received glucocorticoid therapy, 70.9% required blood transfusion, 30.7% used immunosuppressive agents, 13.8% received anticoagulant therapy, and 6.3% received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 84.4% (95% CI 78.0% -91.3% ) . Conclusion:Patients with PNH are more common in young and middle-aged people, with a similar incidence rate between men and women. Common clinical manifestations include fatigue, hemoglobinuria, jaundice, renal dysfunction, and recurrent thrombosis. The 10-year OS of this group is similar to reports from other centers in China.

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