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. Effect of menthol on hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in mice and its mechanism
Wu-Shuai WANG ; Ying-Rong HE ; Xi YANG ; Qing-Hua DUAN ; Qiang WANG ; Wu-Shuai WANG ; Tao HU ; Ying-Rong HE ; Xi YANG ; Qing-Hua DUAN ; Xuan DU ; Qiang WANG ; Yao YANG ; Xuan DU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):62-69
Aim To study the effect of menthol on hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and explore the underlying mechanism in mice. Methods 10 to 12 weeks old wild type (WT) mice and TRPM8 gene knockout (TRPM8
3.Serum TSH levels in women aged 40 and above : association with lifespan and 10-year mortality
Ping XU ; Nianchun PENG ; Miao ZHANG ; Ying HU ; Rui WANG ; Juan HE ; Qiao ZHANG ; Lixin SHI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(2):132-138
Objective:To investigate the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) levels and 10-year mortality in women aged 40 years and older.Methods:Residents aged 40 and over in urban areas of Guiyang City who participated in the " Epidemiological Study of Cancer Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in China(REACTION)" were followed up in 2011. Finally, 5 614 people were enrolled, and the baseline general information, physical examination and TSH detection were carried out. The average follow-up was(9.77±1.55) years, and the treatment and death of thyroid-related diseases were recorded. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the relationship between TSH level and 10-year mortality in middle-aged and elderly women, and plotting survival time curves(Kaplan-Meier curves) to study the association between elevated TSH levels and lifespan in subjects under 65 years old. Results:The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that compared with the normal group, after multivariate adjustment, the risk of death in the TSH increased group was decreased( HR=0.644, 95% CI 0.478-0.868, P<0.05); after stratifying the elevated TSH group, the risk of death was decreased in the slightly elevated TSH group( HR=0.566, 95% CI 0.405-0.791, P<0.001); the elevated TSH group was further stratified by age. In the group under 65 years old, compared to the normal group, the mildly elevated group showed a reduced risk of mortality( HR=0.429, 95% CI 0.245-0.751, P=0.003). In the group aged 65 and above, there were no statistically significant differences in mortality risk between the mildly elevated group, severely elevated group, and the normal group( P>0.05). In the group under 65 years old, the K-M curve indicated that the survival rate of the mildly elevated TSH group was significantly higher than that of the normal group( χ2=11.931, P=0.003), the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion:Mildly elevated TSH levels in women aged 40-65 years are associated with a reduced risk of all-cause death and longer lifespan.
4.Pathological types and clinical features of unilateral primary aldosteronism
Jiayu LI ; Yi YANG ; Linqiang MA ; Junlong LI ; Wenwen HE ; Ying SONG ; Jinbo HU ; Shumin YANG ; Qifu LI ; Qianna ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(2):139-144
Objective:To investigate the distribution of pathological types of unilateral primary aldosteronism, and to explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with different pathological types.Methods:A total of 241 patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism who underwent adrenal surgery were included in this study. The clinical data and postoperative follow-up data were collected, and the postoperative tissue sections were stained with HE and aldosterone synthase. According to the staining results, pathological types of 241 patients were classified, and the clinical characteristics and surgical prognosis of patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism were compared.Results:According to the international histopathology consensus for unilateral primary aldosteronism, among 241 patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism, 223 were classical(92.5%), 17 were non-classical(7.1%), and 1 was aldosterone producing carcinoma(0.4%). Among classical cases, 189 were aldosterone producing adenoma and 34 were aldosterone producing nodule. In the non-classical cases, 8 cases were multiple aldosterone producing nodule and 9 cases were multiple aldosterone producing nodule. Compared with the classical group, the non-classical group had a longer duration of hypertension(9.0 vs 5.0 years, P=0.062) and a lower baseline plasma aldosterone concentration(273 vs 305 pg/mL, P=0.147), but the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the proportion of patients who achieved a complete biochemical response after surgery(98% vs 92.3%, P=0.281), but the proportion of patients who achieved a complete clinical response was significantly lower in the non-classical group(23.1% vs 52.9%, P=0.046). Conclusion:The pathological types of unilateral primary aldosteronism are predominantly classical, with aldosterone-producing adenoma being the most common. There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and postoperative biochemical remission rates between classical and non-classical patients, but the clinical prognosis of the latter was inferior to the former.
5.Surgical prognosis and influencing factors in 406 patients with primary aldosteronism
Yixin ZHANG ; Ying SONG ; Jinbo HU ; Shumin YANG ; Zhengping FENG ; Wenwen HE ; Qifu LI ; Wenrui ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(3):228-234
Objective:To evaluate postoperative biochemical and clinical remission rates in patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism and analyze related influencing factors.Methods:A total of 406 patients of primary aldosteronism with confirmed subtyping, who underwent adrenalectomy and completed follow-up in the Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from November 2013 to March 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical and biochemical data were recorded. Postoperative clinical and biochemical outcomes were assessed according to Primary Aldosteronism Surgery Outcome(PASO) consensus.Results:Complete biochemical success was achieved in 391(96.31%) of 406 primary aldosteronism patients, while partial and absent biochemical success in only 4(0.99%) and 11(2.71%) primary aldosteronism patients; Complete clinical success was seen in 217(53.45%) patients, and partial clinical success in 189(46.55%) patients. Compared to the partial clinical success group, the complete clinical success group was younger, had a greater proportion of women, a smaller body mass index, a shorter duration of hypertension, a smaller daily defined dose value for antihypertensive medication, a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR), and a lower proportion of family history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis further showed that gender( OR=2.49, 95% CI 1.42-4.35, P=0.001), body mass index( OR=1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.28, P=0.003), antihypertensive drug daily defined dose( OR=1.83, 95% CI 1.37-2.44, P<0.001), family history of hypertension( OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.22-3.83, P=0.008), history of diabetes( OR=2.47, 95% CI 1.15-5.29, P=0.021), and eGFR( OR=0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, P=0.001) were independent factors influencing clinical prognosis of primary aldosteronism. Conclusion:The postoperative complete biochemical success is higher in patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism, but only about half of all patients achieve complete clinical success.
6.Study of appropriate cut-off for diagnosis of primary aldosteronism by seated saline suppression test based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Yixin ZHANG ; Ying SONG ; Jinbo HU ; Shumin YANG ; Zhengping FENG ; Wenwen HE ; Qifu LI ; Yifan HE
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2024;63(1):66-73
Objective:To investigate the appropriate cut-off for diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA) by seated saline suppression test (SSST) based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, patients who underwent SSST for suspected PA in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2018 to March 2022 were evaluated. Briefly, 300 patients with PA and 119 with essential hypertension (EH) were included. Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) after SSST was determined by LC-MS/MS. Primary aldosteronism confirmatory testing (PACT) score was used as the reference standard for diagnosis of PA, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to explore the cut-off value.Results:The average age of the PA group was (50.8±10.5) years, and males accounted for 53.00% ( n=159); the average age of the EH group was (49.4±11.2) years, and males accounted for 26.89% ( n=32). The area under the ROC curve of PAC post-SSST was 0.819 (95% CI 0.775-0.862). When 40 pg/ml (110.8 pmol/L) was selected as the appropriate cut-off for diagnosis of PA, the sensitivity was 83.67% (95% CI 78.88%-87.56%) and specificity was 60.50% (95% CI 51.10%-69.21%). Thus, 95.09% (155/163) of patients with unilateral PA could be identified. Conclusion:PAC after SSST determined by LC-MS/MS has high efficacy for diagnosis of PA, and 40 pg/ml is recommended as the appropriate cut-off value.
7.Clinical effects of probiotics combined with bismuth quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infected patients
Min GUI ; Qiuyun GU ; Yusen HU ; Chenyuan YAN ; Ying SHAO ; Lina XIA ; Jieyi HE ; Peiying WU ; Yiming HONG ; Qiuju DU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(5):482-487
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of probiotics combined with bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) on clinical efficacy、gastrointestinal adverse reactions and intestinal flora in Helicobacter pylori (HP) positive patients. MethodsThe patients who were positive for HP from May 2023 to July 2023 in the department of gastroenterology of Shanghai first people's hospital were randomly divided into2 groups with 40 people in each group. The probiotic group was given 2 weeks of quadruple therapy with probiotics and standard BQT, followed by 4 weeks of oral probiotics after quadruple discontinuation. The placebo group was given 2 weeks of probiotic placebo and standard BQT, followed by 4 weeks of oral probiotic placebo. 13C urea breath test was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy, gastrointestinal symptoms rating Scale was used to evaluate the gastrointestinal adverse reactions of patients before and after the intervention, and microbial diversity 16S rDNA sequencing technology was used to detect the level of intestinal flora of patients before and after the intervention. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the eradication rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the scores of the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale between the probiotic group and the placebo group. After the intervention, patients in the probiotic group had significantly lower pain scores on acid reflux (1.10±0.30 vs 1.35±0.53, P<0.05) and stomach or abdominal hunger than in the placebo group (1.07±0.26 vs 1.30±0.52, P<0.05). Through the before-and-after comparison of the probiotic group, the scores of abdominal pain (1.24±0.44 vs 1.58±0.71, P<0.05), stomach or abdominal hunger (1.07±0.26 vs 1.27±0.45, P<0.05) and dry and hard stool (1.24±0.49 vs 1.48±0.75,P<0.05) were significantly lower in the probiotic group than before the intervention in the probiotic group. ConclusionProbiotics combined with BQT can improve the gastrointestinal adverse reactions and intestinal flora disorders in the process of quadruple drug therapy, but it does not improve the eradication rate of HP.
8.Longitudinal extrauterine growth restriction in extremely preterm infants: current status and prediction model
Xiaofang HUANG ; Qi FENG ; Shuaijun LI ; Xiuying TIAN ; Yong JI ; Ying ZHOU ; Bo TIAN ; Yuemei LI ; Wei GUO ; Shufen ZHAI ; Haiying HE ; Xia LIU ; Rongxiu ZHENG ; Shasha FAN ; Li MA ; Hongyun WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Shanyamei HUANG ; Jinyu LI ; Hua XIE ; Xiaoxiang LI ; Pingping ZHANG ; Hua MEI ; Yanju HU ; Ming YANG ; Lu CHEN ; Yajing LI ; Xiaohong GU ; Shengshun QUE ; Xiaoxian YAN ; Haijuan WANG ; Lixia SUN ; Liang ZHANG ; Jiuye GUO
Chinese Journal of Neonatology 2024;39(3):136-144
Objective:To study the current status of longitudinal extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in extremely preterm infants (EPIs) and to develop a prediction model based on clinical data from multiple NICUs.Methods:From January 2017 to December 2018, EPIs admitted to 32 NICUs in North China were retrospectively studied. Their general conditions, nutritional support, complications during hospitalization and weight changes were reviewed. Weight loss between birth and discharge > 1SD was defined as longitudinal EUGR. The EPIs were assigned into longitudinal EUGR group and non-EUGR group and their nutritional support and weight changes were compared. The EPIs were randomly assigned into the training dataset and the validation dataset with a ratio of 7∶3. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were used in the training dataset to select the independent predictive factors. The best-fitting Nomogram model predicting longitudinal EUGR was established based on Akaike Information Criterion. The model was evaluated for discrimination efficacy, calibration and clinical decision curve analysis.Results:A total of 436 EPIs were included in this study, with a mean gestational age of (26.9±0.9) weeks and a birth weight of (989±171) g. The incidence of longitudinal EUGR was 82.3%(359/436). Seven variables (birth weight Z-score, weight loss, weight growth velocity, the proportion of breast milk ≥75% within 3 d before discharge, invasive mechanical ventilation ≥7 d, maternal antenatal corticosteroids use and bronchopulmonary dysplasia) were selected to establish the prediction model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the training dataset and the validation dataset were 0.870 (95% CI 0.820-0.920) and 0.879 (95% CI 0.815-0.942), suggesting good discrimination efficacy. The calibration curve indicated a good fit of the model ( P>0.05). The decision curve analysis showed positive net benefits at all thresholds. Conclusions:Currently, EPIs have a high incidence of longitudinal EUGR. The prediction model is helpful for early identification and intervention for EPIs with higher risks of longitudinal EUGR. It is necessary to expand the sample size and conduct prospective studies to optimize and validate the prediction model in the future.
9.Assessment of respiratory protection competency of staff in healthcare facilities
Hui-Xue JIA ; Xi YAO ; Mei-Hua HU ; Bing-Li ZHANG ; Xin-Ying SUN ; Zi-Han LI ; Ming-Zhuo DENG ; Lian-He LU ; Jie LI ; Li-Hong SONG ; Jian-Yu LU ; Xue-Mei SONG ; Hang GAO ; Liu-Yi LI
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):25-31
Objective To understand the respiratory protection competency of staff in hospitals.Methods Staff from six hospitals of different levels and characteristics in Beijing were selected,including doctors,nurses,medical technicians,and servicers,to conduct knowledge assessment on respiratory protection competency.According to exposure risks of respiratory infectious diseases,based on actual cases and daily work scenarios,content of respira-tory protection competency assessment was designed from three aspects:identification of respiratory infectious di-seases,transmission routes and corresponding protection requirements,as well as correct selection and use of masks.The assessment included 6,6,and 8 knowledge points respectively,with 20 knowledge points in total,all of which were choice questions.For multiple-choice questions,full marks,partial marks,and no mark were given respective-ly if all options were correct,partial options were correct and without incorrect options,and partial options were correct but with incorrect options.Difficulty and discrimination analyses on question of each knowledge point was conducted based on classical test theory.Results The respiratory protection competency knowledge assessment for 326 staff members at different risk levels in 6 hospitals showed that concerning the 20 knowledge points,more than 60%participants got full marks for 6 points,while the proportion of full marks for other questions was relatively low.Less than 10%participants got full marks for the following 5 knowledge points:types of airborne diseases,types of droplet-borne diseases,conventional measures for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infec-tion with respiratory infectious diseases,indications for wearing respirators,and indications for wearing medical protective masks.Among the 20 knowledge questions,5,1,and 14 questions were relatively easy,medium,and difficult,respectively;6,1,4,and 9 questions were with discrimination levels of ≥0.4,0.30-0.39,0.20-0.29,and ≤0.19,respectively.Conclusion There is still much room for hospital staff to improve their respiratory protection competency,especially in the recognition of diseases with different transmission routes and the indications for wearing different types of masks.
10.Effects of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on Endometrial Angiogenesis by Regulating Mitochondrial Function
Yuling ZHOU ; Jinglei ZHANG ; Can CAO ; Ying SUN ; Ruobing NIU ; Yingmei ZHANG ; Shuchan HU ; Lin LUO ; Ming HE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(1):91-96
Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on regulating mitochondrial function and endometrial angiogenesis;To explore its mechanism of improving endometrial receptivity.Methods The mouse model of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH)was established,and the mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,and Bushen group,with 20 mice in each group.Bushen group received Bushen Zhuyun Prescription for gavage for 11 d,and the normal group and model group received normal saline for gavage.The number of embryo implantation was counted,the endometrial morphology was observed by HE staining,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression was observed by immunofluorescence staining.Human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells(HEMECs)were cultured in vitro,they were divided into control group,VEGFA group,Bushen group and VEGFA + Bushen group,and were intervened with VEGFA and/or Bushen Zhuyun Prescription medicated serum.The activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ,the content of ATP,the expression of PCNA and Caspase-3 were detected.Results Animal experiment showed that,compared with the normal group,the number of embryo implantation in model group significantly decreased(P<0.05),α-SMA protein expression in endometrial tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the number of embryo implantation in Bushen group significantly increased(P<0.05),α-SMA protein expression in endometrial tissue significantly increased(P<0.05).Cell experiment showed that,Bushen Zhuyun Prescription medicated serum could increase the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ and ATP content in HEMECs,promote PCNA protein expression,and inhibit Caspase-3 protein expression(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Zhuyun Prescription can promote endometrial angiogenesis through improving mitochondrial function.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail