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.Construction of the prediction model of breast cancer bone metastasis based on machine learning
Fei OUYANG ; Yang WANG ; Yu CHEN ; Guoqing PEI ; Ling WANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Lei SHI
China Oncology 2024;34(10):903-914
Background and purpose:Breast cancer is a major global public health problem.Bone is the most common site of distant metastasis of breast cancer,accounting for about 70%of all metastatic cases.Bone metastasis of breast cancer can cause a series of complications,including severe pain,pathological fracture,hypercalcemia,spinal cord compression,etc.,which bring great inconvenience to patients'physical activities and affect their quality of life.Metastatic recurrence is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients.Therefore,there is an urgent need to build a diagnostic model of bone metastasis in breast cancer to identify patients with a high risk of bone metastasis.The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model based on machine learning to predict the probability of breast cancer developing bone metastasis.Methods:Data of breast cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were extracted from The Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database.The variables were screened by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression,univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis,and statistically significant risk factors were included to build a prediction model.In this study,nine machine learning algorithms,including decision tree,elastic network,K-nearest neighbor,lightweight gradient elevator,logistic regression,neural network,random forest,support vector machine and limit gradient lifting,were used to adjust the model hyperparameters through random search and 5x cross-validation to build a breast cancer bone metastasis prediction model.The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve and decision curve were used to evaluate the model,the optimal model was obtained,and the importance of variables was analyzed based on the optimal model.Finally,a network calculator for predicting the risk of bone metastasis of breast cancer was established using the optimal model.Results:The study included 10 106 patients with breast cancer,7 073 patients in the training set,and 3 033 patients in the validation set.We found that 4 494(63.5%)patients in the training set and 1 927(63.5%)patients in the validation set developed bone metastases,respectively.Race,pathologic grade,estrogen receptor(ER)status,progesterone receptor(PR)status,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)status,N stage,lung metastasis,radiotherapy,chemotherapy and surgery were independent predictors of bone metastasis.The training set and verification set were used to verify the model,and the limit gradient lifting algorithm was superior to other machine learning algorithms by integrating the evaluation indexes such as the area under the ROC curve,calibration curve and decision curve.Finally,we used limit gradient algorithm to build network calculator for prediction of breast cancer bone metastases(https://bcbm.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/).Conclusion:This study developed a predictive model based on machine learning to predict the probability of bone metastases in breast cancer patients,hoping to help clinicians make more rational treatment decisions.
3.Histone deacetylase inhibitor pracinostat suppresses colorectal cancer by inducing CDK5-Drp1 signaling-mediated peripheral mitofission
Xiao-Ling LIANG ; Lan OUYANG ; Nan-Nan YU ; Zheng-Hua SUN ; Zi-Kang GUI ; Yu-Long NIU ; Qing-Yu HE ; Jing ZHANG ; Yang WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2023;13(10):1168-1182
Divisions at the periphery and midzone of mitochondria are two fission signatures that determine the fate of mitochondria and cells.Pharmacological induction of excessively asymmetric mitofission-associated cell death(MFAD)by switching the scission position from the mitochondrial midzone to the periphery represents a promising strategy for anticancer therapy.By screening a series of pan-inhibitors,we identified pracinostat,a pan-histone deacetylase(HDAC)inhibitor,as a novel MFAD inducer,that exhibited a significant anticancer effect on colorectal cancer(CRC)in vivo and in vitro.Pracinostat increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 5(CDK5)and induced its acetylation at residue lysine 33,accelerating the formation of complex CDK5/CDK5 regulatory subunit 1 and dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial peripheral fission.CRC cells with high level of CDK5(CDK5-high)displayed midzone mitochondrial division that was associated with oncogenic phenotype,but treatment with pracinostat led to a lethal increase in the already-elevated level of CDK5 in the CRC cells.Mechanistically,pracinostat switched the scission position from the mitochondrial midzone to the periphery by improving the binding of Drp1 from mitochondrial fission factor(MFF)to mitochondrial fission 1 protein(FIS1).Thus,our results revealed the anticancer mechanism of HDACi pracinostat in CRC via activating CDK5-Drp1 signaling to cause selective MFAD of those CDK5-high tumor cells,which implicates a new paradigm to develop potential therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.
4.Impact of the depth of remission by induction chemotherapy on the prognosis of limited stage small cell lung cancer.
Jing YU ; Kang YANG ; Ya Jie CHENG ; Jiu Ling SHEN ; Wen OUYANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Jun Hong ZHANG ; Cong Hua XIE
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2023;45(7):621-626
Objective: To evaluate the effect of depth of remission of induction chemotherapy on the overall prognosis of limited stage small cell lung cancer (L-SCLC). Methods: The study was a retrospective, L-SCLC patients who contained complete imaging data and underwent consecutive standardized treatments at the Department of Thoracic Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between January 2013 and June 2021 were included. To delineate the volume of tumor before and after induction chemotherapy and to calculate the depth of remission caused by the induced chemotherapy. The time receiver operating characteristic (timeROC) method was used to determine the optimal predictors for prognosis, multi-factor analysis using Cox risk proportional model. Results: A total of 104 patients were included in this study. The median PFS and OS of this cohort were 13.7 months and 20.9 months, respectively. It was observed by timeROC analysis that residual tumor volume after induction chemotherapy had the optimal predictive value of PFS at 1 year (AUC=0.86, 95% CI: 0.78~0.94) and OS at 2 years (AUC=0.76, 95% CI: 0.65~0.87). Multivariate analysis showed residual tumor volume after induction chemotherapy was the independent prognostic factor to PFS (HR=1.006, 95% CI: 1.003~1.009, P<0.01) and OS (HR=1.009, 95% CI: 1.005~1.012, P<0.001). For those whose residual tumor volume remitted to less than 10 cm(3) after induction chemotherapy, the favorable long-term outcomes could be achieved, regardless of their initial tumor load. Conclusion: The depth of remission of induction chemotherapy could be a promising prognostic predictor to the L-SCLC and provide the individualized treatment guidance.
Humans
;
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/pathology*
;
Lung Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Induction Chemotherapy
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Neoplasm, Residual
;
Prognosis
5.Effect of adjuvant growth hormone during luteal phase on in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer outcome
Mixia OUYANG ; Ling YANG ; Huizhen TANG ; Xiaoli WU ; Na ZHOU ; Sha REN ; Hong YU
Journal of Chinese Physician 2022;24(5):672-675,681
Objective:To investigate the effect of growth hormone (GH) supplementation during luteal phase one cycle before ovulation induction in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).Methods:IVF-ET pregnancy-assisted patients who underwent long-term Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone-agonist (GnRH-a) protocol from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 were collected from the Reproductive Center of Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Among them, 106 patients (GH group) were added with GH during luteal phase one cycle before ovulation induction, and 212 patients (control group) were not added with GH. Ovulation induction and pregnancy outcome were compared between the two groups.Results:(1) There was no statistically significant difference in primary infertility/secondary infertility rate, infertility years, age, and transplant cancellation cycle rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) There were no significant differences in the number of oocytes obtained, MII oocytes, two pronucleus (2PN) oocytes, high-quality embryos and average number of transplanted embryos between GH group and control group (all P>0.05). The total amount of Gn in control group and GH group was (2 109.75±555.75)IU and (1 863±610.52)IU, respectively, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). (3) The embryo implantation rate of the control group and GH group was 43.73%(129/295) and 60.42%(87/144), respectively, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rates of the control group and GH group were 58.79%(107/182) and 71.91%(64/89), the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The spontaneous abortion rate of early pregnancy in control group (4.67%, 5/107) was slightly higher than that in GH group (3.12%, 2/64), but there was no significant statistical difference ( P>0.05). Conclusions:For patients with normal ovarian response, adding small dose of growth hormone during luteal stage one cycle before controlled hyperovulation can improve the embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate, and reduce the amount of Gn, which is beneficial to patients.
6.Effect of different ovulation induction regimens for polycystic ovary syndrome
Mixia OUYANG ; Ling YANG ; Huizhen TANG ; Na ZHOU ; Sha REN ; Hong YU
Journal of Chinese Physician 2022;24(8):1184-1187,1192
Objective:To explore effects of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols on pregnancy outcomes for patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods:A total of 1 032 patients with PCOS who underwent IVF-ET from September 1, 2016 to July 31, 2020 in the Reproductive Center of Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into modified long regimen group (group A, 126 cases), luteal phase long regimen group (group B, 185 cases), antagonist regimen group (group C, 344 cases), and progestin primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) group(group D, 377 cases) according to different ovulation stimulation regimens. The ovulation promotion status [days of gonadotropin (Gn), total amount of Gn, estradiol (E 2) level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection, number of retrieved eggs, number of mature eggs (MII eggs), number of normal fertilized embryos (2PN), number of high-quality embryos] and the first frozen embryo transfer pregnancy status (clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, early abortion rate) were compared among the patients in each group. Results:(1) There was no significant difference in general clinical data between the four groups (all P>0.05). (2) The number of Gn days in group D was significantly less than that in groups A, B and C, and the total number of Gn was significantly less than that in groups A, B and C (all P<0.05); The E 2 level of patients in group C and group D on the day of hCG injection was significantly lower than that of group A and group B (all P<0.05); The number of eggs obtained and MII eggs in group C and group D were significantly lower than those in group A and group B (all P<0.05); The number of high-quality embryos and 2PN in group D were significantly different from those in group A, group B and group C (all P<0.05). (3) The clinical pregnancy rates of the first frozen embryo transfer after whole embryo cryopreservation in group A, group B, group C and group D were 54.72%(29/53), 56.79%(46/81), 52.56%(82/156) and 54.32%(195/359), respectively, with no significant difference among the four groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in embryo implantation rate and early abortion rate among the four groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The modified long regimen, luteal phase long regimen, antagonist regimen and PPOS regimen can achieve better pregnancy outcomes in patients with PCOS. Among them, PPOS regimen can reduce the amount and time of Gn, and frozen embryo transfer does not affect the pregnancy outcome of patients. It can be used as one of the priority recommended strategies for PCOS patients who plan to undergo frozen embryo transfer.
7.Effects of composite laser technique combined with multipoint microinjection of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of hypertrophic scars in burn children.
Ying LEI ; Jun TAN ; Hua Wei OUYANG ; Xiao Jia LIU ; Yi Ling YU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2022;38(9):810-815
Objective: To explore the effects of pulsed dye laser (PDL) and ultra-pulsed fractional carbon dioxide laser (UFCL) combined with multipoint microinjection of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of red hypertrophic scar at early stage in burn children. Methods: A retrospective cohort before-after control study in the same patients was conducted. From February 2019 to December 2020, a total of 67 burn children who met the inclusion criteria (32 males and 35 females, aged 1 to 12 years) with red hyperplastic scar at early stage, were treated in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (1st Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University). All the children were treated with composite laser technique (PDL and UFCL) combined with triamcinolone acetonide (hereinafter referred to as combined treatment). After 2 months, they received the second combined treatment. Before the first combined treatment and 6 months after the last combined treatment, the scar of children was evaluated with the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) by physicians and family members. Six months after the last combined treatment, the satisfaction of the patients' family members with the efficacy was recorded and the overall satisfaction rate was calculated. Adverse reactions were recorded throughout the treatment process. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results: Six months after the last combined treatment, the POSAS scores of children on the thickness, blood vessels distribution, color, surface roughness, texture, scope, and overall evaluation of scar evaluated by the physicians, and the POSAS scores of children on the color, degree of pain, degree of itching, hardness, thickness, shape and size, and overall evaluation of scar evaluated by the family members were significantly lower than those before the first combined treatment (with t values of 17.32, 16.73, 15.00, 14.91, 19.62, 28.74, 29.83, 17.43, 20.52, 29.01, 28.82, 24.91, 20.30, and 42.13, respectively, P<0.01). Six months after the last combined treatment, 62 (93%), 3 (4%), and 2 (3%) children's family members were very satisfied, satisfied, and relatively satisfied with the treatment effect, respectively, and the overall satisfaction rate was 97% (65/67). Six months after the last combined treatment, no scar thickening or infection occurred in all the wounds of children. Conclusions: Composite laser technique combined with multipoint microinjection of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of red hypertrophic scar at early stage in burn children can improve the appearance and texture of scar, reduce scar pain and pruritus, with high satisfaction of children's family members to the treatment effect and less adverse reactions.
Burns/therapy*
;
Child
;
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/pathology*
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Female
;
Humans
;
Lasers, Gas
;
Male
;
Microinjections
;
Pain
;
Pruritus
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Triamcinolone Acetonide/therapeutic use*
8.Epidemiological investigation of allergic rhinitis in central cities and countrysides of Inner Mongolia region.
Zhuo Yi DENG ; Xiao Jia LIU ; Ri Na SA ; Hai Xia XU ; Qiang FU ; Dong Yue XU ; Xiao Bo CUI ; Ji LIU ; Bo Long SONG ; Ming ZHENG ; Yu Hui OUYANG ; Xiang Dong WANG ; Xiao Ling LIU
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2021;56(6):635-642
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in 3 central cities (Chifeng, Hohhot, Ordos) and the surrounding rural areas of Inner Mongolia region, and to look for possible risk factors related to the disease. Methods: From March to October of 2019, a multi-stage stratified random sampling epidemiological survey was conducted in Chifeng, Hohhot, Ordos and rural areas. The AR-related factors of the population were obtained in the form of face-to-face questionnaire survey, and the skin prick test (SPT) was taken for the participants. AR disease was diagnosed according to the "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis (2015, Tianjin)". The daily airborne pollen situation in the three regions was monitored during the same period. SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze all survey results. Results: A total of 6 818 questionnaires were recovered, with 6 393 valid questionnaires. The self-reported prevalence of AR was 27.72% (1 772/6 393) and the confirmed prevalence of AR was 17.10% (1 093/6 393). The prevalence of perennial AR was 1.83% (117/6 393) while the prevalence of seasonal AR was 15.27% (976/6 393). The prevalence of AR diagnosed in females was higher than that in males (19.19% vs 15.34%, χ²=16.594, P<0.001) and the prevalence of females in the two age groups of 36-45 years and 46-55 years was significantly higher than that of males (18.17% vs 9.73%, 14.13% vs 7.25%, χ2 value was 23.848, 18.772, respectively, all P<0.001). The prevalence of confirmed diagnoses in ethnic minorities was higher than that of Han nationality, and the prevalence of confirmed diagnoses in urban areas was higher than that in rural areas (23.13% vs 16.20%, 27.27% vs 9.71%, χ2 value was 24.516, 336.024, respectively, all P<0.001). The main nasal symptoms of AR patients were sneezing (91.31%), nasal congestion (85.91%) and nasal itching (85.00%). The most common concomitant disease of AR was allergic conjunctivitis (73.99%). Asthma (OR=6.629), food allergy (OR=3.236), drug allergy (OR=1.786), application of antibiotics (OR=1.553), recent home decoration (OR=2.307), and smoking (OR=1.322) were the AR related risk factors. The highest proportion of SPT positive reactions was Artemisia annua (80.15%). The peak period of clinical symptoms of AR patients in Inner Mongolia region was July to September, which was consistent with the second peak period of airborne pollen monitoring. Conclusions: The prevalence of AR in central cities and the surrounding rural areas of Inner Mongolia region is 17.10%, and Artemisia species is the most important pollen allergen in this area. History of asthma, food allergy, drug allergy, antibiotic use, home decoration and smoking history are the related risk factors for AR.
Adult
;
Allergens
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Pollen
;
Prevalence
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/epidemiology*
;
Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal
;
Urbanization
9.Differences of B cells, plasma cells, and related cytokines expression in gingival tissues between periodontitis and periodontal healthy subjects.
Yu-Ling OUYANG ; Sheng CHEN ; Bin CHEN
West China Journal of Stomatology 2020;38(3):250-255
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to compare the differences of B cells, plasma cells, and related cytokines expression in gingival tissues between periodontitis and periodontal healthy subjects.
METHODS:
Gingival tissues were collected from periodontal healthy subjects (periodontal healthy group, n=12) and periodontitis patients (periodontitis group, n=15). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used for histopathological examination. Immunohistochemical staining (CD19, CD38, and CD138) was applied to detect the expression of B cells and plasma cells. B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (sRANKL) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS:
Extensive inflam-matory cell infiltration was found in the gingival tissues of the periodontitis group. The number of CD19(+), CD38(+), and CD138(+) cells of the periodontitis group was significantly higher than that of the periodontal healthy group (P<0.000 1). BAFF and sRANKL levels of the periodontitis group were higher than those of the periodontal healthy group (P<0.01, P<
0.001, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The expression of B cells, plasma cells, and their related BAFF and sRANKL cytokines were significantly higher in periodon-titis patients than those in the periodontal healthy subjects, sug-gesting that B cells and plasma cells may be involved in the development of periodontitis.
B-Lymphocytes
;
Cytokines
;
Gingival Crevicular Fluid
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Healthy Volunteers
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Humans
;
Periodontitis
;
Plasma Cells
10.Mechanism of Anti-chronic Alcoholic Liver Injury in Rats of Tibetan Medicine Lagotis brachystachys Extracts by TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB and NALP3 Signaling Pathway
Jia-ling SHAN ; Rong-rui WEI ; Lu WANG ; Xiang OUYANG ; Hong-yu CHENG ; Guo-yue ZHONG ; Jia-cheng LIU ; Ji-xiao ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2020;26(2):80-85
Objective::To established the model of chronic alcoholic liver injury in rats by long-term(8 weeks) alcoholic gavage, to study the effects of Tibetan medicine

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