1.Application and regulatory challenges of organoid technology in medical field
Weilu CHENG ; Zehua WANG ; Yidan ZHANG ; Yinghui LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):202-210
BACKGROUND:3D organoids have characteristics that resemble physiological tissues and to some extent mimic organ function,making them excellent models for applications ranging from basic development/stem cell research to personalized medicine. OBJECTIVE:To review and discuss the types of diseases and application areas such as tumor modeling that organoids can be applied to,as well as their regulatory status and challenges. METHODS:With"organoid,stem cell,disease model,3D printing technology,medical field"as Chinese and English search terms,we searched PubMed,Elsevier,WanFang,and CNKI databases to summarize and analyze organoid products at home and abroad,summarize the application of organoid technology in the medical field,and prospect the future development of organoid products in the medical field. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Organoids can break the limitations of traditional cell and animal models,avoid the ethical problems existing in clinical research,and have a high similarity to the source organ,a more similar performance to the physiology and pathology of human systems,and genetic stability,which has great advantages in current research.Organoids have been applied in the following fields:efficacy evaluation studies(preclinical models),including intestinal organoids,kidney organoids,liver organoids,gallbladder organoids,lung organoids,brain organoids,heart organoids,skin organoids,and reproductive system organoids;research on infectious diseases;cancer research and precision therapy;regenerative medicine;immune organoids.Although the United States,the European Union and China do not have perfect regulatory provisions,they are trying to promote the formulation of organoid regulatory laws and regulations.In China,although no organoid medical device products have been listed for the time being,its related regenerative medicine products have made breakthroughs.
2.Hereditary pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and associated syndromes:a clinical and genetic study
Peng TANG ; Weihua LAN ; Yao ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Zehua SHU ; Ke LI ; Zaoming HUANG ; Yiqiang HUANG ; Qiuli LIU ; Jun JIANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(4):377-383
Objective To summarize and analyze the clinical phenotypes,hereditary features and treatment and follow-up strategies of different hereditary pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas(PCC/PGL)and related syndromes.Methods Forty-four clinically diagnosed PCC/PGL patients admitted in our hospital from January 2000 to August 2022 were enrolled,and the clinical data of them and their family members were collected.Second-generation sequencing was performed on 43 patients for genetic detection,and Sanger sequencing was applied to verify the mutation of the probands and family members.Results There were 15 patients diagnosed with hereditary PCC/PGL,including 7 cases of von Hippel-Lindau(VHL)syndrome,3 cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2(MEN2),and 5 cases of familial paraganglioma syndrome.Seven VHL syndrome families were diagnosed as VHL2A(c.500G>A),VHL2B(c.239G>T and c.444_457del),and VHL2C(c.293A>G)according to their clinical manifestations.All probands received surgical treatment,and 2 cases of recurrent PCC and the patients with multiple renal cancer also received targeted therapy with sunitinib.Three MEN2 families carried c.1901G>C,c.1832G>A,and c.1901G>A missense mutations,respectively,and were diagnosed with MEN2A clinically.All of them underwent adrenalectomy and thyroidectomy,including one for preventive thyroidectomy.Among the 5 familial paraganglioma syndrome families,4 patients carried SDHB mutations(SDHB:c.343C>T,c.541-2A>G,c.575G>A,c.268C>T)and 1 patient carried an SDHD mutation(SDHD:c.337_340del).Sporadic retroperitoneal PGL were most common.Conclusion More than 1/3 of PCC/PGL patients carry germline gene mutations,showing obvious genotype-phenotype correlation.Genetic diagnosis technology plays an important guidance role for clinical precision treatment and follow-up,and genetic counseling.
3.Action mechanism of Bushenhuoxue decoction on promoting nucleus pulposus-like differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells
Zehua GUO ; Zhaoyong LI ; Long CHEN ; Jiahao DUAN ; Haobo JIANG ; Guangxue CHEN ; Youxian SU ; Enxu LIU ; Shaofeng YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(25):3974-3980
BACKGROUND:Stem cell transplantation is a new way to prevent and cure intervertebral disc degeneration.However,whether the transplanted stem cells can survive,proliferate,differentiate,and restore the function of nucleus pulposus cells after transplantation,is the key and difficult point to overcome. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of Bushenhuoxue decoction on survival,proliferation,and nucleus pulposus-like differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. METHODS:A Transwell chamber was used to construct a co-culture model of human adipose-derived stem cells and human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells.The experiment was divided into control group,model group,drug-containing serum group,and drug-free serum group.Except for the control group,the co-culture system of other groups was treated with 50 μmol/L tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours.The drug-containing serum group and drug-free serum group were treated with DMEM low-glucose complete culture medium containing drug-containing serum of Bushenhuoxue decoction or drug-free serum with 20%volume fraction for 48 hours.The sublayer adipose-derived stem cells were taken.Toluidine blue staining was used to detect proteoglycan synthesis levels.Real-time PCR method was used to detect mRNA expression of type Ⅱ collagen,proteoglycan and SRY-box transcription factor 9.The protein expression of SOX9 was detected by western blot assay.Lactate dehydrogenase assay was used to detect cytotoxicity.Flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species,and β-galactosidase staining was used to detect cell senescence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the proportion of necrotic cells in the model group increased;toluidine blue staining became lighter,and the expression levels of type Ⅱ collagen,proteoglycan,SOX9 mRNA and SOX9 protein decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the drug-containing serum of Bushenhuoxue decoction could significantly reduce cell injury and promote the expression of type Ⅱ collagen,proteoglycan,SOX9 mRNA,and SOX9 protein(P<0.05),but the improvement in the drug-free serum group was not significant(P>0.05).(2)Compared with the control group,the contents of cytotoxicity,reactive oxygen species,and cell senescence in the model group were significantly increased.Compared with the model group,the microenvironment of the coculture system was significantly improved by drug-containing serum of Bushenhuoxue decoction(P<0.05),while drug-free serum had no significant effect on the microenvironment of the co-culture system(P>0.05).(3)The results show that Bushenhuoxue decoction can promote the survival,proliferation,and nucleus pulposus-like differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells.
4.Investigating the value of dual-layer spectral detector CT in distinguishing resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from mass-forming chronic pancreatitis
Wei LIU ; Tiansong XIE ; Lei CHEN ; Zehua ZHANG ; Zhengrong ZHOU
China Oncology 2024;34(1):67-73
Background and Purpose:Accurate differentiation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)from mass-forming chronic pancreatitis(MFCP)is clinically significant.The application of dual-layer spectral detector CT(DLCT)in pancreas has been explored.This study aimed to investigate the value of DLCT in distinguishing resectable PDAC from MFCP.Methods:We retrospectively collected data of 33 patients with resectable PDAC and 19 patients with MFCP admitted to Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from September 1,2021 to May 31,2023.Prior to surgery,patients underwent enhanced DLCT scans,including arterial phase(AP),parenchymal phase(PP)and venous phase(VP).DLCT quantitative parameters,including attenuation enhancement fraction(AEF),lesion-to-parenchyma ratio(LPR)and iodine enhancement fraction(IEF)were calculated.Difference analysis was conducted using independent sample t-test or chi-square test.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using binary logistic regression.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used for performance evaluation.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Statistically significant differences were observed between PDAC and MFCP in AEF_AP/PP,LPR40_VP,IEF_PP/VP,carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and double-duct sign(all P<0.05).The spectral combined model composed of LPR40_VP and IEF_PP/VP exhibited the best discriminatory efficacy,surpassing CA19-9,double-duct sign and AEF_AP/PP(all P<0.05).The combined model demonstrated an area under curve(AUC)of 0.841,sensitivity of 90%,specificity of 73%,and accuracy of 79%.Conclusion:DLCT has certain potential in differentiating resectable PDAC from MFCP.Spectral quantitative parameters can complement CA19-9 and outcome shortcomings of conventional CT in distinguishing resectable PDAC from MFCP.
5.Determination of Antioxidants and Their Degradation Products in Recombinant Exendin-4-FC Fusion Protein Injection by HPLC
Zehua LU ; Sulong JI ; Shuaihu LIU ; Li WANG ; Yan GAO ; Zhiqiang SHEN ; Jingyan LI ; Bin WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(1):112-118
OBJECTIVE
To establish a method for determining the content of 11 antioxidants and their degradation products in recombinant Exendin-4-FC fusion protein injection by HPLC.
METHODS
The protein was precipitated with saturated ammonium sulfate. After centrifugation, the supernatant was transferred to a C18 solid phase extraction cartridge activated by methanol. Then the cartridge was eluted with 4 mL of methanol and 5 mL of ethyl acetate respectively, and the eluent was diluted with methanol-ethyl acetate(2∶3) mixed solvent and passed through a 0.22 µm PTFE hydrophobic filter. It was analyzed by HPLC and quantified by external standard method. Chromatographic conditions: Kinetex® XB-C18 100Å (100 mm×4.6 mm, 2.6 µm)column, the detection wavelength was 230 nm, the column oven was 30 ℃, the injection volume was 5 µL and the flow rate was 0.4 mL·min–1, mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid-methanol(A)-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(B), the running time was 45 min.
RESULTS
The 11 target substances showed a good linear relationship in the range of 2.5−35 μg·mL–1 with R2 ≥0.99. At three different concentration(25, 10, 5 μg·mL–1) of spiked samples, the average recovery rates of 11 antioxidants ranged from 88.1% to 106.5%, with RSDs in the range of 0.10%–9.05%. The RSDs of 6 repeatable samples was 2.01%–4.77%, which of 12 intermediate precision samples was 2.58%–9.75%. The positive/inverted samples of three batches of recombinant Exendin-4-FC fusion protein injection were detected at 0 month, 3 months and 6 months(25 ℃), and the results showed that there was no antioxidant and its degradation leaching in all batches of samples at different detection points.
CONCLUSION
The method has good specificity, high accuracy and precision, good solution stability, high durability and can be used for the content detection of antioxidants in drugs.
6.Systematic review for pharmacoeconomics evaluation in spinal muscular atrophy
Xiaohong ZHU ; Shixian LIU ; Shunping LI ; Lei DOU ; Ruixue WANG ; Zehua SONG ; Hao CHEN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(15):1868-1875
OBJECTIVE To review the current research progress on pharmacoeconomics evaluation related to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), in order to provide valuable insights for clinical treatment, screening and medical insurance payment decision- making. METHODS A computerized search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang database as well as other important health technology assessment (HTA) websites, such as National Institute for Health and Care Research,International Society of Technology Assessment in Health Care, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, etc. The pharmacoeconomics evaluation studies related to SMA were collected from the inception to December 31st, 2023. The literature/reports were rigorously screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria by two researchers, and the essential information from the included literature/ reports was extracted using Excel 2019. The quality of the included literature/reports was evaluated by Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022. RESULTS Finally, 9 articles and 15 HTA reports were included, with overall good quality of literature, but poor quality of HTA reports. There were a total of 24 studies on the pharmacoeconomics evaluation of SMA, including treatment options such as nusinersen sodium, sovaprevir, risperidone, and best supportive therapy.The review results showed that nusinersen sodium was not cost-effective in the treatment of SMA; there was no consensus on the economic viability of treatment options such as risperidone and sovaprevir; newborn/prenatal screening combined withmedication therapy was cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS newborn/prenatal screening combined with SMA medication therapy demonstrates economic advantages. It is suggested to further investigate the cost-effectiveness of new SMA drugs and SMA screening in China, taking localization parameters and medical insurance prices into account, and gradually incorporate SMA screening into the scope of neonatal genetic disease detection, in order to alleviate the financial burden of patients’ families and healthcare systems.
7.Comparison of efficacy between robot-assisted laparoscopic and conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and analysis on influencing factors
Qiming CHEN ; Jian CHEN ; Qiuli LIU ; Yao ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Zehua SHU ; Luofu WANG ; Weihua LAN ; Jun JIANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(21):2424-2431
Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy,and analyze the factors influencing treatment outcomes.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 719 patients(total cohort)who underwent radical prostatectomy in our department from June 2002 to October 2023.According to different surgical methods,they were divided into robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group(robotic group,n=409)and conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group(conventional group,n=310).Clinical characteristics,biochemical recurrence rates,and recovery of urinary continence at 1,3,6,and 12 months post operatively,as well as sexual function recovery at 6 and 12 months after surgery,were compared between the 2 groups.Additionally,the factors influencing biochemical recurrence and urinary continence recovery were analyzed across the entire cohort.Results In the cohort,the robot group demonstrated significantly larger proportions of pathological high T stages(≥pT3,P<0.01),increased positive lymph node rate(P<0.01),and greater number of dissected lymph nodes(P<0.01)than the conventional group.There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups in terms of Gleason score,biochemical recurrence rate,or incidence and type of complications.The robot group exhibited significantly higher rates of urinary continence recovery at 1(P=0.004),3(P<0.01),6(P=0.002)and 12 months(P=0.004)postoperatively.But no obvious difference was seen in the score of International Index of Erectile Function-5(IIEF-5)between the 2 groups at 6 and 12 months.Across the entire cohort,pathological high T stage(≥pT3,P<0.01),high Gleason score(>7,P=0.036),fewer lymph nodes dissected(≤ 10,P<0.01),and positive lymph nodes(P=0.046)were independent risk factors for biochemical recurrence.Additionally,the surgical method,specifically robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy,was identified as a significant factor influencing urinary continence recovery at 12 months postoperatively(P=0.005).Conclusion Compared to conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy,robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy shows certain effect on reducing biochemical recurrence rate and enhancing recovery of urinary continence in prostate cancer patients at 1,3,6 and 12 months postoperatively.
8.Effects of Toona sinensis bark alcohol extract on mucosal barrier and gut microbiota in mice with ulcerative colitis
Jiangmei JIANG ; Hui ZHI ; Zehua HU ; Bao YANG ; Juan NIE ; Jian LONG ; Ming LI ; Keyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(9):1668-1677
AIM:To investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of Toona sinensis bark extract(TAE)on the colon mucosal barrier and gut microbiota in mice with ulcerative colitis(UC)induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS).METHODS:Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to control,model,and mesalazine(0.2 g/kg)groups,as well as TAE groups(low,medium,and high-doses equal to crude drug concentrations of 2.3,4.6 and 9.2 g/kg,respectively).The UC model was induced by drinking of 2.5%DSS,and mean while the drugs were administered for 10 days.The mice were then evaluated in terms of weight,disease activity index(DAI),colon length,spleen index,and pathological changes in the colon tissues.In addition,the level of apoptosis in colon tissues was assessed by terminal de-oxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)fluorescence staining,and the expression of related proteins was evaluated by Western blot,levels of inflammatory factors were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA),and the activities of total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD)and catalase(CAT)and malondialdehyde(MDA)content were assessed by biochemical assays.Furthermore,the constitution and diversity of the gut microbiota were inves-tigated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,mice in the model group showed significantly reduced body weights(P<0.01),and the colon length was shortened significantly(P<0.05).Marked in-creases in the DAI and spleen index were observed(P<0.01),along with severe damage to the colon mucosa(P<0.01).Mechanistically,the level of intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis was significantly raised(P<0.01).The model group showed markedly reduced expression of occludin and claudin-1(P<0.01),the level of IL-10,and activities of T-SOD and CAT in the colon tissues(P<0.01).While the levels of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,and the MDA content were increased signif-icantly(P<0.05).The abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota were decreased in the model group(P<0.05).Com-pared with the model group,all these indicators were ameliorated by the administration of TAE(P<0.05).The abundance of pathogenic bacteria,including Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella,was decreased remarkably(P<0.05),while that of probiotics,including Bacteroidota and Muribaculaceae,were increased significantly(P<0.05).The abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota were increased.CONCLUSION:Taken together,Toona sinensis bark alcohol extract can alleviate damage to the intestinal mucosa by suppressing the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cell,reducing the inflam-matory response,and mitigating oxidative stress.Treatment with TAE could also maintain the homeostasis of the gut micro-biota by regulating the abundance,ultimately meliorate the function of intestinal mucosal barrier.
9.Exploration on application value of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in diagnostic evaluation and treatment decision of prostate cancer
Jian CHEN ; Qiming CHEN ; Xiao CHEN ; Renxiang XIA ; Ze WANG ; Junhao JIN ; Xuzhi YAN ; Qiuli LIU ; Zehua SHU ; Yao ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Luofu WANG ; Weihua LAN ; Jun JIANG
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(22):3418-3428
Objective To investigate the value of 18F labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen(18F-PSMA)-1007 developing agent PET/CT(18F-PSMA-1007PET/CT)examination in the diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic decision of the newly diagnosed prostate cancer(PCa)and follow up after radical prostatecto-my(RP).Methods This study adopted the retrospective observational study method.A total of 68 patients receiving 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examination in this hospital from September 2022 to October 2023 were analyzed,including 36 cases of newly diagnosed PCa and 32 cases of biochemistry follow up failure after RP.A total of 30 items of clinical data were collected,including 8 items of basic clinical characteristics,7 items of pa-thology-related characteristics and 15 items of imaging characteristics.The patients clinical characteristics in the newly diagnosed PCa and biochemical failure after RP conducted the descriptive analysis.The Fisher exact probability method was used to analyze the differentiation of the SUVmax of primary lesions in different clini-cal subgroups[different tPSA levels at diagnosis,different mi-T stages,different Gleason scores at postopera-tive pathological puncture and different pathological types]in the newly diagnosed PCa group and the differ-entiation of recurrent lesion detection rates in different clinical subgroups(different tPSA in 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examination,different pathological T stages,different lymph node invasion and different pathological Gleason scores in the biochemical failure after RP group.The Spearman correlation was adopted to test and analyze the correlation between the imaging features of positive lesions and tPSA.Results In the newly diag-nosed PCa group,there were 1 case of prostatic hyperplasia and 35 cases of PCa.SUVmax had no statistical differences among the primary lesions with different tPSA levels(P=0.81),different mi-T stages(P=0.70),different puncture Glleasonscores(P=0.20)and different pathological types(P=0.71).Moreover the tPSA value at diagnosis was positively correlated with the number of metastatic lesions(r=0.410,P=0.01).The clinical treatment decisions in 11 cases(31.43%)were changed according to the examination re-sults.In 9 cases of RP combined with lymph node dissection,the accuracy rate and concordance rate of 18F-PS-MA-1007 PET/CT and MRI in the lymph node detection rate all were 100%.I n the biochemical failure after RP group,the overall recurrent lesion detection rate was 71.88%(23/32),the operative area in situ recurrence(11 cases,34.38%)and bone metastasis(11 cases,34.38%)were most common.The differences of 18F-PS-MA-1007 PET/CT recurrent lesions detection rates had no statistical differences among the patients with dif-ferent tPSA levels(P=0.08),different pathological T stages(P=0.10),different postoperative pathological lymph node invasions(P=0.68)and different pathologic Gleason score in the 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT ex-amination.In the 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examination in the biochemical failure after RP,the tPSA value in the recurrent lesion was positively correlated with the number of recurrent lesions(r=0.48,P=0.01),SUVmax value in the recurrent lesion(r=0.46,P=0.01)and the SUVmean value(r=0.38,P=0.03).The clinical treatment decision in 18 cases(56.25%)was changed according to the examination results.Conclusion 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT has good diagnostic value and efficiency for primary lesion and metastasis lesion of new-ly diagnosed PCa and recurrent foci of biochemical failure after RP.
10.Establishment of a post-stroke dysphagia mouse model by photothrombosis method
Cong TIAN ; Zehua RAO ; Tong RAO ; Meng LU ; Ankun CHEN ; Xin LIU ; Zhimiao MURONG ; Zenghui YUE
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2024;40(4):452-458
Objective:To establish a feasible mouse model of post-stroke dysphagia(PSD).Methods:Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a sham-operated group(Sham)and a model group(PSD),and the PSD mouse model was made by the photothrombosis method(PT)method,and the sham-operated group was only injec-ted with rose bengal staining solution in the tail vein.The cerebral blood flow of the mice was measured by laser scatter imaging,the ratio of cerebral infarct area was detected by TTC staining,the electromyographic area of the in vivo pha-ryngeal muscle group of mice swallowing was recorded by a multi-conductor physiological recorder MP160,the drinking function of the mice was measured by the 4-min water drinking experiment,and the weight changes were recorded,respectively,at 1,3,and 7 d.Results:Cerebral blood flow decreased at all time points,with a sharp drop in cerebral blood flow at 1 d,gradual recovery of cerebral blood flowat 3 and 7 d,establishment of collateral circulation,and gradu-al reduction of cerebral infarction area;compared with the Sham group,the myoelectric area of the PSD group was reduced at 1 and 3 d(P<0.05),but with a trend of gradual recovery,and there was no significant difference between the PSD group and the Sham group at 7 d,and water consumption and weight decreased at 4 min at 1,3,and 7 d(P<0.05).Conclusion:The mice showed some degree of dysphagia symptoms and are expected to be a translational model for PSD.


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