1.The characteristics and mechanism of dynamic changes of different components in microenvironment in regulating the progression of liver fibrosis
Huilan ZHAO ; Zongxu LIU ; Shumin LI ; Zhifeng WANG ; Minghui LIU ; Qian SHENG ; Kunbin KE ; Xinan SHI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):755-760
The liver has diverse functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and immune defense, and the maintenance of hepatic microenvironment homeostasis is crucial for overall bodily health. The hepatic microenvironment consists of the components such as parenchymal cells, non-parenchymal cells, and non-cellular components. Chronic inflammatory responses induced by various etiological factors may promote the formation and progression of liver fibrosis. During the dynamic progression of liver fibrosis, from the early to advanced stages, various components within the hepatic microenvironment undergo a series of changes, which can promote the malignant progression of liver fibrosis. An in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying such changes in each component of the liver fibrosis microenvironment is of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and discovering potential treatment strategies.
2.Correlation of the steady-state minimal concentration with AUC24/MIC of vancomycin and analysis of risk factors for treatment failure in pediatric patients
Jinxiang LIN ; Youhong WANG ; Zhifeng XIAO ; Jing WANG ; Ying SONG ; Ningfang CAI ; Xiuping WU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1093-1098
OBJECTIVE To assess the correlation between the steady-state minimal concentration (cmin) and 24 h area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC24)/minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio (AUC24/MIC) of vancomycin in pediatric patients, and analyze independent risk factors for treatment failure. METHODS Data of hospitalized children treated with vancomycin and receiving therapeutic drug monitoring in our hospital from January 2021 to July 2024 were retrospectively collected and divided into success group and failure group according to whether the treatment was successful or not. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between cmin and AUC24/MIC of vancomycin, and one-way and multifactorial Logistic regression analyses were used to screen the independent risk factors for vancomycin treatment failure. RESULTS A total of 59 children were included, with 41 in the success group and 18 in the failure group. Compared with the failure group, AUC24/MIC of vancomycin was significantly higher in the success group (P=0.038), but there was no statistically significant difference in the cmin of the two groups (P>0.05); cmin of vancomycin was significantly positively correlated with AUC24/MIC (r=0.499, P<0.001), but it has a certain efficacy in predicting the achievement of the AUC24/MIC standard (≥400) (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve=0.696), with an optimal cutoff value of 6.05 mg/L determined by the Youden index. The efficacy of AUC24/ MIC in predicting treatment failure was superior to cmin (areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve were 0.671 vs. 0.523, P were 0.038 vs. 0.684), with higher sensitivity (83.3% vs. 66.7%). Hypoproteinemia and AUC24/MIC≤369.1 were independent risk factors for vancomycin treatment failure (P<0.05). The incidence of nephrotoxicity was 3.4%. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant positive correlation between cmin and AUC24/MIC of vancomycin in pediatric patients; hypoproteinemia and AUC24/MIC≤369.1 are independent risk factors for vancomycin treatment failure in children.
3.Research on the Role and Clinical Application Value of the Histone H2A Deubiquitinase BAP1 in the Occurrence and Progression of Malignant Glioma Cells
Yufang LI ; Zhifeng LIN ; Ying XIANG ; Fei QI ; Feizhou HAN ; Zhongli QIAN ; Tao WANG ; Xu CHEN
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(2):7-11,33
Objective To explore the role of breast/ovarian cancer susceptibility gene 1 associated protein 1(BAP1)in the occurrence and progression of human malignant glioma and the feasibility of BAP1 as a clinical diagnostic marker for malignant glioma.Methods The differential expression of BAP1 in normal and glioma tissue was analyzed based on the GSE4290 and GSE90598 sub-datasets from the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was conducted to assess the early diagnostic value of BAP1 for malignant glioma.Primary lesion tissues from 28 nonpaired malignant glioma patients and non-tumor brain tissues removed by internal decompression surgery in 5 patients with traumatic brain injury collected independently were collected,and the expression levels of BAP1 were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Specific small interfering RNAs(siRNAs)targeting BAP1 were transiently transfected into U251 cells to further evaluate their interference efficiency.Flow cytometry was employed to analyze changes in the cell cycle and apoptosis of U251 cells with BAP1 knockdown.Results The results of bioinformatics showed that the expression of BAP1 in malignant glioma tissues was lower than that in normal brain tissues(GSE 4290:1 209±18.49 vs 1 476±53.90,GSE 90598:5.19±0.10 vs 5.65±0.21),and the differences were significant(t=5.115,2.267,all P<0.05).ROC curve showed that BAP1 could efficiently differentiate malignant glioma tissue from normal brain tissue(GSE4290:AUC=0.78,GSE90598:AUC=0.75,all P<0.05).The expression level of BAP1 in primary malignant glioma tissue was lower than that in normal brain tissue(0.27±0.04 vs 1.06±0.07),and the difference was significant(t=10.22,P<0.001).After down-regulating the expression of BAP1 in U251 cells,the proportion of S phase cells increased from 17.59%to 27.21%(siBAP1-1)and 25.79%(siBAP1-2),respectively,and the differences were significant(t=6.576,6.642,all P<0.01).However,the apoptosis levels decreased from 10.17%to 2.70%(siBAP-1)and 3.00%(siBAP-2),respectively,and the differences were significant(t=10.31,9.428,all P<0.01).Conclusion Histone H2A deubiquitinase BAP1 could exert the function of tumor suppressor genes by inhibiting rapid cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis in malignant glioma,and could serve as a potential clinical diagnostic biomarker for malignant glioma.
4.Single-cell RNA sequencing and the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration
Haotian CHENG ; Xiaofeng ZHAO ; Xiangdong LU ; Yibo ZHAO ; Zhifeng FAN ; Detai QI ; Xiaonan WANG ; Runtian ZHOU ; Xinjie JIN ; Bin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(1):93-99
BACKGROUND:Intervertebral disc degeneration is clinically considered to be the main cause of low back pain,but due to the unclear pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration,there is still a lack of effective means to delay the progression of the disease.Single-cell RNA sequencing technology can amplify and sequence mRNA at the single-cell level,reveal the gene expression intensity of a single cell,discover different cell subsets in tissues according to the heterogeneity of cells,study the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration at the molecular level,and provide a new theoretical basis for its early diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE:To introduce the basic principles of single-cell RNA sequencing technology and review the research progress of single-cell RNA sequencing technology in intervertebral disc degeneration in recent years. METHODS:A computer was used to search PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI and WanFang databases for the literature published from 2012 to 2022.Key words were"single-cell RNA sequencing,intervertebral disc degeneration,sequencing Technology"in Chinese and English.Duplicate,poor-quality and irrelevant articles were excluded;a total of 70 articles were eventually included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)We identified new cell subsets such as homeostatic chondrocytes,hypertrophy chondrocyte-like nucleus pulposus cells and fibrous nucleus pulposus cells,identified the marker genes and transcription factors of these cell subsets,and described the functions,differentiation paths and cell fate of these cell subsets during the development and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration,and proposed the concept of progenitor nucleus pulposus cells.A cell subpopulation with progenitor nucleus pulposus cells properties was identified and its effectiveness in treating intervertebral disc degeneration was verified in mice.(2)Fibro chondrocyte-like annulus fibrosus cells and annulus fibrosus stem cells with both cartilage and fiber properties were identified,and a new type of composite hydrogel was prepared by combining fibrous cartilage inducers silk fibroin and hyaluronic acid in vitro.Experiments in mice demonstrated that this hydrogel could repair both annulus fibrosus tissue and cartilage matrix,and was remarkably effective in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.(3)Regulatory chondrocytes were found in endplate cartilage.Two distinct fates in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration were analyzed and the differential genes in the two fates were identified.Intercellular communication analysis indicated that regulatory chondrocytes interact with endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis.(4)Immune cells such as macrophages,T cells,myeloid progenitor cells and neutrophils were identified in the degenerated intervertebral disc tissues,demonstrating the existence of immune response during intervertebral disc degeneration.It was found that apolipoprotein induced the polarization of macrophages M1 and M2 subtypes,and this polarization process affected the activity of progenitor nucleus pulposus cells by amplifying the inflammatory response through the MIF signaling pathway.
5.Application and prospect of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty
Ruoyu WANG ; Zhifeng ZHANG ; Jian HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(30):4889-4895
BACKGROUND:The basic principle of the design of the robot system used for total knee arthroplasty is to combine three-dimensional surgical planning,early warning of danger areas during surgery,real-time data feedback,robot arm assisted osteotomy and other technologies to achieve precision and personalization of total knee arthroplasty,which is exactly its biggest advantage.Therefore,it has become a hot topic in the field of joint surgery in recent years and attracted much attention. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the development status of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty in the field of joint surgery and the comparison of advantages and disadvantages with conventional total knee arthroplasty and to prospect the future development of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty. METHODS:Relevant articles were searched from PubMed,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP databases by computer.English key words were"robot OR robotic OR robotics OR robotically OR computer,total knee arthroplasty OR total knee replacement,TKA OR TKR".Chinese key words were"robotic-assisted,computer navigation,total knee arthroplasty".Finally,64 articles were included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The robot system used to assist total knee arthroplasty is divided into active,semi-active and passive according to its degree of freedom.The semi-active system,currently widely used in robotic systems,effectively enhances the accuracy and personalization of total knee arthroplasty.However,its high implementation cost and relatively steep learning curve remain key factors to be balanced when promoting its adoption in joint surgery field.(2)Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty can achieve precise osteotomy and correct placement of prosthesis in local three-dimensional space of the knee joint.It has been widely proven that it can provide better accuracy of prosthesis implantation,reduce imaging abnormalities,obtain good soft tissue balance during the operation,and ultimately improve the motion and functional status of the knee joint after the operation.(3)However,the current robotic-assisted system still has objective shortcomings,including the problem of learning curve between different robot devices and operators,additional installation and maintenance costs,and potential complications related to robot surgery.Therefore,whether it can truly benefit the medical system and patients still needs to be proven by long-term research,and the robotic-assisted system also needs to be further improved substantially.(4)Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty technique is still in the preliminary research stage in clinical practice and has not been widely applied.To better define the usage of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty and enhance its clinical procedural standards and safety,refining these aspects will become a focal point of future research on robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty.
6.Analysis of external quality assessment in laboratory of workplace on-site sampling and testing skills in occupational health technical service institutions in China in 2023
Zhifeng HUANG ; Zuokan LIN ; Weihui WANG ; Ziqun ZHANG ; Chuan WU ; Weifeng RONG ; Banghua WU
China Occupational Medicine 2024;51(3):320-324
Objective To analyze the problems and differences in workplace on-site sampling and testing skills in external quality assessment in laboratory among occupational health technical service institutions. Methods A total of 108 occupational health technical service institutions nationwide, participated in the external quality assessment in laboratory of the on-site individual sampling operation skills for silica dust (hereinafter refer to as "silica dust sampling assessment") and on-site detection operation skills for carbon monoxide (hereinafter refer to as " carbon monoxide sampling assessment") in 2023, were selected as the research subjects. The result of the assessment was analyzed. Results The qualification rate of the institutions for the silica dust sampling assessment was 98.1%. The unqualified rate of institutions in the Pearl River Delta region was lower than that in non-Pearl River Delta regions (0.0% vs 11.1%, P<0.017). The excellence rate was higher in public institutions than that in private enterprises (73.5% vs 40.0%, P<0.017). The unqualified rate of institutions with permit was lower than that of institutions without permit (0.0% vs 13.3%, P<0.05). The qualification rate of the institutions for the carbon monoxide sampling assessment was 79.4%. The proportion of the institutes, whose results of carbon monoxide standard gas (gas bag) deviation was >±20.0% was higher in private enterprises than that in public institutions (32.8% vs 7.1%, P<0.017). In terms of the normativity of on-site individual sampling for silica dust, the rates of conducting air tightness checks before sampling, correct disassembly and installation and correct placement direction of dust sampling heads, and correct flow for calibration based on the provided dust sampling heads were low, at 53.7%, 33.3%, and 14.8%, respectively. In terms of the normativity of on-site detection of carbon monoxide, the accuracy rate of converting results by on-site detection individuals was low, at only 57.8%. ConclusionIt is necessary to further strengthen the training of theoretical knowledge and practical skills of individuals in occupational health technical service institutions in Guangdong Province, especially to enhance the capacity of occupational health technical services in non-Pearl River Delta regions of the province.
7.Mechanism of Chinese Medicine Against Diabetic Gastroparesis: A Review
Long LI ; Zhifeng TANG ; Wenjing SONG ; Fangyi CHEN ; Yuting YUE ; Xia YANG ; Zhigang WANG ; Wanxin ZHU ; Shengfang WAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):256-266
Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) is a common diabetic neuropathy that affects the normal function of gastric motility and emptying. Clinically, it often manifests as abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, early satiety, dyspepsia, etc. The pathogenesis of DGP is multifactorial, closely related to many factors, such as chronic hyperglycemia, neuropathy, autonomic nervous system disorders, inflammation, and oxidative stress. These factors can interact with each other, leading to delayed gastric emptying and the occurrence of related symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has significant advantages in the prevention and treatment of DGP, including a long history, remarkable efficacy, individualized treatment, diverse therapeutic formulations, and improvement in the quality of life. Additionally, TCM is known for its low adverse reactions, good tolerance, and multi-targeted effects, making it an important approach in the management of DGP. Previous research has found that the main mechanisms of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of DGP include the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones, inhibition of inflammatory responses, reduction of oxidative stress, enhancement of interstitial cells of Cajal activity, inhibition of pyroptosis, and modulation of related signaling pathways such as stem cell factor (SCF)/cellular growth factor receptor (c-Kit), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Ras homologous genome member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase (ROCK). This article primarily summarized the research progress on Chinese medicine in preventing and treating DGP through the inhibition of inflammatory responses, reduction of oxidative stress, enhancement of interstitial cells of Cajal activity, inhibition of pyroptosis, and regulation of related signaling pathways, aiming to provide a reference and basis for further research on the application value of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of DGP.
8.Mechanism of the immediate analgesic effect of the"three methods and three points"tuina technique based on the IL-17F/IL-17RC signaling pathway and M1 microglia
Jinping CHEN ; Zhifeng LIU ; Tianyuan YU ; Hourong WANG ; Yingqi ZHANG ; Qian GUAN ; Yajing XU ; Zhenjie YANG ; Chula SA ; Runlong ZHANG ; Hanyu ZHANG ; Jiayue LIU ; Jiawei SUN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(1):116-123
Objective By observing the effects of"three methods and three points"tuina technique on the expression of interleukin-17F(IL-17F),interleukin-17 receptor C(IL-17RC),activator 1 of nuclear transcription factor-κB(Act1),tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6)and M1 microglial cell expression in the spinal dorsal horn of rats with mild chronic compressive injury(minor CCI)model,we explored the immediate analgesic mechanism of tuina on peripheral neuropathic pain(pNP).Methods Thirty-six SD rats were divided into the sham group,the model group and the tuina group according to the random number method,twelve rats in each group,and the minor CCI model was replicated by ligating the right sciatic nerve.The rats in the tuina group were subjected to pointing,plucking and kneading at the BL37,BL57 and GB34 points on the affected side using a tuina simulator,while the sham group and the model group were only grasped and restrained,and were intervened for one time.The mechanical pain test and cold plate test were used to evaluate the response of rats to mechanical stimulation and cold stimulation after immediate intervention.The protein expression of IL-17F and TRAF6 in the spinal dorsal horn of rats in each group was detected by Western blotting.The mRNA expression of IL-17F,IL-17RC,Act1 and TRAF6 in the spinal dorsal horn of rats in each group was detected by real-time PCR.The average fluorescence intensity of M1 microglia in the spinal dorsal horn of rats in each group was detected by immunofluorescence.Results Behavioral results showed that before intervention,compared with the sham group,paw mechanical withdraw threshold(PMWT)decreased and cold sensitivity threshold(CST)increased in the model group and the tuina group;after tuina intervention,PMWT in the tuina group was increased,and CST was decreased compared with the model group;after intervention,PMWT in the tuina group was increased,while CST was decreased(P<0.05).RT-PCR results showed that compared with the sham group,mRNA expression levels of IL-17F,IL-17RC,TRAF6 and Act1 in the spinal dorsal horn of the model group were increased;compared with model group,the mRNA expression levels of above indexes in the tuina group were decreased(P<0.05).Western boltting results showed that compared with the sham group,the expression levels of IL-17F and TRAF6 protein in the spinal dorsal horn of the model group were increased;compared with the model group,the expression levels of IL-17F and TRAF6 protein in the tuina group decreased(P<O.05).Immunofluorescence results showed that the mean fluorescence intensity of CD40 in the spinal dorsal horn of model group was enhanced compared with the sham group;compared with the model group,the mean fluorescence intensity of CD40 in the tuina group was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion The"three methods and three points"tuina technique can produce immediate analgesia by inhibiting the expression of IL-17F,IL-17RC,Act1,TRAF6 and the activation of M1 microglia in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord after one intervention.
9.Structural characterization and mechanisms of macrophage immunomodulatory activity of a novel polysaccharide with a galactose backbone from the processed Polygonati Rhizoma
Su HONGNA ; He LILI ; Yu XINA ; Wang YUE ; Yang LI ; Wang XIAORUI ; Yao XIAOJUN ; Luo PEI ; Zhang ZHIFENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(7):1076-1090
A purified polysaccharide with a galactose backbone(SPR-1,Mw 3,622 Da)was isolated from processed Polygonati Rhizoma with black beans(PRWB)and characterized its chemical properties.The backbone of SPR-1 consisted of[(4)-β-D-Galp-(1]9→ 4,6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 4)-α-D-GalpA-(1 → 4)-α-D-GalpA-(1 →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 4)-α/β-D-Glcp,with a branch chain of R1:β-D-Galp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Galp-(1 → connected to the →4,6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → via O-6,and a branch chain of R2:α-D-Glcp-(1 →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → connected to the →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → via O-6.Immunomodulatory assays showed that the SPR-1 significantly activated macrophages,and increased secretion of NO and cytokines(i.e.,IL-1β and TNF-α),as well as promoted the phagocytic activities of cells.Furthermore,isothermal titration calorimetry(ITC)analysis and molecular docking results indicated high-affinity binding between SPR-1 and MD2 with the equilibrium dissociation constant(KD)of 18.8 μM.It was suggested that SPR-1 activated the immune response through Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)signaling and downstream responses.Our research demon-strated that the SPR-1 has a promising candidate from PRWB for the TLR4 agonist to induce immune response,and also provided an easily accessible way that can be used for PR deep processing.
10.The Basis and Progress on Chemical Structure,Pharmacological Activity of Common Tibetan Medicine"Ye Ge Xing"
Annan YANG ; Yan FENG ; Zhifeng LI ; Yarong LI ; Yang XIAN ; Qi WANG ; Yulin FENG ; Guoyue ZHONG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(3):675-690
Objective Clarify the basis of the commonly used Tibetan medicinal material"YeGexing",the chemical structure and pharmacological activity were investigated,then provide a basis for standardizing clinical medication,quality control,and rational use of resources.Methods Using literature research;plant taxonomy identification summary of chemical composition investigation and pharmacological activity identification,combined with resource distribution,clinical use status investigation and analysis.Results Tibetan medicine"Yegexing"involved 7 species in 2 families,4 genera,that is Sambucus Linn.from Caprifoliaceae,Senecio L.,Synotis(C.B.Clarke)C.Jeffrey et Y.L.Chen,Saussurea DC.from Compositae.The earliest used"Yegexinggabao"or"white"should be Senecio dianthus.and Senecio solidagineus.in the literature;"Yegexingnabao"or"black"should be Saussurea epilobioides.and Sambucus adnate.;S.raphanifolius.(S.diversifolius.),S.chrysanthemoides.(S.laetus.).S.chinensis.are the main substitutes used in Yunnan,Gansu,and western Sichuan,and are commonly used in the market.YeGexing mainly contains terpenes,flavonoids,alkaloids,phenolic acids and other chemical components;YeGexing black is mainly used for"healing",white is mainly used for"anti-inflammatory",which corresponds to modern pharmacological research on anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,antibacterial and other activities.Conclution In view of the fact that the origin of"Yegexing"involves a variety of plants from different families and genera,"Yegexing"has become a collective name for these plant medicinal materials.According to the lextual results and the research progress on chemical structure and pharmacological activity,from the perspective of conducive to standardizing clinical medication,ensuring efficacy and quality of medicinal materials,its name and variety should be standardized as:"??????(???????????????????/)Yegexinggabao"(that is,the white one),the source is S.dianthus.(S.erythropappa.),S.solidagineus.(S.solidaginea.),S.raphalanifolius.(S.diversifolius.),S.chrysanthemoides.(S.laetus.);"(???????????????????????/)Yegexingnabao"(that is,the black one),the source is S.epilobioides.and S.adnata.and S.chinensis are independent medicines.We should strengthen the investigation of the resources and use status of substitutes in various places,the comparative research on the medicinal material basis and biological activity of different resource species,and standardize their varieties-names-bases to make rational use of their resources.

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