1.Analysis of alanine aminotransferase screening results in blood donors and quality management measures
Liang ZANG ; Lei ZHOU ; Le CHANG ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):474-481
[Objective] To explore quality issues and quality management measures in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing, aiming to improve consistency and accuracy of ALT test results by analyzing the outcomes from different pre-donation screening methods and different sample sources. [Methods] Data were collected from 58 blood collection and supply institutions across China. ALT test results from donor samples analyzed by dry chemistry analyzers, semi-automatic biochemical analyzers, and automatic biochemical analyzers were compared, focusing on the influence of venous versus capillary blood samples on testing accuracy. By comparing results from pre-donation screening with laboratory testing, the current state of quality management for different methods and sample types was assessed. Differences in ALT unqualified rates between laboratories were analyzed, and quality improvement strategies were proposed accordingly. [Results] No significant differences were found in laboratory ALT unqualified rates between venous and capillary blood samples during pre-donation screening across different analytical methods (P>0.05). However, laboratory ALT unqualified rates were consistently lower for venous blood compared to capillary blood, regardless of the testing method used (P<0.05). Notable differences in quality control were observed among various blood collection and supply institutions (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Minimal differences were observed between pre-donation ALT screening results obtained by the three analytical methods and laboratory test outcomes; thus, blood stations can select an appropriate testing method according to their specific conditions. Pre-donation screening using venous blood samples demonstrated superior reliability in quality control compared to capillary blood samples. Significant variations in ALT unqualified rates among blood stations suggest that blood collection and supply institutions should emphasize quality management at both the pre-donation screening and laboratory testing stages. Measures such as optimized standardized operating procedures, regular equipment calibration and maintenance, proficiency testing, internal quality control, inter-system comparisons, and enhanced personnel training and evaluation should be implemented to ensure consistent and stable screening results, thereby reducing ALT unqualified rates.
2.YAK577 Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis in Isoproterenol-Infused Heart Failure Mice by Downregulating MMP12
Hongyan ZHOU ; Hae Jin KEE ; Le WAN ; Yodita ASFAHA ; Fabian FISCHER ; Matthias U KASSACK ; Thomas KURZ ; Seong Hoon KIM ; Seung-Jung KEE ; Young Joon HONG ; Myung Ho JEONG
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):231-247
Background and Objectives:
Heart failure is a potentially fatal event caused by diverse cardiovascular diseases, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors positively influence cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, causing some side effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of the novel HDAC inhibitor YAK577 on the heart failure mouse model and its underlying mechanism.
Methods:
New hydroxamic acid YAK577 was prepared via methyl-2,3-diphenylpropanoate synthesis using carboxylic acids. We used a micro-osmotic pump, including isoproterenol (ISO; 80 mg/kg/day), to induce a heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Cardiac hypertrophy was assessed by heart weight to body weight ratio and cross-sectional area.The left ventricular (LV) function was assessed by echocardiography. Fibrosis was evaluated using picrosirius red staining. Overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed to investigate the association between HDAC8 and matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12).
Results:
YAK577 treatment restored ISO-induced reduction in LV fractional shortening and ejection fraction (n=9–11). YAK577 significantly downregulated cardiac hypertrophy marker genes (natriuretic peptide B, NPPB, and myosin heavy chain 7, MYH7) and cardiomyocyte size in vitro but not in vivo. YAK577 ameliorated cardiac fibrosis and fibrosis-related genes in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, YAK577 reduced elevated HDAC8 and MMP12 mRNA and protein expressions in ISO-infused mice, H9c2 cells, and rat neonatal cardiomyocytes.HDAC8 overexpression stimulated MMP12 and NPPB mRNA levels, while HDAC8 knockdown downregulated these genes.
Conclusions
YAK577 acts as a novel heart failure drug through the HDAC8/MMP12 pathway.
3.YAK577 Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis in Isoproterenol-Infused Heart Failure Mice by Downregulating MMP12
Hongyan ZHOU ; Hae Jin KEE ; Le WAN ; Yodita ASFAHA ; Fabian FISCHER ; Matthias U KASSACK ; Thomas KURZ ; Seong Hoon KIM ; Seung-Jung KEE ; Young Joon HONG ; Myung Ho JEONG
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):231-247
Background and Objectives:
Heart failure is a potentially fatal event caused by diverse cardiovascular diseases, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors positively influence cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, causing some side effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of the novel HDAC inhibitor YAK577 on the heart failure mouse model and its underlying mechanism.
Methods:
New hydroxamic acid YAK577 was prepared via methyl-2,3-diphenylpropanoate synthesis using carboxylic acids. We used a micro-osmotic pump, including isoproterenol (ISO; 80 mg/kg/day), to induce a heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Cardiac hypertrophy was assessed by heart weight to body weight ratio and cross-sectional area.The left ventricular (LV) function was assessed by echocardiography. Fibrosis was evaluated using picrosirius red staining. Overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed to investigate the association between HDAC8 and matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12).
Results:
YAK577 treatment restored ISO-induced reduction in LV fractional shortening and ejection fraction (n=9–11). YAK577 significantly downregulated cardiac hypertrophy marker genes (natriuretic peptide B, NPPB, and myosin heavy chain 7, MYH7) and cardiomyocyte size in vitro but not in vivo. YAK577 ameliorated cardiac fibrosis and fibrosis-related genes in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, YAK577 reduced elevated HDAC8 and MMP12 mRNA and protein expressions in ISO-infused mice, H9c2 cells, and rat neonatal cardiomyocytes.HDAC8 overexpression stimulated MMP12 and NPPB mRNA levels, while HDAC8 knockdown downregulated these genes.
Conclusions
YAK577 acts as a novel heart failure drug through the HDAC8/MMP12 pathway.
4.YAK577 Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis in Isoproterenol-Infused Heart Failure Mice by Downregulating MMP12
Hongyan ZHOU ; Hae Jin KEE ; Le WAN ; Yodita ASFAHA ; Fabian FISCHER ; Matthias U KASSACK ; Thomas KURZ ; Seong Hoon KIM ; Seung-Jung KEE ; Young Joon HONG ; Myung Ho JEONG
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):231-247
Background and Objectives:
Heart failure is a potentially fatal event caused by diverse cardiovascular diseases, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors positively influence cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, causing some side effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of the novel HDAC inhibitor YAK577 on the heart failure mouse model and its underlying mechanism.
Methods:
New hydroxamic acid YAK577 was prepared via methyl-2,3-diphenylpropanoate synthesis using carboxylic acids. We used a micro-osmotic pump, including isoproterenol (ISO; 80 mg/kg/day), to induce a heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Cardiac hypertrophy was assessed by heart weight to body weight ratio and cross-sectional area.The left ventricular (LV) function was assessed by echocardiography. Fibrosis was evaluated using picrosirius red staining. Overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed to investigate the association between HDAC8 and matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12).
Results:
YAK577 treatment restored ISO-induced reduction in LV fractional shortening and ejection fraction (n=9–11). YAK577 significantly downregulated cardiac hypertrophy marker genes (natriuretic peptide B, NPPB, and myosin heavy chain 7, MYH7) and cardiomyocyte size in vitro but not in vivo. YAK577 ameliorated cardiac fibrosis and fibrosis-related genes in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, YAK577 reduced elevated HDAC8 and MMP12 mRNA and protein expressions in ISO-infused mice, H9c2 cells, and rat neonatal cardiomyocytes.HDAC8 overexpression stimulated MMP12 and NPPB mRNA levels, while HDAC8 knockdown downregulated these genes.
Conclusions
YAK577 acts as a novel heart failure drug through the HDAC8/MMP12 pathway.
5.YAK577 Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis in Isoproterenol-Infused Heart Failure Mice by Downregulating MMP12
Hongyan ZHOU ; Hae Jin KEE ; Le WAN ; Yodita ASFAHA ; Fabian FISCHER ; Matthias U KASSACK ; Thomas KURZ ; Seong Hoon KIM ; Seung-Jung KEE ; Young Joon HONG ; Myung Ho JEONG
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):231-247
Background and Objectives:
Heart failure is a potentially fatal event caused by diverse cardiovascular diseases, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors positively influence cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, causing some side effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of the novel HDAC inhibitor YAK577 on the heart failure mouse model and its underlying mechanism.
Methods:
New hydroxamic acid YAK577 was prepared via methyl-2,3-diphenylpropanoate synthesis using carboxylic acids. We used a micro-osmotic pump, including isoproterenol (ISO; 80 mg/kg/day), to induce a heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Cardiac hypertrophy was assessed by heart weight to body weight ratio and cross-sectional area.The left ventricular (LV) function was assessed by echocardiography. Fibrosis was evaluated using picrosirius red staining. Overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed to investigate the association between HDAC8 and matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12).
Results:
YAK577 treatment restored ISO-induced reduction in LV fractional shortening and ejection fraction (n=9–11). YAK577 significantly downregulated cardiac hypertrophy marker genes (natriuretic peptide B, NPPB, and myosin heavy chain 7, MYH7) and cardiomyocyte size in vitro but not in vivo. YAK577 ameliorated cardiac fibrosis and fibrosis-related genes in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, YAK577 reduced elevated HDAC8 and MMP12 mRNA and protein expressions in ISO-infused mice, H9c2 cells, and rat neonatal cardiomyocytes.HDAC8 overexpression stimulated MMP12 and NPPB mRNA levels, while HDAC8 knockdown downregulated these genes.
Conclusions
YAK577 acts as a novel heart failure drug through the HDAC8/MMP12 pathway.
6.Sputum metabolomics study in patients with occupational coal workers′ pneumoconiosis
Yiming ZHANG ; Qiufang QU ; Qingnan ZHOU ; Shuhan GUO ; Le LIU ; Yuke WANG ; Zhenlin HE ; Sanqiao YAO
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):241-248
Objective To investigate the sputum metabolic profiles of patients with occupational coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) by an untargeted metabolomics method, and to identify relevant differential metabolic pathways and potential biomarkers. Methods A total of 12 male patients with stage Ⅰ CWP were selected as the CWP group, and 16 healthy male individuals were selected as the control group, using a judgmental sampling method. Sputum metabolites of individuals in both groups were detected to perform non-targeted metabolomic analysis using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Differential metabolites (DMs) and their pathways were screened using principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Potential biomarkers were analyzed and identified via the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results There were apparent metabolic alterations observed in sputum of CWP patients compared with healthy controls. In the positive ion mode, a total of 42 DMs were identified in sputum from CWP patients, including 19 downregulated and 23 upregulated metabolites. In the negative ion mode, a total of 25 DMs were identified in sputum from CWP patients, including 16 downregulated and 9 upregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis of sputum from CWP patients showed that seven DMs pathways were enriched in ABC transporters, histidine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, purine metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation, involving 26 DMs. ROC analysis indicated that 16(R)-hydroxyarachidonic acid, pyrophosphate, and 2-hydroxyphenylacetate of these 26 DMs may serve as potential biomarkers for CWP. Conclusion Sputum metabolomic profiles were altered in CWP patients compared with healthy controls. The potential biomarkers of CWP prevention and treatment are 16(R)-hydroxyarachidonic acid, pyrophosphate, and 2-hydroxyphenylacetate.
7.The Development and Application of Chatbots in Healthcare: From Traditional Methods to Large Language Models
Zixing WANG ; Le QI ; Xiaodan LIAN ; Ziheng ZHOU ; Aiwei MENG ; Xintong WU ; Xiaoyuan GAO ; Yujie YANG ; Yiyang LIU ; Wei ZHAO ; Xiaolin DIAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1170-1178
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, chatbots have shown great potential in the healthcare sector. From personalized health advice to chronic disease management and psychological support, chatbots have demonstrated significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. As the scope of their applications expands, the relationship between technological complexity and practical application scenarios has become increasingly intertwined, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation of both aspects. This paper, from the perspective of he althcare applications, systematically reviews the technological pathways and development of chatbots in the medical field, providing an in-depth analysis of their performance across various medical scenarios. It thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of chatbots, aiming to offer theoretical support for future research and propose feasible recommendations for the broader adoption of chatbot technologies in healthcare.
8. Tripterine promotes pyroptosis of liver cancer cells by regulating ATF4/caspase-3/GSDME signaling pathway
Duan LI ; Yong-Hui WANG ; Jing ZHOU ; Yong-Hong KONG ; Le ZHANG ; Le ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):299-307
Aim To explore the new mechanism of triptolide (TRI) inhibiting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) . Methods Different concentrations (0, 0 . 5, 2, and 8 jjunol • L~) of TRI were administered to act on liver cancer cells, and then the cell phenotypes and possible mechanisms were explored using experimental methods such as CCK-8, cell cloning, Transwell, and protein immunoblotting; siRNA was used to interfere with the target gene GSDME and its role was determined. Finally, the mechanism of TRI inhibiting the growth of HCC cells in vivo was validated using a transplanted tumor model. Results TRI could inhibit the proliferation, cloning, and invasion of HCC cells, and promote cell apoptosis. Immunoblotting results showed that the expression of GSDME was significantly upregulated in HepG2 or He-pal-6 hepatocellular carcinoma after TRI treatment, while the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP also significantly increased. Knocking out GSDME could partially reverse TRI-induced cell apoptosis. At the same time, cells knocked down by GSDME had stronger cloning and migration abilities, and the apoptosis rate was reduced compared to the TRI treatment group alone. In vivo experiments showed that TRI inhibited HCC tumor growth, and the TRI + siGSDME group had a faster tumor growth rate than the TRI treatment group alone did. In addition, after TRI stimulation, p-eIF2a and ATF4 in HepG2 and Hepal-6 cells significantly increased. The immunofluorescence results showed a dose-dependent increase in the number of ATF4 positive cells in HepG2 and Hepal-6 cells after TRI stimulation. Conclusion The inhibitory effect of TRI on the growth and invasion of liver cancer cells may be related to its regulation of the ATF4/caspase-3/GSDME signaling pathway and promotion of liver cancer cell apoptosis.
9.The construction of integrated urban medical groups in China:Typical models,key issues and path optimization
Hua-Wei TAN ; Xin-Yi PENG ; Hui YAO ; Xue-Yu ZHANG ; Le-Ming ZHOU ; Ying-Chun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(1):9-16
This paper outlines the common aspects of constructing integrated urban medical groups,focusing on governance,organizational restructuring,operational modes,and mechanism synergy.It then delves into the challenges in China's group construction,highlighting issues with power-responsibility alignment,capacity evolution,incentive alignment,and performance evaluation.Finally,the paper suggests strategies to enhance China's compact urban medical groups,focusing on governance reform,capacity building,benefit integration,and performance evaluation.
10.Risk factors of retinal detachment after stage II vitrectomy in patients with open ocular trauma
Le LUO ; Min XIE ; Fang CHEN ; Caixia YANG ; Wenjie ZHOU
International Eye Science 2024;24(10):1659-1662
AIM: To explore the risk factors of retinal detachment after stage II vitrectomy in patients with open ocular trauma.METHODS: Retrospective analysis. Totally 278 patients(278 eyes)with open ocular trauma who received stage II vitrectomy in the hospital were included from April 2020 to July 2023. According to the postoperative retinal detachment status, they were divided into detachment group(48 eyes)and non-detachment group(230 eyes). The basic clinical conditions of the two groups of patients were compared, and the factors affecting retinal detachment were analyzed.RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that there were statistical differences in wound length, injured area, surgical time after injury, and history of retinal detachment/lesion between the two groups(all P<0.05). Logistics multivariate regression analysis showed that wound length greater than 10 mm, surgical time after injury more than 1 wk, and history of retinal detachment/lesion were risk factors for retinal detachment in patients with open ocular trauma after stage II vitrectomy(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The occurrence of retinal detachment in patients with open ocular trauma after stage II vitrectomy is mainly related to the severity of trauma, surgical time after injury and history of ocular retinopathy. It is necessary to perform surgical treatment for patients as soon as possible.

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