Development and Therapeutic Applications of Precise Gene Editing Technology

The advent of gene editing represents one of the most transformative breakthroughs in life science,making genome manipulation more accessible than ever before.While traditional CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing,which involves double-strand DNA breaks(DSBs),excels at gene disruption,it is less effective for accurate gene modification.The limitation arises because DSBs are primarily repaired via non-homologous end joining(NHEJ),which tends to introduce indels at the break site.While homology directed repair(HDR)can achieve precise editing when a donor DNA template is provided,the reliance on DSBs often results in unintended genome damage.HDR is restricted to specific cell cycle phases,limiting its application.Currently,gene editing has evolved to unprecedented levels of precision without relying on DSB and HDR.The development of innovative systems,such as base editing,prime editing,and CRISPR-associated transposases(CASTs),now allow for precise editing ranging from single nucleotides to large DNA fragments.Base editors(BEs)enable the direct conversion of one nucleotide to another,and prime editors(PEs)further expand gene editing capabilities by allowing for the insertion,deletion,or alteration of small DNA fragments.The CAST system,a recent innovation,allows for the precise insertion of large DNA fragments at specific genomic locations.In recent years,the optimization of these precise gene editing tools has led to significant improvements in editing efficiency,specificity,and versatility,with advancements such as the creation of base editors for nucleotide transversions,enhanced prime editing systems for more efficient and precise modifications,and refined CAST systems for targeted large DNA insertions,expanding the range of applications for these tools.Concurrently,these advances are complemented by significant improvements in in vivo delivery methods,which have paved the way for therapeutic application of precise gene editing tools.Effective delivery systems are critical for the success of gene therapies,and recent developments in both viral and non-viral vectors have improved the efficiency and safety of gene editing.For instance,adeno-associated viruses(AAVs)are widely used due to their high transfection efficiency and low immunogenicity,though challenges such as limited cargo capacity and potential for immune responses remain.Non-viral delivery systems,including lipid nanoparticles(LNPs),offer an alternative with lower immunogenicity and higher payload capacity,although their transfection efficiency can be lower.The therapeutic potential of these precise gene editing technologies is vast,particularly in treating genetic disorders.Preclinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of base editing in correcting genetic mutations responsible for diseases such as cardiomyopathy,liver disease,and hereditary hearing loss.These technologies promise to treat symptoms and potentially cure the underlying genetic causes of these conditions.Meanwhile,challenges remain,such as optimizing the safety and specificity of gene editing tools,improving delivery systems,and overcoming off-target effects,all of which are critical for their successful application in clinical settings.In summary,the continuous evolution of precise gene editing technologies,combined with advancements in delivery systems,is driving the field toward new therapeutic applications that can potentially transform the treatment of genetic disorders by targeting their root causes.

Damage effect and mechanisms of cyclophosphamide to human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

OBJECTIVE To investigate the damage effect and mechanisms of cyclophosphamide(CTX)and its active metabolite derivative 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide(4-HC)to human neuroblas⁃toma SH-SY5Y cells.METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with CTX[0(cell control),0.01,0.1,1,5,10,20,40 and 80 mmol·L^(-1)]and 4-HC[0(cell control),0.01,0.1,1,5,10,20,40 and 80μmol·L^(-1)]for 48 h.Cell confluence and morphology were observed by the IncuCyte ZOOM system.Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay.Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)release was measured by LDH assay kit.SH-SY5Y cells were treated with CTX(0,1,5,10 and 20 mmol·L^(-1))and 4-HC(0,1,5,10 and 20μmol·L^(-1))for 48 h before cell proliferation was analyzed by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)staining assay.Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the levels of the DNA double-strand break markerγ-H2AX and to evaluate changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.SH-SY5Y cells were treated with CTX(0,1,5 and 10 mmol·L^(-1))and 4-HC(0,1,5 and 10μmol·L^(-1))for 48 h,and the alterations in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation levels were analyzed using the Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer.RESULTS Compared with the cell control group,cell confluence and cell viability were significantly reduced in the CTX and 4-HC groups(P<0.01),and the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations(IC50)for CTX and 4-HC were 4.44 mmol·L^(-1) and 4.78μmol·L^(-1),respectively.The release rate of LDH was signif⁃icantly increased while the percentage of EdU+cells was significantly reduced in the CTX and 4-HC groups(P<0.01).The percentage ofγ-H2AX+cells was significantly increased and mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased in the CTX and 4-HC group(P<0.05).Treatment with CTX and 4-HC resulted in reduced levels of maximum glycolytic capacity,glycolytic reserve,maximal respi⁃ration,and ATP production(P<0.05).CONCLUSION CTX and 4-HC exert significant cytotoxic effects on SH-SY5Y cells by disrupting cell membrane structure,impeding cell proliferation,and reducing cell viability.The mechanisms underlying these effects may involve intracellular DNA damage,disturbance of energy metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mathematical rules for synergistic,additive,and antagonistic effects of multi-drug combinations and their application in research and development of combinatorial drugs and special medical food combinations

Multi-drug(or multi-element)combinations are often prescribed in the practice of clinical medicine and as foods for special medical purposes.The main motivations for these combinations are that most diseases contain multiple related targets and an appropriate combination can maximize benefits while minimizing adverse reactions.As such,it is especially important to derive mathematical models for their quantitative calculation.In this paper,we introduce mathematical rules for the synergistic,additive,and antagonistic effects of multi-drug combinations developed in our laboratory.We have established a“onebelt,one-line”model and provide examples of the quantitative calculation of the synergistic,additive,and antagonistic effects of a combination of multiple components.We also explain how to scientifically and precisely determine the intensity of these synergies,additions and antagonisms,as well as their corresponding dose ranges,thereby laying a solid theoretical foundation for market listing combinatorial drugs and foods for special medical purposes.

Space Life Science of China

With the human space exploration activities, space life science is an emerging interdiscipline,which covers a wide range of researches. Based on our country's manned space station and recoverable satellite science experimental platform, the development of space life science research is very important to acquire new knowledge or new technological innovation, to give further services to the human space exploration activities,to improve the national economic and social development. Both ground-based and flight applied studies were continuously performed in the previous 2 years. Here, we review and summarize the researches on space life sciences contributed by Chinese scientists.

Temporal and Spatial Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosols in a Large-Scale Fangcang Shelter Hospital in Shanghai,China

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic caused by frequently mutating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has had a worldwide impact.However,detailed data on the potential aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in real-world and controlled laboratory settings remain sparse.During the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai,China in 2022,samples were collected in a Fangcang shelter hospital,a large-scale temporary hospital rapidly built by converting the existing National Exhibition and Convention Center(Shanghai)into a health care facility.Aerosol samples at different sites and intervals around patients and in public areas,surface samples,and pharyngeal swab samples from corresponding patients were included.Samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)assays,followed by sequencing if the cycle threshold(Ct)value was<30.The positivity rate for SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol samples was high in contaminated zones(37.5%,104/277),especially around the bed(41.2%,68/165)and near ventilation inlets(45.2%,14/31).The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 around the bed,public areas,and air inlets of exhaust vents fluctuated and was closely related to the positivity rate among patients at corresponding sampling sites.Some surface samples of different personal protective equipment from medical staff had high positivity rates.Sixty sequences of joined ORF1ab and spike genes obtained from sixty samples represented two main clusters of Omicron SARS-CoV-2.There was consistency in virus sequences from the same patient and their environment,and the detected virus sequences matched those of virus strains in circulation during the collection periods,which indicated a high likelihood of cross-contamination in the Fangcang shelter hospital.In summary,the results provide a quantitative and real landscape of the aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and a patient-centered view of contamination in large and enclosed spaces and offer a useful guide for taking targeted measures to avoid nosocomial infections during the management of SARS-CoV-2 or other respiratory virus diseases in a Fangcang shelter hospital.

Transcriptome sequencing and experiments reveal the effect of formyl peptide receptor 2 on liver homeostasis

BACKGROUND Formyl peptide receptor 2(Fpr2)is an important receptor in host resistance to bacterial infections.In previous studies,we found that the liver of Fpr2-/-mice is the most severely damaged target organ in bloodstream infections,although the reason for this is unclear.AIM To investigate the role of Fpr2 in liver homeostasis and host resistance to bacterial infections.METHODS Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the livers of Fpr2-/-and wild-type(WT)mice.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified in the Fpr2-/-and WT mice,and the biological functions of DEGs were analyzed by Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis.Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and western blot(WB)analyses were used to further validate the expression levels of differential genes.Cell counting kit-8 assay was employed to investigate cell survival.The cell cycle detection kit was used to measure the distribution of cell cycles.The Luminex assay was used to analyze cytokine levels in the liver.The serum biochemical indices and the number of neutrophils in the liver were measured,and hepatic histopathological analysis was performed.RESULTS Compared with the WT group,445 DEGs,including 325 upregulated genes and 120 downregulated genes,were identified in the liver of Fpr2-/-mice.The enrichment analysis using GO and KEGG showed that these DEGs were mainly related to cell cycle.The qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that several key genes(CycA,CycB1,Cdc20,Cdc25c,and Cdk1)involved in the cell cycle had significant changes.The WB analysis confirmed a decrease in the expression of CDK1 protein.WRW4(an antagonist of Fpr2)could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a concentration dependent manner,with an increase in the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase,and a decrease in the number of cells in the S phase.Serum alanine aminotransferase levels increased in Fpr2-/-mice.The Luminex assay measurements showed that interleukin(IL)-10 and chemokine(C-X-C motif)ligand(CXCL)-1 levels were significantly reduced in the liver of Fpr2-/-mice.There was no difference in the number of neutrophils,serum C-reactive protein levels,and liver pathology between WT and Fpr2-/-mice.CONCLUSION Fpr2 participates in the regulation of cell cycle and cell proliferation,and affects the expression of IL-10 and CXCL-1,thus playing an important protective role in maintaining liver homeostasis.

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles inhibit the effects of cold exposure on metabolism and inflammatory responses in brown adipocytes

Objective:Nanoparticles(NPs)in haze are potentially hazardous to health,which is more severe in the winter.Brown adipose tissue(BAT)plays important roles in obesity,insulin resistance,and diabetes.Though the toxicology of NPs has been intensively studied,few studies have been reported on the antagonistic effects between Silicon dioxide(SiO_(2))NPs and cold exposure in brown adipocytes.Materials and methods:We evaluated changes by quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)on metabolism genes,plasticity genes and the inflammatory responses genes in brown adipocytes in vitro.Results:The expression of adipogenic genes PRDM16,Dio2,PGC-1αand UCP1 was upregulated upon cold exposure(P<0.05),but downregulated by SiO_(2) NPs(P<0.05).The results demonstrated that there was antagonistic effect between SiO_(2) NPs and cold exposure on the plasticity genes and metabolism genes in brown adipocytes,where the main effects of SiO_(2) NPs or cold exposure on the plasticity genes and metabolism genes were significant(P<0.05).Moreover,the levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αwere upregulated by SiO_(2) NPs or cold exposure(P<0.05).The factorial analysis indicated that there was also antagonistic effect between SiO_(2) NPs and cold exposure on the toxic effects in brown adipocytes,in which the main effects of cold exposure and/or SiO_(2) NPs on the toxic effects were significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:SiO_(2) NPs inhibit the effect of cold exposure on metabolic genes and inflammatory responses genes in brown adipocytes.

Detection of hepatitis C virus NS5 protein and genome in Chinese carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct and its significance

AIM To investigate the hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection in the tissues of carcinoma ofextrahepatic bile duct and study theircorrelation.METHODS HCV NS5 protein and HCV RNA weredetected by labeled streptavidin biotin(LSAB)method and in situ reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(IS-RT-PCR)insections of 51 cases of carcinoma ofextrahepatic bile duct and 34 cases of controlgroup(without malignant biliary disease).RESULTS In 51 cases of carcinoma ofextrahepatic bile duct,HCV NS5 protein wasdetected in 14(27.5%),which was clearlystained in the cytoplasm of cancer cell but not inthe nucleus or cell membrane.HCV RNA wasdetected in 18(35.4%),which was located inthe nucleus of cancer cell in 12 cases and in thecytoplasm in 6 cases.HCV NS5 protein and RNAcoexistence was found in 2 cases.In 34 cases ofcontrol group,HCV RNA was detected in 2(5.9%).HCV NS5 protein and RNA positive cellswere found either scattered or in clusters.CONCLUSION The prevalence of hepatitis C viral infection in the tissues of carcinoma ofextrahepatic bile duct was significantly higherthan in control group(X^2=9.808,P=0.002).The findings suggest a correlation between HCVinfection and carcinoma of extrahepatic bileduct,which is different from the traditionalviewpoint.HCV infection might be involved inthe development of carcinoma of extrahepaticbile duct.

Cardioprotection of Shenfu preparata on cardiac myocytes through cytochrome P450 2J3

To evaluate whether Shenfu injection （SFI） protects against cardiac myocyte injury induced by Fupian injection （FPI） in vitro. METHODS： H9c2 cells were separately treated with FPI, Renshen injection （RSI） and SFI. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） release, spontaneous beating rate of primative cardical cells, caspase-3/7 activity, cell apoptosis, and cytochrome P450 2J3 （CYP2J3） mRNA expression were analyzed. RESULTS： The viability of H9c2 cells treated with SFI （37 and 75 mg/mL） was significantly higher than that of H9c2 cells treated with FPI （25 and 50 mg/mL） （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, respectively）. LDH activity of H9c2 cells treated with SFI （75 mg/mL） was significantly decreased （P〈0.01） compared with that of H9c2 cells treated with FPI （50 mg/mL）. SFI （150 mg/mL） significantly attenuated FPI （100 mg/mL）-induced spontaneous beating rate decrease in primary myocardial cells after 4-hour treatment. Compared with FPI （12 and 25 mg/mL）, SFI （18 and 37 mg/mL） treatment could effectively reverse the change of caspase-3/7 activity （P〈0.01 and P〈0.01, respectively）. Compared with FPI （6 and 25 mg/mL）, apoptotic cells decreased significantly （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, respectively） when H9c2 cells were incubated with SFI （9 and 37 mg/mL）. The expression of CYP2J3 mRNA was down-regulated by FPI, while RSI and SFI could up-regulate the expression of CYP2J3 （P〈0.01）, which suggested the potential mechanism of protection of RSI against cardiac myocyte damage induced by FPI treatment. CONCLUSION： These observations indicate that SFI has the potential to exert cardioprotective effects against FPI toxicity. The effect was possibly correlated with the activation of CYP2J3.

Prevalence and evolution of drug resistance HIV-1 variants in Henan, China

To understand the prevalence and evolution of drug resistant HIV strains in Henan China after the implementation of free antiretroviral therapy for AIDS patients. 45 drug naive AIDS patients, 118 AIDS patients who received three months antiretroviral therapy and 124 AIDS patients who received six months antiretroviral treatment were recruited in the southern part of Henan province. Information on general condition, antiretroviral medicines, adherence and clinical syndromes were collected by face to face interview. Meanwhile, 14ml EDTA anticoagulant blood was drawn. CD4/CD8 T cell count, viral load and genotypic drug resistance were tested. The rates of clinical improvement were 55.1% and 50.8% respectively three months and six months after antiretroviral therapy. The mean CD4 cell count after antiretroviral therapy was significantly higher than in drug naive patients. The prevalence rate of drug resistant HIV strains were 13.9%, 45.4% and 62.7% in drug naive patients, three month treatment patients and six month treatment patients, respectively. The number of resistance mutation codons and the frequency of mutations increased significantly with continued antiretroviral therapy. The mutation sites were primarily at the 103, 106 and 215 codons in the three-month treatment group and they increased to 15 codon mutations in the six-month treatment group. From this result, the evolution of drug resistant strains was inferred to begin with the high level NNRTI resistant strain, and then develop low level resistant strains to NRTIs. The HIV strains with high level resistance to NVP and low level resistance to AZT and DDI were highly prevalent because of the AZT＋DDI＋NVP combination therapy. These HIV strains were also cross resistant to DLV, EFV, DDC and D4T. Poor adherence to therapy was believed to be the main reason for the emergence and prevalence of drug resistant HIV strains. The prevalence of drug resistant HIV strains was increased with the continuation of antiretroviral therapy in the southern part of Henan province. Measures, that could promote high level adherence, provide new drugs and change ART regimens in failing patients, should be implemented as soon as possible.

Inhibition of Dual Specific Oncolytic Adenovirus on Esophageal Cancer via Activation of Caspases by a Mitochondrial-dependent Pathway

We investigated the anti-tumor effects of dual cancer specific-oncolytic adenovirus Ad-VP on esophageal cancer（EC）. The anti-tumor activity of Ad-VP was compared with that of the control recombinant adenoviruses （Ad-GP, Ad-Apoptin, Ad-EGFP） in human esophageal cancer cell EC-109 and human normal liver cell L02 in vitro. In 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide（MTT） assays, the growth of EC-109 cells was slightly inhibited by Ad-GP, Ad-Apoptin and Ad-EGFE However, Ad-VP induced a significant cytotoxic effect. Infection of EC-109 cells with Ad-VP resulted in a significant induction of apoptosis of them in vitro, detected by 4＇,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole（DAPI） or acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining. The results of Western blot and flow cytometric assay indicate the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential（Aψm）, the release of eytochrome c and the activation of caspase-3, 6 and 7 in Ad-VP infected EC-109 cells. In contrast, all these assays show almost no effects of the recombinant adenoviruses on L02 cells. These results demonstrate that the treatment of tumors with Ad-VP selectively inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. Ad-VP may provide a novel and powerful strategy for cancer gene therapy.

Antiviral treatment of hepatitis B virus-transgenic mice by a marine organism, Styela plicata

AIM： To evaluate the antiviral effect of the effective ingredient of Styela plicata in a murine model of hepatitis B virus carrier. METHODS： HBV-transgenic mice were divided into 3 groups （control group, lamivudine treatment group and the effective ingredient of Styela plicata treatment group） and assigned to receive normal diet, lamivudine or the effective ingredient of Styela plicata for consecutive weeks. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） method. Serum HBV DNA was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Serum T helper （h） 1 cytokine interleukin （IL）-2 and Th2 cytokine IL-6 were detected by the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Another group of HBV-transgenic mice was assigned to receive the effective ingredient of Styela plicata for consecutive weeks. The histology of liver tissue was evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS： Twelve weeks after starting the therapy, serum hepatitis B surface antigen was significantly lowered in Styela plicata -treated mice and lamivudine-treated mice compared with the mice receiving normal diet （F12wk = 88.81, P12wk = 0.000 〈 0.01）. Serum HBV DNA was significantly lowered in Styela plicata -treated mice and lamivudine-treated mice compared with the mice receiving normal diet （F12wk = 20.71, P12wk = 0.000 〈 0.01）. However, like lamivudine, the effective ingredient of Styela plicata could not inhibit the replication of HBV completely. A rebound phenomenon of hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV DNA in sera could be found 4 wk after withdrawal of medication. Eight weeks after starting the therapy, serum levels before and after Styela plicata treatment of IL-2 were 2.41 ± 0.38 and 10.56 ± 0.78 ng/L, respectively （t8wk = -16.51, P8wk = 0.000 〈 0.01）. Compared with the serum levels of IL-2 in the normal diet-treated mice （2.48 ± 0.17 ng/L; t8wk = 13.23, P8wk = 0.000 〈 0.01）. Serum levels before and after Styela plicata treatment of IL-6 were 63.62 ± 6.31 and 54.52 ± 6.22 ng/L, respectively, compared with the serum levels of IL-6 in the normal diet-treated mice （60.84 ± 4.21 ng/L）. Histological analysis of liver from Styela plicata-treated HBV-transgenic mice also showed catabatic status in inflammation and hepatitis B surface antigen. CONCLUSION： Styela plicata may be an effective anviral medicine in treating chronic hepatitis B.

Antagonistic Potential against Pathogenic Microorganisms and Hydrogen Peroxide Production of Indigenous Lactobacilli Isolated from Vagina of Chinese Pregnant Women

Objective To investigate the indigenous lactobacilli from the vagina of pregnant women and to screen the isolates with antagonistic potential against pathogenic microorganisms. Methods The strains were isolated from pregnant women＇s vagina and identified using the API50CH system. The ability of the isolates to produce hydrogen peroxide was analyzed semi-quantitatively using the TMB-HRP-MRS agar. The antagonistic effects of the isolates on pathogenic microorganisms were determined with a double layer agar plate. Results One hundred and three lactobacilli strains were isolated from 60 samples of vaginal secretion from healthy pregnant women. Among them, 78 strains could produce hydrogen peroxide, in which 68%, 80%, 80%, and 88% had antagonistic effects against Candida albicans CMCC98001, Staphylococcus aureus CMCC26003, Escherichia coli CMCC44113, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa CMCC10110, respectively. Conclusion The recovery of hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli decreases with the increasing pregnant age and time. The most commonly isolated species from vagina of Chinese pregnant women are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus crispatus. Most of L. acidophilus and L. crispatus produce a high H2O2 level.

Using the Haddon matrix to explore medical response strategies for terrorist subway bombings

Background:Since the 1970 s,terrorist bombings in subways have been frequently occurring worldwide.To cope with this threat and to provide medical response countermeasures,we analyzed the characteristics of subway bombing terrorist attacks and used the Haddon matrix to explore medical response strategies.Methods:First,we analyzed 111 subway bombings from 1970 to 2017 recorded in the Global Terrorism Database to provide a reference for the strategy exploration.Then,we convened an expert panel to use the Haddon matrix to explore the medical response strategies to subway bombings.Results:In recent decades,at least one bombing attack occurs every 3 years.Summarized by the Haddon matrix,the influencing factors of medical responses to conventional subway bombings include the adequacy of first-aid kits and the medical evacuation equipment,the traffic conditions affecting the evacuation,the continuity and stability of communication,as well as the factors exclusively attributed to dirty bomb attacks in subways,such as ionizing radiation protection capabilities,the structure of the radiation sickness treatment network based on the subway lines,and the disposal of radioactive sewage.These factors form the basis of the strategy discussion.Conclusions:Since subway bombings are long-term threats,it is necessary to have proper medical response preparation.Based on the Haddon matrix,we explored the medical response strategies for terrorist subway bombings,especially dirty bomb attacks.Haddon matrix can help policymakers systematically find the most important factors,which makes the preparations of the response more efficient.

Subchronic Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Lanthanum： A 90-day, Repeated Dose Study in Rats

Objective The present study was undertaken to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of lanthanum and to determine the no observed adverse effect level（NOAEL）,which is a critical factor in the establishment of an acceptable dietary intake（ADI）.Methods In accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development（OECD） testing guidelines,lanthanum nitrate was administered once daily by gavage to Sprague-Dawley（SD） rats at dose levels of 0,1.5,6.0,24.0,and 144.0 mg/kg body weight（BW） per day for 90 days,followed by a recovery period of 4 weeks in the 144.0 mg/kg BW per day and normal control groups.Outcome parameters were mortality,clinical symptoms,body and organ weights,serum chemistry,and food consumption,as well as ophthalmic,urinary,hematologic,and histopathologic indicators.The benchmark dose（BMD） approach was applied to estimate a point of departure for the hazard risk assessment of lanthanum.Results Significant decreases were found in the 144.0 mg/kg BW group in the growth index,including body weight,organ weights,and food consumption.This study suggests that the NOAEL of lanthanum nitrate is 24.0 mg/kg BW per day.Importantly,the 95% lower confidence value of the benchmark dose（BMDL） was estimated as 9.4 mg/kg BW per day in females and 19.3 mg/kg BW per day in males.Conclusion The present subchronic oral exposure toxicity study may provide scientific data for the risk assessment of lanthanum and other rare earth elements（REEs）.

Mitochondrial Modulation of Apoptosis Induced by Low-dose Radiation in Mouse Testicular Cells

Objective To investigate whether apoptosis induced by low-dose radiation （LDR） is regulated by mitochondrial pathways in testicular cells. Methods Male mice were exposed to whole-body LDR, and changes in mitochondrial function and in expression of apoptotic factors were analyzed in the testicular cells as follows. Total nitric-oxide synthase （T-NOS） and Na＋/K＋ ATPase activities were biochemically assayed. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） and mitochondrial membrane potential （Adjm） were determined by flow cytometry using fluorescent probes. Levels of mRNAs encoding cytochrome c （Cyt c） and apoptosis-inducing factor （AIF） were quantified by real-time reverse-transcription PCR （RT-PCR）. Expression of Cyt c, AIF, caspase-9, and caspase-3 at the protein level was assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results LDR induced an increase in T-NOS activity and ROS levels, and a decrease in Na＋/K~ ATPase activity and mitochondrial A^m, in the testicular cells. The intensity of these effects increased with time after irradiation and with dose. The cells showed remarkable swelling and vacuolization of mitochondria, and displayed a time- and dose-dependent increase in the expression of Cyt c, AIF, procaspase-9, and procaspase-3. Activation of the two procaspases was confirmed by detection of the cleaved caspases. The changes in expression of the four apoptotic factors were mostly limited to spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Conclusion LDR can induce testicular cell apoptosis through mitochondrial signaling pathways

Cardiomyocyte-like differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after exposure to 5-azacytidine in vitro

Objective To investigate the potential of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human bone marrow to undergo cardiomyogenic differentiation after exposure to 5-azacytidine (5-aza) in vitro. Methods A small bone marrow aspirate was taken from the iliac crest of human volunteers, and hMSCs were isolated by 1.073g/mL Percoll and propagated in the right cell culturing medium as previously described. The phenotypes of hMSCs were characterized with the use of flow cytometry. The hMSCs were cultured in cell culture medium (as control) and medium mixed with 5-aza for cellular differentiation. We examined by immunohistochemistry at 21 days the inducement of desmin, cardiac-specific cardiac troponin I (cTnI), GATA 4 and connexin-43 respectively. Results The hMSCs are fibroblast-like morphology and express CD44+ CD29+ CD90+ / CD34- CD45- CD31- CD11a. After 5-aza treatment, 20-30% hMSCs connected with adjoining cells and coalesced into myotube structures after 14days. Twenty-one days after 5-aza treatment, immunofluorescence showed that some cells expressed desmin,GATA4, cTnI and connexin-43 in 5,10 μmol/L 5-aza groups, but no cardiac specific protein was found in neither 3μmol/L 5-aza group nor in the control group. The ratio of cTnI positively stained cells in 10 μmol/L group was higher than that in 5 μmol/L group (65.3 ± 4.7% vs 48.2 ± 5.4%, P ＜ 0.05). Electron microscopy revealed that myofilaments were formed. The induced cells expressed cardiac-myosin heavy chain (MyHC) gene by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Conclusions Theses findings suggest that hMSCs from adult bone marrow can be differentiated into cardiac-like muscle cells with 5-aza inducement in vitro and the differentiation is in line with the 5-aza concentration. (J Geriatr Cardiol 2004;1(2) :101-107. )

Physiochemical and Biological Properties of Modified Collagen Sponge from Porcine Skin

The aim of the present study was to compare one-step method to EDC/NHS crosslinking （EDC/NHS group） and one-step simultaneous method to EDC/NHS crosslinking and heparin immobilization （EDC/NHS- Heparin group） in improving physiochemical and biological properties of native collagen sponge （Control group）. Modified collagen sponge overcome the disadvantages of native collagen sponge. IR spectra suggest the change of the functional groups. DSC data indicate that the stability of caloric transformation in EDC/NHS group is slightly higher than that of EDC/NHS-Heparin group. The crosslinking degree, stability against enzymes, stability in morphologically and biomechanical properties of EDC/NHS-Heparin group are higher than those of EDC/NHS group, whereas, the water-binding capacity in EDC/NHS-Heparin group is lower than that of EDC/NHS group. HUVECs in EDC/NHS-Heparin group scaffold proliferate fast, migrate well and distribute uniformly. One-step simultaneous method gains the better effects in above aspects, heparinized collagen matrices increase in angiogenic potential and suit for defect repairing and tissue engineering.

Research progress of gut flora in improving human wellness

Human wellness is the ultimate goal of our efforts in improving the human life.Special foods are undoubtedly important in achieving human wellness.However,overeating significantly leads to obesity and diabetes.These chronic diseases will in turn affect the human wellness.Therefore,“dietary restriction and proper exercise”were introduced in the human daily life.Different foods cause various effects on the human health.The diversification of diet is a priority for nutritionists to keep our body healthy.To avoid diabetes mellitus,special foods for ketogenic diet,low-carbon diet,and low-calorie intake are also gradually attracting attention.In addition,the hypothesis that“hunger sensation comes from gut flora”brings new light to the research on the biological motivation for humans to eat food.This hypothesis has been gradually demonstrated using the flexible fasting technology by providing special foods,such as plant polysaccharides and dietary fibers.The response to food-needing signals from the gut flora to these foods demonstrates the importance of the gut flora in improving human wellness.The gut flora is probably an essential factor for translating the food-eating signals and converting the nutrition to our body.Therefore,“gut flora priority principle”is developed to guarantee human wellness.The 16S rRNA sequencing and mass spectrometric techniques can be used to identify the gut flora,which may guide us to a new era of human wellness based on gut flora wellness.

Study of recombinant human interleukin-12 for treatment of complications after radiotherapy for tumor patients

AIM To evaluate the treatment effects of recombinant human interleukin-12(rh IL-12) on radiotherapy complications, such as severe myelosuppression or pancytopenia, the decline or imbalance of immune function, etc.METHODS The patients received high-dose and short-course precise radiotherapy, such as Cyber knife and image-guided radiotherapy(IGRT), which can cause myelosuppression or pancytopenia and immune function decline within a short time. One-hundred subjects were enrolled in the study, and 50 were randomized to a treatment group which used rh IL-12 and 50 were randomized to a control group which used symptomatic and supportive therapy after radiotherapy. The 50 subjects in the treatment group were further divided into five subgroups and intervenedwith rh IL-12 at a dose of 50, 100, 150, 200 or 250 ng/kg respectively. The dose-effect relationship was observed. RESULTS Rh IL-12 significantly attenuated the decrease of peripheral blood cells in the treatment group, and immune function was improved after treatment. Due to the different radiation doses, there was a fluctuation within 12 h after treatment but mostly showing an increasing trend. As to the clinical manifestations, 2 patients in the 250 ng/kg subgroup showed low fever after administration, 1 patient in the 200 ng/kg subgroup and 2 patients in the 250 ng/kg subgroup showed mild impairment of liver function during the observation period.CONCLUSION Rh IL-12 has effective therapeutic and protective effects on complications following radiotherapy, such as the decline of blood cells, myelosuppression and the decline or imbalance of immune function, which indicated good prospects for development and application.