The application of <spanclassName='bold-font'>probiotics</span> in treating <spanclassName='bold-font'>hepatic encephalopathy (HE)</span> has sparked significant <spanclassName='bold-font'>ethical discussions</span>. HE, a neurological complication caused by liver failure, severely affects patients' <spanclassName='bold-font'>quality of life</span>. In addition to traditional treatments, probiotics regulate the <spanclassName='bold-font'>intestinal microbiota</span>, improve <spanclassName='bold-font'>intestinal barrier function</span>, reduce <spanclassName='bold-font'>toxin absorption</span>, and alleviate symptoms. However, several ethical considerations arise when using probiotics for HE:
<li><spanclassName='bold-font'>Safety and effectiveness</span>: Clinical research must strictly adhere to <spanclassName='bold-font'>ethical standards</span>, ensure <spanclassName='bold-font'>informed consent</span>, and thoroughly assess potential risks.</li>
<li><spanclassName='bold-font'>Patient autonomy</span>: Patients should freely decide whether to receive new treatments after understanding the risks and benefits.</li>
<li><spanclassName='bold-font'>Transparency</span>: It is our responsibility to provide clear information on the role of probiotics in the overall treatment plan.</li>
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<h4>February 2024 - Qiu Xinyuan</h4>
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Professor Qiu provided an overview of the <spanclassName='bold-font'>iGEM competition</span> and shared experiences from the NUDT CHINA team, particularly from their 2022 project. We discussed using <spanclassName='bold-font'>genetic engineering</span> to modify existing probiotic strains, introducing genes targeting <spanclassName='bold-font'>ammonia metabolism</span>, and enhancing their functionality to reduce <spanclassName='bold-font'>toxin accumulation</span> in HE patients. The conversation also focused on ensuring the <spanclassName='bold-font'>safety and effectiveness</span> of these probiotics in clinical practice through <spanclassName='bold-font'>synthetic biology</span> methods.
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<h4>March 2024 - Zhu Bo</h4>
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Facing difficulties in finding suitable <spanclassName='bold-font'>inducing promoters</span>, Professor Zhu from Sun Yat-sen University suggested using <spanclassName='bold-font'>bile acid</span> as a biomarker. Bile acids not only have vital physiological roles but also reflect <spanclassName='bold-font'>metabolic changes</span>. By building a bile acid-responsive system, gene expression can be more accurately regulated, leading to <spanclassName='bold-font'>flexible experimental designs</span>. This strategy enhances both the <spanclassName='bold-font'>operability</span> of the experiment and its relevance to <spanclassName='bold-font'>clinical applications</span>.
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<h4>May 2024 - He Xiaolong</h4>
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After consulting with HE expert Professor He Xiaolong, we were advised to replace bile acid markers with <spanclassName='bold-font'>phenylethylamine (PEA)</span>. As a significant biogenic amine, PEA plays a role in <spanclassName='bold-font'>nerve transmission</span> and physiological regulation. Using PEA as a response marker introduces a <spanclassName='bold-font'>more flexible regulatory mechanism</span> and offers clearer insights into its role in various diseases. This shift provides a <spanclassName='bold-font'>novel approach</span> to selecting inducing promoters and promotes <spanclassName='bold-font'>deeper exploration</span> in related fields.
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<h4>May 2024 - Zhou Hongwei and Chen Jin-Jun</h4>
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Dr. Zhou Hongwei from Shenzhen Hospital emphasized the need to solve complications during the <spanclassName='bold-font'>design of the safety module</span>. Complications can greatly impact patient <spanclassName='bold-font'>recovery</span> and <spanclassName='bold-font'>quality of life</span>. Dean Zhou suggested <spanclassName='bold-font'>real-time monitoring</span> of physiological indicators and drug responses to adjust treatment plans. This approach enhances <spanclassName='bold-font'>medical care quality</span> and ensures patient safety, reflecting a <spanclassName='bold-font'>people-centered medical philosophy</span>.
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<h4>June 2024 - Du Chaochao</h4>
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In the preliminary design of the <spanclassName='bold-font'>metabolic module</span>, we initially targeted <spanclassName='bold-font'>monoamine oxidase B (MAOB)</span>. However, this conflicted with our sensing module. After consulting Teacher Du from Pearl River Hospital, we decided to adjust the direction and adopt a new <spanclassName='bold-font'>metabolic pathway</span>. This adjustment optimized <spanclassName='bold-font'>system compatibility</span> and improved the stability of its functions, laying a solid foundation for future experiments.
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<h4>June 2024 - Chen Peng</h4>
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While studying <spanclassName='bold-font'>Escherichia coli (EcN)</span> in chassis biology, we encountered issues with strain identification. After consulting Professor Chen Peng from Southern Medical University, we conducted <spanclassName='bold-font'>mass spectrometry</span> and <spanclassName='bold-font'>16S rRNA sequencing</span>, which revealed errors in our strain. Professor Chen emphasized the importance of accurately identifying chassis organisms and advised revisiting the experimental design to ensure reliability in future research.
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<h4>September 2024 - Zheng Jusheng</h4>
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Our team consulted with Professor Zheng Jusheng on the <spanclassName='bold-font'>clinical translation</span> of probiotics for HE treatment. The discussion focused on <spanclassName='bold-font'>oral capsules</span>, a form of probiotic delivery that offers convenience, <spanclassName='bold-font'>dosage control</span>, and high patient acceptance. Professor Zheng stressed the importance of conducting <spanclassName='bold-font'>large-scale clinical trials</span> to assess safety and efficacy in real-world conditions. Additionally, the <spanclassName='bold-font'>manufacturing process</span> should comply with <spanclassName='bold-font'>GMP standards</span> to ensure product quality. We also explored <spanclassName='bold-font'>microencapsulation technology</span> to protect probiotic viability, ensuring effective delivery to the intestines and enhancing therapeutic effects.