1.Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Zhixin YU ; Shaodong HONG ; Hui YU ; Xuanye ZHANG ; Zichun LI ; Ping CHEN ; Yixin ZHOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(5):531-539
BACKGROUND:
The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy (ICI + Chemo) shows promise in treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC), but some patients received limited benefit and the prognostic factors of the treatments remain unclear. Furthermore, ICIs efficacy in subsequent treatments needs further evaluation.
METHODS:
A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and major conference proceedings was conducted to identify relevant studies for meta-analysis. The study was designed to compare ICI + Chemo with chemotherapy in first-line treatment and identify efficacy predictors, and to evaluate ICIs alone in subsequent-line treatment for RM-NPC, with a focus on progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS:
Fifteen trials involving 1928 patients were included. Three trials compared ICI + Chemo with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment, while 12 trials evaluated ICIs alone in subsequent-line treatment of RM-NPC patients. First-line ICI + Chemo showed superior PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.63; P <0.001) and ORR (risk ratio [RR] = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05-1.24; P <0.001) compared to chemotherapy, without increased AEs (RR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.99-1.03; P = 0.481). Neither programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) nor other factors predicted the efficacy of ICI + Chemo vs . chemotherapy. Subsequent-line ICIs alone had a median PFS of 4.12 months (95% CI, 2.93-5.31 months), an ORR of 24% (95% CI, 20-28%), with grade 1-5/grade 3-5 AEs at 79%/14%. However, ICIs alone were associated with significantly shorter PFS (HR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.01-1.68; P = 0.040) than chemotherapy alone.
CONCLUSIONS
ICI + Chemo confers superior survival benefits compared to chemotherapy in first-line RM-NPC treatment, independent of PD-L1 expression or other factors. However, ICIs alone demonstrate a manageable safety profile but do not surpass chemotherapy in efficacy for subsequent-line treatment.
Humans
;
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects*
;
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/drug therapy*
;
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy*
2.Characteristics of coagulation function and immune function in children with severe adenovirus pneumonia and their clinical significance
Jia LIU ; Yabin YU ; Lan WANG ; Ying LI ; Xin YU ; Yongyan CAI ; Na MA ; Zhixin YAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(5):122-126
Objective To explore the characteristics of coagulation and immune function and their clinical significance in children with severe adenovirus pneumonia(SAP).Methods A total of 122 children with SAP and 120 children with non-severe adenovirus pneumonia(NSAP)were enrolled and assigned to severe group and non-severe group.The severe group was further subdivided into good prognosis subgroup(n=105)and poor prognosis subgroup(n=17)according to prognosis.Addition-ally,120 healthy children undergoing physical examination during the same period were included as control group.Coagulation function indicators,including prothrombin time(PT),activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),fibrinogen(FIB),and thrombin time(TT)were measured.Levels of immunoglobulin A(IgA),immunoglobulin G(IgG),and immunoglobulin M(IgM)were determined using the nephelometric immunoassay.Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to explore the influencing factors of poor prognosis.Results Compared with the control group,children in both the non-severe and severe groups exhibited increased levels of white blood cells(WBC),neutrophils(N),C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),interleukin-6(IL-6),procalci-tonin(PCT),FIB,and IgG,as well as decreased levels of B lymphocytes,natural killer(NK)cells,PT,APTT,IgA,and IgM(P<0.05).Compared with the non-severe group,children in the severe group showed increased levels of WBC,N,CRP,ESR,IL-6,PCT,FIB,and IgG,as well as decreased levels of B lymphocytes,NK cells,PT,APTT,IgA,and IgM(P<0.05).Compared with the good prognosis subgroup,the poor prognosis subgroup exhibited increased levels of CRP,IL-6,PCT,and IgG,as well as decreased levels of APTT,IgM,and IgA(P<0.05).The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that PCT,APTT,and IgM were influencing factors of poor prognosis in children with SAP(P<0.05).Conclusion Children with SAP have decreased levels of PT,APTT,IgA,and IgM,as well as increased levels of FIB and IgG.Coagulation and im-mune function indicators are correlated with the prognosis of SAP.
3.Construction of p97 mutant of Mesomycoplasma hyopneumoniae based on the homologous recombination system
Yanna WEI ; Jiying WANG ; Huan XIE ; Zhiqiang LI ; Z.A.Ishag HASSAN ; Xing XIE ; Bin XU ; Qiyan XIONG ; Zhixin FENG ; Guoqing SHAO ; Yanfei YU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):473-481
The aim of this study is to establish an gene editing method of Mesomycoplasma hyo-pneumoniae(Mhp)based on the homologous recombination principle.The restriction enzyme di-gestion and ligation method combined with gene synthesis were used to construct a shuttle plasmid to achieve replication in both Mhp and Escherichia coli(E.coli).The pGEM?-T vector was used as the skeleton.The oriC sequence of Mhp which can achieve the replication of the plasmid in Mhp was inserted into the vector.Sequences of the Spiroplasma promoter and puromycin resistance gene were then inserted into the above constructed plasmid to screen recombinant clones.The up-stream and downstream homologous arms of p97 were constructed to initiate homologous recombination.The recA gene of E.coli is inserted to improve the efficiency of homologous recom-bination.The obtained shuttle plasmid was then delivered into Mhp by electro-transformation or chemical transformation.A shuttle plasmid,pGEM?-Mhp-oriC-p 97,which can replicate in both Mhp and E.coli was constructed.With the transformation of this plasmid,the carried puromycin gene and recA gene can be expressed,the p97 gene can be edited.Finally,the genetically unstable p97 gene mutant was initially obtained.In this study,a tool for Mhp gene editing based on the principle of homologous recombination was established,which laid a foundation for the develop-ment of tools for studying the pathogenesis of Mhp.
4.Research on challenges and recommendations for application of artificial intelligence in Immunology education
Enning ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Zhixin ZHENG ; Chonghao ZHANG ; Yu HAO ; Guiying PENG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1290-1293
Intricate nature of Immunology teaching,characterized by diverse cellular types,complex molecular mechanisms,and highly dynamic immune responses,poses significant challenges.Utilization of artificial intelligence(AI)technology to provide personalized learning pathways and resources for Immunology education has emerged as a critical direction in contemporary educational reform.By examining current domestic application status and specific teaching practices,this article explores gap between AI technology and traditional teaching theories,analyzes issues such as deep integration and transformation of teacher's role.Special attention is also given to ethical considerations,including privacy protection,fairness and accessibility,and ethical implications of data processing.In response to these issues,authors propose a set of comprehensive recommendations,including establishing a student-centered learning model,strengthening teaching staff capabilities,improving privacy protection and algorithmic transparency,promoting educational equity,and reinforcing ethical education,aiming to support healthy and sustainable development of AI technology within Immunology education,offering valuable insights for reform and innovation of Immunology education.
5.Construction of p97 mutant of Mesomycoplasma hyopneumoniae based on the homologous recombination system
Yanna WEI ; Jiying WANG ; Huan XIE ; Zhiqiang LI ; Z.A.Ishag HASSAN ; Xing XIE ; Bin XU ; Qiyan XIONG ; Zhixin FENG ; Guoqing SHAO ; Yanfei YU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):473-481
The aim of this study is to establish an gene editing method of Mesomycoplasma hyo-pneumoniae(Mhp)based on the homologous recombination principle.The restriction enzyme di-gestion and ligation method combined with gene synthesis were used to construct a shuttle plasmid to achieve replication in both Mhp and Escherichia coli(E.coli).The pGEM?-T vector was used as the skeleton.The oriC sequence of Mhp which can achieve the replication of the plasmid in Mhp was inserted into the vector.Sequences of the Spiroplasma promoter and puromycin resistance gene were then inserted into the above constructed plasmid to screen recombinant clones.The up-stream and downstream homologous arms of p97 were constructed to initiate homologous recombination.The recA gene of E.coli is inserted to improve the efficiency of homologous recom-bination.The obtained shuttle plasmid was then delivered into Mhp by electro-transformation or chemical transformation.A shuttle plasmid,pGEM?-Mhp-oriC-p 97,which can replicate in both Mhp and E.coli was constructed.With the transformation of this plasmid,the carried puromycin gene and recA gene can be expressed,the p97 gene can be edited.Finally,the genetically unstable p97 gene mutant was initially obtained.In this study,a tool for Mhp gene editing based on the principle of homologous recombination was established,which laid a foundation for the develop-ment of tools for studying the pathogenesis of Mhp.
6.Research on challenges and recommendations for application of artificial intelligence in Immunology education
Enning ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Zhixin ZHENG ; Chonghao ZHANG ; Yu HAO ; Guiying PENG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1290-1293
Intricate nature of Immunology teaching,characterized by diverse cellular types,complex molecular mechanisms,and highly dynamic immune responses,poses significant challenges.Utilization of artificial intelligence(AI)technology to provide personalized learning pathways and resources for Immunology education has emerged as a critical direction in contemporary educational reform.By examining current domestic application status and specific teaching practices,this article explores gap between AI technology and traditional teaching theories,analyzes issues such as deep integration and transformation of teacher's role.Special attention is also given to ethical considerations,including privacy protection,fairness and accessibility,and ethical implications of data processing.In response to these issues,authors propose a set of comprehensive recommendations,including establishing a student-centered learning model,strengthening teaching staff capabilities,improving privacy protection and algorithmic transparency,promoting educational equity,and reinforcing ethical education,aiming to support healthy and sustainable development of AI technology within Immunology education,offering valuable insights for reform and innovation of Immunology education.
7.AngioJet-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis versus catheter-directed thrombolysis alone in the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity: a mid-term controlled clinical study
Xinqing LI ; Aimin QIAN ; Chenglong LI ; Xiaobin YU ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Fengrui LEI ; Liwei ZHU ; Zhixin CAI ; Hongfei SANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;39(2):110-114
Objective:To compare the mid-term clinical effects of AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (ART+CDT) with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities.Methods:Ninety-one patients admitted to the Department from Jan 2016 to Dec 2017 were placed with inferior vena cava filters and divided into ART+CDT group (30 cases)and CDT group (61 cases). Total urokinase dosge, thrombolytic time, operative cost, length of hospital stay, detumescence rate, thrombus clearance rate, cumulative patency rate of lower limb veins, Villalta score at 2 years and 5 years, thrombosis recurrence rate and chronic venous insufficiency quality of life questionnaire were compared between the two groups.Results:The success rate of surgery was 100% in both groups, there was no mortality. There were significant differences in the short-term postoperative outcomes between the two groups in terms of total dosage of urokinase, thrombolysis time, total cost of surgery, length of hospital stay, detumescence rate, venous patency scores before and after treatment, and venous patency rate (all P<0.05). For the mid- and long-term postoperative outcomes of 2 and 5 years, there were no significant differences in the incidence of PTS, recurrence rate of thrombus, chronic venous function scale, and cumulative patency rate at 2 years (all P>0.05). Conclusions:ART+CDT has a significant advantage over CDT alone in terms of early efficacy and early reopening of blood flow in patients. Both ART+CDT and CDT have a low incidence of PTS and a low recurrence rate of thrombus in the mid-term follow-up, and both have satisfactory performance in the mid- and long-term efficacy of interventional treatment of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs.
8.CircRNA Circ_0120051 Inhibits the Fibrotic Phenotype of Myocardial Fibroblasts via Targeting miR-144-3p/IDH2 Axis
Yu LIANG ; Zhiqin HU ; Yihong WEN ; Huayan WU ; Ya WNAG ; Yupeng LIU ; Zhixin SHAN ; Xianhong FANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(2):196-205
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of circular RNA circ_0120051 on the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts and the potential mechanism involved. MethodsThe expression of circ_0120051 and its host gene of solute carrier family 8 member A1(SLC8A1) mRNA in the myocardium of healthy organ donors (n=24) and heart failure (HF) patients (n=21) were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. RNA stability of circ_0120051 was identified by RNase R exonuclease digestion assay. The cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution of circ_0120051 in human cardiomyocyte AC16 was detected by RT-qPCR assay. The expression of fibrosis-related genes in mouse cardiac fibroblasts (mCFs) with adenovirus-mediated overexpression of circ_0120051 was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot assay, respectively. The effect of overexpression of circ_0120051 on the migration activity of mCFs was evaluated by wound-healing assay. RNA co-immunoprecipitation (RIP) was conducted to detect the interaction between circ_0120051 and miR-144-3p. The binding site of miR-144-3p in the 3'-UTR of isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (Idh2) mRNA was identified by the dual luciferase reporter gene assay. ResultsCirc_0120051 was significantly up-regulated in the myocardium of HF patients, while the mRNA expression of its host gene SLC8A1 was not changed. Circ_0120051 was mainly located in the cytoplasm of human AC16 cells. Results of RNase R exonuclease digestion revealed that circ_0120051 possesses the characteristic stability of circular RNA compared to the linear SLC8A1 mRNA. Overexpression of circ_0120051 could inhibit the expression of fibrosis-related gene in mCFs and mCFs migration. RIP assay confirmed the specific interaction between circ_0120051 and miR-144-3p. Transfection of miR-144-3p mimic could efficiently promote the expression of fibrosis-related genes in mCFs and reverse the inhibitory effect of circ_0120051 on the fibrotic phenotype of mCFs. Results of the dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the interaction between miR-144-3p and the 3'-UTR of Idh2. Transfection of miR-144-3p transcriptionally inhibited Idh2 expression, and overexpression of circ_0120051 enhanced IDH2 expression in mCFs. MiR-144-3p mimic and Idh2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) could consistently reverse the inhibitory effects of circ_0120051 on fibrosis-related genes expression in mCFs and mCFs migration. ConclusionsCirc_0120051 inhibits the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts via sponging miR-144-3p to enhance the target gene of IDH2 expression.
9.CircSLC8A1_005 Inhibits the Fibrotic Phenotype of Cardiac Fibroblasts by Encoding Protein
Yating HU ; Yuan GAO ; Huayan WU ; Yu LIANG ; Hui LI ; Jindong XU ; Yupeng LIU ; Zhixin SHAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):35-44
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of circSLC8A1_005 on the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts and the potential mechanism involved. MethodsThe effect of adenovirus-mediated overexpression of circSLC8A1_005 on the expression of fibrosis-related genes, collagen type I alpha 1 chain (Col1a1), collagen type Ⅲ alpha 1 chain (Col3a1) and smooth muscle actin alpha 2 (Acta2), in mouse cardiac fibroblasts (mCFs) were detected. The proliferation and migration activities of mCFs were detected by EdU and wound-healing assay, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to detect the activity of potential internal ribozyme entry site (IRES) in circSLC8A1_005. CircSLC8A1_005-translated protein, SLC8A1-605aa, and its intracellular distribution was identified by Western blot assay. The effect of SLC8A1-605aa protein on transcription activity of Sod2 gene was detected by the dual luciferase reporter gene assay. RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) was utilized to verify the interaction between SLC8A1-605aa and superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) mRNA. Actinomycin D treatment was used to detect the effect of SLC8A1-605aa on Sod2 mRNA stability in mCFs. ResultsAn efficient adenovirus-mediated overexpression of circSLC8A1_005 was achieved in mCFs. The enforced expression of circSLC8A1_005 suppressed proliferation and migration of mCFs, and inhibited the expression of fibrosis-related genes in mCFs. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay revealed the activities of 2 IRES in circSLC8A1_005. Results of Western blot assay showed that circSLC8A1_005 could translate protein SLC8A1-605aa with the prospected molecular weight of 70 ku, which is predominantly distributed in the nucleus. Overexpression of the circSLC8A1_005 and SLC8A1-605aa could consistently inhibit the fibrotic phenotype of mCFs. SLC8A1-605aa could up-regulate superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) expression, but not at the transcriptional level. RIP assay indicated that SLC8A1-605aa could specifically interact with Sod2 mRNA, and the results of actinomycin D assay showed that SLC8A1-605aa could enhance the stability of Sod2 mRNA in mCFs. ConclusionCircSLC8A1_005 inhibits the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts via translating SLC8A1-605aa protein, and SLC8A1-605aa may be a potential target for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis.
10.Effect of temperature on the inhibitory effect induced by hydrogen peroxide on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells
Lujing GENG ; Zhixin SUN ; Yuchen LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Peipei SHI
Journal of Xinxiang Medical College 2024;41(2):109-114
Objective To investigate the effect of temperature on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation inhibition of preosteoblast induced by hydrogen peroxide(H2 O2).Methods The MC3T3-E1 cells in the logarithmic phase were randomly divided into 0,450,500,550,600,650 μmol·L-1 H2O2 intervention groups and incubated with 0,450,500,550,600,650 μmol·L-1 H2O2 for 2 h,respectively.Other MC3T3-E1 cells in the logarithmic phase were selected and randomly divided into the control group,model group,low-temperature group,and high-temperature group.Cells in the control group were cul-tured in an incubator with 5%CO2 for 24 h at 37 ℃;cells in the model group were incubated with H2O2 for 2 h and cultured in an incubator with 5%CO2 for 24 h at 37 ℃;cells in the low-temperature group were incubated with H2O2 for 2 h and cultured in an incubator with 5%CO2 for 24 h at 32 ℃;cells in the high-temperature group were incubated with H2O2 for 2 h and cultured in an incubator with 5%CO2 for 24 h at 40 ℃.The cell proliferation in all groups was detected by cell counting kit-8.The expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),osteopontin(OPN)and osteocalcin(OC)mRNA were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitave polymerase chain reaction;and the expression levels of RUNX2,OPN and OC protein were detected by Western blot.Results There was no statistically significant difference in cell proliferation among the 0,450 and 500 μmol·L-1 H2O2 intervention groups(P>0.05);the cell proliferation rate in the 550,600 and 650 μmol·L-1 H2O2 intervention groups was significantly lower than that in the 0,450 and 500 μmol·L-1 H2O2 intervention groups,showing a significant decrease in cell proliferation with the increase of H2O2 concentrations(P<0.05).In order to ensure that there were enough cells to perform the following experiments,550 μmol·L-1 H2 O2 was chosen.The cell proliferation rate in the model group and the low-temperature group was significantly lower than that in the control group and high-temperature group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the cell proliferation rate between the control group and high-temperature group(P>0.05).The relative expression of RUNX2 mRNA in the model group and high-temperature group were significantly higher than that in the control group and low-temperature group(P<0.05);the relative expression of RUNX2 mRNA in the low-temperature group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the relative expression of RUNX2 mRNA between the model group and high-temperature group(P>0.05).The relative expression of OPN mRNA in the model group,low-temperature group and high-temperature group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);the relative expression of OPN mRNA in the low-temperature group and high-temperature group was significantly higher than that in the model group(P<0.05);the relative expression of OPN mRNA in the low-tem-perature group was significantly higher than that in the high-temperature group(P<0.05).The relative expression of OC mRNA in the model group,low-temperature group and high-temperature group was significantly than that in the control group(P<0.05);the relative expression of OC mRNA in the low-temperature group and high-temperature group was significantly higher than that in the model group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the relative expression of OC mRNA between the low-temperature group and high-temperature group(P>0.05).The relative expressions of RUNX2,OPN and OC protein the model group,low-temperature group and high-temperature group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);the relative expressions of RUNX2 and OPN protein in the low-temperature group were significantly lower than those in the model group and high-temperature group(P<0.05);the relative expression of OC protein was significantly lower than that in the high-temperature group(P<0.05);and there was no siqnificantly difference in the relatiwe experesson of OC protein between the low-temperature group and model group(P>0.05);the relative expressions of RUNX2,OPN and OC protein in the high-temperature group were significantly higher than those in the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion The inhibitory effects of H2O2 on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation are observed in MC3T3-E1 cells;low-tempera-ture incubation can enhance the inhibition of H2O2 on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells,while high-temperature incubation can relieve its inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.RUNX2,OPN and OC protein might play an important role in cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation mediated by temperature.

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