1.Toripalimab-Induced Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient with Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):120-124
Immune checkpoint inhibitors can induce a rare but fatal complication known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(HLH). However, reports of ICI-related HLH in breast cancer are extremely limited, and no cases induced by the combination of toripalimab with chemotherapy have been documented. This article reports a case of a breast cancer patient who developed persistent high fever 13 days after receiving toripalimab combined with chemotherapy. Diagnostic evaluations met the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria. Following methylprednisolone pulse therapy, the patient's symptoms improved rapidly, with subsequent consolidation treatment involving low-dose etoposide. Follow-up examinations one month after discharge showed normal results. This case suggests that toripalimab may induce HLH in breast cancer patients and that initial treatment with glucocorticoids alone can be effective. It provides a reference for the early clinical identification and management of such severe immune-related adverse events.
2.A case of special blood type with discrepancy between ABO genotype and serological results
Wenting JIA ; Wei ZHANG ; Limin CUI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):118-122
Objective: To analyze the cause of discrepancy between ABO genotype B102/O01 and serological results in one case by PCR-SSP, to clarify the serological characteristics of this special blood group, and to explore relevant blood transfusion strategies. Methods: Blood group serological tests were performed on blood donor in August and December 2024, including forward and reverse ABO typing using tube method, H antigen identification, direct anti-human globulin test by tube method, red blood cell absorption-elution test, and determination of ABH blood group substance in saliva. Exons 1-7 of the ABO gene were amplified by PCR-SSP and sequenced. Results: The two separate serological tests consistently identified the donor as having an A
B phenotype, but the results of gene sequencing indicated a B102/O01 genotype, showing an discrepancy between serological and genetic results. Conclusion: It is very likely that the blood type of the blood donor is B102/O01 with a microchimerism of type A, or an AB type masked by A type reference gene.
3.Clinical Application of Harmonizing and Regulating Pivot Method in Pulmonary Fibrosis:Based on the Characteristics of Essence-Attribute-Function
Mingsheng LYU ; Hongsheng CUI ; Jia ZHU ; Weibo BI ; Ruifeng JIN ; Zhijie ZHANG ; Qiuyi CHEN ; Siyang YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):381-385
Based on the theory of "shaoyang(少阳) resembling the pivot" and collateral diseases, this article proposes that pulmonary fibrosis (PF) can be divided into three stages including wind bi (痹), constraint bi, and atrophy bi. The core pathogenesis of PF is the obstruction of the pivot and pulmonary collateral obstruction. In terms of treatment, the basic principles are to harmonize and regulate the pivot, and to promote the circulation of the lung collaterals. Depending on the different characteristics of the "essence-attribute-function", treatment methods such as harmonizing and regulating the pivot, resolving phlegm and removing stasis, supplementing deficiency and harmonizing collaterals are suggested. This approach ensures the regulation of the pivot, smooth circulation of qi and blood, unblocking of the lung collaterals and nourishing the lung body, achieving the goals of balancing the ascending and descending of qi, removing phlegm and stasis, and relieving cough and wheezing.
4.Huanglian Jiedutang Improves Cognitive Impairment after Schemic Stroke by Regulating Neuron via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Mengying SUN ; Lizhen WANG ; Tong LI ; Leilei WANG ; Shiyan JIA ; Tingting WANG ; Yanwen YANG ; Kaiqiang SI ; Youxiang CUI ; Zhilong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) on cognitive function in mice with ischemic stroke (IS) and to elucidate whether its neuroprotective effects are mediated by inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and subsequent suppression of NF-κB-regulated neuronal apoptosis. MethodsAn IS model was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n =12 per group), i.e., sham operation, model, HLJDT low-dose (3.9 g·kg-1·d-1), HLJDT high-dose (7.8 g·kg-1·d-1), and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE, 31.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). Post-operatively, neurological deficit scores (Longa score), cerebral infarct volume assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and brain water content were evaluated. Learning and memory were assessed using new object recognition (NOR) and fear conditioning (FC) tests. Hippocampal pathology was examined via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence detected expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocyte marker), cellular oncogene Fos (c-Fos, neuronal activation marker), and glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). Western blot measured nuclear factor-κB inhibitor protein α (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), ionic calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and apoptosis-related proteins, such as cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to assess mRNA levels of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB p65, cleaved Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores, brain water content, and cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01). Hippocampal CA1 neurons were disorganized, showing nuclear pyknosis and karyolysis. NOR exploration time and FC freezing time were significantly reduced (P<0.01). GFAP and c-Fos expression were increased, while GAD65 expression was decreased (P<0.01). Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax were upregulated, Bcl-2 was downregulated, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was elevated (P<0.01). Expression levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Iba-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, HLJDT high-dose, low-dose, and GBE groups showed significant improvements in all parameters (P<0.01). Among them, the HLJDT high-dose group showed the most pronounced neuronal structural recovery and superior performance in NOR and FC tests (P<0.01). In this group, GFAP and c-Fos decreased, GAD65 increased (P<0.01), apoptosis-related protein expression was reversed, and NF-κB signaling and related inflammatory factor expression were suppressed (P<0.01). ConclusionHLJDT ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in mice after IS, potentially by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
6.Effect of Modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang on Lonp1-regulated Insulin Resistance Pathway in Liver of Spleen-deficiency Hyperlipidemia Rats
Xinyue CUI ; Guoyuan SUI ; Qi ZHANG ; Mengzhu CHE ; Ze ZHANG ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):24-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang (M-XSLJZ) on insulin resistance-regulated fatty acid synthesis via Lon protease 1 (Lonp1) in the liver of spleen-deficiency hyperlipidemia rats. MethodsA total of 70 male SD rats were randomly allocated into seven groups (n=10): blank control group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, spleen-deficiency hyperlipidemia (PX-HFD) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang (JW-L, JW-M, JW-H), and rosuvastatin group. The spleen-deficiency model was induced in the PX-HFD, JW-L, JW-M, JW-H, and rosuvastatin groups by irregular diet combined with exhaustive swimming. Except for the control group, all groups were fed an HFD for 10 weeks to establish a hyperlipidemia rat model. Following modeling, the rats in the JW-L, JW-M, and JW-H groups received the decoction by gavage at 3.51, 7.02, 14.04 g·kg-1, respectively, while the rosuvastatin group received 9×10-4 g·kg-1. After 8 weeks of administration, samples were collected. D-xylose excretion rate was quantified using the phloroglucinol method. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hepatic TG content was quantified by the glycerol phosphate oxidase-peroxidase anti-peroxidase (GPO-PAP) method. Serum insulin (INS), fasting blood glucose (FBG), hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial complex Ⅰ activity were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of Lonp1, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) were determined by real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Protein expression levels of Lonp1, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated (p)-JNK, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), p-IRS1, and ACC1 in liver tissues were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the HFD group showed a significant increase in body weight (P<0.01). The PX-HFD group showed a significant decrease in D-xylose excretion rate (P<0.01). Both the HFD and PX-HFD groups exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, FBG, INS, and HOMA-IR (P<0.01), along with increased orange-red lipid droplets, prominent fatty vacuoles, and significantly elevated hepatic TG level (P<0.01). Mitochondrial complex Ⅰ activity significantly decreased (P<0.05), while ROS level, Lonp1 mRNA and protein expression, and ACC1 mRNA and protein expression significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The p-IRS1/IRS1 protein expression ratio significantly decreased (P<0.01), whereas the p-JNK/JNK protein expression ratio significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the HFD group, the PX-HFD group showed significantly reduced D-xylose excretion rate and serum HDL-C level (P<0.01), significantly decreased hepatic TG level (P<0.05), and significantly increased HOMA‑IR index (P<0.01). Hepatic Lonp1 mRNA and protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), p‑IRS1/IRS1 protein expression ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.01), while ACC1 mRNA and protein expression and p‑JNK/JNK protein expression ratio were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the PX-HFD group, all treatment groups showed significantly reduced serum TC, TG, LDL-C levels, and HOMA-IR index (P<0.05, P<0.01), with ameliorated orange‑red lipid droplet deposition and significantly reduced hepatic TG and ROS levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). The JW-M, JW-H, and rosuvastatin groups exhibited significantly decreased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased D‑xylose excretion rate (P<0.01), significantly decreased HDL‑C level (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased mitochondrial complex I activity, Lonp1 mRNA and protein expression, and p-IRS1/IRS1 protein expression ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as significantly decreased p-JNK/JNK protein expression ratio (P<0.01). ConclusionM-XSLJZ may exert its lipid‑lowering effect by regulating Lonp1 expression in rat liver, thereby improving insulin resistance and subsequently inhibiting hepatic lipid synthesis.
7.International risk signal prioritization principles: comparison and implications for scientific regulation of traditional Chinese medicine.
Rui ZHENG ; Shuo LIU ; Shi-Jia WANG ; He-Rong CUI ; Hai-Bo SONG ; Hong-Cai SHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):273-277
Signal detection is a critical task in drug safety regulation. However, it inevitably generates irrelevant or false signals, posing challenges for resource allocation by marketing authorization holders. To reasonably assess these signals, different countries have established various principles for prioritizing the evaluation of risk signals. This study systematically compares these principles and finds that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) focuses on practical issues, such as identifying drug confusion or drug interactions. However, China's Good Pharmacovigilance Practices and the European Medicines Agency(EMA) emphasize a comprehensive evaluation framework. The Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences(CIOMS) emphasizes the consistency of multiple data sources, highlighting the reliability of signal evaluation. China practices a multidisciplinary approach combining traditional Chinese and western medicine, and the risk signals related to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) have unique characteristics, including complex components, cumulative toxicity, specific theoretical foundations, and drug interactions. The different priorities in risk signal evaluation principles across countries suggest that China should strengthen clinical trial research, emphasize corroboration with evidence of multiple sources, and pay particular attention to the risks of drug interactions in the TCM regulatory science. Establishing the risk signal prioritization principles that align with the characteristics of TCM enables more precise and efficient scientific regulation of TCM.
Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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China
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
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United States
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United States Food and Drug Administration
8.Effects and Mechanism of Quercetin on Osteogenic Differentiation of BMSCs
Jingxiao XU ; Jia LIU ; Shu YAO ; Xi ZHANG ; Jiang LI ; Guiqin CUI ; Xiaoling YI ; Dongyun LI
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(5):30-37
Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of quercetin on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).Methods BMSCs were divided into a blank control group(Control)and quercetin(Quercetin)low-dose group(4.8 mL/kg),medium-dose group(9.6 mL/kg),and high-dose group(19.2 mL/kg)intervened with drug-containing serum,while the positive control group was treated with osteogenic differentiation medium,respectively.The cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry,cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay,cell activity was determined by Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)assay kit,and calcified nodule formation was observed by alizarin red staining.The expression of β-catenin and the key factors of osteogenic differentiation,runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2)and osteocalcin(OCN),were detected by qPCR and Western blot,respectively.Results Compared with the control group,quercetin-containing serum significantly promoted the proliferation of BMSCs(P=0.000205,P=0.000063)and enhanced the formation of calcium nodules,and increased osteogenic and ALP activity after osteogenic differentiation.The results of qPCR and Western blot showed that the quercetin group significantly up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of β-catenin(P<0.0001),RUNX2(P<0.0001)and OCN(P<0.0001)during osteogenic differentiation.Conclusion Quercetin can effectively promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs,and its mechanism is achieved by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and up-regulating the expression of the osteogenesis-related transcription factor RUNX2.
9.Effect of Modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang on Hepatic Kupffer Cell Inflammation Mediated by Intestinal-derived LPS in Rats with Hyperlipidemia and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Mengzhu CHE ; Lianqun JIA ; Dongyu MIN ; Guoyuan SUI ; Qi ZHANG ; Guanlin YANG ; Yunhao CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):77-86
ObjectiveThe study aims to investigate the intervention effect of modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang (M-XSLJZ) on intestinal-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated Kupffer cell inflammation in rats with hyperlipidemia spleen deficiency syndrome. MethodsSeventy male SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=10): blank control (CON), high-fat diet without spleen deficiency (HFD), high-fat diet with spleen deficiency (SD-HFD), M-XSLJZ low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XS-L, XS-M, XS-H), and western medicine control (R). Spleen deficiency was induced in SD-HFD, XS-L, XS-M, XS-H, and R groups via irregular diet combined with exhaustive swimming for 15 days. The CON group received a standard diet, while other groups were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. After successful modeling, rats were treated for 8 weeks: M-XSLJZ was administered at 3.51, 7.02, 14.04 g·kg-1 in XS-L, XS-M, and XS-H groups, respectively. The R group received 9×10-4 g·kg-1 of a reference drug. D-xylose excretion rate was measured by the phloroglucinol method. Blood lipids were assessed using an automated biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological conditions of the liver, and oil red O staining was used to observe the lipid deposition in the liver. The levels of LPS, portal vein serum LPS, LPS-binding protein (LBP), serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate CD86 expression and CD68/TLR4 co-localization in the liver. Protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 in Kupffer cells were analyzed via Western blot automated protein analysis. Hepatic IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA and protein levels were measured using Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the CON group, the SD-HFD group showed a decrease in D-xylose excretion (P<0.01). TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). A large number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and orange-red lipid droplet deposition appeared in the liver. Ileal LPS, portal LPS, and LBP increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased (P<0.01). The expression of CD86 was upregulated (P<0.01), and the co-expression of CD68 and TLR4 was enhanced. The protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and p-p65 in Kupffer cells increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the HFD group, the SD-HFD group exhibited decreased D-xylose excretion (P<0.01), higher HDL-C, LDL-C (P<0.05), increased portal LBP and LPS (P<0.05), increased serum IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.01), upregulated CD86 (P<0.01), enhanced CD68/TLR4 co-expression, and higher TNF-α mRNA/protein (P<0.05). Compared with the SD-HFD group, all M-XSLJZ treatment groups showed reduced TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01). XS-H and R groups displayed improved hepatic lipid deposition. XS-H and R groups had lower ileal LPS, portal LPS, and LBP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All M-XSLJZ treatment groups exhibited reduced serum IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). The XS-H group showed downregulated CD86 (P<0.01) and weakened CD68/TLR4 co-expression. The XS-H group had reduced TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB p65 in Kupffer cells (P<0.01). XS-H and R groups showed lower IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA/protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionM-XSLJZ may exert its lipid-lowering effects by inhibiting intestinal-derived LPS and alleviating Kupffer cell inflammation in the liver.
10.Study on the mechanism of Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids promoting decidualization and improving recurrent spontaneous abortion
Fang FANG ; Ying CUI ; Jialü HUANG ; Lili CHEN ; Jia XU ; Yunhui WAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2379-2386
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism by which Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids (CCF) promote decidualization and improve recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). METHODS HTR-8/SVneo cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into blank group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, CCF group, SGK2 inhibitor (GSK650394, abbreviated as “GSK”) group and CCF+GSK group. Each group was treated with the corresponding agents accordingly. HTR-8/SVneo cells with SGK2 knockdown were randomly divided into small interfering RNA of SGK2 (siSGK2) group and siSGK2+CCF group; additionally, blank group and LPS group were established; each group was treated with the corresponding agents accordingly. The cell survival rate, expression levels of WNK signaling pathway- and decidualization-related proteins and mRNAs, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential levels, were assessed in each group before and after SGK2 knockdown. RSA mice model was constructed and randomly divided into model group, CCF low-dose group, CCF high-dose group, GSK group, and combined dosing group, with 4 mice in each group. Other 4 normal pregnant female mice were selected as the control group. The number of implanted embryos, viable fetuses, and lost embryos in mice was recorded. The morphological changes of endometrium and decidualization were observed, and WNK signaling pathway- and decidualization-related proteins and mRNAs expressing levels as well as mitochondrial membrane potential levels were all detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the cell survival rate, as well as the protein and mRNA expression levels of SGK2, WNK1, WNK4, prolactin, insulin-like growth factor- binding protein-1, oxidative stress responsive kinase 1, and Ste20-like proline-/alanine-rich kinase were significantly reduced in the LPS group (P<0.05); compared with the LPS group, the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above- mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly increased in the CCF group, while the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly decreased in the GSK group (P<0.05); compared with the CCF group, the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly reduced in the CCF+GSK group (P<0.05). After knocking down SGK2, compared with the LPS group, the cell survival rate, red/green fluorescence intensity ratio, and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly reduced in the siSGK2 group (P<0.05); compared with the siSGK2 group, the cell survival rate, red/green fluorescence intensity ratio, and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly increased in the siSGK2+CCF group (P<0.05). The in vivo experimental results showed that CCF treatment can significantly improve the number of implanted embryos and viable fetuses in RSA model mice and reduce lost embryos, the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs in endometrial tissue were significantly increased, and the red/green fluorescence intensity ratio was significantly increased (P< 0.05); the combined dosing group could reverse the effect of CCF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CCF can activate SGK2, up- regulate the WNK signaling pathway, promote endometrial decidualization, and improve RSA.

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