1.Study on the role and mechanism of SPP1+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis
Zexin YANG ; Zeping GUI ; Junqi ZHANG ; Gang ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Li SUN ; Shuang FEI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):413-421
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis. Methods The expression features of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allografts of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) patients were analyzed based on single-cell transcriptome data of renal tissues from patients with CAD. Transcription factor VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis were performed on the single-cell transcriptome data. Renal tissue samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, including the CAD group (n=5) and the non-renal allograft fibrosis group (CTL group, n=5). A mouse model of chronic allograft rejection was established and divided into the allogeneic kidney transplantation group (CAD group, n=3) and the syngeneic kidney transplantation group (SYN group, n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect renal tissue injury in mice, and Masson staining was used to detect renal tissue fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect SPP1 expression in renal tissues of transplant recipients and mouse renal allografts. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were extracted from mice and subjected to hypoxia stimulation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot, and SPP1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. BMDMs were transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by hypoxia intervention, and the expression of HIF-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of BMDMs, and the expression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related markers was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allograft tissues was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the CTL group (P<0.05). The renal injury score and the percentage of interstitial fibrotic area in the CAD group were significantly higher than those in the SYN group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages was increased in the CAD group compared with the CTL group, and also increased in the CAD group compared with the SYN group (both P<0.05). VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis revealed activation of the hypoxia pathway and upregulated expression of transcription factors such as HIF-1α in SPP1+ macrophages. SPP1 expression was elevated in BMDMs under hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of HIF-1α inhibited hypoxia-induced SPP1 protein expression, whereas overexpression of HIF-1α upregulated SPP1 protein levels. After co-culture of hypoxia-induced BMDMs with MAECs, the expression levels of EndMT-related markers were increased. Conclusions SPP1+ macrophages differentiated under hypoxia are significantly infiltrated in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis, and may promote renal allograft fibrosis by inducing EndMT in renal vascular endothelial cells.
2.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
3.Value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices with significant portal hypertension in compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
Cheng LIU ; Jiayi ZENG ; Mengbing FANG ; Zhiheng CHEN ; Bei GUI ; Fengming ZHAO ; Jingkai YUAN ; Chaozhen ZHANG ; Meijie SHI ; Yubao XIE ; Xiaoling CHI ; Huanming XIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):263-268
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices since there is a high risk of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and to provide a basis for the early diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices. MethodsA total of 108 patients with significant portal hypertension due to compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who attended Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2017 to November 2023 were enrolled, and according to the presence or absence of esophageal and gastric varices under gastroscopy, they were divided into esophageal and gastric varices group (GOV group) and non-esophageal and gastric varices group (NGOV group). Related data were collected, including age, sex, imaging findings, and laboratory markers. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of five scoring models, i.e., fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), LOK index, LPRI, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR). The binary logistic regression method was used to establish a combined model, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared between the combined model and each scoring model used alone. The Delong test was used to compare the AUC value between any two noninvasive diagnostic models. ResultsThere were 55 patients in the GOV group and 53 patients in the NGOV group. Compared with the NGOV group, the GOV group had a significantly higher age (52.64±1.44 years vs 47.96±1.68 years, t=0.453, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase [42.00 (24.00 — 17.00) U/L vs 82.00 (46.00 — 271.00) U/L, Z=-3.065, P<0.05], aspartate aminotransferase [44.00 (32.00 — 96.00) U/L vs 62.00 (42.50 — 154.50) U/L,Z=-2.351, P<0.05], and platelet count [100.00 (69.00 — 120.00)×109/L vs 119.00 (108.50 — 140.50)×109/L, Z=-3.667, P<0.05]. The ROC curve analysis showed that FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone had an accuracy of 0.667, 0.681, 0.730, and 0.639, respectively, in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices (all P<0.05), and the positive diagnostic rates of GOV were 69.97%, 65.28%, 67.33%, and 58.86%, respectively, with no significant differences in AUC values (all P>0.05), while APRI used alone had no diagnostic value (P>0.05). A combined model (LAF) was established based on the binary logistic regression analysis and had an AUC of 0.805 and a positive diagnostic rate of GOV of 75.80%, with a significantly higher AUC than FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone (Z=-2.773,-2.479,-2.206, and-2.672, all P<0.05). ConclusionFIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR have a similar diagnostic value for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and APRI alone has no diagnostic value. The combined model LAF had the best diagnostic efficacy, which provides a certain reference for clinical promotion and application.
4.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improve bone cancer pain by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglia activation
Houming KAN ; Jinzhao HUANG ; Xiaodie GUI ; Wendi TIAN ; Lijun FAN ; Xuetai CHEN ; Xiaotong DING ; Liping CHEN ; Wen SHEN
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):116-127
Background:
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment.
Methods:
We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs.
Results:
Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4.
Conclusions
Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.
5.Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Gene Mutation May Reduce the Risk of Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysm in Chinese Han Population
Xiheng CHEN ; Siming GUI ; Dachao WEI ; Dingwei DENG ; Yudi TANG ; Jian LV ; Wei YOU ; Jia JIANG ; Jun LIN ; Huijian GE ; Peng LIU ; Yuhua JIANG ; Lixin MA ; Yunci WANG ; Ming LV ; Youxiang LI
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):237-249
Background:
and Purpose Ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIA) are associated with a mortality rate of up to 40% in the Chinese population, highlighting the critical need for targeted treatment interventions for at-risk individuals. Although the impact of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene mutations on susceptibility to intracranial aneurysms (IA) is well documented, the potential connection between ALDH2 rs671 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and RIA remains unexplored. Given the increased prevalence of ALDH2 gene mutations among Chinese Han individuals, it is clinically relevant to investigate the link between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and IA rupture.
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on 546 patients diagnosed with IA to investigate the association between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and the risk of IA rupture.
Results:
The ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*2) was significantly more prevalent in patients with unruptured IA (UIA) than in those with RIA (32.56% vs. 18.58%, P=0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that people with the ALDH2 mutation (ALDH2*1/*2 and ALDH2*2/*2 gene type) had a significantly reduced odds ratio (OR=0.49; 95% confidence level [CI] 0.27–0.88; P=0.018) for RIAs. Age-specific subgroup analysis indicated that the ALDH2 mutation provided a stronger protective effect in individuals aged 60 years and above with IA compared to those under 60 years old (OR=0.38 vs. OR=0.52, both P<0.05).
Conclusion
The incidence of RIA was significantly higher in individuals with a normal ALDH2 gene (ALDH2*1/*1) than in those with an ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2). ALDH2 rs671 SNP may serve as a protective factor against RIA in the Chinese Han population.
6.Optimization of inferior vena cava imaging quality using spectral CT virtual monoenergetic images combined with multiphase scanning
Dapeng GAO ; Ziran WANG ; Xiangchuang KONG ; Quan CHEN ; Tianhe YE ; Beibei TIAN ; Shen GUI ; Lian YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(9):990-996
Objective:To investigate the optimization of inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with multiphase scanning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 184 patients who underwent inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer detector spectral CT at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2021 to October 2024. Each patient underwent multiphase scanning (60, 80, and 120 s after contrast injection were referred to as the first, second, and third phases, respectively). The images were reconstructed into conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image (PI) and VMIs at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV. Image quality of 120 kVp PI and VMI for each phase was evaluated. The objective image quality indicators included CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and noise. Comparisons of the above indictors within the same phase were performed using repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, while comparisons between different phases were conducted using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:At the same phase, the CT value, SNR, and CNR of the 40 keV VMI were higher than those of other energy level VMIs and PI (all P<0.001). The SNR of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly higher than in the first phase ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the first and second phases ( P>0.05). The standard deviation (SD) of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly lower than that in the first and second phases (all P<0.05). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI were higher than those for other energy level VMIs and PI at the same phase ( P<0.001). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI in the third phase were higher than those in the second and first phases ( P<0.001). The percentage of scores≥4 in the third phase (77.17%,142/184) was significantly higher than those in the first phase (28.26%,52/184) and second phase (61.96%,114/184) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:In inferior vena cava imaging, the 40 keV VMI, combined with the optimal phase (120 s delay), effectively optimizes image quality.
7.Interpretation of Updates for Diagnosis and Staging Criterion of NIA-AA Alzheimer's Disease(2024 Edition):Diagnostic and Therapeutic Significance of Multimodal Imaging
Xiaofei HU ; Li GUI ; Xiao CHEN ; Dingde HUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):454-460
The National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association(NIA-AA)released the"Revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer's disease"in 2024,representing a significant update following the 2011 and 2018 frameworks.This new standard aims to advance Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment from a"clinical-pathological"model to a"precision biology"era,improving early diagnosis rates and guiding precise therapeutic interventions.Nuclear medicine molecular imaging plays an irreplaceable role in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and staging,with key updates in the 2024 standard being the replacement of traditional clinical diagnosis with biological definitions and the hierarchical classification of biomarkers.This article focuses on interpreting the core positioning and clinical application value of multimodal imaging technologies within the new standard framework,particularly the critical roles of amyloid β-protein PET and tau PET in early diagnosis,biological staging and treatment monitoring of Alzheimer's disease,aiming to provide guidance for clinical practice.
8.Correlation between cytokine levels in peripheral blood and severity of acute myocardial infarction patients
Jie FANG ; Gui-hua RAO ; Jian-feng SONG ; Ming-liang CHEN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(2):249-255
Objective To investigate the peripheral blood cytokine levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI),and to analyze its correlation with Killip classification,N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor(NT-proBNP),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),creatine kinase isoenzymes(CK-MB),and to provide a theoretical basis for assessing the severity and prognosis of the disease.Methods A total of 312 patients with AMI admitted to Minhang Hospital,Fudan University from Jul 2021 to Oct 2023 were enrolled as the case group,and 201 patients with unstable angina pectoris were selected as the control group.General clinical data of the subjects were collected,and the concentrations of cytokines(IL-5,IFN-α,IFN-γ,IL-10,IL-12p70,IL-17,IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-6,IL-8,and TNF-α)in peripheral blood were detected by multiplex bead-based flow cytometry.NT-proBNP,cTnI and CK-MB were measured by chemiluminescence methods.The levels of cytokines between the two groups were compared,and their correlations with Killip classification,NT-proBNP,cTnI and CK-MB were analyzed.The predictive efficacy of cytokines for AMI was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results There were no significant differences in baseline data between the AMI group and the control group(P>0.05),with the exception of age.The levels of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α in the AMI group were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.01).The correlation analyses showed that IL-6 was positively correlated with Killip classification,NT-proBNP,cTnI and CK-MB(all P<0.01).ROC analyses showed that IL-6 levels had good predictive efficacy for AMI(AUC=0.882 9,P<0.01).Conclusion The expression of IL-6 was significantly increased in patients with AMI,and it was positively correlated with Killip classification,NT-proBNP,cTnI and CK-MB,suggesting that IL-6 may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing the severity of AMI.
9.Study on mechanism of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction in treatment of endometriosis fibrosis based on mitophagy
Can-can HUANG ; Wen-wen WAN ; Xiu-jia JI ; Bin YUE ; Yu-gui ZHANG ; Xiao-hua ZHANG ; Li LIANG ; Guo-lian CHEN ; Quan-sheng WU ; Hai-yan MAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1177-1185
Aim To explore the mechanism of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction in antagonizing endometriosis fibrosis by regulating mitophagy.Methods After the animal model was constructed,the syndrome was evalu-ated by general condition,organ water content and ther-mal imaging.The curative effect was evaluated by the weight of ectopic focus and the degree of adhesion.The pathological changes were compared using HE stai-ning,transmission electron microscopy,Masson and Sir-ius red staining.The expression of PINK1 and Parkin was detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression of mRNA and protein was determined by qPCR and Western blot,and the level of serum ROS was detected by ELISA.Results The autonomic activity of model mice was weakened,the water content of organs rose,and the temperature of limbs and lower abdomen was reduced by thermal imaging.HE staining showed obvi-ous hyperplasia of ectopic epithelium and glands.Transmission electron microscopy showed mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum structure damage,and nor-mal autophagy structure disappeared.Masson and Siri-us red staining showed increased collagen deposition;immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of PINK1 and Parkin in ectopic foci.qPCR and Western blot showed that the expression of PINK1,Parkin,Bec-lin1,LC3 mRNA and protein in ectopic foci of model mice decreased,the expression of p62 mRNA and pro-tein increased,and serum ROS increased.The syn-drome performance of model mice was improved after the intervention of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction;the inflammatory infiltration of ectopic foci was relieved,the morphology of mitochondria and endoplasmic retic-ulum was restored,and normal autophagy structure ap-peared.The degree of collagen deposition and fibrosis was reduced;the mRNA and protein expression of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin1 and LC3 increased.The ex-pression of p62 mRNA and protein decreased,and the level of ROS decreased.Conclusions Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction can improve the fibrosis of ectopic le-sions in mice with endometriosis of cold-dampness sta-sis syndrome,which may be related to the regulation of mitophagy.
10.Application of nanoprobe based on aggregation-induced luminescence in photothermal diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer
Bin GUI ; Nan JIANG ; Xin HUANG ; Fanglu ZHONG ; Zhiwen WANG ; Qianhui LIU ; Yuxin GUO ; Yueying CHEN ; Huan PU ; Qing DENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(16):3400-3409
BACKGROUND:A novel aggregation induced luminescence fluorescence probe based on the mechanism of intramolecular motility restriction can be used for the detection of disease markers,tumor diagnosis,and bacterial imaging recognition.OBJECTIVE:To prepare a near-infrared Ⅱ nanoprobe called FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs based on aggregation-induced luminescence,and to explore its potential of targeted fluorescence imaging and photothermal therapy for prostate cancer.METHODS:Lecithin,polyethylene glycol phospholipids,folate polyethylene glycol phospholipids,and aggregation induced luminescent molecule 2TT-oC26B were used as raw materials.The folate-targeted nanoprobe FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method,and basic characterization of the nanoprobe was detected.PC3 human prostate cancer cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were selected as experimental objects.The cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs were detected.PC3 human prostate cancer cells were selected as the experimental objects.Flow cytometry and calcein/propidium iodide staining were used to assess the efficacy of photothermal therapy.PC3 human prostate cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into the abdomen of BALB/C nude mice to establish a tumor model,and nanoprobes FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs were injected into the tail vein.The mice were immediately subjected to near-infraced Ⅱ fluorescence imaging.12 hours later,the tumor was irradiated by laser for 5 minutes,and the photothermal treatment effect was observed within 14 days.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The nanoprobes FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs with a mean diameter of(171.0±0.3)nm showed a well-defined spherical morphology.The nanoprobe had a wide absorption spectrum and tail emission extending to the near-infrared Ⅱ which emitted a bright near-infrared Ⅱ fluorescence signal under laser irradiation.(2)The nanoprobes FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs had low cytotoxicity and high phototoxicity.The results of flow cytometry and calcein/propidium iodide staining showed that nanoprobes FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs had an obvious photothermal killing effect on human prostate cancer cells.(3)The nanoprobes FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs successfully achieved near-infrared Ⅱ fluorescence imaging of mouse blood vessels and the maximum enrichment time of the tumor was 12 hours.The vessel widths of the hind leg and single blood vessels of abdomen were estimated to be 0.63 mm and 0.42 mm.The tumor volume of mice was significantly smaller after 14 days of treatment.(4)The results show that nanoprobes FA-DSPE-PEG-AIE@NPs can achieve near-infrared Ⅱ fluorescence imaging and photothermal therapy of prostate cancer effectively,which may provide a new method for early diagnosis and combined treatment of prostate cancer.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail