1.Inhibitory effects of different concentrations of auranofin on M1 macrophage function and its therapeutic potential in diabetic wound healing
Hongfei PAN ; Zhenbing ZHUANG ; Baiyun XU ; Zhangyang YANG ; Kairui LIN ; Bingqing ZHAN ; Jinghan LAN ; Heng GAO ; Nanbo ZHANG ; Jiayu LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1390-1397
BACKGROUND:During diabetic wound healing,the sustained activation of M1 macrophages exacerbates the inflammatory response and hinders wound repair.Auranofin,an anti-inflammatory drug,has not been clearly studied for its effects on M1 macrophages and its potential role in diabetic wound healing.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different concentrations of auranofin on the biological function of M1 macrophages and evaluate its potential application in diabetic wound healing.METHODS:RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells were used as research models.M1 polarization was induced using different concentrations of interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide.M1 macrophages were treated with 1 and 2 μmol/L auranofin.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to evaluate the effect of auranofin on cell viability.Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.ELISA was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α in the supernatant.Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of nuclear factor-κB(p65),phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK),and total MAPK proteins.Additionally,6-8-week-old male C57BL/6J and db/db diabetic mice were used for wound healing experiments,with the mice divided into C57 control,db/db control and auranofin treatment groups,each containing six animals.Dorsal skin defect modeling and treatment with intraperitoneal injection of auranofin were performed to observe wound healing in mice.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cell experiments showed that co-treatment with interferon-y(10 ng/mL)and lipopolysaccharide(100 ng/mL)significantly induced M1 polarization in RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells,resulting in increased mRNA expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.Treatment with auranofin(1 and 2 μmol/L)reduced the mRNA expression of these inflammatory factors in the cells and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant.(2)Auranofin treatment significantly suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB(p65)and phosphorylated MAPK signaling pathways.(3)Animal experiments showed that auranofin promoted wound healing in db/db diabetic mice,suggesting that auranofin has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may facilitate the healing of wounds in diabetic mice.
2.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
3.Inhibitory effects of different concentrations of auranofin on M1 macrophage function and its therapeutic potential in diabetic wound healing
Hongfei PAN ; Zhenbing ZHUANG ; Baiyun XU ; Zhangyang YANG ; Kairui LIN ; Bingqing ZHAN ; Jinghan LAN ; Heng GAO ; Nanbo ZHANG ; Jiayu LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1390-1397
BACKGROUND:During diabetic wound healing,the sustained activation of M1 macrophages exacerbates the inflammatory response and hinders wound repair.Auranofin,an anti-inflammatory drug,has not been clearly studied for its effects on M1 macrophages and its potential role in diabetic wound healing.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different concentrations of auranofin on the biological function of M1 macrophages and evaluate its potential application in diabetic wound healing.METHODS:RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells were used as research models.M1 polarization was induced using different concentrations of interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide.M1 macrophages were treated with 1 and 2 μmol/L auranofin.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to evaluate the effect of auranofin on cell viability.Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.ELISA was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α in the supernatant.Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of nuclear factor-κB(p65),phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK),and total MAPK proteins.Additionally,6-8-week-old male C57BL/6J and db/db diabetic mice were used for wound healing experiments,with the mice divided into C57 control,db/db control and auranofin treatment groups,each containing six animals.Dorsal skin defect modeling and treatment with intraperitoneal injection of auranofin were performed to observe wound healing in mice.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cell experiments showed that co-treatment with interferon-y(10 ng/mL)and lipopolysaccharide(100 ng/mL)significantly induced M1 polarization in RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells,resulting in increased mRNA expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.Treatment with auranofin(1 and 2 μmol/L)reduced the mRNA expression of these inflammatory factors in the cells and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant.(2)Auranofin treatment significantly suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB(p65)and phosphorylated MAPK signaling pathways.(3)Animal experiments showed that auranofin promoted wound healing in db/db diabetic mice,suggesting that auranofin has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may facilitate the healing of wounds in diabetic mice.
4.A case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by anti-Jk3 and its clinical features
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):256-260
Objective: To analyze a case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by anti-Jk3 antibody, which was induced in a rare Jk (a-b-) blood type resulting from a gene mutation in the Kidd blood group system, so as to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of HDFN associated with this antibody. Methods: HDFN-related blood group serological testing, antibody identification and specific blood group antigen identification were performed on blood samples from the infant and the mother. The mother's Kidd blood group was analyzed by molecular biology methods. Clinical data of the infant and the mother were collected, and changes in bilirubin, hemoglobin (Hb), and other results during the disease progression of the infant were analyzed. Results: The infant was blood type B, Rh (D) positive, and Kidd blood group Jk (a-b+). The mother was blood type O, Rh (D) positive. Due to an IVS5-1 G>A mutation, the mother exhibited a Jk (a-b-) phenotype. Anti-Jk3 antibodies were detected in the mother's plasma. The infant was diagnosed with HDFN due to anti-Jk3. During treatment, the total bilirubin (TBil) and indirect bilirubin (IBil) levels of the infant initially increased and then decreased, with peak monitored values of 228.2 μmol/L and 208.9 μmol/L, respectively. Hb decreased from 180 g/L at birth to 93 g/L. After phototherapy and symptomatic treatment, the infant's indicators stabilized, and the general condition improved. The infant was discharged after recovery. Conclusion: Clinically, HDFN caused by anti-Jk3 antibodies is relatively rare. For HDFN induced by this antibody, early detection, intervention, and treatment are essential to address the transfusion challenges posed by the extreme scarcity of Jk3-negative blood sources, thereby minimizing adverse outcomes in affected infants to the greatest extent possible.
5.Value of machine learning models based on clinico-pathological features and inflammatory markers predicting lymphovascular invasion in gastric cancer
Baoshun YANG ; Xiaomei MA ; Dong CAO ; Heng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):379-385
Objective To explore the predictive performance of machine learning models integrating clinico-pathological features and inflammatory markers for lymphovascular invasion (LVI) before gastric cancer surgery. Methods A retrospective cohort of 193 gastric cancer patients from The First Hospital of Lanzhou University (training set) and 185 patients from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (validation set) was included. Preoperative clinical pathological characteristics, tumor markers, and inflammatory markers were collected to identify independent risk factors for LVI. Six machine learning models were established in the training set. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and Brier scores. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) was applied for model interpretability. Results The multivariate logistic regression showed increased tumor invasion depth (T-stage), lymph node metastases (N-stage), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were independent risk factors for gastric cancer LVI (P<0.05). Using these three indicators, 6 machine learning models were developed, all of which demonstrated favorable predictive performance, with 0.79 and 0.76 of minimum AUC values in the training set and the validation set, respectively. Among them, the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) model exhibited the best overall performance, achieving AUCs of 0.83 and 0.82 in the training set and the validation set, along with Brier scores of 0.163 and 0.187, respectively. Calibration and DCA curves further confirmed that the model possesses strong predictive accuracy and application value. SHAP analysis showed the feature importance in LightGBM model, identifying the N-stage as the top contributor, followed by the T-stage and the SII. Conclusion The machine learning models incorporating clinical pathological features and inflammatory indicators can effectively predict LVI status in gastric cancer, with the LightGBM model demonstrating optimal performance.
6.Transforming University Nutrition Environments (TUNE): Initial findings on nutritional quality and vendors’ perspectives of foods sold at Universiti Malaya’s residential campus cafeterias
Ai Kah Ng ; Juan Carlos Algaba ; Ruban Rao ; Heng Yaw Yong ; Wai Yew Yang ; Thangiah Nithiah ; Bala Murali Sundram ; N Hairi Noran
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2026;32(Supplementary):51-62
Introduction: Cafeteria environments within universities have a significant influence over sustainable and healthy dietary behaviours. Hence, this study aimed to understand the nutritional landscape of food options in university cafeterias and to identify the factors contributing to unhealthy food options from the perspective of food service vendors. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, 122 food options from all 12 residential campus cafeterias in Universiti Malaya (UM) were collected between October and December 2024. All food options were grouped into (i) bread, (ii) meat dishes, (iii) drinks, (iv) Western dishes, and (v) rice- or noodle-based fried food group; they were further analysed for calories, fat, saturated fat, dietary fibre, and salt using the Malaysian Food Composition Database (MyFCD) and the Singapore Food Composition Database (SFCD). Nutrient classification (high vs. low) was based on the criteria outlined in the Labelling Guidelines 2023. Additionally, food service vendors were interviewed to explore operational challenges, with data collection ceasing upon reaching thematic saturation. The interviews were then transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Quantitative findings showed that there were 36 bread-based meals, 16 meat-based dishes, 18 beverages, 30 Westernstyle meals, and 22 rice- or noodle-based fried foods. The study also revealed an over-reliance on high-calorie, high-fat, and low-fibre foods, with limited availability of sustainable and nutritious options. Qualitative findings highlighted the influence of affordability, vendor practices, and student preferences on campus food choices. Conclusion: The study underscored the need for internal policy intervention, improved vendor education and sustainability practices, and increased accessibility to healthier meals on campus.
7.Interpretation of ESC-EACTS expert consensus on bridge vessel management during and after coronary artery bypass grafting in 2024
Heng ZHANG ; Yunpeng ZHU ; Zhongyu JIAO ; Yi YANG ; Qiang ZHAO ; Zhe ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(9):530-543
Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) remains a cornerstone treatment for complex coronary artery disease, with long-term graft patency being essential for clinical success. In 2024, the European Society of Cardiology(ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery(EACTS) jointly released an expert consensus document on the intraoperative and postoperative management of CABG grafts. This article provides a comprehensive Chinese translation and interpretation of the consensus, covering key topics including graft harvesting techniques(such as skeletonized vs. pedicled, endoscopic vs. open harvesting), optimal preservation solutions, mechanisms and prevention of graft spasm, and secondary prevention strategies involving antithrombotic and lipid-lowering therapies. Additionally, based on the current situation of clinical practice in China and the characteristics of the Chinese population, the article discussed some key issues in depth, put forward adaptive suggestions, and pointed out the future research direction. The translated consensus and accompanying commentary aim to facilitate the dissemination and application of ESC-endorsed recommendations in Chinese clinical settings, promoting more standardized and evidence-based graft management in CABG surgery.
8.Clinical observation of improving pain,shoulder function,and shoulder muscle strength with DING's Tuina combined with Western medication in patients with rotator cuff injury
Heng ZHANG ; AIMAITI YIMIER ; Linhao YANG ; Jingsong XU ; Jiaxu CHEN ; Zhen YAN ; Jue HONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(2):170-177
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of DING's Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)plus Western medication in treating rotator cuff injury(RCI)and its impact on pain,shoulder function,and shoulder muscle strength in the patients.Methods:Sixty-two RCI patients were divided into an observation group and a control group using a simple randomization method,each consisting of 31 cases.Both groups of patients were prescribed oral celecoxib capsules.In addition,DING's Tuina treatment was offered to the observation group.After 6 weeks of treatment,the two groups were observed for changes in the Constant-Murley score(CMS)for shoulder joint function,the short-form McGill pain questionnaire(SF-MPQ)score,and peak torque(PT)and peak torque to body mass ratio(PT/BM)at angular velocities 120 °/s and 90 °/s as well as the peak torque ratio(PTR)of agonist muscles to antagonist muscles[including adductors to abductors(ADD/ABD)and flexors to extensors(F/E)].Results:After treatment,both groups presented decreased SF-MPQ scores and increased CMS,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);the observation group had a lower SF-MPQ score and a higher CMS than the control group,showing statistical significance(P<0.05).After the intervention,the ADD/ABD decreased in the control group at the angular velocity 120 °/s in abduction,and the intra-group change was statistically significant(P<0.05);in the observation group,the PT and PT/BM increased compared to the baseline at angular velocities 120 °/s and 90 °/s in abduction,adduction,forward flexion,and backward extension,showing statistical significance(P<0.05).After treatment,the PT and PT/BM at angular velocities 120 °/s and 90 °/s and ADD/ABD at 120 °/s were higher in the observation group than in the control group,and the between-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:DING's Tuina combined with oral celecoxib capsules can reduce pain,improve the joint's motor function,and enhance the strength of shoulder muscle groups in RCI patients,and this treatment has a positive impact on the stability when performing shoulder joint abduction and adduction.
9.Effects of Yijing Decoction Containing Serum on Iron Overload-induced Oxidative Stress in Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Chengcheng LIANG ; Jing YU ; Heng HU ; Xiaoyu WANG ; Jiaxin TONG ; Xiaoli WANG ; Yang LI ; Jijun CHU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):105-112
Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of Yijing Decoction containing serum on iron overload-induced oxidative stress of human ovarian granulosa cells.Methods SD rats were used to prepare medicated serum and blank serum.Iron dextran was used to induce oxidative damage of SVOG cells.The cells were divided into control group,model group,containing serum group,blank serum group,antioxidant group and iron chelating agent group.After corresponding intervention,cell viability was detected by CCK-8 method,estrogen(E2)and progesterone(P)content in supernatant were detected by ELISA,the contents of intracellular ferrous ion(Fe2+),malondialdehyde(MDA),adenosine triphosphate(ATP)and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),catalase(CAT)were detected by the kit,ROS content was detected by DCFH-DA fluorescence probe,the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 fluorescence probe,Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),transferrin(Tf),transferrin receptor 1(TfR1),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1)and ferritin light chain(FTL).Results Compared with the control group,the viability of SVOG cells decreased in the model group,the contents of E2 and P in cell supernatant decreased,the contents of Fe2+,MDA and ROS increased,the content of ATP and activities of SOD,GSH-Px and CAT decreased,the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased,the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and FTH1 decreased,and the protein and mRNA expressions of Tf,TfR1 and FTL increased,with statistical significance(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the viability of SVOG cells in containing serum group,antioxidant group and iron chelating agent group increased,the contents of E2 and P in cell supernatant increased,the contents of Fe2+,MDA and ROS decreased,the content of ATP and activities of SOD,GSH-Px and CAT increased,the mitochondrial membrane potential increased,the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and FTH1 increased,and the protein and mRNA expressions of Tf,TfR1 and FTL decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Yijing Decoction containing serum may relieve oxidative stress damage induced by iron overload,improve mitochondrial function,and restore granulosa cell function,thereby enhancing ovarian function,potentially through up-regulating Nrf2,FTH1 expression and down-regulating Tf,TfR1 and FTL expressions.
10.Preparation and Characterization of Supramolecular Solvent and Its Extraction of Sulfonamide Antibiotics from Milk
Jun-Qiang HAO ; Zhi-Xin ZHANG ; Yu-Heng LI ; Fan-Di ZHAO ; Yang-Yang ZHOU ; Lei ZHAO ; Wei-Jian ZHANG ; Jia-Han XIE ; Zhi-Bing WANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):976-986
As a cheap and effective antibiotic,sulfonamides are often used in animal husbandry.However,their residues in animal-derived foodstuffs will threaten human health.Consequently,a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)method integrated with supramolecular solvent microextraction was successfully established for simultaneous quantification of sulfonamide residues sulfachlorpyridazine,sulfamethoxazole,sulfamethoxypyridazine and sulfadimethoxine in milk matrices.This approach exhibited prominent characteristics of operational simplicity,environmental sustainability,and high extraction efficiency.The supramolecular solvents prepared by tributyl octylphosphine tetrafluoroborate and tetrahydrofuran were employed as extraction solvents.The analytes underwent isolation and concentration via dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME)prior to quantitative determination using high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The composition and microscopic morphology of the supramolecular solvent were characterized through a series of analytical techniques,including phase diagram,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy,and inverted fluorescence microscopy and so on.The density and pH value of supramolecular solvents were determined.The extraction conditions were optimized through the one-factor experiments.The experimental results demonstrated that under the optimal extraction conditions,the four kinds of sulfonamide antibiotics exhibited excellent linearity within respective detection range(R2 ≥ 0.9998)and the limits of detection(LOD)were 0.67-1.45 μg/L.Compared with literature methods,this approach offered some advantages such as simplicity of operation and less reagent consumption,and could be used for analysis and detection of sulfonamide antibiotic residues in milk samples.The present method provided technical support for food safety regulation and paved a new way for the application of supramolecular solvents in the field of extraction and separation.


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