1.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
2.Construction of recombinant epitope tandem vaccine of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein B and glycoprotein D and its immunoprotective effect
Yuxuan LIU ; Xiaoming DONG ; Jikun YANG ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Jing WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):530-536
AIM: To design and construct recombinant epitope nucleotides vaccine of glycoprotein B(gB)and glycoprotein D(gD)of herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1), and to investigate its immunoprotective effects and tissue expression in animal models.METHODS: The HSV-1 gB and gD epitope genes were selected and tandem assembled to construct the recombinant protein-coding gene X, which was transducted into the prokaryotic expression vector pET28(a). The recombinant protein was synthesized and utilized to generate monoclonal antibodies, which were subsequently used to immunize New Zealand white rabbits. The immunogenicity of the purified protein and the presence of polyclonal antibodies in the serum were tested through separating serum from cardiac blood, and the serum antibody titers were determined. The pcDNA3.1-X was successfully constructed as a eukaryotic expression vector and immunized the female BALB/c mice aged 4 to 6 wk via intramuscular injection. Serum antibodies and immune-related cytokines were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of the X protein in the ocular, trigeminal ganglion, and brain tissues of the mice was assessed.RESULTS: The target polyclonal antibody was identified with a serum antibody titer of 1:3200 in the rabbit serum after immunized by recombinant protein X. Upon immunizing mice with the eukaryotic recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-X, the concentration of HSV-1 serum IgM antibodies of the experimental group was 12.13±0.85 ng/L, which was significantly higher than that of the vector control group(0.49±0.44 ng/L; t=21.07, P<0.001). The concentrations of cytokines interleukin IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in the experimental group were 11.63±0.60, 22.65±1.47, 85.75±14.12, and 114.90±6.39 ng/L, respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those in the vector control group and the blank control group(all P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of target protein X in the eyeball, trigeminal ganglion, and brain tissue.CONCLUSION: The HSV-1 gB and gD tandem epitope nucleotides vaccine pcDNA3.1-X was successfully constructed, which activates a remarkable immune response and is stably expressed in the eyeball, trigeminal ganglion, and brain tissue. This study provides a foundation for further research of an HSV-1 recombinant antigen epitope tandem vaccine.
3.Progress in diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial venous malformations
HOU Jinsong ; ZHANG Yadong ; LIU Haichao
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(11):919-931
Venous malformation is a common congenital, non-tumor vascular malformation, accounting for about 60% of all vascular malformations, of which 40% occur in the head and neck. Due to the complex anatomical structure of the oral and maxillofacial region and the diverse classification of venous malformations, their clinical treatment poses certain difficulties and challenges. This article systematically elaborates on the etiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, and clinical treatment strategies of venous malformations in the oral and maxillofacial region. Molecular genetic studies have shown that the occurrence and development of venous malformations are closely related to abnormal activation of the ANGPT/TIE2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway; its clinical manifestations are gradually growing blue purple masses and its histological features are tortuous venous ducts; and clinical imaging examinations have high specificity, among which digital subtraction angiography classification has important clinical guidance value for the treatment of venous malformation sclerosis. According to different classifications, strategies, such as sclerosis treatment, surgical treatment, and laser treatment, can be applied separately or in combination. This article also explores the advantages and disadvantages of targeted therapy in the treatment of venous malformations, with a focus on improving clinical outcomes while reducing complications. At the same time, through the analysis of typical clinical cases, it summarizes the key points of diagnosis and treatment and treatment plans, in order to provide a reference for improving the clinical efficacy of venous malformation treatment and reducing treatment complications.
4.Randomized controlled multicenter trial of N-butyl cyanoacrylate endovenous ablation and radiofrequency endovenous ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins
Jinsong JIANG ; Hao WU ; Xinye WANG ; Dang XIE ; Changming WANG ; Xin FANG ; Chunshui HE ; Zhenjie LIU
Journal of Surgery Concepts & Practice 2025;30(4):302-309
Objective To compare the 12-month efficacy and safety of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. Methods A total of 155 patients with GSV insufficiency from five centers were randomly allocated to the NBCA group or RFA group. Postoperative efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated. Results Immediate postoperative closure rates of the GSV trunk were 100% in both groups. The closure rates of NBCA and RFA group were 98.6% and 98.5% at 3 months, 97.1% and 98.5% at 6 months, 98.1% and 95.9% at 12 months, with no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). After treatment, CEAP classification improved significantly from baseline in both groups. In terms of safety, 1 case of phlebitis, 1 case of ablation-related thrombus extension (ARTE) and 2 cases of calf muscle venous thrombosis(CMVT) occurred in the NBCA group, while 2 cases of limb numbness, 1 case of persistent thigh pain and 2 cases of CMVT in the RFA group. All reported serious adverse events in both groups were assessed as unrelated to the medical device or the trial procedure. Conclusions NBCA demonstrates non-inferior efficacy and safety compared to RFA for treating GSV insufficiency over 12 months.
5.Extracorporeal blood purification therapy for acute poisoning in Jiangsu Province, China: a cross-sectional, multicenter real-world study
Li QIAO ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Jianrong CHEN ; Lijun LIU ; Ping GENG ; Hong SUN ; Yeping DU ; Zhiguang TIAN ; Jianjun MA ; Rushan YANG ; Jiancheng DONG ; Zheng QIN ; Shanshan WU ; Yumin PAN ; Yigang WU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(3):369-375
Objective:To investigate the current application of blood purification in the treatment of acute poisoning within Jiangsu Province and to evaluate the impact of extracorporeal blood purification on the clinical outcomes of critically poisoned patients.Methods:This multicenter, cross-sectional real-world observational study followed patients presenting with poisoning to the emergency departments of nine hospitals in Jiangsu Province between June 2015 and May 2019. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, vital signs within the first hour of emergency presentation, treatment modalities, length of hospital stay, and survival outcomes. Clinical data from patients who underwent extracorporeal blood purification were compared with those who did not, using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Chi-square test.Results:A total of 4 178 poisoning cases were included between June 2015 and May 2019. Among them, 21.7% (908/4 178) received blood purification therapy, while 78.3% (3 270/4 178) did not. Hemoperfusion (90.4%) was the most frequently employed method, followed by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (4.4%). In combined blood purification modalities, 4.8% underwent hemoperfusion combined with CRRT, 0.1% received hemoperfusion with plasma exchange, and another 0.1% underwent hemoperfusion combined with both CRRT and plasma exchange. Among patients who underwent blood purification, pesticide poisoning was the most prevalent (76.3%), with the most common toxic agents being paraquat (23.7%), dichlorvos (8.7%), methamidophos (5.2%), omethoate (4.0%), and glyphosate (3.7%). Compared to the non-blood purification group, patients in the blood purification group were more likely to present within the first hour with a low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (3-8) (22.6% vs. 9.7%, P <0.05), low mean arterial pressure (8.0% vs. 3.2%, P <0.05), longer hospital stays [5(3,9) days vs. 2(1,4) days, P <0.05] and a higher in-hospital mortality rate (21.1% vs. 5.3%, P <0.05). Follow-up via telephone 28 days after discharge revealed a survival rate of 78.9%, with a mortality rate of 21.1% in the blood purification group. Conclusions:Hemoperfusion is the most commonly utilized blood purification technique for treating poisoning in Jiangsu Province, with pesticides being the primary toxic agents treated. Although the mortality rate is higher in the blood purification group, the intervention may still contribute to improved patient outcomes.
6.The Predictive Value of Changes in Serum Uric Acid and Homocysteine Levels in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Yuyun YOU ; Jinsong YIN ; Yunfei HONG ; Xia ZHENG ; Feifei LIU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(2):95-102
Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum uric acid(UA),homocysteine(Hcy)and the product index of UA and Hcy in patients with stable coronary artery disease(SCAD).Methods A total of 783 patients with suspected coronary heart disease were collected,all of whom underwent coronary angiography.Patients were divided into coronary heart disease(CHD)group and non-coronary heart disease(NCHD)group.The CHD group was further divided into low score group(≤35 points)and high score group(>35 points)according to Gensini scores.Baseline data,blood lipids,Hcy,UA,left ventricular function ultrasound indicators,and comorbidities were collected.Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with the onset of SCAD and severe coronary artery disease,while the Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC)curve was conducted to assess the predictive efficacy of the product index of UA and Hcy,and related risk factors,for SCAD onset and severe coronary artery disease.Results 1.In CHD group,UA,Hcy and the product index of UA and Hcy were all higher than in the NCHD group(P<0.001);the high-score group had higher UA,Hcy and the product index of UA and Hcy than the low Gensini score group(P<0.001).2.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female age,sex,body mass index(BMI),product index of UA and Hcy,high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and hypertension(HTN)were independent risk factors for SCAD(P<0.05).BMI,the product index of UA and Hcy,HDL-C,LDL-C and LVEF were independent risk factors for severe coronary artery disease(P<0.05).3.There was a positive correlation between UA and Hcy product index and Gensini scores(r=0.433,P<0.05).4.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the product index of UA and Hcy and combined detection of coronary heart disease risk factors had predictive value for the occurrence of SCAD(P<0.05),and the predictive value of combined detection was higher(area under the curve 0.808);both the product index of UA and Hcy and the combined detection of coronary heart disease risk factors had predictive value for severe coronary artery lesions(P<0.05),with a higher predictive value for combined detection(area under the curve 0.771).Conclusion As an independent predictor of the risk of SCAD and severe coronary stenosis,the product index of UA and Hcy has a high predictive efficacy regarding disease risk and the severity of coronary artery in patients with SCAD.
7.Association of Serum Homocysteine,High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Their Ratio with Premature Coronary Heart Disease
Yuyun YOU ; Yunfei HONG ; Xia ZHENG ; Feifei LIU ; Jinsong YIN
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(4):83-89
Objective To evaluate the predictive value of changes in serum homocysteine(Hcy),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),and the homocysteine-to-HDL-C ratio(HHR)for the incidence and short-term prognosis of patients with premature coronary heart disease(PCHD).Methods Between January 2022 and December 2023,301 patients with the suspected coronary heart disease(males≤55 years,females≤65 years)were retrospectively selected from the Department of Cardiology at the Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province.All patients who underwent coronary angiography(CAG)were divided into the premature coronary heart disease(PCHD)group(n=98)and the non-coronary heart disease(NCHD)group(n=203).Patients with PCHD were followed up six months after the discharge and were further classified into the good prognosis group(n=55)and the poor prognosis group(n=43)based on the presence of worsening clinical symptoms such as chest tightness,chest pain,arrhythmias,heart failure,or death.Data collected included general patient information,blood lipid levels,Hcy levels,left ventricular function ultrasound indicators,and the presence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.Results Hcy and HHR levels were significantly higher in the PCHD group compared to the NCHD group,while HDL-C levels were lower(P<0.001).In the poor prognosis group,Hcy and HHR levels were elevated,and HDL-C levels were reduced compared to the good prognosis group(P<0.001).The Hcy and HHR levels in the severe coronary artery stenosis group were markedly higher than those in the normal coronary artery group and the mild to the moderate stenosis group,with HDL-C levels being lower(P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that male sex,HHR,Hcy,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)were independent factors influencing premature coronary heart disease(P<0.05).HHR was found to be an independent risk factor for the poor short-term prognosis in PCHD.The analysis of the operating characteristic curve of the subjects showed that serum Hcy and HHR had the predictive value for the occurrence of PCHD(P<0.05),with HHR showing higher predictive value(area under the curve[AUC]=0.713).HHR also had the substantial predictive value for the short-term prognosis of PCHD(AUC=0.715).Conclusion Elevated HHR levels are associated with the severe coronary artery disease in patients with PCHD.HHR serves as a significant predictor for both the occurrence and short-term prognosis of PCHD.
8.Expert consensus on surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer
China Anti-Cancer Association Head and Neck Oncology Committee ; China Anti-Cancer Association Holistic Integrative Oral Cancer on Preventing and Screen-ing Committee ; Min RUAN ; Nannan HAN ; Changming AN ; Chao CHEN ; Chuanjun CHEN ; Minjun DONG ; Wei HAN ; Jinsong HOU ; Jun HOU ; Zhiquan HUANG ; Chao LI ; Siyi LI ; Bing LIU ; Fayu LIU ; Xiaozhi LV ; Zheng-Hua LV ; Guoxin REN ; Xiaofeng SHAN ; Zhengjun SHANG ; Shuyang SUN ; Tong JI ; Chuanzheng SUN ; Guowen SUN ; Hao TIAN ; Yuanyin WANG ; Yueping WANG ; Shuxin WEN ; Wei WU ; Jinhai YE ; Di YU ; Chunye ZHANG ; Kai ZHANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Sheng ZHANG ; Jiawei ZHENG ; Xuan ZHOU ; Yu ZHOU ; Guopei ZHU ; Ling ZHU ; Susheng MIAO ; Yue HE ; Jugao FANG ; Chenping ZHANG ; Zhiyuan ZHANG
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2024;32(11):821-833
With the increasing proportion of human papilloma virus(HPV)infection in the pathogenic factors of oro-pharyngeal cancer,a series of changes have occurred in the surgical treatment.While the treatment mode has been im-proved,there are still many problems,including the inconsistency between diagnosis and treatment modes,the lack of popularization of reconstruction technology,the imperfect post-treatment rehabilitation system,and the lack of effective preventive measures.Especially in terms of treatment mode for early oropharyngeal cancer,there is no unified conclu-sion whether it is surgery alone or radiotherapy alone,and whether robotic minimally invasive surgery has better func-tional protection than radiotherapy.For advanced oropharyngeal cancer,there is greater controversy over the treatment mode.It is still unclear whether to adopt a non-surgical treatment mode of synchronous chemoradiotherapy or induction chemotherapy combined with synchronous chemoradiotherapy,or a treatment mode of surgery combined with postopera-tive chemoradiotherapy.In order to standardize the surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in China and clarify the indications for surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer,this expert consensus,based on the characteristics and treat-ment status of oropharyngeal cancer in China and combined with the international latest theories and practices,forms consensus opinions in multiple aspects of preoperative evaluation,surgical indication determination,primary tumor re-section,neck lymph node dissection,postoperative defect repair,postoperative complication management prognosis and follow-up of oropharyngeal cancer patients.The key points include:① Before the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer,the expression of P16 protein should be detected to clarify HPV status;② Perform enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the maxillofacial region before surgery to evaluate the invasion of oropharyngeal cancer and guide precise surgical resec-tion of oropharyngeal cancer.Evaluating mouth opening and airway status is crucial for surgical approach decisions and postoperative risk prediction;③ For oropharyngeal cancer patients who have to undergo major surgery and cannot eat for one to two months,it is recommended to undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy before surgery to effectively improve their nutritional intake during treatment;④ Early-stage oropharyngeal cancer patients may opt for either sur-gery alone or radiation therapy alone.For intermediate and advanced stages,HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer general-ly prioritizes radiation therapy,with concurrent chemotherapy considered based on tumor staging.Surgical treatment is recommended as the first choice for HPV unrelated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(including primary and re-current)and recurrent HPV related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy and chemotherapy;⑤ For primary exogenous T1-2 oropharyngeal cancer,direct surgery through the oral approach or da Vinci robotic sur-gery is preferred.For T3-4 patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer,it is recommended to use temporary mandibu-lectomy approach and lateral pharyngotomy approach for surgery as appropriate;⑥ For cT1-2N0 oropharyngeal cancer patients with tumor invasion depth>3 mm and cT3-4N0 HPV unrelated oropharyngeal cancer patients,selective neck dissection of levels ⅠB to Ⅳ is recommended.For cN+HPV unrelated oropharyngeal cancer patients,therapeutic neck dissection in regions Ⅰ-Ⅴ is advised;⑦ If PET-CT scan at 12 or more weeks after completion of radiation shows intense FDG uptake in any node,or imaging suggests continuous enlargement of lymph nodes,the patient should undergo neck dissection;⑧ For patients with suspected extracapsular invasion preoperatively,lymph node dissection should include removal of surrounding muscle and adipose connective tissue;⑨ The reconstruction of oropharyngeal cancer defects should follow the principle of reconstruction steps,with priority given to adjacent flaps,followed by distal pedicled flaps,and finally free flaps.The anterolateral thigh flap with abundant tissue can be used as the preferred flap for large-scale postoperative defects.
9.Mechanisms by which Mettl3 regulates pericyte-myofibroblast transdifferentiation through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Yi DENG ; Yan WANG ; Pingping HE ; Jiao LI ; Weiwei LIU ; Jinsong YUAN ; Hongyan ZHAO ; Zhijiang LIU ; Changyin SHEN ; Bei SHI
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2024;52(7):814-826
Objective:To investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of methyltransferase (Mettl) 3 in the process of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and renal fibrosis.Methods:C57BL/6J mice were used, in cell experiments, mouse renal pericytes were isolated and cultured using magnetic bead sorting. These pericytes were then induced to transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts with 1×10 6 mmol/L Ang Ⅱ, which was the Ang Ⅱ group, while pericytes cultured in normal conditions served as the control group. Successful transdifferentiation was verified by immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The levels of m6A modifications and related enzymes (Mettl3, Mettl14), Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), fat mass and obesity protein (FTO), ALKBH5, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, YTHDC3 were assessed by Dot blot, RT-qPCR and Western blot. Mettl3 expression was inhibited in cells using lentivirus-mediated Mettl3-shRNA transfection, creating sh-Mettl3 and Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 groups, while lentivirus empty vector transfection served as the negative control (Ang Ⅱ+sh-NC group). The impact of Ang Ⅱ on pericyte transdifferentiation was observed, and the expression of downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway proteins, including PI3K, AKT, phosphorylated AKT at serine 473 (p-AKT (S473)), and phosphorylated AKT at threonine 308 (p-AKT (T308)), were examined. PI3K gene transcription was inhibited by co-culturing cells with actinomycin D, and the half-life of PI3K mRNA was calculated by measuring residual PI3K mRNA expression over different co-culture time. The reversibility of Mettl3 inhibition on Ang Ⅱ-induced pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation was assessed by adding the AKT activator SC79 to the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group. In animal experiments, mice were divided into these groups: sham group (administered 0.9% sterile saline), Ang Ⅱ group (infused with Ang Ⅱ solution), sh-Mettl3 group (injected with Mettl3 shRNA lentivirus solution), Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group (infused with Ang Ⅱ solution and injected with Mettl3 shRNA lentivirus solution), and Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3+SC79 group (administered Ang Ⅱ solution and Mettl3 shRNA lentivirus, with an additional injection of SC79). Each group consisted of six subject mice. Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method before and after surgery, and serum creatinine, urea, and urinary albumin levels were determined 4 weeks post-surgery. Kidney tissues were collected at 28 days and stained using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson′s trichrome to assess the extent of renal fibrosis. Results:Primary renal pericytes were successfully obtained by magnetic bead sorting, and intervened with 1×10 6 mmol/L Ang Ⅱ for 48 hours to induce pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Dot blot results indicated higher m6A modification levels in the Ang Ⅱ group compared to the control group ( P<0.05). RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed upregulation of Mettl3 mRNA and protein levels in the Ang Ⅱ group compared to the control group (both P<0.05). In the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group, Mettl3 protein expression was lower than that in the Ang Ⅱ group, with reduced expression levels of α-SMA, vimentin, desmin, fibroblast agonist protein (FAPa) and type Ⅰ collagen (all P<0.05). Compared to the control group, PI3K mRNA expression level was elevated in the Ang Ⅱ group, along with increased p-AKT (S473) and p-AKT (T308) expressions. In the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group, PI3K mRNA expression and p-AKT (S473) and p-AKT (T308) levels were decreased (all P<0.05). The half-life of PI3K mRNA was shorter in the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group than that in the Ang Ⅱ+sh-NC group (2.34 h vs. 3.42 h). The ameliorative effect of Mettl3 inhibition on Ang Ⅱ-induced pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation was reversible by SC79. Animal experiments showed higher blood pressure, serum creatinine, urea, and 24-hour urinary protein levels, and a larger fibrosis area in the Ang Ⅱ group compared to the sham group (all P<0.05). The fibrosis area was smaller in the Ang Ⅱ+sh-Mettl3 group than that in the Ang Ⅱ group ( P<0.05), but increased again upon addition of SC79. Conclusion:Mettl3-mediated RNA m6A epigenetic regulation is involved in Ang Ⅱ-induced pericyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and renal fibrosis, potentially by affecting PI3K stability and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
10.Mechanism of Sanhuang Xiexintang in Protecting Stress Gastric Ulcer in Rats
Yilin ZHONG ; Ran XIE ; Jiameng LI ; Shuang LIU ; Junying LI ; Mengnan ZANG ; Xing LIU ; Jinsong LIU ; Feng SUI ; Pengqian WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):45-53
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of Sanhuang Xiexintang (SHXXT) in protecting stress gastric ulcer (SGU) in rats through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodThe active ingredients and corresponding targets in SHXXT were collected and screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database (TCMID), Bioinformation Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM), and Swiss Target Prediction database. SGU-related targets were screened from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), GeneCards database, and PharmGKB database. Herbal-ingredient-target (H-C-T) network was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) of drug and disease intersection targets was analyzed by using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were conducted through the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The active ingredients and key targets were validated using AutodockVina 1.2.2 molecular docking software, and the experimental results were further validated through animal experiments. ResultThe 55 active ingredients were screened, and 255 potential target genes for SHXXT treatment of SGU were predicted. The PPI analysis showed that protein kinase B (Akt), phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are the core targets of SHXXT for protecting SGU. GO and KEGG analyses showed that SHXXT may affect the development of SGU by regulating various biological processes such as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway and inflammatory processes. The molecular docking results showed that both the active ingredients and key targets had good binding ability. Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the ulcer index (UI) of the model group was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly increased (P<0.01). The phosphorylation level of PTEN in gastric mucosal tissue was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). The phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the UI of the treatment group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The phosphorylation level of PTEN in gastric mucosal tissue was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionThe application of network pharmacology prediction, molecular docking simulation, and animal experimental validation confirms that SHXXT regulates the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway to regulate the inflammatory response of rats and thus protects the gastric mucosa of SGU rats.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail