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.Effectiveness of generative large language model MedGo in nursing decision-making for elderly patients with multimorbidity
Qiaoyun YAN ; Min LI ; Yawen YAN ; Yaqing NI ; Yun GU ; Jiawen QIN ; Haiping YU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Liming ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):16-23
Objective To explore the effectiveness of the generative large language model MedGo in nursing decision-making for elderly patients with multimorbidity. Methods A quasi-randomized controlled trial study was conducted involving 6 junior nurses, 6 senior nurses and the MedGo model from January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 at the Emergency Internal Medicine Ward of Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University. Clinical data of 120 elderly patients with multimorbidity were analyzed to compare the performance of the three groups in four tasks (nursing diagnosis assessment, nursing intervention formulation, complication identification, and complication prevention) from three evaluation dimensions: decision-making time consumption, decision accuracy, and decision-making quality. Results In terms of decision-making time, the senior nurse group completed all four tasks faster than the junior nurse group (P<0.01), and the MedGo group completed all four tasks faster than the junior nurse group (P<0.001) and the senior nurse group (P<0.001). In terms of decision-making accuracy, senior nurse group scored higher than junior nurse group in all four tasks (P<0.001), while the MedGo group outperformed the senior nurse group only in complication identification (P<0.001). In terms of decision-making quality, the MedGo group scored higher than junior nurse group (P<0.001) and senior nurse group (P<0.001) in all four tasks. Conclusions The MedGo model demonstrates advantages of high efficiency, accuracy, and quality in nursing decision-making for elderly patients with multimorbidity; senior nurses outperform junior nurses in decision-making, providing diverse references for clinical nursing decision-making.
3.The role and clinical application progress of macrophages in antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation
Huan TANG ; Zeping GUI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):44-50
Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal failure, and antibody-mediated rejection remains the leading cause of late allograft loss. Macrophages, as central effectors of innate immunity, play a crucial role in the initiation, progression and tissue damage of antibody-mediated rejection. This article reviews the spatiotemporal dynamic evolution of macrophage polarization status in different stages of antibody-mediated rejection, the fine regulation of key signaling pathways for macrophage polarization, macrophage related molecules and the application prospects of targeted macrophage therapy. In depth analysis of the research progress of macrophages in antibody-mediated rejection, aiming to provide important theoretical basis for the development of precision diagnostic tools based on macrophages and novel immune intervention targets for antibody mediated rejection, ultimately promoting the improvement of long-term prognosis in kidney transplantation.
4.Celafolin A-1 Ameliorates Subretinal Fibrosis via Inhibition of Crystallin Alpha B in a Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Mouse Model
Eunhye YU ; Sun Mi GU ; Haechan KIM ; Jun Gu KIM ; Bang Yeon HWANG ; Jung Kee MIN ; Jaesuk YUN
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(2):434-447
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in people over 65 years old. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is the first-line treatment for neovascular AMD (nAMD); however, fibrosis remains an unmet medical need due to the lack of effective medications. This study evaluated eight natural products from Celastrus orbiculatus, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects, for their effects on the fibrotic pathological process as well as choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We investigated the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) values of these compounds on VEGF and alphasmooth muscle actin (α-SMA, a fibrosis marker) expression-induced by human acute monocytic cell (THP-1) conditioned media in retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE-19). Four compounds reduced both VEGF and α-SMA at 10 μM, with three—Celafolin A-1, COFH5645, and COFH543435—showing the highest potency. Intravitreal injections of the compound in a mouse model of CNV induced by laser photocoagulation confirmed its efficacy. Celafolin A-1 significantly reduced α-SMA and VEGF expression and decreased hyper-reflective lesions and CNV areas. Binding affinity measurements using biolayer interferometry identified an interaction between Celafolin A-1 and crystallin alpha B (Cryab), a protein involved in stress responses and fibrosis. Celafolin A-1 reduced the expression levels of Cryab as well as its phosphorylated form at Ser45, indicating that its mechanism involves the regulation of Cryab phosphorylation. Taken together, Celafolin A-1 exhibits dual inhibitory effects on VEGF and fibrosis, suggesting it as a candidate for the treatment of nAMD.
5.Tumor-Associated Macrophage Infiltration and PD-L1 Expression in Gastric Cancer According to a Modified TCGA-Based Classification
Boram SONG ; Dong-Hoe KOO ; Eo Jin KIM ; In-Gu DO ; Jinah CHU ; Kyungeun KIM ; Hyebin LEE ; Min-Jung KWON ; Jung Ho PARK ; Byung Ho SON ; Chang Hak YOO ; Seoung Wan CHAE
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2026;26(2):247-259
Purpose:
Although gastric cancer (GC) exhibits significant genomic heterogeneity, the clinical implications of its immune microenvironment remain poorly understood.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated patients with GC who underwent gastrectomies between 2011 and 2014. The tumors were analyzed for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD3), tumor-associated macrophages (CD68 and CD163), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Tumors were classified using the modified The Cancer Genome Atlas scheme, and their clinical characteristics were compared.
Results:
A total of 567 patients were classified into EBV (6%), MSI-H (10%), chromosomal instability-like (36%), and genomically stable-like (48%) subtypes. EBV tumors exhibited the highest PD-L1 expression (85%) and immune infiltration by CD3+ T cells (86%), CD68+ macrophages (58%), and CD163+ macrophages (40%). High CD68+ macrophage tumors were associated with advanced stages and worse 5-year disease-free survival (83% vs. 95%; P<0.001);however, this association was not independently significant after adjusting for the tumor-nodemetastasis stage. PD-L1 expression did not significantly affect the survival outcomes.
Conclusions
GC subtypes have distinct immune microenvironments that influence prognosis. Our findings highlight the prognostic and therapeutic potential of immune profiling in GC.
6.Unexpected Cancellation of Radioactive Iodine Treatment after Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal: Lessons from a Case Series
Hye-Seon OH ; Won Gu KIM ; Won Bae KIM ; Jin-Sook RYU ; Min Ji JEON ; Tae Yong KIM
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(2):300-307
Background:
Radioactive iodine treatment (RAIT) is an essential therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer. However, unforeseen complications arising during thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) can lead to Cancellation of the scheduled treatment. This study aimed to identify cases in which THW-RAIT was discontinued due to THW-related complications and to explore potentially preventable causes to improve patient management.
Methods:
Among 4,174 patients who underwent THW-RAIT between 2012 and 2024, 39 did not complete the planned treatment. After excluding Cancellations unrelated to THW, 11 (0.26%) patients with unexpected THW-related medical issues were analyzed.
Results:
The median age of the included patients was 61 years (range, 23 to 70), and 10 were male. The reasons for THW-RAIT Cancellation were hyponatremia (n=1), abnormal liver function (n=1), renal dysfunction (n=3), and combined liver and renal dysfunction (n=6). The patient with hyponatremia was taking a thiazide diuretic. Most cases of liver dysfunction were associated with prior use of herbal medications, whereas renal dysfunction was linked to diuretic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, pre-existing conditions such as single kidney or diabetic nephropathy, or inadequate oral intake during low-iodine preparation. Two cases of concurrent liver and renal dysfunction were attributed to rhabdomyolysis following intense exercise or heavy physical labor.
Conclusion
Enhanced patient education, comprehensive pre-treatment assessment, and careful avoidance of high-risk medications are essential to prevent THW-related complications and minimize disruptions in RAIT.
7.Establishing an Active Vaccine Safety Surveillance System Using Large Scale Databases in Korea: Lessons and Scalable Insights for Global Application
Jin Gu YOON ; Eliel NHAM ; Yu Jung CHOI ; Min Joo CHOI ; Won Suk CHOI ; Young Kyung YOON ; Yu Bin SEO ; Hakjun HYUN ; Jung Yeon HEO ; Jin-Soo LEE ; Chung-Jong KIM ; Ji Yun NOH ; Joon Young SONG ; Hee Jin CHEONG
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2026;41(1):e47-
Vaccines are highly effective, but rare or delayed adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) require post-licensure surveillance beyond clinical trials. Korea lacks a comprehensive, active, database-based framework, yet key assets exist: nationwide claims databases (National Health Insurance Service/Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service), the national immunization registry (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Immunization Registry Information System) for National Immunization Program (NIP) and non-NIP vaccines, and increasingly standardized hospital electronic health records.We propose a federated, code to data architecture with data linkages between these data.Implementation should adopt a common data model (CDM), standardized case definitions, latency accounting, and transparent public reporting under strong privacy governance. Major challenges include multi step administrative approvals for data linkage, incomplete capture of adult non-NIP vaccinations, heterogeneous hospital data structures, and strict data protection constraints. Strategic priorities are to streamline statutory and administrative processes for public health use, mandate or enable claims-based capture of adult vaccinations, enhance CDM based interoperability, and develop secure hubs for aggregated outputs. With these measures, Korea will be well positioned to establish a scalable active surveillance system capable of detecting rare AEFIs, supporting transparent and evidence-based communication, and ensuring equitable injury compensation grounded in domestic data.
8.Comparative Effects of Isometric Exercise Types on 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Young Men with Prehypertension: An Acute Pilot Trial
Seung Won JUNG ; Hyun Soo SONG ; Sun Jung KIM ; Ho Jeong MIN ; Tae Gu CHOI ; Hyun Jeong KIM ; Sae Young JAE
The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine 2026;44(1):25-33
Purpose:
This study aimed to compare the acute effects of isometric handgrip (IHG) and wall squat (IWS) exercise on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and related indices in young men with prehypertension.
Methods:
Ten young men with prehypertension (aged 25.0±2.3 years) completed three randomized crossover conditions: IHG, IWS, and control. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring was used to assess 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime mean BP, BP variability (BPV; average real variability and standard deviation), morning BP, and nocturnal dipping pattern. Office BP was measured at baseline, 30 minutes, and 90 minutes after each condition.
Results:
Twenty-four hour, daytime, and nighttime systolic and diastolic BP did not differ significantly among conditions. BPV indices also showed no significant between-condition differences across 24-hour, daytime, or nighttime periods. Nocturnal systolic BP dipping averaged 5%–8% and did not differ among conditions, indicating a nondipper pattern in all trials. Morning systolic BP, sleep-trough surge, and prewaking surge were similar across conditions. Office BP showed no significant condition or interaction effects; however, both IHG and IWS tended to lower BP at 90 minutes compared with control session.
Conclusion
A single bout of IHG or IWS did not elicit significant changes in 24-hour ambulatory BP, BPV, morning BP, or dipping pattern in young men with prehypertension. Nonetheless, the small acute reductions in office and morning BP suggest that isometric exercise may have potential as a time-efficient adjunctive strategy for early BP management. Larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.
9.Study on the correlation of peak blood concentrations of compound sulfamethoxazole and its metabolites with clinical efficacy and adverse reactions in critically ill patients
Xiangxiang FU ; Lili ZHONG ; Jiangfan GU ; Mengyu MEI ; Xinxin LI ; Yang DENG ; Min WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1775-1780
OBJECTIVE To analyze the correlation of the peak blood concentration (cmax) of compound sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) and its metabolite N-acetyl sulfamethoxazole (NSMZ) with clinical efficacy and adverse reactions in critically ill patients. METHODS The data of critically ill patients treated with TMP/SMZ in various ICU of Hainan General Hospital from December 2023 to January 2025 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into success group and failure group based on the treatment outcome. Simple linear regression and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze the correlation of TMP cmax, SMZ cmax, and NSMZ cmax with clinical efficacy and adverse reactions. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the cutoff values of cmax for predicting the occurrence of adverse reactions. RESULTS Among critically ill patients with an acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE-Ⅱ) ≥15 points 24 h of check-in at ICU, SMZ cmax of success group was significantly higher than failure group (P<0.05). The daily total dose of TMP/SMZ was positively correlated with TMP cmax and SMZ cmax( P<0.05). TMP cmax was significantly correlated with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, SMZ cmax with hepatotoxicity, and NSMZ cmax with nephrotoxicity (P<0.05). The cutoff values of TMP cmax for predicting nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity were 7.25 μg/mL and 6.63 μg/mL, respectively. The cutoff value of SMZ cmax for predicting hepatotoxicity was 138.00 μg/mL, and that of NSMZ cmax for predicting nephrotoxicity was 60.76 μg/mL. CONCLUSIONS Among critically ill patients with an APACHE-Ⅱ ≥15 points 24 h of check-in at ICU, SMZ cmax is associated with treatment success. Hepatotoxicity risk significantly increases when TMP cmax ≥6.63 μg/mL or SMZ cmax ≥138.00 μg/mL; nephrotoxicity risk significantly increases when TMP cmax ≥7.25 μg/mL or NSMZ cmax ≥60.76 μg/mL.
10.Research progress of mitochondrial unfolded protein response in eye diseases
Liang GU ; Pengfei LI ; Huaijin GUAN ; Min JI
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1425-1430
The mitochondrial unfolded protein response(UPRmt)represents a crucial intracellular stress response mechanism that plays a fundamental role in maintaining mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation of UPRmt contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of various systemic disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, as well as age-related pathologies. Emerging research has particularly highlighted the involvement of UPRmt in ocular diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This comprehensive review examines the physiological functions of UPRmt and its regulatory mechanisms in age-related eye diseases. The roles of key UPRmt downstream effector molecules in ocular cell populations such as lens epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and retinal ganglion cells are systematically analyzed. Importantly, the dual regulatory nature of UPRmt in ocular pathophysiology is discussed, that is, its moderate activation promotes mitochondrial homeostasis, mitigates oxidative stress, and suppresses inflammatory responses, its chronic or excessive activation triggers apoptotic pathways, induces metabolic dysfunction, and ultimately accelerates disease progression. By elucidating these mechanisms, our review provides novel insights into ocular disease pathogenesis and proposes potential therapeutic strategies targeting UPRmt modulation for the prevention and treatment of age-related eye disorders.

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