1.Identification of autoinducer-2 in Streptococcus mutans membrane vesicles and effect of membrane vesicles on biofilm formation
TU Ye ; HUANG Zhengwei ; CHEN Zhanyi ; NIU Chenguang
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):119-128
Objective:
To investigate whether membrane vesicles (MVs) of Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) contain autoinducer-2 (AI-2) and to preliminarily explore the effects of these MVs on the growth and biofilm formation of S. mutans.
Methods:
MVs were isolated from the S. mutans UA159 strain using differential centrifugation. The isolated MVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis for particle size and concentration and observed by transmission electron microscopy. The presence of AI-2 was identified using the Vibrio harveyi BB170 bioluminescence assay: the BB170 diluent was supplemented with AB medium (control group), MV extract (MVs group), pre-ultrafiltration supernatant (Sup group), or post-ultrafiltration supernatant (Sup-af group). The effects of MVs on growth and biofilm formation were assessed using the S.mutans UA159 strain or a luxS deletion mutant as the control group, compared with experimental groups stimulated with gradient concentrations of MVs (MVs-2.0E+7, MVs-2.0E+8, and MVs-2.0E+9 groups). Growth curves, MTT assay, and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were used to determine changes in growth capacity. Biofilm formation was evaluated using crystal violet staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the anthrone method for polysaccharide quantification.
Results:
Enriched S. mutans MVs were successfully obtained, with an average particle size of approximately 94.19 nm and a concentration of 1.87E+11 particles/mL. The bioluminescence assay showed that the luminescence intensity of the Sup group was higher than that of the Sup-af group, and the MVs group exhibited higher intensity than the control group. Assessments via growth curves, MTT assay, and CFU counts indicated no significant differences in the growth capacity of the various S. mutans strains after treatment with different concentrations of MVs. Crystal violet staining quantification and confocal laser scanning microscopy observations revealed that high-concentration MV treatment (2.0E+9 particles/mL group) resulted in lower biofilm mass compared to the control. The anthrone method showed that the production of both water-soluble and water-insoluble polysaccharides was significantly lower in the high-concentration MV group than in the control.
Conclusion
S. mutans MVs contain the quorum sensing signal molecule AI-2. These MVs do not significantly affect the growth of S. mutans, but they can regulate biofilm formation and exhibit an inhibitory effect at high concentrations.
2.Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway regulates the development of osteoarthritis:guiding targeted therapy with traditional Chinese medicine
Hao LI ; Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Qiang DING ; Chicheng NIU ; Kai HUANG ; Hongyu KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1476-1485
BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.
3.COLEC12high tumor-associated macrophages orchestrate lenvatinib resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via paracrine NRG1-HER2/HER3 signaling
Jianxing ZHANG ; Liang QIAO ; Zongfeng WU ; Dinglan ZUO ; Shanshan HUANG ; Shaoru LIU ; Zhenkun HUANG ; Yi ZENG ; Yu LI ; Yichuan YUAN ; Chenwei WANG ; Wei HE ; Jiliang QIU ; Yunfei YUAN ; Yi NIU ; Binkui LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):772-786
Background/Aims:
Lenvatinib resistance remains a critical barrier in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms and strategies for reversing resistance remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Integrated transcriptomics of lenvatinib-resistant patient tumors and an acquired-resistance murine model identified a novel macrophage subpopulation. Functional validation employed CRISPR-SAM screening, conditioned medium (CM) assays, subcutaneous/orthotopic xenografts, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Mechanistic studies included ChIP-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacologic targeting. Clinical relevance was assessed in a retrospective cohort.
Results:
Resistant HCC exhibited significant enrichment of a COLEC12high TAM subset , which correlated with poor survival and treatment response. These TAMs secreted neuregulin-1 (NRG1) , activating HER2/HER3-AKT signaling in tumor cells to drive cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance. Mechanistically, in TAMs COLEC12 sequestered STAT1 in the cytoplasm, preventing its phosphorylation, and thereby derepressing STAT3-mediated NRG1 transcription. Depletion of NRG1 reversed the stemness phenotypes and resensitized tumors to lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high NRG1 expression predicted an inferior lenvatinib response and shorter survival. Crucially, the bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody zenocutuzumab restored lenvatinib efficacy in PDOs, PDXs, and murine models.
Conclusions
Our work establishes the COLEC12high TAM/NRG1 axis as a master regulator of therapeutic resistance and identifies NRG1 as a predictive biomarker, providing a clinically actionable strategy to overcome lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
4.Clinical and Neuroelectrophysiological Features of Autoimmune Nodopathy
Hongfei TAI ; Xunyan HUANG ; Songtao NIU ; Bin CHEN ; Yuzhi SHI ; Xingao WANG ; Fan JIAN ; Hua PAN ; Zaiqiang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):191-199
To summarize the clinical characteristics, antibody spectrum and neuroelectrophysiological features of autoimmune nodopathy(AN), and to explore the phenotypic differences among different antibody-positive subgroups. The clinical and electrophysiological data of patients definitely diagnosed with AN in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from October 2018 to January 2026 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 33 patients with AN were included. Antibody examination results showed that, anti-neurofascin(NF)155 antibody was the most prevalent, detected in 17 patients(51.50%), followed by anti-contactin-1(CNTN1) antibody in 8 patients(24.24%). Anti-NF186 antibody(4 cases, 12.12%), anti-contactin-associated protein 1(Caspr1) antibody(2 cases, 6.06%) and dual-target antibody positivity(2 cases, 6.06%) were relatively uncommon. The main clinical manifestations of AN patients included symmetric distal paresthesia of the extremities(32 cases, 96.97%), limb weakness(31 cases, 93.93%) and sensory ataxia(25 cases, 75.76%). Different antibody-positive subgroups presented distinct phenotypic features: patients with positive anti-NF155 antibody had a relatively younger age of onset, chronic onset and a high incidence of tremor, which was dominated by immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 subclass antibodies; patients with positive anti-CNTN1 antibody had a relatively advanced age of onset, mostly presented with acute or subacute onset, and were prone to complicated nephrotic syndrome; patients with positive anti-NF186 antibody had relatively mild nerve conduction damage; patients with anti-Caspr1 antibody manifested acute or subacute onset, with relatively elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein level and 24-h intrathecal IgG synthesis rate. The prominent neuroelectrophysiological manifestations of AN included decreased motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities, prolonged distal latency, frequent non-compressive conduction block and abnormal temporal dispersion. Definite sensory nerve action potentials could not be elicited in more than half of the patients. Patients with AN show high heterogeneity in clinical and neuroelectrophysiological characteristics, and different antibody-positive subgroups correspond to specific clinical and neuroelectrophysiological phenotypes.
5.Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway regulates the development of osteoarthritis:guiding targeted therapy with traditional Chinese medicine
Hao LI ; Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Qiang DING ; Chicheng NIU ; Kai HUANG ; Hongyu KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1476-1485
BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.
6.Development and feasibility study of a self-stabilizing home-based functional interactive training device
Xiaojuan FENG ; Fubiao HUANG ; Dongyue LI ; Mingyi ZHOU ; Yuxuan NIU ; Ismaili McGee PIRETI ; Xixian WANG ; Zile WANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(9):1068-1077
ObjectiveTo design a "roly-poly" style interactive home-based hand function training device based on the principle of self-stabilization and recovery in light of the characteristics of post-stroke hand dysfunction and the current scarcity of home-based hand function training devices; and explore the feasibility and clinical value of this device in hand function rehabilitation training for stroke patients. MethodsThis study adopted a phased research design consisting of two stages: device development and clinical validation. At the first stage, focusing on the principle of the tumbler's automatic return to center, combined with the clinical needs of hand function rehabilitation training for stroke patients, the development of a home-based interactive hand function training device was completed, and the application and authorization of a utility model patent were obtained. At the second stage, 30 stroke patients with post-stroke hand dysfunction hospitalized at Beijing Bo'ai Hospital from May to October, 2025 were randomly divided into control group (n = 15) and experimental group (n = 15). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation therapy, the control group added routine hand function training every evening, and the experimental group added hand function training using the device developed in this study every evening, for four weeks. The grip strength, lateral pinch strength, finger pad pinch strength, three-finger pinch strength and wrist joint range of motion (dorsal-flexion, palm-flexion, radial deviation and ulnar deviation) were measured before and after intervention. The upper limb and hand motor function was assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to evaluate activities of daily living (ADL). ResultsA self-stabilizing hemispherical hand functional rehabilitation device was developed and granted a utility model patent. After intervention, the grip strength, lateral pinch strength, finger pad pinch strength, three-finger pinch strength, wrist joint range of motion, and FMA and MBI scores significantly improved in both groups (|t| > 5.683, P < 0.05); except for the score of MBI (P > 0.05), all the other indicators were better in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.633, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe self-stabilizing, closed-loop home-based functional hand interaction training device designed in this study effectively improves hand grip, pinching function and wrist joint range of motion of stroke patients, significantly enhancing upper limb and hand motor function, and demonstrates feasibility for home-based hand rehabilitation training. However, the device does not provide notable additional improvements in patients' ADL, necessitating further optimization to enhance its clinical application value.
7.Efficacy and safety of albumin-binding paclitaxel combined with PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of bone and soft tissue sarcoma after first-line therapy failure
HUANG Zhen ; LIU Weifeng ; LI Yuan ; XU Hairong ; ZHANG Qing ; HAO Lin ; NIU Xiaohui
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(11):1169-1174
[摘 要] 目的:探讨白蛋白结合型紫杉醇联合PD-1抑制剂用于治疗一线化疗失败的骨与软组织肉瘤的疗效及安全性。方法:回顾性分析北京积水潭医院骨肿瘤科2017年8月至2020年8月收治的一线化疗失败的晚期骨与软组织肉瘤患者。患者接受白蛋白结合型紫杉醇(125~140 mg/m2,第1天和第8天)与PD-1抑制剂(信迪利单抗或特瑞普利单抗,每21 d一次)联合治疗。每2个治疗周期评估1次疗效,按RECIST 1.1标准评估肿瘤疗效,按NCI-CTCAE5.0标准评估不良反应。结果:共20名患者纳入研究,完成1至8个治疗周期,中位治疗周期数为3个。所有患者均可评估疗效,完全缓解4例(20%),部分缓解0例,稳定9例(45%),疾病进展7例(35%)。客观缓解率(ORR)为20%,疾病控制率(DCR)为65%。中位无进展生存期(PFS)为3.0个月。治疗期间主要不良反应包括2级白细胞减少(40%)、1-2级神经毒性反应(20%),以及2级甲状腺功能减退(10%)。结论:白蛋白结合型紫杉醇联合PD-1抑制剂治疗为一线化疗失败的晚期骨与软组织肉瘤患者提供了一种潜在的治疗选择,其不良反应可控,值得开展更大样本的前瞻性研究进一步验证其疗效。
8.Chinese expert consensus on integrated case management by a multidisciplinary team in CAR-T cell therapy for lymphoma.
Sanfang TU ; Ping LI ; Heng MEI ; Yang LIU ; Yongxian HU ; Peng LIU ; Dehui ZOU ; Ting NIU ; Kailin XU ; Li WANG ; Jianmin YANG ; Mingfeng ZHAO ; Xiaojun HUANG ; Jianxiang WANG ; Yu HU ; Weili ZHAO ; Depei WU ; Jun MA ; Wenbin QIAN ; Weidong HAN ; Yuhua LI ; Aibin LIANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1894-1896
9.Differential expression of plasma extracellular vesicle miRNAs as biomarkers for distinguishing psoriatic arthritis from psoriasis.
Kexiang YAN ; Jie ZHU ; Mengmeng ZHANG ; Fuxin ZHANG ; Bing WANG ; Ling HAN ; Qiong HUANG ; Yulong TANG ; Yuan LI ; Nikhil YAWALKAR ; Zhenghua ZHANG ; Zhenmin NIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(2):219-221
10.The role of microglia activated by the deletion of immune checkpoint receptor CD200R1 gene in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
Jia-Li GUO ; Tao-Ying HUANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Kun NIU ; Xarbat GONGBIKAI ; Xiao-Li GONG ; Xiao-Min WANG ; Ting ZHANG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(1):13-24
The study aimed to investigate the effect of the CD200R1 gene deletion on microglia activation and nigrostriatal dopamine neuron loss in the Parkinson's disease (PD) process. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology was applied to construct the CD200R1-/- mice. The primary microglia cells of wild-type and CD200R1-/- mice were cultured and treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Microglia phagocytosis level was assessed by a fluorescent microsphere phagocytosis assay. PD mouse model was prepared by nigral stereotaxic injection of recombinant adeno-associated virus vector carrying human α-synuclein (α-syn). The changes in the motor behavior of the mice with both genotypes were evaluated by cylinder test, open field test, and rotarod test. Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the loss of dopamine neurons in substantia nigra. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression level of CD68 (a key molecule involved in phagocytosis) in microglia. The results showed that CD200R1 deletion markedly enhanced LPS-induced phagocytosis in vitro by the microglial cells. In the mouse model of PD, CD200R1 deletion exacerbated motor behavior impairment and dopamine neuron loss in substantia nigra. Fluorescence intensity analysis results revealed a significant increase in CD68 expression in microglia located in the substantia nigra of CD200R1-/- mice. The above results suggest that CD200R1 deletion may further activates microglia by promoting microglial phagocytosis, leading to increased loss of the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons in the PD model mice. Therefore, targeting CD200R1 could potentially serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of early-stage PD.
Animals
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Microglia/physiology*
;
Mice
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Phagocytosis
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Parkinson Disease/genetics*
;
Disease Models, Animal
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Receptors, Cell Surface/physiology*
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Dopaminergic Neurons/pathology*
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Antigens, CD/metabolism*
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Gene Deletion
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Substantia Nigra
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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Cells, Cultured
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Male
;
alpha-Synuclein
;
CD68 Molecule
;
Orexin Receptors


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