1.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
2.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
3.Signal mining for bleeding risk associated with the concomitant use of direct oral anticoagulants and triazole antifungals
Ziyang WU ; Ying ZHU ; Menghua ZHANG ; Na HE ; Qiong QIN ; Cheng XIE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1185-1189
OBJECTIVE To assess the bleeding risk signals associated with the concomitant use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and triazole antifungals, and to provide pharmacovigilance evidence for the safety evaluation and monitoring of combined clinical use. METHODS Adverse event reports involving the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals were extracted from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2025. Nine bleeding-related preferred terms (PTs) were selected. The Ω shrinkage measure, additive model, multiplicative model, and combined risk ratio method were employed to detect drug-drug interaction signals. The strength of positive signals was further analyzed based on the Ω shrinkage measure. RESULTS A total of 790 adverse event reports involving the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals were included, among which 229 reports involved nine bleeding-related PTs. A total of 13 signals were consistently identified as posit ive by all four methods. These signals involved six drug combinations: apixaban-fluconazole, apixaban-posaconazole, rivaroxaban-itraconazole, dabigatran etexilate-fluconazole, apixaban-voriconazole, and dabigatran etexilate-itraconazole. The Ω shrinkage measure showed that the apixaban-posaconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for bleeding ( Ω =2.73, Ω 025 =2.05) and hemoptysis ( Ω =2.17, Ω 025 =0.83); the apixaban-fluconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for hematoma ( Ω =2.30, Ω 025 =1.47) and hematuria ( Ω =1.71, Ω 025 =0.74); the rivaroxaban-itraconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for epistaxis ( Ω =2.01, Ω 025 =0.90) and hematoma ( Ω =1.93, Ω 025 =0.42); no positive Ω signals were observed for intracranial hemorrhage or upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. CONCLUSION S This study suggests that the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals may increase the risk of bleeding-related events, with differences in signal strength and signal distribution across various drug combinations. In clinical practice, particular attention should be paid to the concomitant use of apixaban or rivaroxaban with strong cytochrome P450 3A4 or P-glycoprotein inhibitors such as posaconazole and itraconazole. For other DOAC-triazole antifungal combinations, close monitoring for bleeding-related manifestations and timely adjustment of anticoagulation or antifungal regimens are also warranted.
4.Study on the influencing factors of venetoclax trough concentration and its association with efficacy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Weiwei HE ; Zhirui LIU ; Shiwei QIN ; Qiang GONG ; Lin CHENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1200-1205
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of plasma trough concentration of venetoclax and its influencing factors in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS After 5 days of venetoclax administration, venous blood samples were collected from AML patients before the next dose. Plasma trough concentrations of venetoclax were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Spearman correlation was used to assess the correlations between venetoclax plasma trough concentration and various parameters (including patients’ general information, venetoclax-related indicators, liver function indicators, kidney function indicators, and blood routine indicators). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors influencing plasma trough concentration of venetoclax. Using efficacy as dependent variable [complete remission (CR)+partial remission (PR) vs. no remission (NR)], univariate and multivariate binary Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors affecting efficacy. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of venetoclax plasma trough concentration for clinical efficacy (assessed as CR). RESULTS A total of 172 venetoclax plasma trough concentration measurements from 101 patients were included in this study. The median plasma trough concentration of venetoclax was 2.38 (1.18, 3.85) μg/mL; the median sampling time for plasma trough concentration of venetoclax was 10 (7, 15) d; the duration of venetoclax use was (34±12) d. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that alkaline phosphatase ( B =14.65, 95%CI: 5.35-23.95, P =0.002), total bilirubin ( B =-101.71, 95%CI: -197.16 to -6.25, P =0.037), and white blood cell count ( B =-106.84, 95%CI: -187.61 to -26.07, P =0.010) were independent factors influencing plasma trough concentration of venetoclax. Due to patient attrition during treatment, 114 venetoclax plasma trough concentration measurements from 69 patients were included for efficacy evaluation. The results showed that 46 patients (66.7%) achieved CR, 11 patients (15.9%) achieved PR, and 12 patients (17.4%) were NR. Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that age, hemoglobin, venetoclax plasma trough concentration, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were independent factors affecting patient efficacy ( P <0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off value of plasma trough concentration of venetoclax for predicting patient efficacy (assessed as CR) was 1.68 μg/mL (AUC=0.66, 95%CI: 0.54-0.78, P =0.014). CONCLUSIONS There is considerable inter-individual variability in plasma trough concentration of venetoclax among AML patients. Plasma trough concentration of venetoclax is significantly correlated with alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and white blood cell count. Plasma trough concentration of venetoclax is an independent factor affecting patient’s efficacy, and when the cut-off value for predicting CR is above 1.68 μg/mL, better effects may be achieved.
5.Effect of 12-year-old children s pit and fissure sealants on the health of first permanent molars
LIU Jing, WEI Yonglan, QIAN Wen, HE Xiaoling, QIN Wenlong, WANG Liang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):100-103
Objective:
To assess the effect of 12-year-old children s pit and fissure sealants on the health of first permanent molars, so as to provide evidence for optimizing caries prevention strategies among children.
Methods:
In March 2025, a cluster random sampling method was used to conduct oral examinations on 965 students aged 12 from Chengdu s 2021 Comprehensive Intervention Program for Pediatric Oral Diseases. Data from the Comprehensive Intervention System for Children s Oral Diseases were referenced. Participants were divided into a sealed group ( n =755) and an unsealed group ( n =210) based on whether they had received sealants on their first permanent molars. Chi square test or analysis of variance were used to compare indicators such as caries incidence, new caries detection rate, and new caries mean (DMFT increment) between the two groups
Results:
The sealed group showed significantly lower caries incidence, new caries detection rate, and new caries mean (33.38%, 17.65%, 0.59±1.00) compared to the unsealed group (43.81%, 24.70%, 0.87±1.22)( χ 2/F =7.79, 18.26, 9.55, all P <0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the filled teeth ratio between the two groups (20.38% , 20.16%; χ 2=0.01, P =0.94). In girls, the sealed group exhibited significantly lower caries incidence, new caries detection rate, and new caries mean (36.78%, 20.99%, 0.69± 1.10 ) than the unsealed group (57.55%, 33.52%, 1.15±1.29) ( χ 2/F =14.42, 23.76, 10.92, all P <0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed between boys in the sealed (30.47%, 14.85%, 0.50±0.89) and unsealed groups (29.81%, 16.18%, 0.59± 1.08) ( χ 2/F =0.02, 0.41, 0.74, all P >0.05). Boys had significantly lower new caries detection rates and new caries means than girls in both groups ( χ 2/F =16.20, 6.94; 29.93, 11.84, all P <0.05). In urban areas, the sealed group had lower new caries detection rates and new caries means (19.37%, 0.68±1.04) than the unsealed group (24.66%, 0.90±1.20) ( χ 2/F =6.86, 3.94, both P <0.05). In suburban areas, all indicators for the sealed group (24.71%, 13.77%, 0.42±0.87) were significantly lower than those for the unsealed group (38.81%, 24.77%, 0.82±1.28) ( χ 2/F =5.28, 15.36, 6.00, all P <0.05). Indicators from specialized dental institutions (11.25%, 4.81%, 0.16±0.56) were significantly lower than those from county level or above general hospitals (33.33%, 19.11%, 0.38±1.00) and primary healthcare institutions (37.59%, 19.24%, 0.67±1.05) ( χ 2/F =20.99, 34.31, 21.08 , all P <0.01).
Conclusions
The 12-year-old children s pit and fissure sealants effectively reduce the caries incidence in first permanent molars, particularly showing significant effectiveness in girls and suburban children. Intervention strategies should be optimized according to gender.
6.DYRK2:a novel therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis based on East Asian and European populations
Zhilin WU ; Qin HE ; Pingxi WANG ; Xian SHI ; Song YUAN ; Jun ZHANG ; Hao WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1569-1579
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are positively correlated,but the causal relationship and related mechanisms have not yet been confirmed.With the cross-fertilization of computer science and life sciences,Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)and transcriptome sequencing data can assess the causal relationship between two diseases,explore the related mechanisms,and mine the therapeutic targets,which will be beneficial to the precision treatment of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using two-sample Mendelian randomization and to mine potential co-morbid targets and potential targeted drugs through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses,aiming to provide theoretical basis for mechanism exploration and precision treatment in the field of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:(1)Firstly,GWAS data of rheumatoid arthritis,osteoporosis,and cis-expression quantitative trait locus(cis-eQTL)in Asian and European populations were downloaded from the GWAS Catalog,IEU Open GWAS,FinnGen,and eQTLGen databases,and were used for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis.(2)Transcriptome sequencing data of rheumatoid arthritis(GSE93272 and GSE15573)were downloaded from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.(3)Subsequently,forward and inverse Mendelian randomization analyses between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were performed,and inverse variance weighted was used as the main metric for the analyses,and the results were corroborated with MR Egger,simple mode,weighted median and weighted mode.(4)Then,the genes closely related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were identified based on the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis,and the co-disease targets of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were mined based on cross-analysis.Meanwhile,the biological functions of the co-morbid targets were verified based on bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments.(5)In addition,a rheumatoid arthritis risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on DYRK2,and its prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve,correction curve and decision curve.Finally,the target potential drugs were mined based on Enrichr database and molecular docking was performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Forward Mendelian randomization analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis showed statistically significant results except for GCST90044540 and GCST90086118,and all other results indicated a significant causal relationship and positive correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(2)Inverse Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that no significant causal relationship was seen between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis identified a total of 412 and 344 genes positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,and 421 and 347 genes negatively associated.Based on the cross-analysis,26 co-morbid genes were subsequently obtained.Among them,DYRK2 was a potential therapeutic target,and subsequent bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments confirmed its important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(4)Furthermore,the constructed nomogram has excellent predictive performance.Finally,four potential DYRK2-targeting drugs(undecanoic acid,metyrapone,JNJ-38877605,and ACA)were discovered and molecular docking also demonstrated reliable targeting ability.(5)In conclusion,based on GWAS data from Asian and European populations,we successfully demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are causally related at the genetic level,DYRK2 is a potential therapeutic target,and four small molecules are potential target drugs.
7.DYRK2:a novel therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis based on East Asian and European populations
Zhilin WU ; Qin HE ; Pingxi WANG ; Xian SHI ; Song YUAN ; Jun ZHANG ; Hao WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1569-1579
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are positively correlated,but the causal relationship and related mechanisms have not yet been confirmed.With the cross-fertilization of computer science and life sciences,Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)and transcriptome sequencing data can assess the causal relationship between two diseases,explore the related mechanisms,and mine the therapeutic targets,which will be beneficial to the precision treatment of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using two-sample Mendelian randomization and to mine potential co-morbid targets and potential targeted drugs through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses,aiming to provide theoretical basis for mechanism exploration and precision treatment in the field of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:(1)Firstly,GWAS data of rheumatoid arthritis,osteoporosis,and cis-expression quantitative trait locus(cis-eQTL)in Asian and European populations were downloaded from the GWAS Catalog,IEU Open GWAS,FinnGen,and eQTLGen databases,and were used for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis.(2)Transcriptome sequencing data of rheumatoid arthritis(GSE93272 and GSE15573)were downloaded from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.(3)Subsequently,forward and inverse Mendelian randomization analyses between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were performed,and inverse variance weighted was used as the main metric for the analyses,and the results were corroborated with MR Egger,simple mode,weighted median and weighted mode.(4)Then,the genes closely related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were identified based on the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis,and the co-disease targets of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were mined based on cross-analysis.Meanwhile,the biological functions of the co-morbid targets were verified based on bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments.(5)In addition,a rheumatoid arthritis risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on DYRK2,and its prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve,correction curve and decision curve.Finally,the target potential drugs were mined based on Enrichr database and molecular docking was performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Forward Mendelian randomization analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis showed statistically significant results except for GCST90044540 and GCST90086118,and all other results indicated a significant causal relationship and positive correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(2)Inverse Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that no significant causal relationship was seen between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis identified a total of 412 and 344 genes positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,and 421 and 347 genes negatively associated.Based on the cross-analysis,26 co-morbid genes were subsequently obtained.Among them,DYRK2 was a potential therapeutic target,and subsequent bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments confirmed its important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(4)Furthermore,the constructed nomogram has excellent predictive performance.Finally,four potential DYRK2-targeting drugs(undecanoic acid,metyrapone,JNJ-38877605,and ACA)were discovered and molecular docking also demonstrated reliable targeting ability.(5)In conclusion,based on GWAS data from Asian and European populations,we successfully demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are causally related at the genetic level,DYRK2 is a potential therapeutic target,and four small molecules are potential target drugs.
8.The construction and evaluation of heart preservation model for empty beating donor heart based on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology
Shijie YIN ; Xiao YUE ; Chunhua WANG ; Wei WU ; Guanbin QIN ; Lan LUO ; Qiangxin HUANG ; Guixin HE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):791-798
Objective To explore the construction of heart preservation model of empty beating donor based on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods From January 2022 to August 2023, 20 Guangxi Bama miniature pigs weighing 25-30 kg were selected, half male and half female. Under general anesthesia and heparinization, a midline thoracotomy was performed. The pericardium was cut after freeing the anterior and posterior vena cavae, and a perfusion needle was inserted near the brachiocephalic artery in the ascending aorta, connected to a blood collection bag to collect 500-600 mL of blood. The anterior and posterior vena cavae were ligated, the aorta was blocked and perfused with HTK solution to stop the heart beating. The superior and inferior vena cavae were cut off, the right pulmonary vein was decompressed, the aorta and left and right pulmonary arteries and veins were cut off, and the whole heart was removed. An ECMO device was used to continuously perfuse a cardioprotective solution mainly composed of oxygenated warm blood, maintaining the isolated pig heart beating for 8 hours, monitoring (once/hour) ECMO perfusion parameters, blood gas indicators, perfusate electrolytes, inflammatory factors, myocardial enzymes, myoglobin, and troponin levels. Myocardial tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe myocardial cell damage and evaluate the quality of heart preservation. Results Among the 20 isolated beating pig hearts, 17 successfully resumed beating, 3 experienced ventricular fibrillation, resuscitated after intracardiac electrical defibrillation, and all 20 pig hearts successfully beat for 8 hours. There was no statistical difference in ECMO perfusion parameters, blood gas indicators, perfusate electrolytes, and inflammatory factors at each time point (P>0.05). There were statistical increases in myocardial enzymes, myoglobin, and troponin levels (P<0.05). HE staining results suggested that there was no severe myocardial damage. Conclusion ECMO technology can be used for pig heart preservation with good results, and this study provides experimental evidence for improving heart preservation research in clinical heart transplantation.
9.Clinical Research and Basic Study on Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsule (黄芩清热除痹胶囊) on Self-Perception of Patients and Immune Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fanfan WANG ; Jian LIU ; Qin ZHOU ; Jianting WEN ; Yue SUN ; Mingyu HE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):544-556
ObjectiveTo evaluate the comprehensive intervention effects of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsule (黄芩清热除痹胶囊, HQC) on self-perception of patients (SPP) and immune inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsClinical data of 452 RA patients were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into a control group (274 cases), treated with conventional western medicine, and an observation group (178 cases), treated with HQC for at least 2 weeks in addition to conventional western medicine. The treatment duration was 2 weeks for both groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed at a ratio of 1∶1 to match patients between groups. SPP including the Chinese version of the short form-36 health survey (SF-36), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), visual analog scale (VAS), and Chinese patient-reported index for rheumatoid arthritis (CPRI-RA), as well as immune inflammatory indicators, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), complement C3, and complement C4, were collected before and after treatment. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between SPP and immune inflammatory indicators. Logistic regression, association rule analysis, and mediation analysis were performed to evaluate the effects and potential pathways of HQC on SPP and immune inflammatory indicators. Network pharmacology was applied to identify the active components and core targets of HQC in the treatment of RA, followed by molecular docking verification. In cell experiments, cells were divided into normal group, model group, 20% medicated serum group, and 80 nmol/L control group. Human synovial fibroblasts (FLS) were cultured with complete medium in the normal group, while human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) were cultured in the model group. In the 20% medicated serum group, RA-FLS were cultured with medium containing 20% HQC-medicated serum, and in the 80 nmol/L control group, RA-FLS were cultured with complete medium containing 80 nmol/L methotrexate suspension. After 48 h of culture, cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the cell supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), transcription factor AP-1 subunit (JUN), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) were detected by Western Blot, and cell migration ability was evaluated using Transwell assay. ResultsAfter PSM, 178 cases were included in each group. After treatment, SF-36 scores increased, while scores of SAS, SDS, VAS and CPRI-RA, levels of ESR, hs-CRP, IL-6, complement C3, and complement C4 levels decreased in both groups; IgG and IgM levels were also reduced in the observation group (P<0.05). Physical functioning (correlation coefficient -0.19, P<0.05) and social functioning (correlation coefficient -0.18, P<0.05) of SF-36 were negatively correlated with hs-CRP, while VAS score was positively correlated with hs-CRP (correlation coefficient 0.19, P<0.05). HQC showed high associations with improvements in multiple indicators of SPP and immune inflammatory, and acted as a protective factor for the improvement of several SPP; hs-CRP and ESR played partial mediating roles in the improvement of SPP induced by HQC (P<0.05). Network pharmacology analysis identified baicalein, quercetin, α1-sitosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, baicalin, and crocetin as the core active components, and JUN, IL-6, VEGFA, MMP9, IL-1β, and CXCL8 as the core targets. Molecular docking results showed strong binding affinities of quercetin with VEGFA, JUN, MMP9, IL-6, and IL-1β, of baicalin with VEGFA and MMP9, and of wogonin with CXCL8. Cell experiments demonstrated that HQC and methotrexate inhibited RA-FLS viability and migration, reduced levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, decreased protein levels of MMP9, JUN, VEGFA, and CXCL8, and increased IL-10 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionHQC can improve SPP in RA by regulating immune inflammatory responses. Its mechanism may be related to multi-pathway and multi-target inhibition of synovial cell inflammation and migration.
10.Effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation combined with upper limb intelligent robot training on upper limb function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Mingdi LI ; Yin WANG ; Hewei ZHANG ; Mei HE ; Hongliang HUO ; Qin GU ; Guanjun LIANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):588-596
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) combined with upper limb intelligent robotic training on muscle tension, motor function and cortical excitability in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). MethodsFrom March, 2023 to December, 2024, 90 children with USCP admitted to Children's Hospital of Soochow University were selected and randomly divided into control group (n = 30), rPMS group (n = 30) and combined group (n = 30). The control group received conventional occupational therapy. The rPMS group received rPMS intervention followed by conventional occupational therapy. The combined group received rPMS followed by upper limb intelligent robot training, for four weeks. Before and after treatment, muscle tension of biceps brachii was assessed using the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS); upper limb motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and upper limb intelligent parameters; and cortical excitability was measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), including resting motor threshold (RMT) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude of the affected hemisphere. ResultsAfter treatment, MAS grades improved in all groups (|Z| > 3.523, P < 0.001), and the improvement in the combined group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05). Significant intra-group (F > 65.21, P < 0.001), inter-group (F > 17.94, P < 0.001) and interaction effects (F > 5.36, P < 0.01) were observed in FMA-UE scores, upper limb intelligent parameters and TMS parameters. Post Hoc analysis showed that the combined group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in FMA-UE scores, upper limb intelligent parameters, and TMS parameters compared with both the control and rPMS groups (all P < 0.01). Except for FMA-UE scores, the rPMS group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in upper limb intelligent parameters (mechanical feedback, trajectory, and range of motion) and TMS parameters (RMT and MEP amplitude) (P < 0.05). ConclusionrPMS combined with upper limb intelligent robotic training can reduce upper limb muscle tension, improve motor function, and enhance cortical excitability in children with USCP.

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