1.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
2.A unified framework for postoperative complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: insights from the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery program
Jeong Ho SONG ; Chang Seok KO ; Han Hong LEE ; Hong Man YOON ; Hyoung-Il KIM ; In Gyu KWON ; Ji Yeon PARK ; Ji Yeong AN ; Jong Won KIM ; Mi Ran JUNG ; Sang-Il LEE ; Seong Ho KONG ; Sun-Hwi HWANG ; Yun-Suhk SUH ; Sang-Yong SON ; Sang-Uk HAN
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(5):290-298
Purpose:
Postoperative complications following gastric cancer surgery significantly impact patient outcomes, yet standardized definitions for these events have not been consistently applied across institutions in Korea. This study aimed to develop a consensus-based, standardized complication classification system specific to gastrectomy for gastric cancer as part of the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery (K-QIPS) initiative.
Methods:
As part of K-QIPS, a dedicated task force team (TFT) was formed with surgical experts from fourteen high-volume hospitals across Korea. The TFT conducted ten formal meetings to review existing literature and international guidelines, and incorporated findings from randomized controlled trials. The final complication list was developed through expert consensus and structured into a standardized framework. A Data Entry Manual was created to support consistent data collection by surgical clinical reviewers.
Results:
The TFT defined specific postoperative complications following gastrectomy for gastric cancer, including anastomotic leakage, duodenal stump leakage, pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal and luminal bleeding, delayed gastric emptying, and internal hernia. Notably, internal hernia was described in standardized form for the first time. General complications were developed first and overlapped in part with the gastric cancer-specific list. The task force also produced a Data Entry Manual that provides practical instructions to ensure consistency and accuracy in complication reporting.
Conclusion
This nationwide consensus initiative established the first standardized complication classification system for gastric cancer surgery in Korea. The proposed definitions and data entry system are expected to improve complication reporting, enable multicenter research, support surgical quality benchmarking, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
3.Differences in Responses to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Therapy between HER2 2+/ISH+ and HER2 3+ in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Lingjun MA ; Ran ZHENG ; Lingyun XU ; Ying ZHU ; Hong YIN ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Rong DENG ; Jue WANG ; Xiaoming ZHA
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):501-512
Purpose:
Dual anti–human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) drugs have become the standard regimen for neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) to HER2-positive breast cancer patients. However, the efficacy varies greatly among patients with different HER2 protein expression levels.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 575 HER2-positive breast cancer patients from multiple centers throughout China from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. We compared clinicopathological features in different HER2 immunohistochemistry classes (HER2 2+/in situ hybridization [ISH] + or HER2 3+), and their difference in response to NST and survival with single or dual anti-HER2 drugs. Drug sensitivity assays were used to evaluate different efficacy of anti-HER2 drugs in vitro.
Results:
Compared to HER2 3+ subgroup, the HER2 2+/ISH+ group had a higher proportion of hormone receptor–positive status (48.7% vs. 76.1%, p < 0.001), more HER2 protein loss after NST, lower pathological complete response (pCR) rate (46.07% vs. 16.24%, p < 0.001), and tended to have worse disease-free survival (DFS). In HER2 2+/ISH+ patients, treated with pertuzumab and trastuzumab in combination had no significant improvement in pCR (19.12% vs. 12.24%, p=0.287) and DFS (p=0.908) than using alone. Drug sensitivity assay showed poor efficacy with dual anti-HER2 drugs in HER2 2+/ISH+ cell lines; however, fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan drugs had a satisfactory effect.
Conclusion
Owing to the differences in clinicopathological features and treatment efficacy, we considered the HER2 2+/ISH+ group to be a distinct subtype and defined it as the HER2-moderate–positive subgroup. In this subgroup, dual anti-HER2 drugs did not exert significant improvement in pCR and DFS. Therefore, treatment optimization is warranted, with antibody-drug conjugate drugs as potential options.
4.Status and appropriateness of fasting in the emergency department
Kangbum LEE ; Stephen Gyung Won LEE ; Chang Seob JANG ; Sa Ran LEE ; Hyeonjeong KIM ; Jeong Hwa HONG ; Sumin LEE ; Yeon Kyung KIM
Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine 2026;37(2):82-88
Objective:
Prolonged fasting has been reported to have a negative effect on patient outcomes. Although fasting is routinely practiced in the emergency department (ED), there is limited evidence on the current status and appropriateness of fasting in the ED. This study examined the status and appropriateness of fasting in the ED and identified the characteristics of patients who experienced unnecessary fasting.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was performed at an urban ED in Seoul, Korea. The fasting status and characteristics of adult patients who visited the ED and were admitted or discharged between April 1 and April 30, 2022, were analyzed. A checklist for discontinuing fasting in the ED was used to screen for unnecessary fasting.
Results:
Among 2,292 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, all patients were instructed to begin fasting upon ED arrival. Fasting was discontinued by the physician’s order in 300 patients (13.1%). Patients remained fasting for 92.0%±23.2% of their total ED length of stay. Of the 1,577 patients eligible for fasting discontinuation according to the checklist, 249 patients (15.8%) were ordered to discontinue fasting, and 1,328 patients (84.2%) experienced unnecessary fasting.
Conclusion
ED patients spent significant time fasting during their ED length of stay. A high prevalence of unnecessary fasting was identified in the ED.
5.Exosomes from Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect Lung Epithelium and Attenuate Fibrosis
Sangryul CHA ; Jooyeon LEE ; Jimin JANG ; Yeongcheol KIM ; Dahee HAN ; Seok-Ho HONG ; Seung-Jin KIM ; Dae-Hee LEE ; Chung Hyeun MA ; Han Pil LEE ; Se-Ran YANG
International Journal of Stem Cells 2026;19(1):66-82
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by maladaptive epithelial–mesenchymal crosstalk and progressive extracellular matrix accumulation, whereas currently available antifibrotic agents merely decelerate functional decline.This study investigated whether exosomes derived from human mesenchymal stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells (ESC-MSCs) restore epithelial stress responses and attenuate fibrotic remodeling. Human IPF lung transcriptomes were integrated with a bleomycin-induced murine model analyzed by RNA sequencing and protein signaling, together with cigarette smoke extract-induced injury in A549 epithelial cells. ESC-MSCs-derived exosomes exhibited typical morphology and size distribution, enrichment of tetraspanins, and absence of endoplasmic reticulum contamination, consistent with high-purity preparations. Across human IPF and bleomycin-injured lungs, transcriptomic profiling revealed prominent enrichment of extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal gene programs, whereas mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Smad families displayed only modest alterations at the mRNA level. In vivo administration of exosomes during the fibrotic remodeling phase, via either intravenous or intratracheal delivery, resulted in improved body weight, reduced lung weight-to-body weight ratios, and decreased collagen deposition and Ashcroft scores. These structural and functional improvements were accompanied by suppression of profibrotic and mesenchymal markers and selective attenuation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity. In epithelial injury models, ESC-MSCs-derived exosomes enhanced cell viability, restored redox homeostasis, and constrained stress-induced mesenchymal gene expression and MAPK phosphorylation in both co-treatment and post-treatment settings. Collectively, these data support an epithelial-centered mechanism in which ESC-MSCs-derived exosomes re-establish oxidative balance and selectively restrict AP-1-driven stress signaling, thereby secondarily limiting extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrotic remodeling.
6.From Blood-brain Barrier Penetration to Barrier Functional Remodeling: New Intervention Strategies via Nanodelivery Systems for Alzheimer’s Disease
Xu-Ran WANG ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU ; Yi-Kun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2414-2429
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is pathologically characterized by cerebral amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) aggregation, neurofibrillary tangles and progressive cognitive deterioration. There is an urgent clinical demand for targeted therapeutic agents against AD, whereas the blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a critical physical barrier that blocks over 98% small-molecule drugs and nearly all biomacromolecules from entering brain parenchyma. Nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) with tunable physicochemical properties can cross the BBB via multiple transcytosis pathways including adsorptive-mediated, receptor-mediated and transporter-mediated routes, opening a promising avenue for targeted AD treatment. A core academic viewpoint proposed herein is that robust in vitro endothelial penetration of nanocarriers cannot guarantee effective accumulation in brain target cells. Comprehensive evaluation of BBB-crossing delivery efficiency should not merely rely on in vitro permeability tests, but cover the full multi-step transcytosis cascade, cellular tropism in brain tissues and in vivo therapeutic outcomes. This review systematically sorts out diverse nanoplatforms applicable to BBB penetration for AD intervention. Inorganic nanomaterials such as gold and ceria nanoparticles possess large specific surface areas and intrinsic antioxidant capacity, which eliminate reactive oxygen species and hinder Aβ fibrillization. Liposomal formulations and solid lipid nanoparticles exhibit superior biocompatibility with biomimetic phospholipid bilayer architectures, capable of co-loading hydrophilic nucleic acids for Tau regulation and lipophilic Aβ inhibitors; relying on receptor-mediated transcytosis, they achieve sustained drug retention in the brain. Polymeric nanocarriers including nanogels and polyamidoamine dendrimers enable multi-target combinatorial therapy, and can be engineered to release cargo in response to inflammatory microenvironments, thereby suppressing excessive microglial activation and protecting neuronal mitochondria. Beyond conventional nanocarriers, this work elaborates two cutting-edge BBB-crossing delivery platforms: biomimetic nanosystems and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Biomimetic nanoparticles camouflaged with erythrocyte, platelet or macrophage membranes, as well as natural exosomes, evade immune clearance, prolong systemic circulation and inherently home to inflammatory lesions. Serving as “nano-decoys”, they neutralize Aβ neurotoxins and remodel cerebral inflammatory microenvironments simultaneously. MOFs feature high porosity and customizable pore channels for co-delivery of multiple therapeutics, and can be integrated with near-infrared photothermal and photooxidation modalities to facilitate focal brain lesion therapy. This review highlights a transformative paradigm shift in the field of BBB-targeted AD therapy: research focus has shifted from simply maximizing cerebral drug penetration toward active modulation and functional restoration of the BBB. Impaired BBB transporters intrinsically impede endogenous Aβ clearance. Accordingly, BBB-regulating nanocarriers are designed to remodel the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) trafficking cascade, redirecting endocytic vesicles from lysosomal degradation to non-degradable transcytosis and restoring the intrinsic Aβ efflux capacity of the BBB. Distinct from conventional strategies that only exert local lesion inhibition, this systemic clearance strategy eliminates cerebral Aβ deposits by accelerating peripheral excretion.
7.Changes and Trends in the microbiological-related standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
FAN Yiling ; ZHU Ran ; YANG Yan ; JIANG Bo ; SONG Minghui ; WANG Jing ; LI Qiongqiong ; LI Gaomin ; WANG Shujuan ; SHAO Hong ; MA Shihong ; CAO Xiaoyun ; HU Changqin ; MA Shuangcheng, ; YANG Meicheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):093-098
Objective: To systematically analyze the revisions content and technological development trends of microbiological standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP) 2025 Edition, and explore its novel requirements in risk-based pharmaceutical product lifecycle management.
Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted on 26 microbiological-related standards to summarize the revision directions and scientific implications from perspectives including the revision overview, international harmonization of microbiological standards, risk-based quality management system, and novel tools and methods with Chinese characteristics.
Results: The ChP 2025 edition demonstrates three prominent features in microbiological-related standards: enhanced international harmonization, introduced emerging molecular biological technologies, and established a risk-based microbiological quality control system.
Conclusion: The new edition of the Pharmacopoeia has systematically constructed a microbiological standard system, which significantly improves the scientificity, standardization and applicability of the standards, providing a crucial support for advancing the microbiological quality control in pharmaceutical industries of China.
8.Construction of a risk prediction model for premature delivery after transvaginal cervical cerclage
Ran HUANG ; He LI ; Xiaoyang ZHAO ; Xiaolin DENG ; Hong LI
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(32):37-40
Objective To explore the risk factors for premature delivery after transvaginal cervical cerclage,construct and validate a predictive model.Methods A total of 209 single-tonsus cervicitis patients who underwent McDonald cervical ring ligation at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as subjects,and they were divided into preterm group(n=86)and full-term group(n=123)according to the postoperative pregnancy outcomes.LASSO regression analysis was used to screen variables,and the prediction model was constructed by multivariate Logistic regression.The performance of the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve and decision curve.Results Body mass index,amniotic sac protrusion,preoperative white blood cell,and cervical length before cerclage<25mm were identified as independent risk factors for preterm birth(P<0.05).The prediction model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.823(95%CI:0.765-0.881),with sensitivity of 77.91%and specificity of 77.24%.Both the calibration curve and decision analysis confirmed the model's strong consistency and clinical net benefit.Conclusion The predictive model constructed in this study has a good predictive effect and can be used as a reference for the stratification of preterm risk after cervical cerclage.
9.Clinical Study on the Combination of Yugu Ju Detergent and Fusidic Acid Cream for the Repair of Chronic Wounds Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
Ran-dong PENG ; Jun ZHAO ; Wen-bo YANG ; Jun-wei BI ; Hong-xi LIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2431-2437
Objective:Observation of the therapeutic effect of Yugu Ju detergent combined with fusidic acid cream on the repair of wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus,as well as its impact on serum inflammatory markers TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,oxidative stress markers MDA,ROS,SOD and Nrf2 levels.Methods:96 patients with skin defects and SA U infection caused by trauma admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group.Both groups were treated with debridement,while the control group was treated with external application of fusidic acid cream.The treatment group received external washing with Yugu Ju detergent in addition to the control group.One course of treatment lasted for 7 days,with three consecutive courses of treatment.Observe the wound healing rate,bacterial clearance rate,and changes in TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,SOD,MDA,ROS,and Nrf2 before and after treatment to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety.Results:The total clinical effective rate of the observation group after treatment was 93.75%(45/48),while that of the control group was 75%(36/48).The observation group was significantly better than the control group(P<0.05);The wound healing rate and bacterial clearance rate of the observation group at each time point after treatment were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05);After treatment,the Nrf2 and SOD values in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,while the TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,MDA,and ROS values were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).No adverse reactions occurred during the treatment of both groups.Conclusion:The combination of Yugu Ju detergent and Fusidic acid cream can inhibit SA U and promote the healing of infectious wounds,which may be related to the activation of Nrf2 expression to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response.It is safe and effective,and worthy of promotion and application.
10.Survey of the Actual Practices Used for Endoscopic Removal of Colon Polyps in Korea: A Comparison with the Current Guidelines
Jeongseok KIM ; Tae-Geun GWEON ; Min Seob KWAK ; Su Young KIM ; Seong Jung KIM ; Hyun Gun KIM ; Sung Noh HONG ; Eun Sun KIM ; Chang Mo MOON ; Dae Seong MYUNG ; Dong-Hoon BAEK ; Shin Ju OH ; Hyun Jung LEE ; Ji Young LEE ; Yunho JUNG ; Jaeyoung CHUN ; Dong-Hoon YANG ; Eun Ran KIM ; Intestinal Tumor Research Group of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases
Gut and Liver 2025;19(1):77-86
Background/Aims:
We investigated the clinical practice patterns of Korean endoscopists for the endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps.
Methods:
From September to November 2021, an online survey was conducted regarding the preferred resection methods for colorectal polyps, and responses were compared with the international guidelines.
Results:
Among 246 respondents, those with <4 years, 4–9 years, and ≥10 years of experiencein colonoscopy practices accounted for 25.6%, 34.1%, and 40.2% of endoscopists, respectively. The most preferred resection methods for non-pedunculated lesions were cold forceps polypectomy for ≤3 mm lesions (81.7%), cold snare polypectomy for 4–5 mm (61.0%) and 6–9 mm (43.5%) lesions, hot endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for 10–19 mm lesions (72.0%), precut EMR for 20–25 mm lesions (22.0%), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ≥26 mm lesions (29.3%). Hot EMR was favored for pedunculated lesions with a head size <20 mm and stalk size <10 mm (75.6%) and for those with a head size ≥20 mm or stalk size ≥10 mm (58.5%). For suspected superficial and deep submucosal lesions measuring 10–19 mm and ≥20 mm, ESD (26.0% and 38.6%) and surgery (36.6% and 46.3%) were preferred, respectively. The adherence rate to the guidelines ranged from 11.2% to 96.9%, depending on the size, shape, and histology of the lesions.
Conclusions
Adherence to the guidelines for endoscopic resection techniques varied depend-ing on the characteristics of colorectal polyps. Thus, an individualized approach is required to increase adherence to the guidelines.

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