1.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.
2.Research on MBSE model microservice aggregation and adaptive integration methods for products based on intelligent cloud architecture
Taihui YIN ; Lizhi WANG ; Jiawei HE ; Shenmao HOU ; Shanshan ZHANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(5):473-478
To address the challenges of complex digital model management and difficulties in model interoperability during the development of sophisticated products,this paper proposes an intelligent cloud architecture-based method for MBSE(model-based systems engineering)model microservice aggregation and adaptive integration.By introducing ontology semantic annotation and hash encoding mechanisms,we achieve unified encapsulation and service-oriented management of heterogeneous modeling tool resources.Combined with model virtual execution modes and dynamic resource orchestration technology,we design a task-oriented of Model-Based Microservice Deployment Framework,significantly improving model service scheduling efficiency and resource utilization.Leveraging a service-cluster-based model aggregation approach,we employ Hamming distance to calculate model capability compatibility,optimizing model discovery and orchestration processes.The prototype implementation and multi-phase experimental validation conducted in a domestic private cloud environment demonstrate that the proposed method effectively supports digital development across the entire lifecycle of aerospace products,enhancing model resource sharing and system integration efficiency.
3.Elucidating the therapeutic potential of Maimendong decoction in pulmonary fibrosis: A molecular perspective
Shuangshuang He ; Lan Zhang ; Fang Zhang ; Yuanrong Wang ; Kai Wamg ; Shanshan Guo ; Yuqi Wang ; Wenqing Dong ; Min Fu ; Yu Li
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(2):231-245
ObjectiveTo identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro, while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis.MethodsData on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.ResultsWe identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells.ConclusionMethylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF
4.Application of shockwave balloon in the treatment of TASCⅡ C/D femoropopliteal atherosclerosis obliterans
Yi HE ; Hongyu WU ; Shanshan DING ; Yanqing QI ; Fei WU ; Xiaoyang NIU ; Yanling WANG ; Weilong LU ; Bing WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(5):572-576
Objective:To evaluate the short-and medium-term therapeutic efficacy of shockwave balloon therapy for TASCⅡ C/D femoropopliteal artery atherosclerosis obliteration.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 25 patients who received shockwave balloon therapy in five vascular centers from August 2022 to June 2023. All patients were diagnosed with TASC Ⅱ C/D femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans (13 cases of type C and 12 cases of type D), and underwent intravascular shock wave lithotripsy (IVL) to treat calcified lesions. The immediate effectiveness (residual stenosis<30% and no flow-limiting dissection), safety (whether there were adverse vascular events during the operation) and the rate of salvage stent implantation were recorded. The observation indexes of patients before operation, early postoperative period (immediately after operation or before discharge) and postoperative follow-up period (3, 6, 12 months after operation) were collected. The observation indexes included ankle-brachial index (ABI), Rutherford classification, and minimum lumen diameter (MLD). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the changes of observation indexes in the early postoperative and follow-up stages compared with those before operation; Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the one-stage patency rate at follow-up and the target lesion revascularization rate free from clinical drive.Results:The immediate effectiveness of surgery was 100% in all patients, with no vascular related adverse events occurred, and no remedial stent implantation was performed. The ABI, Rutherford grade and MLD of the patients in the early postoperative period and each follow-up stage were improved compared with those before operation, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the primary patency rate at 12 months after surgery was 0.78 (95% CI 0.64-0.84), and the revascularization rate of target lesions free from clinical drive was 0.87 (95% CI 0.85-0.95). Conclusion:Shockwave balloon therapy for complex calcified femoropopliteal artery lesions is safe and reliable, with satisfactory short-and medium-term efficacy.
5.Analysis of clinical characteristics and factors affecting activities of daily living in patients with neurosyphi-lis
Caidie XIE ; Shoucheng XU ; Ning ZHANG ; Wei WANG ; Shanshan HE ; Yabin ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(3):135-141
Objective To analyze the clinical data of patients with neurosyphilis(NS)and explore factors influencing their activity of daily living(ADL).Methods The clinical data of 90 patients with NS was retrospectively analyzed,and the ADL scores at admission were assessed by using the Barthel index(BI).The patients were divided into no-dependency,mild-dependency,and moderate-to-severe-dependency groups.The influencing factors of ADL were explored through comparative analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of clinical indicators for poor ADL recovery(BI score≤60)at discharge in patients.Results Among the 90 NS patients,the average age was 54.17±12.45 years,with 70 males(77.78%).The most common clinical manifestation was abnormal mental behavior(44.44%),followed by limb sensory or motor disorders(25.56%)and dysarthria(16.67%).Based on the BI scores,41 patients(45.6%)were independent,31 patients(34.4%)had mild dependence,and 18 patients(20.0%)had moderate to severe dependence.The comparison results of the three groups showed that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)was gradually increased[2.80(1.97,4.73)vs.3.80(2.28,4.89)vs.5.37(3.76,7.20)]which was higher in the moderate-to-severe-dependency group than in the independent and the mildly-dependent group(P<0.05);cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration[427(341,644)mg/L vs.553(425,830)mg/L vs.933(641,1706.5)mg/L]was gradually increased and there were significant differences in pairwise comparisons(P<0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that NLR(β=-0.242,P=0.018)and cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration(β=-0.461,P<0.001)were negatively correlated with ADL at admission.The area under curve(AUC)for cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration in predicting poor ADL recovery at discharge was 0.806(95%CI:0.708-0.883,P<0.001),with an optimal cutoff value of 620 mg/L,sensitivity of 86.7%,and specificity of 69.4%.Conclusion The main clinical manifestations of NS patients are psychiatric/behavioral abnormalities.Elevated NLR and cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration may be associated with the decreased ADL.Early active intervention of inflammatory response and cerebrospinal fluid protein abnormalities may provide a new way to improve the prognosis of patients.
6.Caerulomycin A disrupts glucose metabolism and triggers ER stress-induced apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
Ye ZHANG ; Shanshan SU ; Xiaoyu XU ; Zhixian HE ; Yiyan ZHOU ; Xiangrong LU ; Aiqin JIANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1080-1091
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor prognosis and limited targeted treatment options. This investigation examined the anti-cancer potential of Caerulomycin A (Cae A), a natural compound derived from marine actinomycetes, against TNBC. Cae A demonstrated selective inhibition of viability and proliferation in TNBC cell lines, including 4T1, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468, through apoptosis induction. Mechanistic analyses revealed that the compound induced sustained endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent upregulation of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression, resulting in mitochondrial damage-mediated apoptosis. Inhibition of ER stress or CHOP expression knockdown reversed mitochondrial damage and apoptosis, highlighting the essential role of ER stress and CHOP in Cae A's anti-tumor mechanism. Both oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) decreased in TNBC cells following Cae A treatment, indicating reduced mitochondrial respiratory and glycolytic capacities. This diminished energy metabolism potentially triggers ER stress and subsequent apoptosis. Furthermore, Cae A exhibited significant anti-tumor effects in the 4T1 tumor model in vivo without apparent toxicity. The compound also effectively inhibited human TNBC organoid growth. These results indicate that Cae A may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for TNBC, with its efficacy likely mediated through the disruption of glucose metabolism and the induction of ER stress-associated apoptosis.
Humans
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects*
;
Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Female
;
Animals
;
Glucose/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Transcription Factor CHOP/genetics*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
7.Health economic evaluation of minimally invasive surgery in treatment of digestive tract cancers: a Meta-analysis
Xiaoyue YIN ; Ning ZHOU ; Xueli YANG ; Zhuoyu SUN ; Yinghui BAO ; Shengshu WANG ; Ke HAN ; Jing LONG ; Min ZHAO ; Haowei LI ; Rongrong LI ; Shimin CHEN ; Junhan YANG ; Huaihao LI ; Yueting SHI ; Guoning ZHU ; Jianhua WANG ; Shanshan YANG ; Boyan LI ; Wenchang WANG ; Shengyan DU ; Yao HE ; Enqiang LING-HU ; Huikai LI ; Miao LIU ; Juan XIE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):154-165
Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.
8.Association between hypertension subtypes and risk for all-cause mortality and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in the elderly in communities of Beijing
Rongrong LI ; Shengshu WANG ; Haowei LI ; Shimin CHEN ; Junhan YANG ; Huaihao LI ; Yueting SHI ; Yinghui BAO ; Shengyan DU ; Wenchang WANG ; Jianhua WANG ; Xianghua FANG ; Hongbing YANG ; Ding MA ; Shanshan YANG ; Miao LIU ; Yao HE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(3):366-375
Objective:To study the association between subtypes of hypertension and risk for all-cause mortality and cardio-cerebrovascular mortalities in the elderly in communities of Beijing.Methods:The data were collected from the Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study. The elderly in 5 urban areas (former Xicheng, former Xuanwu, Fangshan, Haidian and Tongzhou) and 4 rural areas (Yanqing, Miyun, Huairou and Daxing) in Beijing were selected as the study subjects by multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. The baseline survey was conducted from July 2009 to September 2015. The follow-up was conducted until March 31, 2021, and a total of 6 326 participants were enrolled. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the association of SBP, DBP, normal blood pressure, high normal blood pressure, simple systolic hypertension, simple diastolic hypertension and systolic diastolic hypertension with all-cause mortality and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality.Results:By March 31, 2021, the median follow-up time was 6.30 years, the all-cause mortality density was 201.67/10 000 person-years, and the cardio-cerebrovascular mortality density was 90.20/10 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis showed that the risk for all-cause mortality increased by 5.6% ( HR=1.056, 95% CI: 1.020-1.092), and the risk for cardio-cerebrovasculvar mortality increased by 12.5% ( HR=1.125, 95% CI: 1.071-1.182) for every 10 mmHg increase in SBP. The risk for all-cause mortality increased by 8.6% ( HR=1.086, 95% CI: 1.023-1.152), and the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality increased by 19.9% ( HR=1.199, 95% CI: 1.101-1.306) for every 10 mmHg increase in DBP. Compared with the normal blood pressure group, the risk for all-cause mortality increased by 64.8% ( HR=1.648, 95% CI: 1.049-2.591) and the risk for cardio- cerebrovascular mortality increased by 112.8% ( HR=2.128, 95% CI: 1.069-4.233) in the simple diastolic hypertension group. The risk for all-cause mortality increased by 34.4% ( HR=1.344, 95% CI: 1.023-1.467) and the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality increased by 111.3% ( HR=2.113, 95% CI: 1.384-3.225) in the systolic-diastolic hypertension group. Conclusions:In the elderly in communities of Beijing, beside systolic-diastolic hypertension. It is necessary to pay close attention to the simple diastolic hypertension, which has lower prevalence, and give targeted prevention and treatment.
9.Association of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and cardiovascular health score with cardio-cerebrovascular mortality and all-cause mortality in urban elderly residents in Beijing
Junhan YANG ; Haowei LI ; Shimin CHEN ; Rongrong LI ; Huaihao LI ; Yueting SHI ; Yinghui BAO ; Shengyan DU ; Wenchang WANG ; Shanshan YANG ; Jianhua WANG ; Xianghua FANG ; Hongbing YANG ; Ding MA ; Shengshu WANG ; Miao LIU ; Yao HE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(3):385-392
Objective:To investigate the association of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in normal range and cardiovascular health (CVH) score with cardio-cerebroascular and all-cause mortality in urban elderly residents in Beijing.Methods:Based on Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study, data from 1 817 elderly participants with normal UACR were analyzed, and UACR was used as both continuous and categorical variable. "Life's Essential 8" was used to develop a CVH score. Statistical analysis was performed by using software SPSS 26.0 and R 4.2.1, including two independent samples t-test, χ2 test and non-parametric test. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models stratified by CVH score and the restricted cubic spline were used to analyse the association of UACR with the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality. Results:By March 31, 2021, the median follow-up time M ( Q1, Q3) was 11.28 (10.84, 11.36) years, a total of 308 deaths were recorded during follow-up, and the mortality density was 163.87/10 000 person-years. The age of the participants was (71.4±6.6) years, and 1 070 participants were women. The results showed that the risk for both cardio-cerebrovascular disease and all-cause mortality decreased with the decrease of UACR in the low CVH score group ( HR=0.500, 95% CI: 0.341-0.734; HR=0.793, 95% CI: 0.647-0.971), and in the high CVH score group, there was a decreasing trend in the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality with the decrease of UACR ( HR=0.665, 95% CI: 0.447-0.990). Compared with the participants with low CVH score and higher UACR, the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality decreased by 68.9% and 45.6%, respectively, in the participants with high CVH score and lower UACR ( HR=0.311, 95% CI: 0.131-0.739; HR=0.544, 95% CI: 0.360-0.822), and the risk for all-cause mortality decreased by 26.7% in the participants with high CVH score and higher UACR ( HR=0.733, 95% CI: 0.542-0.993). Conclusions:In urban elderly residents in Beijing, higher UACR were associated with a significantly increased risk for cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality, and in the low-CVH score group, decreased UACR was protective factor against cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality. The combined effect of cardiovascular health status and normal UACR had a greater protection against the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality.
10.Association between a body shape index and all-cause mortality in the elderly in communities of Beijing
Huaihao LI ; Shengshu WANG ; Haowei LI ; Rongrong LI ; Shimin CHEN ; Junhan YANG ; Yueting SHI ; Yinghui BAO ; Shengyan DU ; Wenchang WANG ; Jianhua WANG ; Xianghua FANG ; Hongbing YANG ; Ding MA ; Miao LIU ; Shanshan YANG ; Yao HE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(3):393-401
Objective:To describe and analyze the distribution characteristics of a body shape index (ABSI) and its association with all-cause mortality in the elderly in communities of Beijing.Methods:The baseline and follow-up data of 10 423 subjects in Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study were used. The endpoint outcome was all-cause mortality in follow-up. The associations of ABSI, BMI and waist circumference with all-cause mortality were analyzed with a Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The mean follow-up time in this cohort was 6.36 years and the all-cause mortality was 15.27%. The restricted cubic spline results showed that ABSI showed a "U" association with all-cause mortality in the total population. After adjustment for confounding factors, compared with the normal ABSI group, the risk for all-cause mortality was higher in the low ABSI group ( HR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.32-2.17) and high ABSI group ( HR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.40-2.18). Compared with the normal BMI group, low BMI was associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality ( HR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.40-2.08). Compared with the normal waist circumference group, central obesity was associated with a decreased risk for all-cause mortality ( HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99). The results of gender specific analysis on ABSI association with all-cause mortality were similar to that in total population, but the strength of association varied among different age groups. Cross-grouping results showed that older people with normal BMI and waist circumference and abnormal ABSI had an increased risk of all-cause mortality ( HR=1.91, 95% CI: 1.22-2.99). Conclusions:In Beijing, ABSI is correlated with the risk for all-cause mortality in the elderly population, which is more sensitive and specific than the traditional indicators (BMI and waist circumference). They can be used as one of the physical measurement indicators for all-cause mortality risk prediction in the health risk assessment and management in the elderly.


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