1.Systematic review of the relationship between dynamic changes in inflammatory markers and therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC patients during EGFR-TKIs therapy
Liying WU ; Jingyi YANG ; Yating ZENG ; Ling YONG ; Weifeng SHAO ; Wei LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1490-1495
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the correlation between dynamic changes in inflammatory markers during treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and therapeutic efficacy, with the aim of providing evidence-based support for clinical prognosis assessment and treatment strategy adjustment. METHODS Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and CBM were searched from the inception to July 20, 2025. Following literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment, descriptive analysis was conducted on the outcomes of included studies. RESULTS A total of eight studies were included to analyze the correlation of 6 inflammatory markers before and after treatment with EGFR-TKIs with therapeutic efficacy. The risk of bias assessment identified six high-quality studies and two moderate-quality studies. Among these studies, seven studies demonstrated that lower levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), higher lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) before treatment, as well as decreased NLR and MLR and increased LMR after treatment were associated with longer median progression-free survival. Five studies indicated that lower levels of NLR, dNLR, PLR, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), higher LMR before treatment as well as decreased NLR and dNLR and increased LMR were associated with longer median overall survival. Three studies indicated that lower levels of IL-6 were associated with a higher objective response rate, while the association of these markers after treatment remained controversial; another study showed that an early decline in NLR, MLR, and PLR after treatment may be associated with objective response benefit. CONCLUSIONS Lower inflammatory levels during EGFR-TKIs therapy correlate with better therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC patients.
2.Targeting TM4SF1 promotes tumor senescence enhancing CD8+ T cell cytotoxic function in hepatocellular carcinoma
Weifeng ZENG ; Furong LIU ; Yachong LIU ; Ze ZHANG ; Haofan HU ; Shangwu NING ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Xiaoping CHEN ; Zhibin LIAO ; Zhanguo ZHANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):489-508
Background/Aims:
Transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1) is highly expressed and contributes to the progression of various malignancies. However, how it modulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and senescence remains to be elucidated.
Methods:
TM4SF1 expression in HCC samples was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Cellular senescence was assessed through SA-β-gal activity assays and Western blot analysis. TM4SF1-related protein interactions were investigated using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and immunofluorescence. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The HCC mouse model was established via hydrodynamic tail vein injection.
Results:
TM4SF1 was highly expressed in human HCC samples and murine models. Knockdown of TM4SF1 suppressed HCC proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, inducing non-secretory senescence through upregulation of p16 and p21. TM4SF1 enhanced the interaction between AKT1 and PDPK1, thereby promoting AKT phosphorylation, which subsequently downregulated p16 and p21. Meanwhile, TM4SF1-mediated AKT phosphorylation enhanced PD-L1 expression while reducing major histocompatibility complex class I level on tumor cells, leading to impaired cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells and an increased proportion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. In clinical HCC samples, elevated TM4SF1 expression was associated with resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Targeting TM4SF1 via adeno-associated virus induced tumor senescence, reduced tumor burden and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy.
Conclusions
Our results revealed that TM4SF1 regulated tumor cell senescence and immune evasion through the AKT pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC, particularly in combination with first-line immunotherapy.
4.Targeting TM4SF1 promotes tumor senescence enhancing CD8+ T cell cytotoxic function in hepatocellular carcinoma
Weifeng ZENG ; Furong LIU ; Yachong LIU ; Ze ZHANG ; Haofan HU ; Shangwu NING ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Xiaoping CHEN ; Zhibin LIAO ; Zhanguo ZHANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):489-508
Background/Aims:
Transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1) is highly expressed and contributes to the progression of various malignancies. However, how it modulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and senescence remains to be elucidated.
Methods:
TM4SF1 expression in HCC samples was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Cellular senescence was assessed through SA-β-gal activity assays and Western blot analysis. TM4SF1-related protein interactions were investigated using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and immunofluorescence. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The HCC mouse model was established via hydrodynamic tail vein injection.
Results:
TM4SF1 was highly expressed in human HCC samples and murine models. Knockdown of TM4SF1 suppressed HCC proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, inducing non-secretory senescence through upregulation of p16 and p21. TM4SF1 enhanced the interaction between AKT1 and PDPK1, thereby promoting AKT phosphorylation, which subsequently downregulated p16 and p21. Meanwhile, TM4SF1-mediated AKT phosphorylation enhanced PD-L1 expression while reducing major histocompatibility complex class I level on tumor cells, leading to impaired cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells and an increased proportion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. In clinical HCC samples, elevated TM4SF1 expression was associated with resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Targeting TM4SF1 via adeno-associated virus induced tumor senescence, reduced tumor burden and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy.
Conclusions
Our results revealed that TM4SF1 regulated tumor cell senescence and immune evasion through the AKT pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC, particularly in combination with first-line immunotherapy.
6.Targeting TM4SF1 promotes tumor senescence enhancing CD8+ T cell cytotoxic function in hepatocellular carcinoma
Weifeng ZENG ; Furong LIU ; Yachong LIU ; Ze ZHANG ; Haofan HU ; Shangwu NING ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Xiaoping CHEN ; Zhibin LIAO ; Zhanguo ZHANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):489-508
Background/Aims:
Transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1) is highly expressed and contributes to the progression of various malignancies. However, how it modulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and senescence remains to be elucidated.
Methods:
TM4SF1 expression in HCC samples was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Cellular senescence was assessed through SA-β-gal activity assays and Western blot analysis. TM4SF1-related protein interactions were investigated using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and immunofluorescence. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The HCC mouse model was established via hydrodynamic tail vein injection.
Results:
TM4SF1 was highly expressed in human HCC samples and murine models. Knockdown of TM4SF1 suppressed HCC proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, inducing non-secretory senescence through upregulation of p16 and p21. TM4SF1 enhanced the interaction between AKT1 and PDPK1, thereby promoting AKT phosphorylation, which subsequently downregulated p16 and p21. Meanwhile, TM4SF1-mediated AKT phosphorylation enhanced PD-L1 expression while reducing major histocompatibility complex class I level on tumor cells, leading to impaired cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells and an increased proportion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. In clinical HCC samples, elevated TM4SF1 expression was associated with resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Targeting TM4SF1 via adeno-associated virus induced tumor senescence, reduced tumor burden and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy.
Conclusions
Our results revealed that TM4SF1 regulated tumor cell senescence and immune evasion through the AKT pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC, particularly in combination with first-line immunotherapy.
8.Research progress and mechanism of the effect of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure on male semen quality
Weifeng TANG ; Tao LI ; Litao ZENG ; Qianlong ZHANG ; Xiangfeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):672-678
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants widely present in the environment. They can enter the human body through multiple pathways such as air, water, and diet, and tend to bioaccumulate. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the potential impacts of PFAS exposure on male reproductive health. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics of PFAS exposure in men and its effects on semen quality. Epidemiological evidence indicates that PFAS exposure is significantly associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphologyrate. Mechanistic studies suggest that PFAS may induce male reproductive toxicity through various pathways, including germ cell cytotoxicity, dysfunction of Sertoli cells, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and epigenetic regulation. This review aims to integrate current evidence to support the assessment of male reproductive risks associated with PFAS exposure and to inform the development of preventive strategies.
9.Research progress and mechanism of the effect of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure on male semen quality
Weifeng TANG ; Tao LI ; Litao ZENG ; Qianlong ZHANG ; Xiangfeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):672-678
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants widely present in the environment. They can enter the human body through multiple pathways such as air, water, and diet, and tend to bioaccumulate. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the potential impacts of PFAS exposure on male reproductive health. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics of PFAS exposure in men and its effects on semen quality. Epidemiological evidence indicates that PFAS exposure is significantly associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphologyrate. Mechanistic studies suggest that PFAS may induce male reproductive toxicity through various pathways, including germ cell cytotoxicity, dysfunction of Sertoli cells, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and epigenetic regulation. This review aims to integrate current evidence to support the assessment of male reproductive risks associated with PFAS exposure and to inform the development of preventive strategies.
10.Pulmonary Function and Its Influencing Factors in Rural Elderly Adults in Guangzhou
Weifeng ZENG ; Bingqi YE ; Jialu YANG ; Jianhua LI ; Qianling XIONG ; Lele YUAN ; Min XIA
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):851-860
[Objective]To investigate pulmonary function levels and associated influencing factors among rural elderly in Guangzhou,to identify high-risk populations for poor pulmonary function,and to reveal the relationship between the influencing factors of pulmonary function.[Methods]We recruited 1 500 residents aged 60 to 94 years from rural area of Conghua District,Guangzhou City using convenience sampling in 2023.Data on demographics,body measurements,medical history and lifestyle were collected via face-to-face questionnaires and physical examination.Meanwhile,expiratory function parameters including forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),FEV1/FVC,and the prevalence of airflow obstruction(AFO)were assessed using a portable spirometer.Age and sex distribution of pulmonary function in older adults at 5-year intervals was reported,and risk factors of AFO using multifactorial logistic regression models were analyzed.Furthermore,path analysis was further employed to explore the role of lifestyle in the association between other influencing factors and lung function.[Results]Among the 1 500 participants,the median age was 71 years(67-75),and 44.2%were male.Subjects identified as AFOs were generally older,more likely male,less educated,and had lower rates of moderate to vigorous physical activity(<1 time/week)and lower lean body mass.Mean FEV1/FVC ratio was(82.0±16.4)%.FEV1/FVC was(79.80±17.58)%in men and(83.66±15.22)%in women.Older age,lower education,male sex and leanness were negatively associated with all pulmonary function outcomes(all P values<0.05).Path analysis identified that age,gender,marital status,occupation and income may influence pulmonary function indirectly through lifestyle.[Conclusion]Rural elderly in Guangzhou exhibited lower pulmonary function levels,and male sex,non-married status,advanced age,lower education,smoking habits,insufficient engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity,and lean body type were all associated with worse pulmonary function.

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