1.Mechanistic study of regulatory T cells resisting ferroptosis under hypoxic stress in oral squamous cell carcinoma
GUO Ruiyu ; ZHANG Fangyu ; XU Qin ; CHEN Wantao ; YAN Ming
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(10):953-969
Objective:
To explore the metabolic molecular mechanism of regulatory T cells (Tregs) resisting ferroptosis under a hypoxic stress microenvironment, and to provide scientific support for finding intervention targets to improve the immune microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Methods:
This study was approved by the Institutional Medical Ethics Committee. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used to detect the distribution of Tregs and the localization of hypoxic regions in clinical pathological specimens from patients with OSCC tissues. Animal experiments were approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee. A tumor-bearing model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The submandibular, subscapular, inguinal, and popliteal lymph nodes were collected along with the spleen, and were homogenized to prepare single cell suspensions. C57BL/6 mouse naive CD4⁺ T cells were induced to differentiate into Tregs in vitro, and a 1% hypoxic culture model was established. Normoxia and hypoxia groups were established, and Treg viability under hypoxic conditions was assessed by flow cytometry. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were applied to analyze differentially expressed genes, metabolic pathways, and changes in cholesterol metabolites. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of emopamil-binding protein (EBP), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4). The safe concentration of the EBP inhibitor TASIN-30 was determined by the CCK-8 assay. On this basis, four groups were established: normoxia control, hypoxia, hypoxia+TASIN-30, and hypoxia+TASIN-30+7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC). Treg viability in each group was measured by flow cytometry; intracellular Fe2+ content, lipid peroxidation level, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were detected by cellular immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; the reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio was measured using a microplate reader; and mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. In vivo tumor-inhibition experiments in C3H/HeJ mice were performed to validate the in vivo effects of EBP inhibition, and clinical prognostic survival analysis based on the TCGA-HNSC cohort was performed to evaluate the clinical prognostic value of ferroptosis resistance in Tregs.
Results:
Tregs were highly enriched in OSCC tissue, preferentially accumulated in hypoxic areas, and could maintain cell survival under hypoxia. The cholesterol metabolism pathway was upregulated in the hypoxic group, with increased EBP mRNA expression (P < 0.001) and 7-DHC accumulation. Compared with the hypoxic group alone, the hypoxic + TASIN-30 group showed decreased GPX4 and FSP1 expression (P < 0.001, P = 0.003); increased ACSL4 expression (P < 0.001); a decreased viable cell ratio (P < 0.001); increased Fe2+, lipid peroxidation, and ROS levels (P < 0.001); a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio (P < 0.001); and mitochondrial shrinkage. Exogenous supplementation of 7-DHC reversed the effects of EBP inhibition. In vivo inhibition of EBP significantly inhibited tumor growth (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Tregs upregulate EBP and promote 7-DHC accumulation in hypoxic microenvironments, thereby inhibiting Treg ferroptosis and maintaining their survival and immunosuppressive function. Inhibition of EBP can weaken the resistance of Tregs to ferroptosis under hypoxia.
2.Surveillance of adverse events following immunization with combined attenuated live measles, mumps and rubella vaccines in Huzhou City from 2015 to 2021
Chao ZHANG ; Jianyong SHEN ; Xiaofu LUO ; Qin' ; er XU ; Liping HAN
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(1):74-77
Objective:
To monitor the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with combined attenuated live measles, mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR) in Huzhou City from 2015 to 2021, so as to provide insights into the implementation of the MMR immunization strategy.
Methods:
All AEFI caused by MMR immunization in Huzhou City from 2015 to 2021 were captured from the AEFI Monitoring Information Management System of the Immunization Planning System of Chinese Disease Control and Prevention Information System, and the incidence, clinical features and epidemiological features of AEFI were analyzed descriptively.
Results:
The reported incidence of AEFI caused by MMR immunization appeared a tendency towards a rise in Huzhou City from 2015 to 2021 (χ2trend=124.126, P<0.001). Totally 324 386 doses of MMR vaccines were immunized, and 317 cases with AEFI were reported, with an reported incidence rate of 9.77/104 doses. Following two-dose immunization, the reported incidence of AEFI caused by two-dose MMR immunization was significantly lower than by one-dose immunization (6.01/104 doses vs. 25.43/104 doses; χ2=113.692, P<0.001). The incidence rates of general reactions, abnormal reactions and coincidental events were 6.20/104 doses, 3.42/104 dose and 0.15/104 doses, respectively. Fever and allergic rash were predominant clinical manifestations of AEFI, and no vaccine quality accident, inoculation accident or psychogenic reaction were reported. There were 246 (77.60%) cases with AEFI within 24 hours following vaccination, and among children with AEFI, there were 173 boys (54.57%), and 200 children (63.09%) age ages of less than one year (63.09%). AEFI was reported in each quarter, and 99 cases (31.23%) were reported in the fourth quarter. The largest number of children with AEFI was reported in Wuxing District (78 cases, 24.61%).
Conclusions
The safety of MMR vaccination is high in Huzhou City. General reaction is the predominant AEFI, which mainly occurs within 24 hours following vaccination. Two-dose MMR vaccination does not increase the risk of AEFI.
3.Surveillance of adverse events following immunization with inactivated influenza vaccines among the elderly in Huzhou City
ZHANG Chao ; LUO Xiaofu ; LIU Yan ; SHEN Jianyong ; XU Qin' ; er ; HAN Liping ; MA Li
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(8):701-704
Objective:
To investigate the incidence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with inactivated influenza vaccine among the elderly in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into safety monitoring and evaluation of inactivated influenza vaccines.
Methods:
Data pertaining to surveillance on AEFI with inactivated influenza vaccines among the elderly at ages of 60 years and older in Huzhou City from 2020 to 2022 were collected from the AEFI Monitoring Information Management System of the Immunization Planning System of Chinese Disease Control and Prevention Information System, including demographics, time of AEFI occurrence, classification of AEFI and clinical syndromes, and the reported incidence and epidemiological features of AEFI with inactivated influenza vaccines were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method.
Results:
Totally 84 elderly cases at ages of 60 years and older were reported with AEFI with inactivated influenza vaccines in Huzhou City from 2020 to 2022, with a reported incidence rate of 9.83/105 doses, and the reported incidence rates of AEFI with trivalent and quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccines were 9.74/105 doses and 48.71/105 doses, respectively. The reported incidence rates of general, abnormal, coincidence and psychogenic reactions were 7.96/105 doses, 1.52/105 doses, 0.23/105 doses and 0.12/105 doses, respectively, and no vaccine quality accidents or wrong vaccine administered were reported. The cases with AEFI included 52 women and 32 men, and most cases were aged from 60 to 69 years (44 cases, 52.38%). The highest incidence of AEFI was reported in Nanxun District (17.94/105 doses), and there were 79 cases (94.05%) with AEFI within 24 hours following vaccination. The clinical symptoms mainly included fever, local redness and swelling, and local induration, with reported incidence rates of 2.22/105 doses, 3.74/105 doses, and 1.99/105 doses, respectively.
Conclusions
The reported incidence of AEFI with inactivated influenza vaccines is low among the elderly at ages of 60 years and older in Huzhou City, with general reactions as predominant AEFI, and most AEFI occurs within 24 hours following vaccination.
4. Anthrahydroquinone-2,6-disulfonate alleviates paraquat-induced kidney injury via the apelin-APJ pathway in rats
Qi LI ; Tang DENG ; Qi-Feng HUANG ; Shuang-Qin XU ; Hang-Fei WANG ; Xin-Xin WU ; Nan LI ; Yang YI ; Ji-Chao PENG ; Yue HUANG ; Jin QIAN ; Xiao-Ran LIU ; Bo WANG ; Kai-Wen LIN
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2022;12(8):333-342
Objective: To explore the protective effects of anthrahydroquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AH 2 QDS) on the kidneys of paraquat (PQ) poisoned rats via the apelin-APJ pathway. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups: control, PQ, PQ+sivelestat, and PQ+AH 2 QDS. The PQ+sivelestat group served as the positive control group. The model of poisoning was established via intragastric treatment with a 20% PQ pesticide solution at 200 mg/kg. Two hours after poisoning, the PQ+sivelestat group was treated with sivelestat, while the PQ+AH 2 QDS group was given AH 2 QDS. Six rats were selected from each group on the first, third, and seventh days after poisoning and dissected after anesthesia. The PQ content of the kidneys was measured using the sodium disulfite method. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of renal tissues was performed to detect pathological changes. Apelin expression in the renal tissues was detected using immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of the following proteins in the kidney tissues: IL-6, TNF-α, apelin-APJ (the apelin-Angiotensin receptor), NF-κB p65, caspase-1, caspase-8, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). In in vitro study, a PQ toxicity model was established using human tubular epithelial cells treated with standard PQ. Twenty-four hours after poisoning, sivelestat and AH 2 QDS were administered. The levels of oxidative stress in human renal tubular epithelial cells were assessed using a reactive oxygen species fluorescence probe. Results: The PQ content in the kidney tissues of the PQ group was higher than that of the PQ+AH 2 QDS group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed extensive hemorrhage and congestion in the renal parenchyma of the PQ group. Vacuolar degeneration of the renal tubule epithelial cells, deposition of crescent-like red staining material in renal follicles, infiltration by a few inflammatory cells, and a small number of cast formation were also observed. However, these pathological changes were less severe in the PQ+sivelestat group and the PQ+AH 2 QDS group (P<0.05). On the third day after poisoning, immunofluorescence assay showed that the level of apelin in the renal tissues was significantly higher in the PQ+AH 2 QDS group than in the PQ group. Western blotting analysis results showed that IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB p65, caspase-1, caspase-8, GRP78, and CHOP protein levels in the PQ group were higher than in the PQ+AH 2 QDS group (P<0.05). The expression of apelin-APJ proteins in the PQ+AH 2 QDS group was higher than in the PQ+sivelestat and PQ groups (P<0.05); this difference was significant on Day 3 and Day 7. The level of oxidative stress in the renal tubular epithelial cells of the PQ+AH 2 QDS group and the PQ+sivelestat group was significantly lower than in the PQ group (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study confirms that AH 2 QDS has a protective effect on PQ-poisoned kidneys and its positive effect is superior to that of sivelestat. The mechanism of the protective effects of AH 2 QDS may be linked to reduction in cellular oxidative stress, PQ content of renal tissue, inflammatory injury, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis. AH 2 QDS may play a role in the treatment of PQ poisoning by upregulating the expression of the apelin-APJ.
5.Comparison of segmentectomy versus lobectomy for ≤2 cm lung adenocarcinoma with micropapillary and solid subtype negative by intraoperative frozen sections: A multi-center randomized controlled trial
Chang CHEN ; Yuming ZHU ; Gening JIANG ; Haifeng WANG ; Dong XIE ; Hang SU ; Long XU ; Deping ZHAO ; Liang DUAN ; Boxiong XIE ; Chunyan WU ; Likun HOU ; Huikang XIE ; Junqiang FAN ; Xuedong ZHANG ; Weirong SHI ; Honggang KE ; Lei ZHANG ; Hao WANG ; Xuefei HU ; Qiankun CHEN ; Lei JIANG ; Wenxin HE ; Yiming ZHOU ; Xiong QIN ; Xiaogang ZHAO ; Hongcheng LIU ; Peng ZHANG ; Yang YANG ; Ming LIU ; Hui ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2021;28(11):1292-1298
Objective To compare the clinical effects of segmentectomy and lobectomy for ≤2 cm lung adenocarcinoma with micropapillary and solid subtype negative by intraoperative frozen sections. Methods The patients with adenocarcinoma who received segmentectomy or lobectomy in multicenter from June 2020 to March 2021 were included. They were divided into two groups according to a random number table, including a segmentectomy group (n=119, 44 males and 75 females with an average age of 56.6±8.9 years) and a lobectomy group (n=115, 43 males and 72 females with an average of 56.2±9.5 years). The clinical data of the patients were analyzed. Results There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). No perioperative death was found. There was no statistical difference in the operation time (111.2±30.0 min vs. 107.3±34.3 min), blood loss (54.2±83.5 mL vs. 40.0±16.4 mL), drainage duration (2.8±0.6 d vs. 2.6±0.6 d), hospital stay time (3.9±2.3 d vs. 3.7±1.1 d) or pathology staging (P>0.05) between the two groups. The postoperative pulmonary function analysis revealed that the mean decreased values of forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second percent predicted in the segmentectomy group were significantly better than those in the lobectomy group (0.2±0.3 L vs. 0.4±0.3 L, P=0.005; 0.3%±8.1% vs. 2.9%±7.4%, P=0.041). Conclusion Segmentectomy is effective in protecting lungs function, which is expected to improve life quality of patients.


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