1.Effects of Huatan Sanjie Formula (化痰散结方) on Tumor Tissue Stiffness and the Integrin β1/FAK/YAP Mechanotransduction Signaling Pathway in Triple Negative Breast Cancera Model Mice
Xiangyu ZHAO ; Jingyang LIU ; Minpu ZHANG ; Xue WANG ; Changgang SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1305-1314
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Huatan Sanjie Formula (化痰散结方, HSF) in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) based on the integrinβ1/focal adhesion kinase/yes-associated protein (integrinβ1/FAK/YAP) mechanotransduction signaling pathway. MethodsFifty BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to a model group, doxorubicin group, low-, medium-, and high-dose HSF groups, with 10 mice per group. An orthotopic TNBC transplantation model was established in all mice using syngeneic implantation of 4T1 cells. After successful modeling, mice in the model group received intragastric administration of normal saline 0.2 ml each day. Mice in the low-, medium-, and high-dose HSF groups received HSF by gavage at doses of 5.99, 11.97, and 23.94 g/(kg·d), respectively. The doxorubicin group received intraperitoneal injections of doxorubicin (1.5 mg/kg) once every two days. All treatments lasted for 30 days. After the final administration, mice were sacrificed, and tumor weight and volume were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius Red staining were performed to evaluate histopathological changes and collagen fiber deposition in tumor tissues. TUNEL staining was used to assess apoptosis. The Young's modulus of tumor tissues was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nuclear-cytoplasmic localization of YAP was determined by immunofluorescence staining. Protein expression levels of integrinβ1, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), YAP, and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) were detected by Western Blotting. The mRNA expression levels of integrinβ1, FAK, and YAP were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships among tumor tissue Young's modulus, apoptosis rate, and the expression levels of proteins related to the integrinβ1/FAK/YAP signaling pathway. ResultsCompared to the model group, tumor weight was significantly reduced in the doxorubicin group and the medium- and high-dose HSF groups, while tumor volume significantly decreased in the doxorubicin group and the high-dose HSF group (P<0.01). Tumor weight in the high-dose HSF group was significantly lower than that in the low-dose group, and tumor volume was significantly smaller than that in both the low- and medium-dose groups (P<0.05). Marked improvements in histopathological morphology were observed in the medium- and high-dose HSF groups and the doxorubicin group, while the proportion of collagen fiber deposition and the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio of YAP were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all three HSF groups and the doxorubicin group exhibited significantly increased apoptosis rates, decreased Young's modulus, and reduced mRNA expression levels of integrinβ1, and YAP (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, protein expression levels of integrinβ1, p-FAK, and YAP in the high-dose HSF group were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between tumor tissue Young's modulus and apoptosis rate (r =-0.93, P<0.01). In contrast, the protein expression levels of integrinβ1, p-FAK, and YAP were positively correlated with Young's modulus (r=0.88, 0.97, and 0.98, respectively; P<0.05) and negatively correlated with apoptosis rate (r=-0.93,-0.97, and -0.93, respectively; P<0.05). ConclusionHSF can significantly inhibit tumor growth in TNBC model mice. Its antitumor effect may be associated with reducing tumor tissue stiffness through suppression of the integrinβ1/FAK/YAP mechanotransduction signaling pathway.
2.ERBB3 blockade sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to regorafenib after first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance by inhibiting HIF1A-ABCB1 signaling
Baorui TAO ; Chenhe YI ; Bo ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Yinchen GU ; Rongquan SUN ; Xiangyu WANG ; Jing LIN ; Jinhong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):787-807
Background/Aims:
Regorafenib is recommended by guidelines and trials as a sequential second-line therapy following progression on first-line sorafenib or lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, efficacy is limited, highlighting the urgent need to screen suitable patients and develop sensitization strategies.
Methods:
Acquired sorafenib- or lenvatinib-resistant (SR or LR) HCC cell lines and organoids were established. Genome-wide CRISPR library screen was performed in SR or LR cell strains to identify synthetic lethal targets of regorafenib. RNA-seq and FITC-regorafenib efflux assay were used to elucidate ERBB3-driven downstream signaling. Preclinical mouse models of cell line- and patient-derived xenografts and clinical cohorts of HCC patients were employed to validate the efficacy of ERBB3-guided patient stratification.
Results:
Screening with CRISPR library, we showed that inhibition of ERBB3 was synthetic lethal with regorafenib in SR or LR cell strains and organoids. Mechanistically, SR or LR triggered feedback activation of ERBB3 signaling and mediated regorafenib efflux via ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade pathway, limiting sensitivity to regorafenib. Moreover, ERBB3-low tumors following SR or LR exhibited significant sensitivity to regorafenib, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker to screen optimal candidates for sequential therapy. Seribantumab, an ERBB3-targeting monoclonal antibody, inhibited ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade, and its combination with regorafenib exerted marked synergistic anti-tumor effects on ERBB3-high tumors resistant to sorafenib or lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions
This study revealed that ERBB3 was a key resistance factor driving limited efficacy to sequential regorafenib, but also an effective therapeutic target whose inhibition enhanced regorafenib sensitivity after SR or LR.
3.A near-complete genomic analysis of aggregated outbreaks of norovirus subtype GⅡ.17P17 in Beijing Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024
Xiangyu HU ; Jianhong ZHAO ; Shan WANG ; Xiao QI ; Taoli HAN ; Yanhui YANG ; Yan GAO ; Shi CONG ; Lijiao CAO ; Lingli SUN ; Miao JIN ; Yang JIAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(5):640-649
Objective:To examine the near-complete genomic analysis of norovirus (NoV) subtype GⅡ.17 [P17] outbreaks in Beijing Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024.Methods:Data and specimens related to outbreaks of the NoV aggregation in Beijing′s Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 were collected. The NoV was identified using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Specimens with positive nucleic acid were amplified by standard PCR, whole genome sequencing and evolutionary analysis. Amino acid site variations were compared.Results:In Chaoyang District, from 2014 to 2024, a total of 637 aggregated outbreaks caused by the NoV infection were reported, of which 584 were successfully typed. The epidemic caused by the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype accounted for 8.79% (56/637), which was the dominant epidemic gene subtype in 2014-2015, sporadic in 2016-2019, reappeared in 2022, and significantly increased in 2024 (27.27%, 24/88). Outbreaks caused by the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype occurred mainly from October to December, with the main sites of occurrence in primary schools and kindergartens. This study yielded 53 near-complete genome sequences of the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype from 46 incidents in Chaoyang District. The GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype sequences of Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 were segmented into three subgroups on the evolutionary tree, with sequences from 2014 to 2019, 2022 to April 2024, and May to December 2024 clustered into the d, e, and b subgroups, respectively. In the VP1 region′s P2 area, particularly at the HBGA binding site, subgroups b and e exhibited mutations in 22 and two sites, while subgroups b and e showed mutations in four and one sites, predominantly in the RdRp region.Conclusion:The outbreak caused by the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype in Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 continues, with a significant increase in 2024, and it becomes the dominant gene subtype from October to December. The sequence formation of the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype in Chaoyang District from January to April 2022 and from May to December 2024 shows two different evolutions, with specific mutation sites, requiring continuous monitoring of the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype.
4.Effect of sustained platelet aggregation inhibition by tirofiban on arterial duct closure in neonatal canines
Yi REN ; Min SU ; Zheng LI ; Siyuan XU ; Bingjie WANG ; Yiwen LIU ; Zhongyi SUN ; Min LI ; Xiangyu GAO
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(10):889-895
Objective:To investigate whether repeated tirofiban injections can continuously inhibit platelet aggregation in the arterial duct and affect its closure in neonatal canines.Methods:Four 24-month-old pregnant beagles underwent cesarean sections in two batches (two dogs per batch) 1-2 days before the expected delivery date at the Xuzhou Medical University Animal Experiment Center. The first litter of 21 neonates served as the control group (receiving 10 ml/kg normal saline) and were randomly divided into 1-h ( n=7, injected immediately after birth), 4-h ( n=7, injected at 0 h and 2 h after birth), and 12-h subgroups ( n=7, injected at 0 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, and 10 h after birth). The second litter of 18 neonates served as the experimental group (receiving 10 ml/kg tirofiban) with identical subgroup assignments ( n=6 per subgroup). Echocardiography was performed at 1 h, 4 h, and 12 h after birth to measure arterial duct inner diameter, maximum shunt velocity, and left atrial diameter/aortic root diameter (LA/Ao) ratio. Plasma platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while platelet membrane glycoprotein Ⅱb-Ⅲa in the arterial duct was assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Data were analyzed using t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Chi square tests, or Fisher's exact test. Results:No significant bleeding tendency occurred in either group. Two control neonates (one each in the 4-h and 12-h subgroups) died. In both control and experimental 1-h subgroups, all arterial ducts remained open, with no significant differences in ductal diameter, shunt velocity, or LA/Ao between groups (all P>0.05). In the 4-h subgroups, all experimental neonates had patent ducts arteriosus, while two controls exhibited closure; the experimental group had larger ductal diameters [(1.05±0.05) vs. (0.55±0.44) mm, t=-2.75, P<0.05)] and higher LA/Ao ratios (1.31±0.09 vs. 1.14±0.03, t=-4.90, P<0.05), but lower maximum shunt velocities [(107.06±17.47) vs. (153.74±12.78) cm/s, t=4.54, P=0.002). In the 12-h subgroups, all the controls had closed arterial ducts, while four of six experimental neonates exhibited closure, though the difference in closure rate was not statistically significant (6/6 vs. 4/6, Fisher's exact test, P=0.455). Plasma PDGF and glycoprotein Ⅱb-Ⅲa levels did not differ between two 1-h subgroups (all P>0.05). However, the 4-h and 12-h experimental subgroups showed lower PDGF levels [(373.5±13.1) vs. (880.3±80.2) pg/ml, t=10.81; (356.7±35.0) vs. (1 111.2±125.3) pg/ml, t=9.74; both P<0.05] and reduced glycoprotein Ⅱb-Ⅲa expression (0.32±0.07 vs. 0.80±0.23, t=3.29; 0.42±0.07 vs. 0.92±0.26, t=3.24; both P<0.05) compared to controls. Conclusion:Repeated tirofiban injections sustainably inhibit platelet aggregation in the arterial duct of neonatal canines and delay ductal closure, suggesting that intraductal platelet aggregation may be one factor influencing this process.
5.Successful treatment of a case of lethal dose of felodipine poisoning with V-A ECMO
Xiangyu ZHU ; Mingyue SUN ; Yuan LIU ; Zhikun ZHAO ; Ping JIANG ; Weiwei PAN ; Ziyu WANG ; Yajuan ZHANG ; Jing FU ; Haichen YANG ; Yeping DU ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Yan SHI
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(6):369-371
A 36-year-old male developed unconsciousness and no response to voice stimuli after taking approximately 2 050 mg felodipine (the specific time was unknown). Two hours later, he was sent to the department of emergency by his family and admitted to the hospital. His vital signs showed body temperature 35.1 ℃, pulse 148 times/min, respiration 32 times/min, and blood pressure 65/34 mmHg. Acute drug poisoning, acute toxic cardiomyopathy, acute toxic shock, acute type Ⅱ respiratory failure, acute toxic encephalopathy, and acute renal failure were diagnosed based on the patient′s clinical manifestations combined with laboratory tests results, cardiac ultrasound, chest and abdominal CT scans. Endotracheal intubation connected to a ventilator for invasive assisted ventilation, pressure boosting, and fluid resuscitation were given. At the same time, repeated gastric lavage and enema were performed to remove toxins. Blood perfusion was intermittently and repeatedly administered, and continuous renal replacement therapy was used. The blood concentration of felodipine was 1 298 μg/L at 2 hours after admission, and cardiac arrest occurred at 4 hours. Venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) treatment was administered immediately. After 48 hours of ECMO operation, sedatives were discontinued and the patient′s consciousness was improved after 4 hours. On the 5th day of ECMO treatment, his heart rate was 72 beats per minute, and blood pressure was 127/65 mmHg. The blood concentration of felodipine decreased to 2 μg/L. The patient′s vital signs were significantly improved and ECMO supportive treatment was withdrawn. After 26 days of hospitalization, the patient recovered and was discharged.
6.Current status and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with Cushing syndrome
Xinyi LIU ; Tianchao CHEN ; Yunfeng BAI ; Yueying FENG ; Xiangyu SUN ; Fangfang LI ; Ge LIU ; Yan LI ; Ou LI ; Xinjuan WU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(4):534-539
Objective:To explore the current status and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with Cushing syndrome in China, so as to provide a basis for clinical interventions.Methods:Convenience sampling was used to select 260 inpatients with Cushing syndrome who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in 9 ClassⅢ Grade A hospitals within the 7 geographic subregions of China from February to April 2023 for the study. General Information Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20, Barthel Index, and Self-Rating Depression Scale were used for the survey.Results:A total of 260 questionnaires were distributed and 241 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 92.7% (241/260). The MFI-20 score of 241 patients with Cushing syndrome was 58.00 (46.00, 64.00). 65.1% (157/241) of patients with Cushing syndrome suffered from fatigue, and 73.2% (115/157) of patients with fatigue exhibited multidimensional fatigue. Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in fatigue scores among patients with Cushing syndrome with different cultural levels, recurrence frequency, activity of daily living, hypertension, and depression ( P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that depression was a risk factor for fatigue in patients with Cushing syndrome, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Fatigue in patients with Cushing syndrome needs attention. Medical and nursing staff should pay close attention to the psychological status of patients with Cushing syndrome, encourage them to actively cope, alleviate their depression, in order to improve their fatigue.
7.Research progress on the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in cholangiocarcinoma
Xiaojun SUI ; Lei YANG ; Dihua LI ; Dapeng ZHANG ; Xiangyu SUN
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(10):792-796
Cholangiocarcinoma has an extremely poor prognosis, and the efficacy of existing treatment methods is limited. In the highly desmoplastic tumor microenvironment of cholangiocarcinoma, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the core regulators. Their significant heterogeneity and complex intercellular crosstalk network are not only key factors driving cholangiocarcinoma progression and drug resistance, but also highly promising therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the characteristics of CAFs in cholangiocarcinoma and the key crosstalk mechanisms between CAFs and tumor cells as well as immune cells, and summarizes the research progress and limitations of current therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs.
8.A near-complete genomic analysis of aggregated outbreaks of norovirus subtype GⅡ.17P17 in Beijing Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024
Xiangyu HU ; Jianhong ZHAO ; Shan WANG ; Xiao QI ; Taoli HAN ; Yanhui YANG ; Yan GAO ; Shi CONG ; Lijiao CAO ; Lingli SUN ; Miao JIN ; Yang JIAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(5):640-649
Objective:To examine the near-complete genomic analysis of norovirus (NoV) subtype GⅡ.17 [P17] outbreaks in Beijing Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024.Methods:Data and specimens related to outbreaks of the NoV aggregation in Beijing′s Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 were collected. The NoV was identified using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Specimens with positive nucleic acid were amplified by standard PCR, whole genome sequencing and evolutionary analysis. Amino acid site variations were compared.Results:In Chaoyang District, from 2014 to 2024, a total of 637 aggregated outbreaks caused by the NoV infection were reported, of which 584 were successfully typed. The epidemic caused by the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype accounted for 8.79% (56/637), which was the dominant epidemic gene subtype in 2014-2015, sporadic in 2016-2019, reappeared in 2022, and significantly increased in 2024 (27.27%, 24/88). Outbreaks caused by the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype occurred mainly from October to December, with the main sites of occurrence in primary schools and kindergartens. This study yielded 53 near-complete genome sequences of the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype from 46 incidents in Chaoyang District. The GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype sequences of Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 were segmented into three subgroups on the evolutionary tree, with sequences from 2014 to 2019, 2022 to April 2024, and May to December 2024 clustered into the d, e, and b subgroups, respectively. In the VP1 region′s P2 area, particularly at the HBGA binding site, subgroups b and e exhibited mutations in 22 and two sites, while subgroups b and e showed mutations in four and one sites, predominantly in the RdRp region.Conclusion:The outbreak caused by the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype in Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 continues, with a significant increase in 2024, and it becomes the dominant gene subtype from October to December. The sequence formation of the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype in Chaoyang District from January to April 2022 and from May to December 2024 shows two different evolutions, with specific mutation sites, requiring continuous monitoring of the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype.
9.Analysis of short-term efficacy of intermediate-risk and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treated with intravesical instillation of domestic BCG
Xiangyu PANG ; Yu YAO ; Yi YUAN ; Lijiang SUN ; Guiming ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(4):250-256
Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy, safety and factors affecting recurrence of intermediate-risk and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated with intravesical instillation of domestic Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infusion.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. We collected the data of 163 patients with NMIBC treated with domestic BCG after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) from October 2016 to October 2020 in the Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. There were 140 males and 23 females, the age was(67.3±10.3) years old. 23 cases had only been received BCG and 140 cases received other chemotherapy drugs before. The induction scheme of instillation was started after the TURBT at once a week for 6 consecutive weeks, continue instillation at every two weeks for 3 doses, then maintenance instillation once a month for 10 consecutive times, for a total of 19 instillations. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate recurrence-free survival. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze factors and stepwise regression (backward method) was employed to identify independent risk factors for recurrence after BCG instillation. The incidence of adverse reactions was recorded. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation( ± s), measurement data with skewed distribution were expressed as M( Q1, Q3), and count data were expressed as frequency and percentage(%). Results:A total of 23 cases experienced recurrence within the 13-month of instillation, of which 7 cases were found to have progressed by pathological biopsy, and the cumulative recurrence-free rate was 85.9%. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the history of re-TURBT ( P=0.010) was an independent predictor for recurrence after BCG intravesical instillation. Adverse events occurred in 110 cases. The main symptoms of the 65 cases were urgency of urination, pollakiuria and dysuria with urinary irritation, urinary tract infection in 15 cases, hematuria in 10 cases, and other symptoms in 20 cases. Instillation was terminated in 7 cases due to side effects, no serious adverse events such as spread of tuberculous bacteria were observed in the cases. Conclusions:Patients with NMIBC treated with intravesical instillation of domestic BCG have significant short-term efficacy, while patients who have previously received re-TURBT is an independent predictor for recurrence. The domestic BCG have the characteristic of slight side effect, good efficacy and safety.
10.Analysis of influencing factors and construction of predictive models of immune-related skin adverse events in urologic neoplasms
Ran SUN ; Kai DANG ; Yongan ZHOU ; Yang YANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Jinhua LIU ; Jing XIAO ; Teng CUI
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(10):665-671
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of skin adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in patients with urologic neoplasms, and establish a predictive model.Methods:A single-center retrospective case-control study enrolled 91 advanced urologic neoplasms patients who received ICI therapy at the Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to June 2025. Patients were divided into the skin lesion group ( n=44) and the control group ( n=47). Patients in the skin lesion group experienced related skin adverse events during ICI treatment, while patients in the control group did not experience such events during ICI treatment. The general data and laboratory indicators were compared between the two groups. The normally distributed measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups; the non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as the median (interquartile range) [ M ( Q1, Q3)], and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between groups. The count data were expressed as the number of cases and percentages, and the Chi-test was used for comparison between groups. First, a univariate analysis was conducted on the influencing factors of skin adverse events in patients with urologic neoplasms after ICI treatment. Then, the indicators with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis were further included in the multivariate Logistic regression model to screen the independent risk factors for predicting skin adverse events. The R software was used to incorporate the factors with significant differences from multivariate analysis into the prediction model and construct a Nomogram. The calibration curve was utilized to evaluate the consistency between predicted values and actual observed results. Meanwhile, the discrimination of the model was verified by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC), so as to comprehensively verify the reliability and clinical application value of the prediction model. Results:The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the skin lesion group and the control group in terms of the proportion of other immune responses, serum albumin level, absolute eosinophil count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ( P<0.05). These factors were included in multivariate Logistic regression, which identified elevated absolute eosinophil count and elevated CRP as the independent risk factors for related skin adverse events in patients with urologic neoplasms after ICI treatment. A predictive nomogram was built based on these factors. The calibration curve showed high consistency between predicted and actual probabilities, and ROC analysis confirmed the combined model had high predictive value (AUC=0.883, P<0.001). Conclusions:Elevated absolute eosinophil count and elevated CRP level are independent predictors of immune-related skin adverse events in urologic neoplasms patients after ICI treatment. The prediction model constructed based on these two factors facilitates early clinical screening and identification of high-risk patients.

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