1.Ectopic expression of hemoglobin subunits enhances the in vitro cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against tumor cells under hypoxic conditions
YANG Jianxun1,2 ; ZHENG Rui3 ; LIANG Sixin3 ; PAN Jie4 ; LI Yanlong5 ; ZHAI Chenxi5 ; ZHAO Xiaojuan2 ; WANG Pengju3 ; DONG Hao4 ; YAN Bo2 ; SUN Zhihong1 ; YANG Angang3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(3):233-242
[摘 要] 目的:探讨异位表达血红蛋白亚基(HBA/HBB)对缺氧条件下嵌合抗原受体T细胞(CAR-T细胞)功能障碍的改善作用及其对肿瘤细胞的杀伤效应。方法:全基因合成技术合成靶向HER2的CAR序列,构建共表达HBA或HBB的CAR慢病毒载体,包装慢病毒后感染人原代T淋巴细胞,制备异位表达HBA/HBB的CAR-T细胞,命名为HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T。采用缺氧探针检测小鼠实体瘤缺氧状态。通过流式细胞术检测瘤内CAR-T细胞占比、异位表达血红蛋白亚基的CAR-T细胞阳性率及CAR-T细胞的活性氧、凋亡水平。WB法检测HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T内相关血红蛋白亚基表达情况,采用细胞计数板计数检测细胞增殖水平,通过萤光素酶报告基因法检测CAR-T细胞对肿瘤细胞的杀伤能力,qPCR检测CAR-T细胞中缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)表达水平,利用MitoXpress Intra试剂盒检测CAR-T细胞内氧气含量。结果:不同细胞构建的实体瘤模型均存在明显缺氧情况,且CAR-T细胞浸润水平与缺氧程度呈显著负相关(P < 0.000 1)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T构建成功(阳性率 > 60%),相应血红蛋白亚基可稳定表达。缺氧环境下HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T的ROS水平、凋亡水平显著下降,增殖、对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤能力显著强于传统CAR-T细胞(均P < 0.05)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T内HIF-1α表达降低(均P < 0.001),且缺氧程度显著降低(均P < 0.001)。结论:异位表达血红蛋白亚基可改善缺氧条件下CAR-T细胞功能障碍并增强其对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤作用。
2.Quality Evaluation of Naomaili Granules Based on Multi-component Content Determination and Fingerprint and Screening of Its Anti-neuroinflammatory Substance Basis
Ya WANG ; Yanan KANG ; Bo LIU ; Zimo WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Wei LAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Lu YANG ; Yi SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):170-178
ObjectiveTo establish an ultra-performance liquid fingerprint and multi-components determination method for Naomaili granules. To evaluate the quality of different batches by chemometrics, and the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of water extract and main components of Naomaili granules were tested in vitro. MethodsThe similarity and common peaks of 27 batches of Naomaili granules were evaluated by using Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) fingerprint detection. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology was used to determine the content of the index components in Naomaili granules and to evaluate the quality of different batches of Naomaili granules by chemometrics. LPS-induced BV-2 cell inflammation model was used to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the water extract and main components of Naomaili granules. ResultsThe similarity of fingerprints of 27 batches of samples was > 0.90. A total of 32 common peaks were calibrated, and 23 of them were identified and assigned. In 27 batches of Naomaili granules, the mass fractions of 14 components that were stachydrine hydrochloride, leonurine hydrochloride, calycosin-7-O-glucoside, calycosin,tanshinoneⅠ, cryptotanshinone, tanshinoneⅡA, ginsenoside Rb1, notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, lactiflorin, and salvianolic acid B were found to be 2.902-3.498, 0.233-0.343, 0.111-0.301, 0.07-0.152, 0.136-0.228, 0.195-0.390, 0.324-0.482, 1.056-1.435, 0.271-0.397, 1.318-1.649, 3.038-4.059, 2.263-3.455, 0.152-0.232, 2.931-3.991 mg∙g-1, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and staphylline hydrochloride were quality difference markers to control the stability of the preparation. The results of bioactive experiment showed that the water extract of Naomaili granules and the eight main components with high content in the prescription had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the release of NO in the cell supernatant. Among them, salvianolic acid B and ginsenoside Rb1 had strong anti-inflammatory activity, with IC50 values of (36.11±0.15) mg∙L-1 and (27.24±0.54) mg∙L-1, respectively. ConclusionThe quality evaluation method of Naomaili granules established in this study was accurate and reproducible. Four quality difference markers were screened out, and eight key pharmacodynamic substances of Naomaili granules against neuroinflammation were screened out by in vitro cell experiments.
3.Comparison between ultrafiltration and dextran gel method in the purification of Tfn/PCL micelles
Lingbo YU ; Yadong ZHANG ; Rui XU ; Yuyu SUN ; Huiyun WANG ; Jinjin YANG ; Yanan CUI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):258-263
ObjectiveTo compare the differences between the ultrafiltration method and the dextran gel filtration method during the purification of Tfn-modified PCL micelles by using purification efficiency and micelle purity as indicators. MethodsCoumarin-6 (C6) was used as a fluorescent probe and was loaded into HOOC-PEG-PCL to form PCL micelles by the film-dispersion method. Tfn was then conjugated to the surface of PCL micelles via an amidation reaction, resulting in two types of micelles: Tfn/PCLH and Tfn/PCLL. The pharmaceutical properties of the two types of micelles were characterized. The micelles were then purified through ultrafiltration method and dextran gel method respectively, and the efficiency of the two methods, along with the purity of the final micelles, was compared. The density of Tfn on the surface of PCL micelles was also calculated. ResultsThe hydrated diameter of PCL micelles was approximately 73 nm, and the C6 loading efficiency was around 0.046%. The size increased to 134 nm and 158 nm for Tfn/PCLL and Tfn/PCLH, respectively. The micelle population was monodisperse. The purification results showed that, for the ultrafiltration method, after two and one rounds of purification, the Tfn/C6 ratio stabilized at 23.6 and 3.4 for Tfn/PCLH and Tfn/PCLL, respectively. For the dextran gel filtration method, the Tfn/C6 ratio reached 23.7 for the Tfn/PCLH group after two rounds of purification. However, for the Tfn/PCLL group, the Tfn/C6 ratio increased during four rounds of dextran gel purification, and a significant difference (P = 0.042 4) was observed between the first and last filtrations. The density of Tfn in the final micelles were calculated. For the ultrafiltration method, the Tfn density of Tfn/PCLH and Tfn/PCLL were 94.9% and 13.8%, respectively. For the dextran gel filtration method, the density of the two micelles were 95.6% and 14.4%, respectively. For Tfn/PCLL group, the density results revealing a statistically significant difference (P=0.000 2). ConclusionThe purification efficiency of the two methods is comparable. However, the purity of the final micelles shows a significant difference, with the dextran gel filtration method resulting in higher purity, particularly for the Tfn/PCLL micelles.
4.Construction of the Theoretical Model of the "Manipulative Effect Units" and Its Application in Complex Interventions of Manual Medicine
Yanan SUN ; Qun NIU ; Changhe YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1365-1372
Drawing on the concepts of behavioural change taxonomies and theoretical coding schemes, this paper designs a theoretical model of "manipulative effect units" for manual medicine, establishing a logical framework that links "treatment objectives (theory-driven)-treatment techniques (precise implementation)-expected effects (immediate verification)". First, it analyses the methodological challenges faced by manual medicine as a complex intervention, reviewing the insights and limitations of existing research frameworks. It then focuses on the model's core concepts, theoretical architecture and multi-level coding system of "manipulative effect units", illustrating its application logic using tuina for knee osteoarthritis as an example. Finally, it proposes a development pathway of "manipulative effect units" model in complex interventions based on consensus, technological integration and artificial intelligence. This model aims to provide a unified methodological foundation for the standardised description, reproducible research and identification of active components in manual interventions, thereby propelling manual medicine from empirical transmission towards a new phase guided by theory and evidence optimization.
5.Construction of a Dual-dimensional Outcome System for Musculoskeletal Pain:A Common Core Outcome Set and A Specific Outcome Set for Traditional Chinese Medicine External Treatment
Yuanwen LIANG ; Hong CHEN ; Yanan SUN ; Changhe YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1503-1508
ObjectiveTo develop a core outcome set for musculoskeletal pain (MKP-COS) and a specific outcome set for traditional Chinese medicine external treatment (MKP-SOS-ETCM), providing a standardized basis for clinical research in musculoskeletal pain and serving as a reference for core outcome set (COS) development in related fields. MethodsExisting COS studies on musculoskeletal pain (MKP) were systematically searched, and core outcome indicators were extracted to form an initial item pool. The Delphi method was used, in which experts were invited to reach consensus on MKP-COS and MKP-SOS-ETCM. The inclusion criteria for consensus are set as an importance score of 7-9 points with ≥75% of experts reaching agreement. ResultsA total of 47 COS studies were included, and after discussion and consolidation, a preliminary item pool containing 34 outcome indicators was established. After three rounds of Delphi expert consensus, MKP-COS was identified, including five outcomes including pain, motor function, joint range of motion, activities of daily living, and adverse events/ adverse reactions; MKP-SOS-ETCM included six outcomes involving stiffness (including morning stiffness), joint tenderness count, work status/ productivity, overall physician assessment, structural damage, and muscle strength. ConclusionThis study has established MKP-COS and MKP-SOS-ETCM, forming a dual-dimensional outcome assessment system integrating both disease commonality and intervention specificity.
6.Construction of a Dual-dimensional Outcome System for Musculoskeletal Pain:A Common Core Outcome Set and A Specific Outcome Set for Traditional Chinese Medicine External Treatment
Yuanwen LIANG ; Hong CHEN ; Yanan SUN ; Changhe YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1503-1508
ObjectiveTo develop a core outcome set for musculoskeletal pain (MKP-COS) and a specific outcome set for traditional Chinese medicine external treatment (MKP-SOS-ETCM), providing a standardized basis for clinical research in musculoskeletal pain and serving as a reference for core outcome set (COS) development in related fields. MethodsExisting COS studies on musculoskeletal pain (MKP) were systematically searched, and core outcome indicators were extracted to form an initial item pool. The Delphi method was used, in which experts were invited to reach consensus on MKP-COS and MKP-SOS-ETCM. The inclusion criteria for consensus are set as an importance score of 7-9 points with ≥75% of experts reaching agreement. ResultsA total of 47 COS studies were included, and after discussion and consolidation, a preliminary item pool containing 34 outcome indicators was established. After three rounds of Delphi expert consensus, MKP-COS was identified, including five outcomes including pain, motor function, joint range of motion, activities of daily living, and adverse events/ adverse reactions; MKP-SOS-ETCM included six outcomes involving stiffness (including morning stiffness), joint tenderness count, work status/ productivity, overall physician assessment, structural damage, and muscle strength. ConclusionThis study has established MKP-COS and MKP-SOS-ETCM, forming a dual-dimensional outcome assessment system integrating both disease commonality and intervention specificity.
7.Transcriptomic analysis of the regulatory mechanism of lipocalin-2 in silicosis inflammation
Yanan SUN ; Yue ZHANG ; Xinyao WANG ; Fangze WAN ; Heliang LIU ; Hongli WANG ; Sanqiao YAO ; Hailan HE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):702-708
Background Lung tissue fibrosis caused by exposure to free silica (SiO2) dust is the core pathological feature of silicosis. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), as a secreted glycoprotein, plays an important role in various inflammatory diseases, but its specific role in silicosis-induced inflammatory injury remains unclear. Objective To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways in the lung tissues of rats with silicosis, and to explore the regulatory mechanism of LCN2 in silicosis inflammation. Methods Twenty specific pathogen-free male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and a silicosis model group (n=10 per group). The silicosis model was established via a single intratracheal instillation of silicon dioxide (SiO2) suspension (50 mg), while the control group received an equal volume of normal saline. In vitro, NR8383 cells were divided into a control group and a SiO2 treatment group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Van Gieson (VG) staining were used to evaluate alveolar structure damage, inflammatory infiltration, and collagen deposition in the lung tissues. Transcriptomic sequencing was applied to screen for DEGs and enriched signaling pathways. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), E-cadherin (ECA), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), liver X receptor (LXR), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), and LCN2 in both rat lung tissues and NR8383 cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to further assess LCN2 expression and localization. Additionally, NR8383 cells were treated with the LCN2 inhibitor ZINC00640089 and assigned to four groups: control, ZINC00640089-only, SiO2, and SiO2+ZINC00640089. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of LCN2, IL-6, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Results HE and VG staining revealed disorganized lung tissue structure, damaged alveolar walls, nodule formation, and increased collagen deposition in the silicosis model group compared to the controls. Transcriptomic analysis identified 2723 DEGs in the lung tissues of silicosis rats (312 down-regulated and 2411 up-regulated) with LCN2 expression being significantly up-regulated. These DEGs were primarily enriched in pathways related to the innate immune response, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and inflammatory response. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed elevated LCN2 levels in the lung tissues of the model rats. Western blot demonstrated that the protein levels of IL-6, CD36, and LCN2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas ABCA1 and ECA were significantly decreased in the silicosis group (P<0.05). Similarly, in SiO2-treated NR8383 cells, IL-6, CD36, and LCN2 expressions significantly increased (P<0.05), while ABCA1 and LXR significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the SiO2 group, treatment with ZINC00640089 significantly reduced the expression levels of LCN2, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.05). Conclusion LCN2 is significantly upregulated in both the lung tissues of silicosis rats and SiO2-treated NR8383 cells. Inhibiting LCN2 expression effectively reduces the SiO2-induced inflammatory response, indicating that LCN2 serves as a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.
8.Development and validation of a multi-region DNA methylation signature-based prognostic model for breast cancer in young women
Sun Lifeng ; Han Lei ; Chen Guidong ; Cheng Yanan ; Yu Jinpu
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(8):876-885
[摘 要] 目的:探讨年轻乳腺癌独特的DNA甲基化特征,筛选与预后相关的甲基化位点,构建并验证预后预测模型,并通过多组学整合及关键蛋白验证评估其临床价值。方法:收集癌症基因组图谱(TCGA)数据库中的乳腺癌样本DNA甲基化及临床数据,筛选年轻乳腺癌特有的甲基化位点。采用随机森林、LASSO回归及单因素和多因素Cox比例风险回归分析构建预后模型。使用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线、校准曲线和一致性指数(C-index)评估模型性能,并比较高、低风险组间的多组学特征差异,在独立队列中通过免疫组化法检测模型关键基因LAMA5的蛋白表达,分析其与预后的关系。结果:年轻乳腺癌相较于老年乳腺癌,在启动子区域(尤其是CpG岛)呈现显著低甲基化特征。通过多步骤差异分析获得3 489个年轻乳腺癌特有的甲基化位点,经Cox比例风险回归筛选出12个与总生存期(OS)独立相关的位点,其中启动子区、基因体区和基因间区位点各4个。基于筛选出的12个甲基化位点构建的预测模型,在TCGA训练集中显示出良好的区分度,高风险组总生存期显著更差(P = 0.002 5),5、8和10年OS预测曲线下面积(AUC)达0.88~0.94。多组学分析显示,高风险组丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号通路激活,TP53基因突变频率更高,雌激素受体α蛋白表达较低。将TP53突变状态及雌激素受体1(ESR1)mRNA表达水平等关键多组学指标纳入模型,构建综合列线图,其预测效能进一步提升。组织芯片验证显示,模型关键基因LAMA5蛋白表达阴性患者的OS更差(P = 0.046),且富集于三阴性乳腺癌,与模型高风险组的临床病理特征一致。结论:整合启动子和非启动子区域信息的基于12个甲基化位点的模型可用于年轻乳腺癌患者的预后分层。联合年龄、TP53突变及ESR1 mRNA表达水平构建的综合列线图显示出较单一甲基化模型更高的预测效能。
9.Efficacy of Tanreqing Gel in Treating Acne and Its Effect on TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Shuo YANG ; Dongying LI ; Yanan SUN ; Yi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):102-111
ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacological mechanism of Tanreqing gel (TRQG) in the treatment of acne by regulating the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/myeloid differentiation 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsThe minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Tanreqing injection (TRQ) against Cutibacterium acnes was determined through the microdilution broth method, and drug resistance induction experiments were conducted. A mouse model of acne was established through inoculation of C. acnes on the back. The effects of TRQG on skin structure, pustule formation, collagen repair, and inflammatory response were evaluated by dermoscopy, histopathology, two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy (TPEF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through transcriptome sequencing and then subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In the RAW264.7 cell model, the optimal dosage of TRQG was determined through cell viability assays. Subsequently, the expression of key proteins in the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and downstream inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. ResultsThe MIC of TRQ against C. acnes was 4 125 mg·L-1. Although TRQ had weaker antibacterial activity than erythromycin (ERY) and fusidic acid (FA), it was less likely to induce bacterial resistance. In vivo experiments showed that TRQG improved the skin structure, promoted collagen repair (P<0.01), inhibited pustule formation (P<0.01), alleviated follicular keratinization and sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and reduced inflammatory responses in the mouse model of acne compared with erythromycin gel (ERYG). Transcriptome analysis suggested that the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was a key enriched pathway. Further experimental validation indicated that TRQG inhibited the expression of TLR2, MyD88, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), phosphorylated (p)-transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), p-inhibitor of NF-κB subunit α (IκBα), and p-NF-κB in this pathway (P<0.01). Meanwhile, Real-time PCR results confirmed that TRQG reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01). ConclusionTRQG exerts its therapeutic effect on acne by inhibiting the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the release of downstream inflammatory factors. Furthermore, it is less likely to induce bacterial resistance, indicating a promising application prospect.
10.Efficacy of Tanreqing Gel in Treating Acne and Its Effect on TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Shuo YANG ; Dongying LI ; Yanan SUN ; Yi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):102-111
ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacological mechanism of Tanreqing gel (TRQG) in the treatment of acne by regulating the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/myeloid differentiation 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsThe minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Tanreqing injection (TRQ) against Cutibacterium acnes was determined through the microdilution broth method, and drug resistance induction experiments were conducted. A mouse model of acne was established through inoculation of C. acnes on the back. The effects of TRQG on skin structure, pustule formation, collagen repair, and inflammatory response were evaluated by dermoscopy, histopathology, two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy (TPEF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through transcriptome sequencing and then subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In the RAW264.7 cell model, the optimal dosage of TRQG was determined through cell viability assays. Subsequently, the expression of key proteins in the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and downstream inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. ResultsThe MIC of TRQ against C. acnes was 4 125 mg·L-1. Although TRQ had weaker antibacterial activity than erythromycin (ERY) and fusidic acid (FA), it was less likely to induce bacterial resistance. In vivo experiments showed that TRQG improved the skin structure, promoted collagen repair (P<0.01), inhibited pustule formation (P<0.01), alleviated follicular keratinization and sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and reduced inflammatory responses in the mouse model of acne compared with erythromycin gel (ERYG). Transcriptome analysis suggested that the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was a key enriched pathway. Further experimental validation indicated that TRQG inhibited the expression of TLR2, MyD88, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), phosphorylated (p)-transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), p-inhibitor of NF-κB subunit α (IκBα), and p-NF-κB in this pathway (P<0.01). Meanwhile, Real-time PCR results confirmed that TRQG reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01). ConclusionTRQG exerts its therapeutic effect on acne by inhibiting the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the release of downstream inflammatory factors. Furthermore, it is less likely to induce bacterial resistance, indicating a promising application prospect.

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