1.Construction of a prognostic model for breast cancer based on lipid metabolism-related genes and functional verification of ALDH2.
Zirong LU ; Yufeng LU ; Ji ZHOU ; Yichao ZHU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;():1-10
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the expression patterns and prognostic value of lipid metabolism-related genes in breast cancer.
METHODS:
RNA sequencing data and clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer (TCGA-BRCA) dataset, including 1100 breast cancer tissue samples (18 paired with adjacent tissues) and 112 normal breast tissue samples. Differentially expressed lipid metabolism-related genes were screened from a predefined set of 2043 genes using Bioconductor in R, with a false discovery rate <0.05 and |log2(fold change)|>2. Eligible samples were randomly divided into a training cohort (n=651) and a validation cohort (n=431) at a 6∶4 ratio. Prognostic lipid metabolism-related genes were identified using univariate Cox regression (P<0.005) and further refined via LASSO regression. A risk score model was constructed using multivariate Cox regression, and patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. The model's performance was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with the log-rank test and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A nomogram integrating age, TNM stage, clinical grade, and risk score was developed and validated using calibration curves and the concordance index. Immune cell infiltration was quantified using an immune scoring algorithm, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify key modules associated with immune cell infiltration. Finally, to validate the function of the key gene ALDH2, small interfering RNA targeting ALDH2 was transfected into breast cancer cells, and its effects on invasion and migration were assessed using Transwell invasion and wound healing assays.
RESULTS:
A total of 185 differentially expressed lipid metabolism-related genes were identified. Univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses identified three genes-ALDH2, CYP21A2, and IL24-which were incorporated into the multivariate Cox model. The prognostic model based on these genes demonstrated good predictive performance in both cohorts: patients in the high-risk group had significantly shorter overall survival (P<0.01), and the area under the ROC curve for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates was above 0.64. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment revealed an immunosuppressive phenotype in the high-risk group, characterized by reduced infiltration of several anti-tumor immune cells and downregulation of key immune checkpoint molecules such as PDCD1 and CTLA4. WGCNA suggested an association between ALDH2 and immune cell infiltration. Functional experi-ments confirmed that ALDH2 knockdown significantly enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of breast cancer cells.
CONCLUSIONS
This study established and validated a pro-gnostic model for breast cancer based on lipid metabolism-related genes. It revealed that low ALDH2 expression is closely associated with poor prognosis and immunosuppression, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer.
2.Research progress of Pinellia ternata and its active ingredients in car-diovascular diseases
Min SONG ; Tingting DIAO ; Yichao WANG ; Luyi LIU ; Qiqi QI ; Jingjing BI ; Nailiang ZHU ; Xinrong QIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(2):251-264
Cardiovascular diseases(CVD)are chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality in the world.Pinellia ternatais a traditional Chi-nese medicinal herb and has the effects on drying dampness,resolving phlegm,lowering symptoms,stopping vomiting and relieving swelling.In recent years,researches showed that Pinellia ternataand its active ingredients(β-sitosterol,baicalin,baica-lein,quercetin)had significant effects in the treat-ment of cardiovascular diseases.This review sum-marized and analyzed the role and mechanism of Pinellia ternata and its active ingredients in cardio-vascular diseases,which provided a theoretical ba-sis for its clinical application.
3.Preparation of Trop2-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cells and study of their exhaustion status in vitro
Xiuying LIU ; Xinzhan LI ; Jingjing ZHU ; Jingjing LIU ; Yichao FENG ; Jianxun WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(15):1750-1759
Objective To design and construct chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T cells targeting Trop2,establish an in vitro cell exhaustion model through continuous antigen stimulation,and investigate their anti-tumor activity and exhaustion characteristics.Methods The second-generation CAR plasmid was constructed based on the single-chain variable fragment(scFv)sequence of Sacituzumab Govitecan targeting Trop2.The viral vector titer was determined by retroviral vector packaging and gradient dilution.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)from healthy donors were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation,and CAR virus vectors were transduced into PBMCs activated with OKT-3/IL-2 to generate Trop2-targeted CAR T cells.CAR expression levels were assessed by flow cytometry using MYC tags.In vitro 3 tumor cell models were established,including human ovarian cancer cells(SKOV3),human breast cancer cells(MDA-MB-453),and human lung cancer cells(A549).The expression of the Trop2 antigen in these models was confirmed using flow cytometry.Additionally,luciferase assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic efficiency of Trop2-targeted therapy at various effector-to-target ratios.An in vitro CAR-T exhaustion model was developed,and the long-term killing ability of CAR-T cells was dynamically monitored using the Incucyte live-cell imaging system.The PD-1/TIM-3 phenotype of CAR-T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry,and cytokine secretion levels were quantified using the cytometric bead array(CBA).Transcriptomic sequencing and RT-qPCR were employed to validate the differentially expressed genes associated with exhaustion.Results The second-generation CAR T cells targeting Trop2 were successfully constructed.Compared to the P-T group,in vitro experiments demonstrated that these CAR T cells exhibited antigen-specific and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against tumor cells with high Trop2 expression,such as MDA-MB-453 and SKOV3.A CAR-T cell exhaustion model established through repeated tumor antigen stimulation in vitro revealed that,compared to the initial state,the exhausted Trop2 CAR-T cells exhibited significantly reduced tumor-killing capacity while P-T cells showed almost no killing effect,the expression of inhibitory receptors(PD-1 and TIM-3)was up-regulated on the surface of exhausted CAR-T cells,and the secretion of effector cytokines was diminished.Transcriptomic analysis identified multiple differentially expressed genes in the exhausted CAR-T cells.Pathways related to immune response and T cell receptor signaling were down-regulated,while apoptosis-related pathways were activated.RT-qPCR further confirmed abnormal expression of immunoregulatory genes,including IL3,IL5,and IL13(P<0.05).Conclusion During continuous in vitro tumor antigen stimulation,the second-generation CAR-T cells targeting the Trop2 antigen demonstrate declined anti-tumor activity,weakened effector function and up-regulated expression of exhaustion-related molecules.
4.Analysis of the incidence trend of inflammatory bowel disease in the elderly in China from 2002 to 2021 based on the Bayesian age-period-cohort model
Guilian LAN ; Yichao GAN ; Zhenhua ZHU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(5):417-423
Objective:To describe the incidence trends of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among the elderly in China from 2002 to 2021, estimate age-period-cohort (APC) effects, and predict future trends.Methods:Data on elderly IBD incidence and age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) from 2002 to 2021 were extracted from the global burden of disease study 2021 database. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) evaluated ASIR trends. APC and Bayesian APC (BAPC) models were used to analyze effects and predict incidence from 2022 to 2031. A sensitivity analysis was conducted by applying alternative hyperprior values (a=1, b=0.0005) to assess model stability.Results:From 2002 to 2021, ASIR increased from 0.186 per 100, 000 to 0.272 per 100, 000 (EAPC = 2.234%, 95% CI: 1.715%-2.756%). Age effects showed a downward-then-upward trend in males and a decline in females, with peak incidence at 60-<64 years. Period effects increased steadily in males, while females showed an initial rise followed by a decline. Cohort effects rose and then declined with successive birth cohorts. Projections suggest ASIR will continue to rise through 2031. Sensitivity analysis showed ASIR trends closely matched the main model, indicating robustness. Conclusion:The burden of IBD among older adults in China is increasing. Strengthened prevention, health education, and lifestyle promotion for those aged 60-<70 are recommended.
5.A prospective randomized clinical study of folic acid in the intervention of radiation esophagitis induced by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in lung cancer
Hao ZHANG ; Yiying ZHU ; Weiwei OUYANG ; Shengfa SU ; Zhu MA ; Qingsong LI ; Yichao GENG ; Wengang YANG ; Xiaxia CHEN ; Bing LU
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(1):65-72
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of oral folic acid intervention in lung cancer patients with radiation esophagitis (RE) caused by concurrent chemoradiotherapy.Methods:In this randomized, controlled, single-center clinical trial, a total of 82 patients with stage N 2-N 3 lung cancer including small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from June 2022 to October 2023 were prospectively included. All enrolled patients were randomly divided into the experimental group (folic acid group) and control group according to 1 vs. 1 of simple random method, and patients in both groups were required to receive radiation therapy for lung lesions and mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes [≥2 cycles of chemotherapy were completed during the same period of radiotherapy (≥40 Gy / 20 F) or targeted drugs were given simultaneously]. The severity of RE was evaluated using the modified common terminology criteria for adverse events criteria of the National Cancer Institute in both groups weekly at the onset of radiation esophagitis symptoms and thereafter until 1 week after the end of radiotherapy. Conventional treatment of RE was delivered according to the grading criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. Patients in the folic acid group were given with folic acid tablets 30 mg/d orally at the beginning of radiotherapy until the end of radiotherapy, while those in the control group did not receive any drug intervention. The onset time, severity and duration of RE, and changes in the severity of esophageal toxicity after conventional treatment were recorded and analyzed. Serum folate value, serum vitamin B 12 value and homocysteine value were measured before and after radiotherapy. For continuous quantitative variables, independent sample t-test or independent sample rank-sum test was used for comparison among different groups. For categorical data, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method was used for comparison among different groups. Results:During the observation period, no grade 4 or above RE was reported between two groups. The incidence of grade 0, 1, 2 and 3 RE in the folic acid and control groups was 10% (4/40) and 5% (2/41), 70% (28/40) and 42% (17/41), 15% (6/40) and 51% (21/41), 5% (2/40) and 2% (1/41), respectively. The differences were not statistically significant between two groups ( P=0.456). However, the incidence of grade 0-1 RE in the folic acid group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( Z=2.72, P=0.006). The median time of RE in the folic acid group and control group was 12 d (range 7-52 d) and 15 d (range 11-56 d) after the start of radiotherapy, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=-0.75, P=0.456). However, median duration of the individual's most severe RE was 12 d (range 4-36 d) and 21 d (range 7-38 d) in the folic acid group and control groups, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=2.10, P=0.039). In the folic acid group, the grades of swallowing with pain and dysphagia were significantly declined after folic acid intervention, especially at 2 weeks after the occurrence of RE ( P=0.001, P=0.002). The remission rate of RE after 1 week in the folic acid group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=7.36, P=0.012). Conclusion:Oral intake of folic acid during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer cannot reduce the incidence of RE, but it may reduce its severity, shorten the duration of the most severe RE in individuals, and have a certain protective effect.
6.Research progress of Pinellia ternata and its active ingredients in car-diovascular diseases
Min SONG ; Tingting DIAO ; Yichao WANG ; Luyi LIU ; Qiqi QI ; Jingjing BI ; Nailiang ZHU ; Xinrong QIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(2):251-264
Cardiovascular diseases(CVD)are chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality in the world.Pinellia ternatais a traditional Chi-nese medicinal herb and has the effects on drying dampness,resolving phlegm,lowering symptoms,stopping vomiting and relieving swelling.In recent years,researches showed that Pinellia ternataand its active ingredients(β-sitosterol,baicalin,baica-lein,quercetin)had significant effects in the treat-ment of cardiovascular diseases.This review sum-marized and analyzed the role and mechanism of Pinellia ternata and its active ingredients in cardio-vascular diseases,which provided a theoretical ba-sis for its clinical application.
7.Analysis of the incidence trend of inflammatory bowel disease in the elderly in China from 2002 to 2021 based on the Bayesian age-period-cohort model
Guilian LAN ; Yichao GAN ; Zhenhua ZHU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(5):417-423
Objective:To describe the incidence trends of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among the elderly in China from 2002 to 2021, estimate age-period-cohort (APC) effects, and predict future trends.Methods:Data on elderly IBD incidence and age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) from 2002 to 2021 were extracted from the global burden of disease study 2021 database. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) evaluated ASIR trends. APC and Bayesian APC (BAPC) models were used to analyze effects and predict incidence from 2022 to 2031. A sensitivity analysis was conducted by applying alternative hyperprior values (a=1, b=0.0005) to assess model stability.Results:From 2002 to 2021, ASIR increased from 0.186 per 100, 000 to 0.272 per 100, 000 (EAPC = 2.234%, 95% CI: 1.715%-2.756%). Age effects showed a downward-then-upward trend in males and a decline in females, with peak incidence at 60-<64 years. Period effects increased steadily in males, while females showed an initial rise followed by a decline. Cohort effects rose and then declined with successive birth cohorts. Projections suggest ASIR will continue to rise through 2031. Sensitivity analysis showed ASIR trends closely matched the main model, indicating robustness. Conclusion:The burden of IBD among older adults in China is increasing. Strengthened prevention, health education, and lifestyle promotion for those aged 60-<70 are recommended.
8.A prospective randomized clinical study of folic acid in the intervention of radiation esophagitis induced by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in lung cancer
Hao ZHANG ; Yiying ZHU ; Weiwei OUYANG ; Shengfa SU ; Zhu MA ; Qingsong LI ; Yichao GENG ; Wengang YANG ; Xiaxia CHEN ; Bing LU
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(1):65-72
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of oral folic acid intervention in lung cancer patients with radiation esophagitis (RE) caused by concurrent chemoradiotherapy.Methods:In this randomized, controlled, single-center clinical trial, a total of 82 patients with stage N 2-N 3 lung cancer including small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from June 2022 to October 2023 were prospectively included. All enrolled patients were randomly divided into the experimental group (folic acid group) and control group according to 1 vs. 1 of simple random method, and patients in both groups were required to receive radiation therapy for lung lesions and mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes [≥2 cycles of chemotherapy were completed during the same period of radiotherapy (≥40 Gy / 20 F) or targeted drugs were given simultaneously]. The severity of RE was evaluated using the modified common terminology criteria for adverse events criteria of the National Cancer Institute in both groups weekly at the onset of radiation esophagitis symptoms and thereafter until 1 week after the end of radiotherapy. Conventional treatment of RE was delivered according to the grading criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. Patients in the folic acid group were given with folic acid tablets 30 mg/d orally at the beginning of radiotherapy until the end of radiotherapy, while those in the control group did not receive any drug intervention. The onset time, severity and duration of RE, and changes in the severity of esophageal toxicity after conventional treatment were recorded and analyzed. Serum folate value, serum vitamin B 12 value and homocysteine value were measured before and after radiotherapy. For continuous quantitative variables, independent sample t-test or independent sample rank-sum test was used for comparison among different groups. For categorical data, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method was used for comparison among different groups. Results:During the observation period, no grade 4 or above RE was reported between two groups. The incidence of grade 0, 1, 2 and 3 RE in the folic acid and control groups was 10% (4/40) and 5% (2/41), 70% (28/40) and 42% (17/41), 15% (6/40) and 51% (21/41), 5% (2/40) and 2% (1/41), respectively. The differences were not statistically significant between two groups ( P=0.456). However, the incidence of grade 0-1 RE in the folic acid group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( Z=2.72, P=0.006). The median time of RE in the folic acid group and control group was 12 d (range 7-52 d) and 15 d (range 11-56 d) after the start of radiotherapy, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=-0.75, P=0.456). However, median duration of the individual's most severe RE was 12 d (range 4-36 d) and 21 d (range 7-38 d) in the folic acid group and control groups, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=2.10, P=0.039). In the folic acid group, the grades of swallowing with pain and dysphagia were significantly declined after folic acid intervention, especially at 2 weeks after the occurrence of RE ( P=0.001, P=0.002). The remission rate of RE after 1 week in the folic acid group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=7.36, P=0.012). Conclusion:Oral intake of folic acid during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer cannot reduce the incidence of RE, but it may reduce its severity, shorten the duration of the most severe RE in individuals, and have a certain protective effect.
9.Evaluation of human cognitive performance using heart rate variability under sustained near-high temperature exposure
Hui ZHU ; Yufei WANG ; Yichao WANG ; Kun GAO ; Hua SU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(2):84-90
Objective To explore the influence of continuous thermal exposure on human cognitive performance.It provides solutions for the reduction of cognitive performance caused by high temperature emergency,and reduces the misoperation problems or even safety accidents of astronauts in high temperature emergency.Methods 14 right-handed male subjects were recruited and continuously exposed to four thermal environments of 32℃,35℃,38℃,and 41℃for 150 minutes,during which 5 different cognitive tasks(Posner Cueing Task,Deary-liewald Task,N-back Task,Wisconsin Card Task,Visual Search Task)were continuously performed to obtain relative cognitive performance.At the same time,a portable 2-lead holter was used to continuously capture ECG R signals during the cognitive test.Thereafter,the heart rate variability(HRV)analysis was conducted based on the ECG data,to explore the correlations between nonlinear indices(SD1,Shannon entropy,α2,D2)and the cognitive performance.Results Tresults showed that all nonlinear indexes changed with the exposure time and exposure temperature with certain patterns.In addition,through the correlation analysis between relative cognitive performance and nonlinear indicators,the most relevant indicator is α2(correlation coefficient 0.7).The correlation analysis results showed that the nonlinear index α2 had a U-shaped relationship with relative cognitive performance(correlation coefficient was 0.7).Based on that,a quantitative relationship between α2 and relative cognitive performance was obtained.It is found that when α2 was equal to 0.98,the worst relative cognitive performance was observed.Conclusion This study showed that the HRV nonlinear index α2 could serve as a reliable indicator of the cognitive performance of human during hot exposure,which provided a potential solution for the productivity and health evaluation of astronauts.
10.Xuebijing enhances antitumor efficacy of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells
Jingjing Zhu ; Jing Zhang ; Ping Wang ; Xiuying Liu ; Jingjing Liu ; Yichao Feng ; Mary Yue Jiang ; Zhiqiao Feng ; Xiaoqing Yao ; Jianxun Wang
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(4):466-475
Objective:
To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell function and its therapeutic potential against CAR-T therapy-associated cytokine storms (CRS).
Methods:
Anti-CD19 CAR-T cells were established based on FMC63 antibodies. Different doses of XBJ (1 and 10 mg/mL) were added to the culture system. Untreated anti-CD19 CAR-T cells served as negative controls. After 48-h co-culture, the effects of XBJ on CAR-T cell function were assessed. Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester staining was used to assess the effect of XBJ on CAR-T cell proliferation. Flow cytometry, luciferase reporter gene assays, and real time cellular analysis were employed to evaluate the effects of XBJ on CAR-T cell cytotoxicity in vitro. RNA-sequencing was performed to analyze the effects of XBJ on CAR-T cell gene expression. Network pharmacology predicted potential XBJ therapeutic targets for CRS, which were verified in a THP-1 macrophage inflammation model.
Results:
XBJ enhanced both the proliferation and tumor killing capacities of CAR-T cells. Transcriptome analysis showed that XBJ treatment affects multiple genes and pathways in CAR-T cells, with differential gene enrichment in multiple cell proliferation and growth factor pathways. Potential targets for CRS control by XBJ were predicted using network pharmacology, and the inhibitory effect of XBJ on the expression of relevant genes was verified using a macrophage model.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that XBJ can enhance the killing effect of CAR-T cells on tumor cells and that the mechanism is related to the regulation of T cell proliferation and activation. Moreover, XBJ inhibited excessive inflammation associated with CAR-T therapy. However, the current findings remain to be further validated through in vivo experiments.


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