1.Analysis of Animal Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa Based on Diagnostic Features of Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Jiefeng CHEN ; Xiaoxiao ZHU ; Yina QI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):198-203
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common hereditary blinding eye disease in clinical practice, with the pathogenesis remaining unclear. Patients experience progressive apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells, accompanied by degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Current Western medical treatments mainly focus on gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, showing limited efficacy. In contrast, clinical observations have confirmed the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments. Establishing an RP animal model that aligns with the diagnostic features of both TCM and Western medicine could help combine the strengths of both approaches, thereby broadening the treatment options for RP. This study categorizes and summarizes the existing RP animal models in terms of classification, types, inheritance patterns, and alignment with clinical manifestations. It is found that current RP models are primarily derived from natural animal models such as RD mice and RCS rats, transgenic animal models like RPE-65 knockout mice and rhodopsin gene knockout mice, and chemically induced models such as those created by monochromatic light exposure or N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) administration. These three categories of models focus more on detecting RP-related histopathological, molecular biological, and cellular immunological indicators, but offer limited observation of the overall characteristics of the disease and lack insight into syndrome differentiation. Although RP is a congenital genetic disease, its progression is influenced by acquired factors such as environment, constitution, emotions, and care. Current models do not fully capture the characteristics of this disease. Therefore, establishing an RP animal model based on the diagnostic features of both TCM and Western medicine will have significant implications for future experimental and clinical research.
2.Analysis of Animal Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa Based on Diagnostic Features of Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Jiefeng CHEN ; Xiaoxiao ZHU ; Yina QI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):198-203
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common hereditary blinding eye disease in clinical practice, with the pathogenesis remaining unclear. Patients experience progressive apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells, accompanied by degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Current Western medical treatments mainly focus on gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, showing limited efficacy. In contrast, clinical observations have confirmed the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments. Establishing an RP animal model that aligns with the diagnostic features of both TCM and Western medicine could help combine the strengths of both approaches, thereby broadening the treatment options for RP. This study categorizes and summarizes the existing RP animal models in terms of classification, types, inheritance patterns, and alignment with clinical manifestations. It is found that current RP models are primarily derived from natural animal models such as RD mice and RCS rats, transgenic animal models like RPE-65 knockout mice and rhodopsin gene knockout mice, and chemically induced models such as those created by monochromatic light exposure or N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) administration. These three categories of models focus more on detecting RP-related histopathological, molecular biological, and cellular immunological indicators, but offer limited observation of the overall characteristics of the disease and lack insight into syndrome differentiation. Although RP is a congenital genetic disease, its progression is influenced by acquired factors such as environment, constitution, emotions, and care. Current models do not fully capture the characteristics of this disease. Therefore, establishing an RP animal model based on the diagnostic features of both TCM and Western medicine will have significant implications for future experimental and clinical research.
3.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
4.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
5.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
6.Effect and mechanisms of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on aging spleen in elderly tree shrews
Li YE ; Chuan TIAN ; Xiaojuan ZHAO ; Mengdie CHEN ; Qianqian YE ; Qiang LI ; Zhuyin LIAO ; Ye LI ; Xiangqing ZHU ; Guangping RUAN ; Zhixu HE ; Liping SHU ; Xinghua PAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4000-4010
BACKGROUND:Spleen has the functions of blood storage,hematopoiesis,and immunity.With the increase of age,the structural degeneration and functional decline of spleen lead to the impairment of immune system function,thus accelerating the aging process of the body.The treatment of spleen aging in tree shrews with highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells has not been reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the intervention effect and mechanism of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on spleen aging in tree shrews. METHODS:Highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated,cultured,and obtained from the umbilical cord tissue of newborn tree shrews by caesarean section.The differentiation abilities of adipogenesis,osteogenesis,and chondrogenesis were detected by three-line differentiation kit.Cell cycle and surface markers were detected by flow cytometry.The second generation of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were transfected with Genechem Green Fluorescent Protein with infection complex values of 100,120,140,160,180,and 200,respectively,to screen the best transfection conditions.After transfection,the fourth generation of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was injected into the tail vein of tree shrews in the elderly treatment group.The young control group and the aged model group were not given special treatment.After 4 months of treatment,the spleen tissue was taken and the structure of the spleen was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.β-Galactosidase staining was used to detect the activity of aging-related galactosidase.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression levels of p21 and p53 proteins.Ki67 and PCNA immunofluorescence staining was used to detect cell proliferation activity.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression levels of spleen autophagy protein molecules Beclin 1 and APG5L/ATG5.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence staining was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species in spleen tissue.CD3 immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the change of the proportion of total T lymphocytes.The secretion levels of interleukin 1β and transforming growth factor β1 in spleen were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The distribution of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells labeled with green fluorescent protein in spleen tissue was observed by DAPI double staining of nucleus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells grew in a short spindle shape with fish-like growth,with a large proportion of G0/G1 phase,and had the potential to differentiate into adipogenesis,osteogenesis,and chondrogenesis.(2)Multiplicity of infection=140 and transfection for 72 hours were the best conditions for labeling tree shrews highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with Genechem Green Fluorescent Protein.(3)Compared with the aged model group,in the aged treatment group,the spleen tissue cells of tree shrews were arranged closely,and the area of white pulp was increased(P<0.01);the boundary between red pulp and white pulp was clear;the proportion of germinal centers did not show statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The activity level of galactosidase related to spleen tissue aging was decreased(P<0.001),and the expression levels of aging protein molecules p21 and p53 were down-regulated(P<0.001).The expression levels of proliferation-related molecules Ki67 and PCNA were up-regulated(P<0.001,P<0.05);expression levels of autophagy-related molecules Beclin 1 and APG5L/ATG5 were up-regulated(P<0.001),and the content of reactive oxygen species decreased(P<0.001),and the proportion of CD3+T cells increased(P<0.05).The secretion level of interleukin 1β in the aging-related secretion phenotype decreased(P<0.001);no significant difference was found in transforming growth factor β1 level(P>0.05).Compared with the young control group,the above indexes were significantly different in the elderly treatment group(P<0.05).(4)Green fluorescent cells labeled with green fluorescent protein were observed in spleen tissue of tree shrews the elderly treatment group by frozen tissue section observation.The results show that intravenous infusion of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can migrate to spleen tissue,inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species,down-regulate the expression of aging-related proteins,induce autophagy,promote cell proliferation,reduce chronic inflammation,and then improve the structure and function of spleen tissue.
7.Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram model for patients with the lower third and abdominal oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Zhengshui XU ; Dandan LIU ; Jiantao JIANG ; Ranran KONG ; Jianzhong LI ; Yuefeng MA ; Zhenchuan MA ; Jia CHEN ; Minxia ZHU ; Shaomin LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):201-207
Objective To establish an individualized nomogram model and evaluate its efficacy to provide a possible evaluation basis for the prognosis of lower third and abdominal part of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Methods Lower third and abdominal part of EAC patients from 2010 to 2015 were chosen from the SEER Research Plus Database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The patients were randomly allocated to the training cohort and the internal validation cohort with a ratio of 7∶3 using bootstrap resampling. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine significant contributors to overall survival (OS) in EAC patients, which would be elected to construct the nomogram prediction model. C-index, calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to evaluate its efficacy. Finally, the efficacy to evaluate the OS of EAC patients was compared between the nomogram prediction model and TNM staging system. Results In total, 3945 patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC were enrolled, including 3475 males and 470 females with a median age of 65 (57-72) years. The 2761 patients were allocated to the training cohort and the remaining 1184 patients to the internal validation cohort. In the training and the internal validation cohorts, the C-index of the nomogram model was 0.705 and 0.713, respectively. Meanwhile, the calibration curve also suggested that the nomogram model had a strong capability of predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. The nomogram also had a higher efficacy than the TNM staging system in predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. Conclusion This nomogram prediction model has a high efficiency for predicting OS in the patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC, which is higher than that of the current TNM staging system.
8.Seasonal distribution characteristics, source analysis and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City in 2019-2023
Shengnan GAO ; Jinkun LI ; Li CHEN ; Zhengdong XYU ; Hongru ZHU ; Jian WANG ; Zhiyang YAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):65-69
Objective To study the seasonal distribution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City, and analyze the sources of PAHs pollution, and to evaluate the health risks of PAHs in different seasons. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected regularly from January 2019 to December 2023, and 16 types of PAHs were determined by HPLC. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the concentrations of PM2.5 and PAHs in different years and seasons. The source of PAHs was analyzed by characteristic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA). Health risks were assessed using the BaP equivalent method and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model. Results The annual exceedance rates of PM2.5 and BaP in Lianyungang showed a decreasing trend from 2019 to 2023. PM2.5, total PAHs and PAHs monomers (except Ace, Flu and Acy) all showed significant seasonal differences, with the highest concentration in winter (P<0.001). The average proportion of 4-ring PAHs was the highest and the average proportion of 2-ring PAHs was the lowest. The proportion of 5-6 ring PAHs was relatively high in winter and spring. PM2.5and PAHs were negatively correlated with temperature, relative humidity and precipitation, and were positively correlated with atmospheric pressure. PM2.5 was negatively correlated with wind speed, while some PAHs monomers were positively correlated with wind speed. The characteristic ratio and PCA results showed that the main sources of PAHs in Lianyungang City were mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources and biomass combustion sources. The results of ILCR showed that the highest risk was found in adults, with males slightly higher than females. In Lianyungang, the maximum value of ILCR in winter was more than 10-6 in people over 9 years old. Conclusion The main sources of PAHs in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City are mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources, and biomass combustion sources. Under the current exposure level of PAHs in PM2.5, residents have a certain potential carcinogenic risk.
9.The Effect of Zhiqiao Gancao Decoction (枳壳甘草汤) on Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Pulposus Cell Apoptosis and the Hippo-YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway in Tail Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Rats
Zaishi ZHU ; Zeling HUANG ; Junming CHEN ; Bo XU ; Binjie LU ; Hua CHEN ; Xingxing DUAN ; Yuwei LI ; Xiaofeng SHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):509-517
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism by which Zhiqiao Gancao Decoction (枳壳甘草汤, ZGD) delays intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) based on the Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 50 SD rats were randomly divided into sham surgery group, model group, low-dose ZGD group, high-dose ZGD group, and high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group, with 10 rats in each group. In the sham surgery group, the rats were pierced in the skin and muscle at the Co6/7/8 segments of the tail with a 21G needle (depth approximately 2 mm) without damaging the intervertebral disc. In the other groups, rats were injected with a 21G needle at the Co6/7/8 segments of the tail to establish an IDD model by piercing the tail intervertebral disc 5 mm. One week after modeling, rats in the low-dose and high-dose ZGD groups were given 6.24 and 12.24 g/(kg·d) of the decoction via gastric gavage, respectively. The high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group was given 12.24 g/(kg·d) of the decoction and an intraperitoneal injection of YAP/TAZ inhibitor Verteporfin 10 mg/kg. The sham surgery and model groups were given 5 ml/(kg·d) of normal saline via gavage. The gavage was given once a day, and the intraperitoneal injection was given every other day. After 4 weeks of continuous intervention, the pathological changes of the tail intervertebral discs were observed using HE staining, Oil Red O-Green staining, and Toluidine Blue staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of aggrecan and MMP3 in the nucleus pulposus. TUNEL fluorescence staining was performed to detect apoptosis in the nucleus pulposus, and the apoptosis rate was calculated. Western blot was used to detect the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, including YAP, phosphorylated YAP (p-YAP), phosphorylated MST1/2 (p-MST1/2), phosphorylated TAZ (p-TAZ) and apoptosis-related proteins, such as Cleaved Caspase 3, P53, Bcl-2 and Bax. ResultsCompared with sham surgery group, the rats in the model group showed significant degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. The levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins in the nucleus pulposus decreased, while the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and the apoptosis rate increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups showed partial recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration. The levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins increased, while the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and the apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The high-dose ZGD group showed more significant recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration compared to the low-dose ZGD group, with a decrease in the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and apoptosis rate, and an increase in the levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the high-dose ZGD group, the high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group showed a reduced recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration, with an increase in the levels of p-MST1/2, p-YAP, p-TAZ, P53, Bax, Cleaved Caspase 3, MMP3 proteins, and apoptosis rate, and a decrease in the levels of aggrecan, Bcl-2, and YAP proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionZGD may delay intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting the phosphorylation of YAP in the nucleus pulposus, maintaining the function of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and reducing apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells.
10.Impact factor selection for non-fatal occupational injuries among manufacturing workers by LASSO regression
Yingheng XIAO ; Chunhua LU ; Juan QIAN ; Ying CHEN ; Yishuo GU ; Zeyun YANG ; Daozheng DING ; Liping LI ; Xiaojun ZHU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):133-139
Background As a pillar industry in China, the manufacturing sector has a high incidence of non-fatal occupational injuries. The factors influencing non-fatal occupational injuries in this industry are closely related at various levels, including individual, equipment, environment, and management, making the analysis of these influencing factors complex. Objective To identify influencing factors of non-fatal occupational injuries among manufacturing workers, providing a basis for targeted interventions and surveillance. Methods A total of


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