1.Construction of Saikosaponin D Multifunctional Liposomes and Evaluation of Its Anti-liver Cancer Efficacy and Targeting
Kun YU ; Guochun YANG ; Yaliang JIANG ; Yunting XIAO ; Congxian WANG ; Qionge SUN ; Ziyue LI ; Yikun SHANG ; Yu MAO ; Xin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):205-216
ObjectiveTo construct a multifunctional liposomal delivery system by replacing cholesterol(Chol) in conventional liposomes with saikosaponin D(SSD) and modifying with poloxamer 407(P407) for co-delivery of curcumin(Cur). The system was evaluated for in vivo tumor targeting and inhibitory effects on mouse subcutaneous solid tumors. MethodsSingle-factor and orthogonal tests combined with information entropy weighting were used to optimize the formulation process of the liposome with encapsulation efficiency and absolute Zeta potential as indexes, and validation studies and liposomal characterization were performed. A subcutaneous solid tumor model was established by injecting H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells subcutaneously into the dorsal surface of the right forelimb of mice. DiR-loaded traditional Chol liposomes(P407-DiR-Chol-LPs, PDCL) and novel SSD-based liposomes(P407-DiR-SSD-LPs, PDSL) were prepared by the optimized formulation process, and tail vein injection was performed to investigate the impact of SSD on liposome tumor targeting with small animal in vivo imaging. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups, including blank group, model group, free doxorubicin(DOX) group(2 mg·kg-1), free Cur group(8 mg·kg-1), free SSD group(10 mg·kg-1), P407-Cur-Chol-LPs(PCCL) group, P407-SSD-LPs(PSL) group, and P407-Cur-SSD-Lps(PCSL) group. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally every other day for seven doses. Antitumor efficacy and biocompatibility were evaluated by monitoring body weight change, organ indices, tumor volume and mass, relative tumor proliferation rate(T/C), and tumor growth inhibition rate(TGI). Histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, and tumor tissues was performed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), and creatinine(Crea)in mice were quantified by fully automated biochemical analyzer. ResultsOrthogonal test yielded optimal ratios of Cur, SSD, and P407 to soybean phosphatidylcholine(SPC) as 1∶25, 1∶20, and 1∶4. The optimized PCSL exhibited spherical morphology with a particle size of 179.15 nm, a Zeta potential of -47.25 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 96.40%. Its in vitro release profile conformed to first-order kinetics, demonstrating excellent storage stability and hemocompatibility. In vivo imaging revealed that the fluorescence signal in tumor tissues and the fluorescence intensity ratio between tumors and organs were significantly higher in the PDSL group than in the PDCL group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the treatment groups, PCSL group showed superior efficacy over free Cur group, free SSD group, PCCL group, and PSL group, with TGI>40% and T/C<60%, indicating pronounced anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology and serum biochemistry indicated minimal hepatorenal toxicity and improved hepatic and renal function in PCSL-treated mice. ConclusionReplacing Chol with SSD in preparing multifunctional drug delivery systems not only stabilizes liposomes but also yields superior anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy, achieving the effect of drug-excipient integration. Co-delivery of Cur via this system can be used for treating subcutaneous solid tumors in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing new insights and technical approaches for anti-hepatocellular carcinoma research and the meridian-guiding and messenger-directing theory in traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Efficacy and safety of blonanserin in the treatment of treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Ruilin ZHANG ; Jiayu TANG ; Fei DAI ; Junwei SUN
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(6):511-518
BackgroundIn schizophrenia, a subset of patients may progress to treatment-resistant schizophrenia owing to inadequate response to standard antipsychotic therapies, resulting in profound impairments in cognitive and social functioning alongside a cumulative burden of adverse drug reactions during the prolonged treatment. Currently, evidence supporting the use of blonanserin for treatment-resistant schizophrenia remains limited. ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of blonanserin in the treatment of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, so as to provide references for clinical management of this condition. MethodsA total of 43 inpatients fulfilling the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) diagnostic criteria for treatment-resistant schizophrenia were consecutively recruited from Taiyuan Psychiatric Hospital from September 2024 to January 2025. Subjects were assigned to either the study group (n=21) or the control group (n=22) using the random number table method. The study group received blonanserin at a daily dosage ranging from 8 to 24 mg, while the control group was administered amisulpride at a daily dosage from 400 to 1 200 mg. At baseline and at the end of the 4th and 8th week of treatment, the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP) were used to access patients' psychotic symptoms and social functioning, respectively. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT), the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT), the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Digit Span Test (DST), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). During the treatment process, treatment-related adverse reactions were recorded between two groups. ResultsSignificant time effects were found in PANSS total scores, as well as its positive symptom, negative symptom, and general psychopathological subscale scores (F=186.505, 149.318, 135.671, 416.744, P<0.01). The group-by-time interaction effect was significant in PANSS total scores and general psychopathological subscale scores (F=3.483, 4.318, P<0.05). At the end of the 8th week, the study group exhibited lower general psychopathological subscale scores and the PANSS total scores compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (t=-2.106, -2.429, P<0.05). Significant group effects were detected in HVLT scores, Stroop word scores and Stroop color scores (F=6.720, 7.921, 11.383, P<0.05 or 0.01). The group-by-time interaction effect for Stroop word scores, Stroop interference scores, TMT scores and DSST scores were statistically significant (F=3.571, 4.095, 3.463, 37.000, P<0.05 or 0.01). At the end of the 8th week, the DSST score of the study group was higher than that of the control group (t=2.074, P<0.05). For PSP scores, significant time effect, group effect and group-by-time interaction effect were all observed (F=433.710, 4.463, 10.491, P<0.05 or 0.01). At the end of the 8th week, the study group reported higher PSP score compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (t=3.451, P<0.05). No significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions was exhibited between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionBlonanserin demonstrates efficacy comparable to amisulpride in ameliorating positive and negative symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Notably, blonanserin exhibits a superior efficacy to amisulpride in improving general psychopathological symptoms, cognitive and social functioning, while both agents show comparable safety profiles. (www.chictr.org.cn number: ChiCTR2400094222)
3.Construction of a nomogram prediction model for the efficacy of EGFR-TKI targeted therapy in advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation based on lung cancer autoantibodies
Linge Sun ; Jiao Su ; Yanjun Liu ; Liping Dai ; Ruiying Chen ; Songyun Ouyang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(7):1325-1332
Objective :
To explore the factors influencing the efficacy of first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs) in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced lung adenocarcinoma and to construct and validate a corresponding nomogram prediction model.
Methods :
A total of 220 patients with EGFR-mutated advanced lung adenocarcinoma treated with icotinib were enrolled and randomly divided into a training group(154 cases) and a validation group(66 cases) in a 7 ∶3 ratio. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the efficacy of first-generation EGFR-TKIs in the training group. A prediction model was constructed, and calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves were plotted to validate the model′s performance.
Results:
In the training group, the objective response rate was 35.71%, the disease control rate was 77.27%, the median progression-free survival(PFS) was 12.5 months, the median overall survival was 18 months, the 2-year OS rate was 66.23%, and the PFS rate was 42.21%. Univariate analysis showed that brain metastasis, bone metastasis, TNM stage, differentiation degree, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), post-treatment p53 levels, p53 difference(Δp53), post-treatment cancer antigen gene(CAGE) levels, and CAGE difference(ΔCAGE) were associated with PFS(P2=4.429, P=0.351). ROC curve analysis in the training group showed that the nomogram model had a sensitivity of 80.00%, specificity of 77.53%, and AUC of 0.864 for predicting therapeutic efficacy, while the validation group showed a sensitivity of 74.08%, specificity of 71.43%, and AUC of 0.835.
Conclusion
Changes in lung cancer autoantibodies(Δp53 and ΔCAGE), TNM stage, and NLR are key factors influencing the efficacy of first-generation EGFR-TKIs in EGFR-mutated advanced lung adenocarcinoma. The nomogram prediction model based on p53 and CAGE demonstrates good predictive performance.
4.Analysis of curative effect of liver transplantation in patients with polycystic liver disease
Anhua DONG ; Yanfen DAI ; Yandong SUN ; Hui ZHANG ; Jinzhen CAI ; Yuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(4):253-257
Objective:To evaluate the treatment outcome of liver transplantation for patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD).Methods:Clinical data of 28 PLD patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from May 2014 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 10 males and 18 females, aged (50.4±6.6) years. Patients were divided into liver transplantation group ( n=15) and non-liver transplantation group ( n=13). In the liver transplantation group, we analyzed seve-ral critical parameters including methods of liver transplantation, intra-abdominal fluid volume, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative red blood cell transfusion requirements, and postoperative complications. The prognosis of the two groups were also compared. Results:Among the 28 patients with PLD, 15 underwent liver transplantation, including 11 classic in situ liver transplantations, one modified back-to-back liver transplantation, and three liver-kidney combined transplantations. The 15 patients had 2 000 (300, 4 000) ml of abdominal fluid, 1 000 (600, 2 000) ml of intraoperative blood loss, and 8.0 (6.0, 17.0) U of red blood cells transfused during the operation. Postoperative complications occurred in eight cases, with four of which were managemed successfully, and the other four died. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of after liver transplantation were 80.0%, 80.0%, and 73.3%, respectively. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of patients with PLD without liver transplantation were 69.2%, 46.2%, and 38.5%, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=3.91, P=0.048). Conclusion:Liver transplantation is a treatment option for patients with PLD, with a better long-term survival compared to patients without liver transplantation.
5.Klotho protein attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury of rat cardiomyocytes via regulation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway
Yinghui GUO ; Hongyan DAI ; Xueping YAO ; Xuanyu MENG ; Xiaoting ZUO ; Zhan SUN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(11):2137-2143
AIM:To investigate the protective effects of Klotho protein against hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-in-duced damage in rat cardiomyocytes,and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells were divided into 4 groups:control,H/R,low-concentration(1 μmol/L)Klotho+H/R,and high-concentration(10 μmol/L)Klotho+H/R groups.Cells were pretreated with Klotho at specified concentrations before induction of H/R injury.Flow cytometry was used to determine cardiomyocyte apoptosis rates,while reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were measured using the DCFH-DA probe.Additionally,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)content were assessed using biochemical assay kits.Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated using the JC-1 as-say,and activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9 was quantified.Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expression of cytochrome C(Cyt-C),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)in cardio-myocytes from each group.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the H/R group exhibited significantly increased apoptosis rates(P<0.05),elevated ROS levels and MDA content,decreased SOD activity(P<0.05),reduced mitochon-drial membrane potential(P<0.05),increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity(P<0.05),decreased mitochondrial Cyt-C and Bcl-2 protein expression(P<0.05),and increased cytoplasmic Cyt-C and Bax protein expression(P<0.05).In comparison with the H/R group,both low-and high-concentration Klotho treatments significantly reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis(P<0.05),lowered ROS levels and MDA content(P<0.05),increased SOD activity(P<0.05),restored mito-chondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),decreased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity(P<0.05),increased mitochondrial Cyt-C and Bcl-2 expression(P<0.05),and decreased cytoplasmic Cyt-C and Bax expression(P<0.05).Notably,the high-concentration Klotho group demonstrated more pronounced protective effects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Klotho protein exerts protective effects against H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury,possibly by inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.
6.Application of the Bayesian mixture model based on a principal stra-tum strategy in clinical trials
Yiwen WU ; Yue SUN ; Zixuan LU ; Jiahe PAN ; Er YU ; Hongmei WO ; Shaowen TANG ; Yang ZHAO ; Juncheng DAI ; Honggang YI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(7):942-949
AIM:To evaluate the application effec-tiveness of a Bayesian mixture model based on the principal stratum strategy for estimating the com-plier average causal effect(CACE)in clinical trials with non-compliance.METHODS:Using a non-infe-riority randomized controlled trial investigating a novel drug for primary type 2 diabetes mellitus(non-inferiority margin:-0.4)as a case study,the primary analysis applied a Bayesian mixture model under the monotonicity assumption to estimate CACE of between-group differences in glycated he-moglobin(HbA1c)changes within the compliant stratum,followed by non-inferiority testing.Sensi-tivity analyses included a Bayesian mixture model relaxing the monotonicity assumption and compar-ing results with per-protocol set(PPS)analysis.RE-SULTS:In the primary analysis,the posterior mean of CACE for HbA1c change in the compliant stratum was 0.081%,with a one-sided 97.5%credible inter-val lower bound of-0.124,exceeding the non-infe-riority margin(-0.4%),supporting the non-inferiori-ty efficacy of the novel drug in the compliant stra-tum(P(H1|Data)=1).Consistent findings were ob-served in PPS analyses(estimated effect:0.136%;one-sided 97.5%credible interval lower bound:-0.069%),further validating methodological robust-ness.CONCLUSION:In clinical trials with noncom-pliance as an intercurrent event,the Bayesian mix-ture model under the principal stratum strategy ef-fectively adjusts for compliance-related bias and yields conservative,robust estimates of causal ef-fects,supporting its value in efficacy evaluation un-der complex compliance scenarios.
7.Development of an animal model of depression and evaluation methods
Zixuan LIU ; Qing HUO ; Yaxuan SUN ; Xueling DAI ; Xin LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(2):249-258
Depression is a common chronic mental illness.Animal models of depression are widely used to study the pathogenesis of depression as well as in the development of new antidepressant drugs.The consistency and reliability of animal models of depression to simulate human depressive symptoms directly affect the study result.However,at present,no animal models have been found that are completely consistent with the onset of human depression,which hinders the in-depth study of depression.By using scientific and reasonable modeling and evaluation method,the pathological state of depression can still be simulated to a large extent,providing a basis for further in-depth research of the pathogenesis of depression and the development of effective antidepressant drugs.This paper aims to provide a reference for researchers by reviewing several commonly used animal models and behavioral tests of depression.
8.ABO-incompatible liver transplantation for treating primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor: a case report
Anhua DONG ; Yanfen DAI ; Yandong SUN ; Hui ZHANG ; Jinzhen CAI
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(3):232-234
Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor (PHNET) is an extremely rare subtype of neuroendocrine tumor (NET), accounting for approximately 0.3% - 4.0% of all NETs. This study reports a case of PHNET treated with ABO-incompatible liver transplantation. Intraoperatively, double filtration plasmapheresis was performed to remove antibodies. Postoperatively, the patient's blood concentrations of immunosuppressive drugs and liver function were closely monitored. The recipient maintained stable drug levels, with a gradual recovery of liver function. No acute rejection occurred, and the patient was successfully discharged.
9.Clinical characteristics and prognosis of 503 patients with malignant melanoma in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Junwei DU ; Qiang ZHANG ; Yachao SUN ; Haiyang HE ; Suzhi JI ; Zhibing DAI ; Renbing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(5):426-434
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of malignant melanoma (MM) in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Methods:We collected the clinical and follow-up data of 503 MM patients admitted to the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between 2010 and 2022. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed for survival analysis, with Log rank test used for comparing the survival rates between groups. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors of patient prognosis.Results:From 2010 to 2022, the number of MM patients admitted to the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University demonstrated an upward trend. Among the 503 MM patients, the primary tumor sites were located in the extremities in 264 cases, the skin in 155 cases, the mucosal in 49 cases, and the ocular uvea in 22 cases, and in 13 cases the primary lesion was unknown. The median follow-up duration was 44 months, with a median overall survival time of 44.0 months. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 85.2%, 54.3%, and 42.1%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, Breslow thickness, Clark grading, presence of ulcers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, clinical stage at initial treatment, tumor recurrence, distant metastasis (lung, liver, bone, or brain), and postoperative adjuvant therapy were all associated with overall survival in MM patients (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age ( HR=1.022, 95% CI: 1.013-1.032), LDH level ( HR=1.696, 95% CI: 1.223-2.353), clinical stage at initial treatment (TxN0M0 vs stage Ⅱ: HR=0.255, 95% CI: 0.096-0.679; TxN0M0 vs stage Ⅲ: HR=0.293, 95% CI: 0.190-0.452; TxN0M0 vs stage Ⅳ: HR=0.414, 95% CI: 0.284-0.603), bone metastasis ( HR=2.032, 95% CI: 1.252-3.298), and postoperative adjuvant therapy ( HR=0.551, 95% CI: 0.426-0.713) are independent factors influencing the overall survival of MM patients. Stratified analysis by different subtype indicated that age, clinical stage at initial treatment, gene mutations, and postoperative adjuvant therapy usage are independent factors affecting the overall survival of patients with limb MM, while age and clinical stage at initial treatment are independent factors influencing the overall survival of patients with skin and mucosal MM. Conclusions:The number of MM patients in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region may be on the rise. Age, LDH level, clinical stage at initial treatment, presence of bone metastasis, and postoperative adjuvant therapy are independent risk factors for the prognosis of MM patients. Among these, age and clinical stage at initial treatment are common independent risk factors that affect the prognosis of different subtypes of MM patients.
10.Quantitative analysis of the distance between articular disc and condyle in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Lei SUN ; Shifeng DAI ; Yuhua CHEN ; Xinyi XU ; Kele JIANG ; Xiaowen LI ; Chengjing LI ; Tingting WU
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(6):684-692
Objective·To evaluate the relationships between disc-condyle distance and anterior disc displacement,as well as between disc-condyle distance and disc morphology,in patients with temporomandibular disorders(TMD)using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)of the temporomandibular joint(TMJ).Methods·From September 2023 to March 2024,90 patients(180 TMJs)who visited the TMJ clinic of Department of Stomatology,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University,with clinical symptoms of TMD and were diagnosed via MRI with either anterior disc displacement or no significant displacement,were included.Clinical data were collected,and MRI images were used to measure the angle of disc displacement,disc-condyle distance,disc length,and thickness.The degree of disc deformation was assessed.The relationships between clinical symptoms and anterior disc displacement,between anterior disc displacement and both disc morphology and disc-condyle distance,and between disc-condyle distance and disc morphology were analyzed.Results·Among the 90 patients,there were 16 males and 74 females,with a mean age of(28.1±14.5)years.Among the 180 TMJs,175 had clinical symptoms and 5 were asymptomatic.There were 40 joints with no displacement,78 with reducible anterior disc displacement,and 62 with irreducible anterior disc displacement.In the joints with irreducible anterior disc displacement,the proportion of those with two or more symptoms was slightly higher at 62.9%,but the difference was not statistically significant compared with the joints with no displacement or reducible anterior disc displacement.MRI assessment revealed that in the joints with irreducible anterior disc displacement,the proportion of disc deformation type Ⅲ or higher was significantly higher compared with the non-displaced joints(P<0.001).The disc length was significantly shorter(P<0.001),and the intermediate zone thickness was significantly greater(P<0.001)compared with the non-displaced joints.The disc displacement angles at centric closure and maximum opening were also significantly larger(P<0.001).The disc-condyle distance was 3.10(2.70,3.70)mm for non-displaced joints,3.40(3.00,4.00)mm for joints with reducible anterior disc displacement,and 6.60(4.78,7.90)mm for joints with irreducible anterior disc displacement,with significant differences(P<0.001).The disc-condyle distance was 3.10(2.80,3.60)mm for type Ⅰ discs,3.70(3.10,4.60)mm for type Ⅱ discs,5.10(4.00,7.30)mm for type Ⅲ discs,and 6.80(4.98,8.20)mm for type Ⅳ/Ⅴ discs,with significant differences(P<0.001).The disc-condyle distance was negatively correlated with disc length(rs=-0.469,P<0.001),positively correlated with intermediate zone thickness(rs=0.319,P<0.001),and positively correlated with disc displacement angle at centric closure(rs=0.626,P<0.001).Conclusion·With increasing severity of disc deformation,intermediate zone thickness,and disc displacement angle at centric closure,as well as decreasing disc length,the disc-condyle distance increases.The disc-condyle distance is an important indicator for MRI assessment of pathological changes in TMD.


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