1.Effects of Huanglian Jiedutang on Neutrophil Infiltration in Brain of MCAO Mice via Regulation of Chemokine Expression in Exosomes
Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Zijin SUN ; Chunyu WANG ; Wei SHAO ; Kunjing LIU ; Liyang DONG ; Dan CHEN ; Wenxiu XU ; Chuanzun WANG ; Wen WANG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):42-53
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang can inhibit neutrophil infiltration in the brains of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice by regulating the expression of neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. MethodsA total of 130 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated group, MCAO model group, Huanglian Jiedutang group (6 g·kg-1), and Ginaton group (21.6 mg·kg-1), with 10 mice in the Ginaton group and 40 mice in each of the remaining three groups. Mice in the Huanglian Jiedutang group and the Ginaton group were administered the corresponding drugs by oral gavage once daily at a volume of 0.15 mL·(10 g)-1 for 7 consecutive days, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of saline via the same route. After 7 days, MCAO surgery was performed. The distal and proximal ends of the right common carotid artery (CCA) were ligated, a small incision was made between the two ligatures, and a silicone rubber-coated monofilament with a rounded tip was inserted into the lumen to occlude the CCA. The filament was left in place for 1 h to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model. At 24 h after modeling, mice were evaluated. Neurological function was assessed using the Longa score. Cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Cerebral blood flow was observed by laser speckle imaging. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in brain tissues. Exosomes were isolated from mouse plasma and brain tissues by ultracentrifugation and molecular size exclusion and identified by electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and protein blotting. Long-chain RNA libraries of exosomes were constructed and sequenced. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues of each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the protein expression of inflammatory factors and neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from brain tissues of each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of the neutrophil-specific protein myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the brains of mice in each group. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed decreased neurological function scores (P<0.01), obvious cerebral infarction (P<0.01), reduced cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), neuronal necrosis in the brain, and decreased numbers of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL3 in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL2, and CXCL10 in exosomes from brain tissues were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MPO-positive rates and mean optical density values in brain tissues were elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Huanglian Jiedutang group and the Ginaton group showed increased neurological function scores (P<0.05), reduced cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01), restored cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), reduced necrotic cells in the brain, and increased numbers of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). In the Huanglian Jiedutang group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL3 in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL2, and CXCL10 in exosomes from brain tissues were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MPO-positive rates and mean optical density values in brain tissues were decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuanglian Jiedutang can effectively regulate the expression of neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues of MCAO mice, thereby reducing neutrophil infiltration in the brain and achieving therapeutic effects.
2.SNORA71A regulates the malignant biological behaviors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma TE-1 cells via the TLR3/PD-L1 expression
SHEN Supenga ; LIANG Jiaa ; CAO Shirua ; ZHAO Yanb ; DONG Zhiminga ; LIU Leic
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(2):147-154
[摘 要] 目的:探讨核仁小RNA(snoRNA)71A通过TLR3/PD-L1通路对食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭能力的影响。方法:qPCR检测52例ESCC患者的配对肿瘤组织、癌旁组织,以及人ESCC细胞中SNORA71A的表达情况。将反义寡核苷酸(SNORA71A-ASO-29、SNORA71A-ASO-102和NC-ASO)或小干扰RNA(siTLR3、siTLR3-NC)分别转染至人ESCC TE-1细胞,分别记为SNORA71A-ASO1组、SNORA71A-ASO2组、NC-ASO组及siTLR3组、siNC组。另外将过表达质粒pcDNA3.1-SNORA71A和pcDNA3.1空载体质粒分别转染至TE-1细胞,分别记为SNORA71A组和Vector组。细胞功能学实验(MTS实验、划痕愈合实验,以及Transwell侵袭实验)评估各组细胞在敲低或过表达SNORA71A后增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的变化。高通量转录组测序筛选SNORA71A下游作用靶基因,基因本体论(GO)和京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)功能富集分析预测SNORA71A下游作用靶基因可能参与的生物学过程和信号通路。qPCR检测测序筛选出的下游作用靶基因TLR3在ESCC组织以及细胞中的表达。同时,qPCR和WB检测TE-1细胞在敲低或过表达TLR3后PD-L1 mRNA和蛋白质表达变化。细胞功能学实验检测TLR3敲低对SNORA71A所促进的TE-1细胞恶性生物行为(增殖、迁移、侵袭)的影响。结果:在52例ESCC患者的肿瘤组织以及ESCC细胞中SNORA71A表达均呈高水平(P < 0.01或P < 0.05)。敲低SNORA71A抑制TE-1细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭(P < 0.01或P < 0.05),过表达SNORA71A则促进TE-1细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭(P < 0.01或P < 0.05)。高通量转录组测序筛选到TLR3为SNORA71A下游作用靶基因。TLR3在ESCC组织以及TE-1细胞中呈低表达(P < 0.01或P < 0.05)。TLR3正向调控PD-L1 mRNA和蛋白质表达(P < 0.01或P < 0.05)。细胞功能学实验中,TLR3可以部分削弱SNORA71A对PD-L1表达的调控(P < 0.01)。结论:SNORA71A通过调控TLR3/PD-L1通路调节TE-1细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭。
3.The feasibility of using high-definition thoracoscopy to identify sympathetic ganglia during thoracic sympathicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis
Gang XU ; Chaoyue HU ; Cong CHEN ; Yuancai LIN ; Daolong ZHU ; Han LIU ; Dong WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):578-583
Objective To explore the feasibility of using high-definition thoracoscopy to identify sympathetic ganglia during thoracic sympathicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods The clinical data of patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis who underwent high-definition thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in Taikang Xianlin Drum Tower Hospital from June to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative visualization rates and anatomical variations of sympathetic ganglia were recorded, and the consistency between white-light thoracoscopy and near-infrared fluorescence imaging was compared. Additionally, surgical videos from previous fluorescence-guided procedures were reviewed. Results Finally 100 patients were collected, including 54 females and 46 males, with an average age of (21.92±6.56) years. All patients underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy at R3 level. The overall intraoperative ganglion visualization rate was 92.5% (740/800), with G2-G5 rates of 95.5% (191/200), 94.0% (188/200), 94.0% (188/200), and 86.5% (173/200), respectively. Ganglion variations occurred in 32.0% (237/740), predominantly at G3 (29.8%) and G4 (42.6%). In 5 indocyanine green-enhanced patients, the concordance rate between white-light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging was 100.0% (38/38). Video analysis of 14 near-infrared fluorescence-guided surgeries demonstrated a 99.1% (107/108) consistency rate. Postoperative palmar hyperhidrosis improvement reached 100.0% (100/100) with no Horner’s syndrome. Conclusion With the wide clinical application of high-definition thoracoscopy, accurate thoracic sympathicotomy has the feasibility of clinical application.
4.Clinical efficacy of different surgical approaches for moderate-to-severe ischemic mitral regurgitation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Zhili WEI ; Shuai DONG ; Xuhua LI ; Yang CHEN ; Shidong LIU ; Bing SONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):631-638
Objective To systematically evaluate the therapeutic effects of different surgical procedures for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). Methods Computer searches were conducted in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, with the search time limit from the inception of the databases to February 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, used the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and used Stata 17.0 software to analyze the data. Results A total of 19 randomized controlled trials involving 6139 patients were finally included, involving six surgical procedures, and the overall quality of the included studies was relatively high. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that the 30-day all-cause mortality rate of mitral valve repair (MVr) was significantly lower than that of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) [OR=0.24, 95%CI (0.07, 0.87), P<0.01], mitral valve replacement (MVR) [OR=0.43, 95%CI (0.23, 0.79), P=0.02], CABG+MVR [OR=0.21, 95%CI (0.04, 0.95), P=0.03] and transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using MitraClip [OR=0.13, 95%CI (0.02, 0.87), P<0.01]. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate of CABG+MVr was significantly lower than that of CABG [OR=0.56, 95%CI (0.33, 0.93), P=0.02] and CABG+MVR [OR=0.48, 95%CI (0.24, 0.94), P=0.04], and the best probability ranking results showed that MVR might be the most effective in reducing the 30-day all-cause mortality rate. The incidence of renal complications in CABG+MVr was significantly lower than that in CABG+MVR [OR=0.42, 95%CI (0.21, 0.83), P=0.01]; the best probability ranking results showed that CABG+MVr might be the most effective in reducing renal complications. Conclusion The current limited evidence suggests that CABG+MVr and MVr may be the best surgical intervention methods for IMR patients at present. Due to the limitations of the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions still need to be verified by more high-quality studies.
5.Impact of adverse childhood experiences and psychological symptoms on health risk behaviors among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):398-402
Objective:
To explore the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health risk behaviors (HRBs) among college students and the mediating role of psychological symptoms, so as to provide a basis for developing intervention strategies.
Methods:
From March to April 2023, a convenience cluster sample of 1 801 students from 12 universities in Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou of Guangxi completed an online survey. A self designed questionnaire, Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were used for evaluation tools. Binary Logistic regression, structural equation modeling (SEM) and Bootstrap methods were used to analyze the associations and mediating effects.
Results:
Overall, 71.2% of college students experienced at least one type of ACE, with emotional neglect (40.3%) and emotional abuse ( 25.2 %) having the highest detection rates. The top three HRBs were unhealthy diet (77.8%), physical inactivity (54.1%), and smoking/alcohol use (18.5%). Logistic regression showed that poor family functioning, abuse, and extra familial violence were each associated with an increased risk of smoking/alcohol use ( OR =1.14, 1.11, 1.18) and deliberate self harm ( OR =1.26, 1.19,1.30) (all P <0.05). Experience of abuse increased the risk of high risk sexual behavior and family dysfunction increaded the risk of physical inactivity, respectively ( OR = 1.07 , 1.04, both P <0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that anxiety ( β =0.20) and depression ( β = 0.09 ) partially mediated the pathway from poor family functioning to deliberate self harm; paranoia ( β =0.02) partially mediated the pathway from abuse to high risk sexual behavior; and obsessive-compulsive symptoms ( β =0.26) and depression ( β =0.10) partially mediated the pathway from extra familial violence to deliberate self harm (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Psychological symptoms play a mediating role in the association between ACEs and HRBs, and mental health interventions may reduce the risk of HRBs among college students.
6.Etiological surveillance for influenza-like illness cases in Jiangsu Province
SHI Chunlei ; DAI Qigang ; DONG Yanhui ; LIU Dongsheng ; ZHOU Shengnan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):109-114
Objective:
To analyze the etiological surveillance results of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in Jiangsu Province, and investigate the distribution characteristics of different influenza virus types, so as to provide the evidence for improving influenza prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Influenza laboratory testing data for sentinel surveillance of ILI cases in Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2024 were collected through the China Influenza Surveillance Information System. The positive detection rate of influenza virus was calculated, and descriptive analysis was performed to characterize the distribution of different influenza virus types. Using the farthest neighbor linkage method, influenza virus positive detection rates clustering was analyzed by year and week. Clusters were defined based on inter-cluster distance, and the intensity of the positive detection rate was visualized through color gradients in the clustering heatmap.
Results:
From 2019 to 2024, a total of 183 878 ILI specimens were collected in Jiangsu Province. Among them, 20 059 specimens tested positive for influenza virus, corresponding to an overall positive detection rate of 10.91%, and an average annual positive detection rate of 10.89%. The primary circulating influenza virus types were influenza A H3N2 subtype, accounting for 40.92%, followed by influenza B Victoria linage at 34.00%, and influenza A H1N1 subtype at 24.80%. Influenza B Yamagata linage was not detected throughout the five-year period. Influenza A H3N2 subtype predominated during two distinct periods: from January to March 2019, and from June 2022 to December 2023. Influenz B Victoria linage was the dominant type from April 2019 to May 2022 and again from January to April 2024. Influenza A H1N1 subtype emerged as the primary type from May to December 2024. Year-based clustering analysis grouped the annual positive detection rates from 2019 to 2024 into three clusters. The closest cluster distance was observed between 2019 and 2024. The highest annual positive detection rate occurred in 2023. Both influenza A H3N2 and H1N1 subtype each formed a single cluster, with their peak positive detection rates also recorded in 2023. Influenza B Victoria lineage was separated into two clusters, with its highest positive detection rate occurring in 2020. Week-based clustering analysis revealed that influenza virus detection was concentrated in weeks 47 to 52 and weeks 1 to 15. More specifically, the positive detection rates for influenza A H3N2 subtype peaked during weeks 30 to 34 and weeks 42 to 52; for influenza A H1N1 subtype, during weeks 9 to 15 and weeks 51 to 52; and for influenza B Victoria lineage, during weeks 1 to 11 and weeks 50 to 52.
Conclusions
From 2019 to 2024, the average annual positive detection rate of influenza virus in Jiangsu Province remained relatively low. Influenza activity characterized by the alternating circulation of influenza A H1N1 subtype, influenza A H3N2 subtype, and influenza B Victoria linage. It is necessary to maintain the surveillance sensitivity for the influenza B Yamagata lineage.
7.Effect and Mechanism of Liangyi Paste on Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Naturally Aged Mice with High-fat Diet via Cuproptosis/Oxidative Stress Pathway
Meiling ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yu LIU ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG ; Guoyuan SUI ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):91-99
ObjectiveTaking the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway as the entry point, this study investigated the effect and mechanism of Liangyi Paste on hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice fed with a high-fat diet. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, 80 ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Thirty of them were randomly divided into three groups (10 mice per group): The 12-month-old control group (12MCON), the 15-month-old control group (15MCON), and the 15-month-old group with a high-fat diet (15MHFD). The 12MCON and 15MCON groups were continuously fed a standard diet, while the 15MHFD group started receiving a high-fat diet at 12 months of age. Tissue samples were collected at the corresponding time points for each group. The remaining 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 mice per group): the 20-month-old control group (20MCON), the model group, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangyi Paste groups (2.91 , 5.82 , 11.64 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). The 20MCON group was continuously fed a standard diet, while the other groups started receiving a high-fat diet at 15 months of age. At 18 months of age, the Liangyi Paste groups were administered the corresponding doses of Liangyi Paste by gavage, while the 20MCON and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous gavage (when the mice reached 20 months of age), tissue samples were collected. Hepatic TG levels were measured using assay kits; liver histology and lipid deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Cu2+, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by colorimetry; mRNA and protein expression of genes related to cuproptosis and oxidative stress pathways were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression system. ResultsCompared with 12MCON, the 15MCON group showed significantly increased hepatic TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA levels (P<0.01), decreased SOD (P<0.01), hepatocyte swelling, and disordered arrangement. The mRNA and protein levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit-β (PDHB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 15MCON group, the 15MHFD and 20MCON groups exhibited further increases in TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), and aggravated hepatocyte swelling and disorder. There were increased lipid droplets with mild vacuolization in the 15MHFD group, and no significant lipid deposition was observed in the 20MCON group. FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 20MCON group, the model group demonstrated markedly elevated TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), severe hepatic steatosis, and upregulated expression of FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). All abnormalities were significantly reversed after Liangyi Paste treatment. ConclusionLiangyi paste can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice with a high-fat diet by modulating the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway.
8.Staged Efficacy of Qijia Rougan Prescription Combined with Entecavir for Chronic Hepatitis B-related Hepatic Fibrosis with Qi Deficiency and Collateral Stasis Syndrome Based on "Zhu Ke Jiao" Theory
Baixue LI ; Xin WANG ; Jibin LIU ; Li WEN ; Cen JIANG ; Wenjun WU ; Dong WANG ; Shuwan LIU ; Huabao LIU ; Yongli ZHENG ; Liang HUANG ; Yue SU ; Song ZHANG ; Yanan SHANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):180-188
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory, Qijia Rougan prescription, combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted, and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis (CHB-HF) who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group (Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir) and a control group (entecavir). The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), portal vein diameter, hepatitis B serology, biochemical indicators, hepatic fibrosis markers in serum [hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP), and type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C)], and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis, with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment, the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 (P<0.01), as well as notable improvements in LN, Ⅳ-C, and various TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM, FIB-4, and various TCM syndrome score indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment, the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 (P<0.05). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone, the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3, which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.
9.Effect of LncRNA OIP5-AS1 in Breast Cancer Cells on Macrophage Polarization and Feedback Regulation of Polarized Macrophages on Breast Cancer Cells
Enshuai YANG ; Zhe DONG ; Xinyue CHANG ; Ziyang XIAO ; Yang LIU ; Sufen GUO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(3):187-193
Objective To explore the mechanism by which breast cancer-derived LncRNA OIP5-AS1 regulates the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer cells through the M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). Methods MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into the control group (blank control), the NC group (transfected with NC siRNA), and the si-OIP5 group (transfected with LncRNA OIP5-AS1 siRNA). The mRNA expression levels of LncRNAs OIP5-AS1, IL-4, and IL-13 were detected by RT-qPCR. The protein expression levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA. The culture supernatant from the control group was added to RPMI
10.Gene-predicted associations between 731 immune cell phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis
Fengzhi LIU ; Yuna DONG ; Wenyi TIAN ; Chunlei WANG ; Xiaodong LIANG ; Lin BAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1311-1319
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is widely prevalent worldwide,with its high incidence and universality that considerably affects patients' quality of life.Previous studies have focused on a few immune cells or cytokines,whereas this study comprehensively provides a more complete view of the immune mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis using the Mendelian randomization method,thereby providing evidence of causality.METHODS:The 731 immune cell phenotypes used in this study were sourced from the GWAScatalog database,jointly developed by the National Human Genome Research Institute(NHGRI)and the European Bioinformatics Institute(EBI).The rheumatoid arthritis data were from the Finngen database,developed by the Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine(FIMM).The inverse variance weighting method was employed as the primary analytical approach.Additionally,multiple analytical methods,including MR-Egger,weighted mode,simple mode,and weighted median,were concurrently utilized to complement the final results.Sensitivity analyses(Cochran's Q test,MR-Egger regression,and MR-presso analysis)were also conducted to verify the stability and feasibility of the data.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After excluding results through heterogeneity testing,the inverse variance weighting analysis indicated that 10 absolute cell counts,15 median fluorescence intensities of surface antigen levels,1 morphological characteristic,and 9 relative cell counts had a causal relationship with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(2)According to cell classification,this study found that seven types of B cells,seven types of classical dendritic cells,six types of mature T cells,four types of monocytes,three types of myeloid cells,three types of TBNK cells(lymphocyte subset T cells,B cells and natural killer cells),and five types of Tregs had a causal association with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Through comprehensive bidirectional two-sample MR analysis,we demonstrated the complex causal relationships between multiple immune phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis,highlighting the intricate interaction patterns between the immune system and rheumatoid arthritis.These results provide new biomarkers for the early screening and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in China,and help to improve the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity.


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