ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Qinlian Hongqutang （QLHQT） on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis （NASH）. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal and modeling groups. The NASH model was established by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After successful modeling， mice were randomly assigned to the model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose QLHQT groups （0.51， 1.02， and 2.04 g·kg^-1）， and a positive control metformin group， with six mice in each group. The mice were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight was recorded before and after treatment. Serum levels of total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， as well as hepatic TC， TG， and LDL-C contents， were determined by biochemical assays. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and oil red O staining were used to evaluate liver histopathology and lipid deposition， respectively. Flow cytometry， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to assess hepatic macrophage expression and related markers. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the potential mechanisms of QLHQT in regulating macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with the normal group， body weight and serum and hepatic levels of TC， TG， and LDL-C were significantly increased in the model group （P<0.01）. Liver histopathology showed unevenly distributed round lipid droplets in the hepatocyte cytoplasm， accompanied by inflammatory cell aggregation. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of CD86-positive cells was significantly increased， whereas the proportion of CD206-positive cells was markedly decreased （P<0.05）. Hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） levels and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） mRNA expression were significantly increased， while hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 （TRAF6）， and myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88） in the liver were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， body weight was reduced in the high-， medium-， and low-dose QLHQT groups and in the metformin group. Serum and hepatic TC， TG， and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Liver histopathology showed alleviated hepatic lipid deposition， with markedly reduced lipid droplets and inflammation. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that the proportions of CD86-positive cells were significantly decreased， whereas the proportions of CD206-positive cells were significantly increased in the high-， medium-， and low-dose QLHQT groups （P<0.05）. Hepatic iNOS levels and TNF-α mRNA expression were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， whereas hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The hepatic protein expression levels of TLR4， TRAF6， and MyD88 were significantly decreased， while signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 （STAT6） phosphorylation was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There was no statistically significant difference in total STAT6 protein expression. ConclusionQLHQT effectively ameliorates hepatic inflammation in NASH mice， and the mechanism may involve STAT6- and TLR4-mediated signaling pathways driving polarization of M1 macrophages toward the M2 phenotype.

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Qinlian Hongqutang （QLHQT） on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis （NASH）. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal and modeling groups. The NASH model was established by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. After successful modeling， mice were randomly assigned to the model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose QLHQT groups （0.51， 1.02， and 2.04 g·kg^-1）， and a positive control metformin group， with six mice in each group. The mice were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight was recorded before and after treatment. Serum levels of total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， as well as hepatic TC， TG， and LDL-C contents， were determined by biochemical assays. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and oil red O staining were used to evaluate liver histopathology and lipid deposition， respectively. Flow cytometry， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to assess hepatic macrophage expression and related markers. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the potential mechanisms of QLHQT in regulating macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with the normal group， body weight and serum and hepatic levels of TC， TG， and LDL-C were significantly increased in the model group （P<0.01）. Liver histopathology showed unevenly distributed round lipid droplets in the hepatocyte cytoplasm， accompanied by inflammatory cell aggregation. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of CD86-positive cells was significantly increased， whereas the proportion of CD206-positive cells was markedly decreased （P<0.05）. Hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） levels and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） mRNA expression were significantly increased， while hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 （TRAF6）， and myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88） in the liver were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， body weight was reduced in the high-， medium-， and low-dose QLHQT groups and in the metformin group. Serum and hepatic TC， TG， and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Liver histopathology showed alleviated hepatic lipid deposition， with markedly reduced lipid droplets and inflammation. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that the proportions of CD86-positive cells were significantly decreased， whereas the proportions of CD206-positive cells were significantly increased in the high-， medium-， and low-dose QLHQT groups （P<0.05）. Hepatic iNOS levels and TNF-α mRNA expression were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， whereas hepatic IL-10 levels and IL-4 mRNA expression were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The hepatic protein expression levels of TLR4， TRAF6， and MyD88 were significantly decreased， while signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 （STAT6） phosphorylation was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There was no statistically significant difference in total STAT6 protein expression. ConclusionQLHQT effectively ameliorates hepatic inflammation in NASH mice， and the mechanism may involve STAT6- and TLR4-mediated signaling pathways driving polarization of M1 macrophages toward the M2 phenotype.

OBJECTIVE To further standardize the dispensing management standard of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in pharmacy intravenous admixture services （PIVAS）， and provide reference for medical institutions to provide high-quality pharmaceutical services. METHODS Initiated by PIVAS Group， Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee， Shanghai Pharmaceutical Association， jointly led by Longhua Hospital， Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shanghai Geriatric Medical Center， a writing group was established by PIVAS experts from multiple medical institutions to discuss the basic requirements and dispensing process of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in PIVAS. The experts from the leading unit sorted out， summarized， analyzed， fed back and revised the opinions， and finally reached Expert Consensus on Dispensing Management of Intravenous Infusion Drugs for Clinical Trials in PIVAS. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The main contents of this consensus include information management， operation process， fund management and document management of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in PIVAS. This consensus establishes a more standardized model for dispensing management of intravenous infusion drugs for clinical trials in PIVAS， by standardizing clinical trail drug management operational procedures， accurately recording and preserving drug-related information， with the aim of achieving standardized and meticulous management of PIVAS’s receipt of clinical trial drugs.

BACKGROUND: The primary limitation to kidney transplantation is organ shortage. Recent progress in gene editing and immunosuppressive regimens has made xenotransplantation with porcine organs a possibility. However, evidence in pig-to-human xenotransplantation remains scarce, and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major obstacle to clinical applications of xenotransplantation. METHODS: We conducted a kidney xenotransplantation in a brain-dead human recipient using a porcine kidney with five gene edits (5GE) on March 25, 2024 at Xijing Hospital, China. Clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were employed, and the observation period lasted 22 days. We collected and analyzed the xenograft function, ultrasound findings, sequential protocol biopsies, and immune surveillance of the recipient during the observation. RESULTS: The combination of 5GE in the porcine kidney and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens prevented hyperacute rejection. The xenograft kidney underwent delayed graft function in the first week, but urine output increased later and the single xenograft kidney maintained electrolyte and pH homeostasis from postoperative day (POD) 12 to 19. We observed AMR at 24 h post-transplantation, due to the presence of pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies and cytotoxicity before transplantation; this AMR persisted throughout the observation period. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment mitigated the AMR. We observed activation of latent porcine cytomegalovirus toward the end of the study, which might have contributed to coagulation disorder in the recipient. CONCLUSIONS 5GE and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were sufficient to prevent hyperacute rejection during pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation. Pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies predisposed the xenograft to AMR. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin were safe and effective in the treatment of AMR after kidney xenotransplantation.
Transplantation, Heterologous/methods* ; Kidney Transplantation/methods* ; Heterografts/pathology* ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage* ; Graft Survival/immunology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Sus scrofa ; Graft Rejection/prevention & control* ; Kidney/pathology* ; Gene Editing ; Species Specificity ; Immunosuppression Therapy/methods* ; Plasma Exchange ; Brain Death ; Biopsy ; Male ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive value of sphinor kinase 1 (sphk1), D-lactic acid, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) for gastrointestinal injury in patients with sepsis. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted. Sixty-eight patients with sepsis and gastrointestinal dysfunction admitted to the department of critical care medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology from May 2024 to March 2025 were enrolled (sepsis group), and they were divided into acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) I-IV groups according to the definition and grading criteria of AGI proposed by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine in 2012. Twenty non-sepsis patients without AGI admitted to the intensive care unit during the same period were enrolled as the control group (non-sepsis group). Within 30 minutes of patient enrollment, plasma sphk1, D-lactic acid, and I-FABP levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). General data such as gender, age were recorded, and levels of procalcitonin (PCT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lactic acid (Lac), and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) were measured. Spearman method was used to analyze the correlation between sphk1, I-FABP, D-lactic acid and other indicators. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to evaluate the predictive value of sphk1, D-lactic acid, I-FABP, APACHEII score, and SOFA score for gastrointestinal injury in patients with sepsis. RESULTS: Among the 68 sepsis patients, 13 were classified as AGI grade I, 16 as AGI grade II, 23 as AGI grade III, and 16 had AGI grade IV. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, and abdominal infection rate among the groups. The SOFA score and APACHEII score of the sepsis group were significantly higher than those of the non-sepsis group; and the APACHEII score of the AGI IV group was significantly higher than that of the AGI I and AGI II groups. The levels of sphk1, D-lactic acid, I-FABP, PCT, Lac and hs-CRP in the sepsis group were significantly higher than those in the non-sepsis group, and each indicator gradually increased with the increase of AGI grade. Correlation analysis showed that plasma sphk1, D-lactic acid, and I-FABP in patients with sepsis-induced gastrointestinal injury were positively correlated with PCT, Lac, APACHEII score, and AGI grade (all P < 0.05), and sphk1 was positively correlated with I-FABP and D-lactic acid (r values were 0.773 and 0.782, respectively, both P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that sphk1, D-lactic acid, I-FABP, APACHEII score, and SOFA score had high predictive value for gastrointestinal injury in patients with sepsis, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.996, 0.987, 0.976, 0.901, and 0.934 (all P < 0.05). When the optimal cut-off value of sphk1 was 60.46 ng/L, the sensitivity and specificity were 95.6% and 100%, respectively; when the optimal cut-off value of D-lactic acid was 1 454.3 μg/L, the sensitivity and specificity were 95.6% and 100%, respectively; when the optimal cut-off value of I-FABP was 0.91 ng/L, the sensitivity and specificity were 95.6% and 100%, respectively; when the optimal cut-off value of APACHEII score was 14.5, the sensitivity and specificity were 80.9% and 85.0%, respectively; when the optimal cut-off value of SOFA score was 3.5, the sensitivity and specificity were 85.3% and 95.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The levels of plasma sphk1, I-FABP, and D-lactic acid were significantly elevated in patients with sepsis and gastrointestinal injury. These indicators can serve as sensitive and relatively specific serological markers for early prediction of intestinal mucosal damage.
Humans ; Lactic Acid/blood* ; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins/blood* ; Sepsis/complications* ; Prospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Adult ; Aged ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/blood* ; Prognosis

Objective:To explore the influence of static mechanical strain(SMS)on the osteoclastogenic gene expression of healthy periodontal ligment stem cells(HPDLSCs)and periodontitis periodontal ligment stem cells(PPDLSCs).Methods:HPDLSCs and PP-DLSCs were respectively isolated and cultured by low density in vitro.The expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers were detected by flow cytometry.Then,6％,8％,10％,12％and 14％SMS were respectively loaded to the HPDLSCs and PPDLSCs by Flexcell Tension Unit,and the expression of RANKL and C-fos was detected by real time RT-PCR.Results:Both HPDLSCs and PPDLSCs strongly expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers STRO-1,CD146,CD90 and CD29,and higher expression of the above markers was found in HPDLSCs compared with PPDLSCs(P＜0.05).The expression of RANKL and C-fos in PPDLSCs was more obvious than that in HPDLSCs without SMS loading(P＜0.05).For HPDLSCs,the SMS of 14％induced significant up-regulation of RANKL and C-fos(P＜0.05),while no alteration was confirmed for the above osteoclastogenic genes when the SMS≤ 12％(P＞O.05).In addition,the expression of RANKL and C-fos was up-regulated significantly in PPDLSCs when the SMS≥ 10％(P＜0.05),and the expression of the above genes was not activated when the SMS ≤8％.Conclusion:HPDLSCs and PPDLSCs response differently to SMS,and ex-cessive SMS may lead to enhanced expression of osteoclastogenic genes in PPDLSCs.

Objective:To prepare a 177Lu labeled human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) affibody 177Lu-1, 4, 7-triazacyclononane-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-maleimide (Mal)-cysteine (Cys)-ZHER 2: 342 ( 177Lu-NOTA-MZHER2 for short), and investigate its labeling process and anti-tumor properties. Methods:Two kinds of buffer systems (sodium acetate buffer system and sodium ascorbate buffer system) were investigated. The effects of pH value, precursor mass and reaction temperature on 177Lu labeling NOTA-MZHER2 were compared to obtain optimal labeling conditions. The radiochemical purity of labeled product was determined by instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC), and its stabilities in PBS and plasma were observed. Human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 was selected for cell internalization and cytotoxicity test to evaluate cell uptake and killing effect of 177Lu-NOTA-MZHER2. SKOV-3 tumor-bearing mice( n=3) were injected with 177Lu-NOTA-MZHER2, and microSPECT/CT imaging was performed. Another 40 tumor-bearing mice were divided into 22.2 MBq group (tail vein injection with probe of 22.2 MBq), control group (tail vein injection with PBS), low-dose group (tumor injection with probe of 3.7 MBq) and high-dose group (tumor injection with probe of 7.4 MBq). Tumor volume and mass of tumor-bearing mice were monitored after injection, and the anti-tumor effect and toxicity of probe were evaluated. Repeated measurement analysis of variance (Bonferroni method) was used to analyze the data. Results:The optimal labeling condition was 70-80 ℃ for 30 min in the system of sodium acetate buffer solution with pH=4 and precursor mass of 50 μg. Under these conditions, the labeling rate of 177Lu-NOTA-MZHER2 was (99.3±0.4)% and radiochemical purity was >99%. After 12 d in PBS and plasma, the radiochemical purities were (95.0±1.5)% and (95.0±2.1)%. Results of cell experiment showed that the internalization of 177Lu-NOTA-MZHER2 accounted for (29.02±3.50)% of the total uptake, and the survival rate of SKOV-3 cells was (48±6)% with the probe concerntration of 6×10 -3 Bq/L. SPECT imaging showed that 177Lu-NOTA-MZHER2 was still concentrated at the tumor site 96 h after injection with a dose of 18.5 MBq. Relative tumor volume (RTV) of tumor-bearing mice in 22.2 MBq group, high-dose group and low-dose group was significantly different from that in control group ( F=21.75, P<0.001). Twenty days after injection, RTV and relative body mass of the tumor-bearing mice in high-dose group were (140±7)% and (80±9)%, respectively. Compared with control group, high-dose group had obvious anti-tumor effect (both P<0.001). Conclusion:177Lu-NOTA-MZHER2 is successfully prepared, which is simple and efficient, and the probe has good anti-tumor effect.

Objective:To radiolabel hyperbranched polymer (HG)-modified liquid metal nanodroplet (LMND)@HG with 177Lu, and explore the radiotherapy sensitization effect on anti-breast cancer therapy. Methods:The ultrasonication method was used to prepare LMND@HG, and then 177LuCl 3 was mixed with LMND@HG to label 177Lu by alloying reactions. The labeling rate, plasma stability and cytotoxicity of 177Lu-LMND@HG were detected. Xenograft mouse model of breast cancer was constructed, and the tumor inhibition test was performed by an intratumoral injection. The tumor progression was monitored by in vivo imaging system. The mechanism of tumor inhibition was verified by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays. One-way analysis of variance, repeated measures analysis of variance, and the least significant difference t test were used to analyze the data. Results:177Lu was successfully labeled to LMND@HG with a high labeling efficiency >95%. The product did not require further purification and the plasma radiochemical purity was still higher than 95% after 5 d. The cytotoxicity test showed that a dose of 888 kBq (40 mg/L) 177Lu-LMND@HG had obvious toxicity to 4T1 cells, which was significantly lower than 177LuCl 3 (cell viabilities: (16.48±7.81)% vs (85.77±8.87)%; F=77.81, t=11.73, P<0.001) and LMND@HG ((46.53±5.75)%; t=6.20, P<0.001). The biological distribution results showed that 177Lu-LMND@HG was mainly distributed in tumor tissue 5 d after intratumoral injection. The results of the tumor inhibition experiment showed that 1.48 MBq 177Lu-LMND@HG could significantly inhibit the tumor growth compared with the 177LuCl 3 (tumor volume: (222.66±97.70) vs (789.13±245.04) mm 3;F=18.55, t=4.29, P=0.005). In vivo optical imaging of small animals showed that 1.48 MBq and 3.70 MBq 177Lu-LMND@HG both significantly inhibited the tumor growth. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical results showed that 177Lu-LMND@HG caused double-stranded DNA break, and suppressed the tumor growth by inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Conclusions:A novel 177Lu-liquid metal-based reactive oxygen species (ROS) radiation sensitizer is successfully prepared in this study. The preparation method is efficient and convenient, and the product has high stability. 177Lu-LMND@HG shows an obvious radiotherapy sensitization effect on breast tumor-bearing mice.

Objective:To prepare a novel 68Ga-labeled bicyclic peptide targeting poliovirus receptor related protein 4 (PVRL4, Nectin-4), and evaluate its feasibility for breast cancer imaging via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods:A Biotin-modified bicyclic peptide targeting Nectin-4, Biotin-BMIC, was synthesized, and its targeting properties were preliminarily evaluated by in vitro cell staining experiments. BMIC was modified by 1, 4, 7-triazonane-1, 4-diacetic acid (NODA) and the labeling precursor NODA-BMIC was prepared. A potential PET probe targeting Nectin-4, 68Ga-NODA-BMIC was prepared by one-step labeling strategy. The imaging properties of the probe were investigated by in vivo microPET imaging and in vitro experiments in mice bearing breast tumors. Data were analyzed by independent-sample t test and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results:Fluorescence staining of the cells showed that the fluorescently labeled bicyclic peptide, Biotin-BMIC, was highly aggregated in Nectin-4 positive BT474 breast cancer cells compared to those in Nectin-4 negative MDA-MB-231 cells. The uncorrected yield of 68Ga-NODA-BMIC was (71.5±2.2)% and the radiochemical purity was greater than 95%. The specific activity was greater than 3 GBq/μmol. After incubation 10, 30, 60 and 120 min, higher radioactivity uptakes were found in BT474 breast cancer cells compared to those in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells respectively ( F=1 302.00, P<0.001). MicroPET imaging showed that the BT474 xenograft tumors were clearly visible with favorable contrast. A significant statistical difference in uptakes between BT474 and MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor uptake at 10, 30, 60, and 120 min after probe injection respectively was existed ( F=1 826.00, P<0.001). At 60 min postinjection, the uptake value of BT474 tumors was (5.03±0.14) percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g), which was significantly higher than that of MDA-MB-231 tumors ((0.19±0.04) %ID/g; t=79.40, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the tumor-to-muscle ratios in the former were also greater than those in the latter ( F=222.00, P<0.001). At 60 min postinjection, the tumor-to-muscle ratio in the former was significantly higher than that in the latter (24.75±3.10 vs 1.30±0.15; t=14.31, P=0.002). The results were consistent with the immunohistochemistry staining. Conclusions:A novel bicyclic peptide PET probe targeting Nectin-4, 68Ga-NODA-BMIC, is easy to be synthesized and owns satisfactory labeling yield and radiological purity. The imaging performance is good and the target tissues could be visualized. It may play a unique role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.