1.Prognostic significance of TRIM28 elevation in non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia
Siqi GONG ; Cong LI ; Mengmeng FAN ; Huiping WANG ; Wanqiu ZHANG ; Xue LIANG ; Qianshan TAO ; Qiang HONG ; Zhimin ZHAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):301-308
ObjectiveTo clarify the expression of TRIM28 in non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its correlation with clinical indicators and prognosis, and to further explore the effect of TRIM28 expression levels on the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells using small interfering RNA. MethodsThe GSE34577 dataset was analyzed using R software to compare TRIM28 expression between healthy controls and non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Clinical samples from non-M3 AML patients were collected, with TRIM28 expression levels measured using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The analysis focused on correlations between TRIM28 expression and various clinical indicators, treatment efficacy, and patient prognosis. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology was employed to downregulate TRIM28 expression in human primary AML cells (HL60 cell line). The effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis were then assessed through CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry, respectively. ResultsThe results showed that TRIM28 was up-regulated in non-M3 AML of both online database GSE34577 and clinical samples (P<0.000 1), TRIM28 expression of new diagnosis group and relapsed refractory group was higher than iron deficiency anemia group (P<0.01), and there was no significance between different French-American-British classification systems subtype. TRIM28 expression was higher in non-M3 AML patients with a poor genetic prognosis stratified as moderate than in the good prognosis group, and TRIM28 expression was associated with NPM1 combined with the FLT3-ITD mutation, positively correlated with age, bone marrow blast, peripheral blood blast and white blood cell, negatively correlated with hemoglobin. In addition, interference TRIM28 greatly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. ConclusionThis study reveals that TRIM28 is highly expressed in non-M3 AML and associated with prognosis, and plays a key role in the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells, suggesting that TRIM28 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for non-M3 AML.
2.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
3.Expert consensus on a stepwise strategy for the surgical management of empyema based on pathological staging (2026 edition)
Jichen QU ; Yunjiu GOU ; Guangyu CHEN ; Yongfu ZHAI ; Tinglong MA ; Xiaogang ZENG ; Feng JIN ; Yanzheng SONG ; Boxiong XIE ; Minjie MA ; Bin LI ; Jiang FAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):988-998
The surgical management of empyema (excluding those caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria) is rapidly evolving towards minimally invasive, precise, and stepwise approaches. The traditional three-stage classification (exudative, fibrinopurulent, and organizing) has limitations in guiding dynamic clinical decision-making. For the first time, this consensus explicitly identifies two critical junctures in the pathological progression of empyema: "early transformation" (stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ) and "late transformation" (stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ), and thereby constructs a corresponding "identification-early warning-intervention" stepwise therapeutic framework. The consensus emphasizes that proactive debridement via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery should be performed during the early transformation phase to halt disease progression. Conversely, during the late transformation phase, therapeutic goals should be rationally adjusted to prioritize adequate drainage, avoiding futile pleural decortication. Moreover, the consensus underscores the pivotal role of precise perioperative etiological diagnosis (e.g. metagenomic nest-generation sequencing) and standardized anti-infective therapy. Integrating practical experiences from multiple thoracic surgery centers in China and relevant evidence-based literature, this consensus formulates recommendations on the precise definitions of staging, surgical indications for each phase, key technical points, perioperative management, and training systems. It aims to promote the standardized and individualized surgical management of empyema, ultimately optimizing patient prognosis.
4.Minimally invasive management of spontaneous renal vascular rupture:a report of two cases
Jizong LYU ; Fei LIU ; Feng LI ; Guangli FAN ; Baoming YANG ; Siwei GONG ; Yuanlong ZHANG ; Yao ZHAI ; Ke WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):157-159
Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of 2 cases with spontaneous renal vascular rupture, and discuss the possible causes and treatment methods of this disease. Methods The clinical data and treatment methods of the 2 patients with spontaneous renal vascular rupture treated with renal artery embolization in Universal Global Xi'an Beihuan Hospital were analyzed. Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize the possible causes of this condition. Results The patients had no obvious history of trauma and no obvious abnormal coagulation function, and sought treatment due to sudden lumbar and abdominal pain. Laboratory tests revealed significantly decreased hemoglobin level, and elevated blood glucose (27.8, 27.6mmol/L). Abdominal computed tomography (CT) indicated perirenal hematoma and active bleeding. The bleeding arteries were located at the terminal branches of the anterior renal artery. Precise embolization was performed using CT angiography and selective renal artery angiography plus embolization, achieving an immediate hemostasis success rate of 100%. Postoperative hemoglobin level stabilized, and follow-up CT scans showed significant absorption of the perirenal hematoma without significant deterioration of renal function. Based on literature review and case analysis, the possible cause of spontaneous renal vascular rupture in these two patients was renal vascular sclerosis due to long-term diabetes. Other common etiologies of this condition included renal tumor, vascular malformation, and hypertension. Conclusion Spontaneous renal vascular rupture is rare. Renal artery embolization, as aminimally invasive treatment, can effectively control bleeding and protect renal function. The specific pathogenesis of this condition still requires further investigation. Long-term diabetes mellitus with poor blood glucose control may be associated factors, but more evidence is needed.
5.Efficacy and Safety of Diagnostic-Driven Therapy for Invasive Fungal Disease in Patients with Myeloid Hematologic Malignancies.
Hui XIAO ; Fan WU ; Ying PAN ; Fu-Run AN ; Zhi-Min ZHAI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1524-1528
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the efficacy and safety of diagnostic-driven therapy for invasive fungal disease(IFD) in patients with myeloid hematologic malignancies.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 91 patients with myeloid hematologic malignancies who received diagnostic-driven therapy for IFD at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on medication: 44 patients in the caspofungin group and 47 patients in the voriconazole group. The clinical efficacy and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared and analyzed.
RESULTS:
The overall response rates in the caspofungin and voriconazole groups were 67.4% and 60.0%, respectively. Among patients who transitioned to diagnostic-driven therapy following prophylactic or empirical treatment with triazole antifungal agents, the response rate of the caspofungin group was significantly higher than that of the voriconazole group (76.9% vs 35.3%, P <0.05). A total of 9 patients in both groups experienced adverse reactions, and no grade III or higher adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of grade I-II adverse reactions in the caspofungin group was lower than in the voriconazole group (2.3% vs 17.0%, P <0.05).
CONCLUSION
In patients with myeloid hematologic malignancies, caspofungin and voriconazole demonstrate comparable clinical efficacy in diagnostic-driven therapy for IFD, but caspofungin is associated with a lower incidence of adverse reactions. Caspofungin exhibits significant effectiveness when initiating diagnostic-driven therapy after prophylactic or empirical treatment with broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agents.
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Hematologic Neoplasms/complications*
;
Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Voriconazole/therapeutic use*
;
Caspofungin/therapeutic use*
;
Invasive Fungal Infections/diagnosis*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Mycoses/drug therapy*
;
Middle Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Aged
;
Adult
6.Identification of a nanobody able to catalyze the destruction of the spike-trimer of SARS-CoV-2.
Kai WANG ; Duanfang CAO ; Lanlan LIU ; Xiaoyi FAN ; Yihuan LIN ; Wenting HE ; Yunze ZHAI ; Pingyong XU ; Xiyun YAN ; Haikun WANG ; Xinzheng ZHANG ; Pengyuan YANG
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(3):493-506
Neutralizing antibodies have been designed to specifically target and bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike (S) protein to block severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus from attaching to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This study reports a distinctive nanobody, designated as VHH21, that directly catalyzes the S-trimer into an irreversible transition state through postfusion conformational changes. Derived from camels immunized with multiple antigens, a set of nanobodies with high affinity for the S1 protein displays abilities to neutralize pseudovirion infections with a broad resistance to variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2, including SARS-CoV and BatRaTG13. Importantly, a super-resolution screening and analysis platform based on visual fluorescence probes was designed and applied to monitor single proteins and protein subunits. A spontaneously occurring dimeric form of VHH21 was obtained to rapidly destroy the S-trimer. Structural analysis via cryogenic electron microscopy revealed that VHH21 targets specific conserved epitopes on the S protein, distinct from the ACE2 binding site on the RBD, which destabilizes the fusion process. This research highlights the potential of VHH21 as an abzyme-like nanobody (nanoabzyme) possessing broad-spectrum binding capabilities and highly effective anti-viral properties and offers a promising strategy for combating coronavirus outbreaks.
Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology*
;
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism*
;
SARS-CoV-2/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Humans
;
Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology*
;
Camelus
;
COVID-19/immunology*
;
Antibodies, Viral/immunology*
;
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
7.Screening of miRNA-mRNA regulatory targets based on a plasma-derived exosomal hair regeneration model in Xinji Fine-wool sheep and Small-tailed Han sheep
Wei WANG ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Dazhuo ZHAO ; Wei FAN ; Yilu ZHAI ; Jiaqi FU ; Fuliang SUN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):1067-1076,1094
To investigate the effects of plasma exosomes from sheep on animal hair growth,exo-somes were extracted from two sheep breeds with significant differences in wool fineness(Xinji Fine-wool sheep and Small-tailed Han sheep)using biphasic precipitation.The exosomes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA).A murine alopecia areata model was established,followed by subcutaneous injection of ex-osomes for 7 consecutive days.Dorsal skin samples were collected on day 10 post-injection for his-tological analysis via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.miRNA and mRNA libraries were constructed through qPCR,while TargetScan and g:Profiler were employed for target gene predic-tion and KEGG enrichment analysis,respectively.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were analyzed using STRING to identify key miRNA-mRNA targets,which were preliminarily validated by qPCR.Results demonstrated that on day 5 post-injection,the Small-tailed Han sheep plasma ex-osome group(SPE)exhibited more melanin deposition spots compared to the Xinji Fine-wool sheep plasma exosome group(XPE),with XPE showing greater melanin spots than the control group(NC).Histological analysis revealed that XPE group displayed significantly fewer hair folli-cles compared to SPE and NC groups(P<0.01),while SPE group exhibited significantly larger hair follicle diameters than both XPE and NC groups(P<0.01).Bioinformatics analysis predicted 357,711,477,346,and 3 178 target genes for miR-150,miR-133b,miR-31-5p,miR-433-3p,and miR-218,respectively,with 508 genes being co-regulated by two or more miRNAs.PPI analysis i-dentified 217 genes involved in positive regulation of cellular processes,109 in developmental regu-lation,133 in cellular development,132 in cell differentiation,and 69 in regulation of cell differenti-ation.Target genes were found to regulate hair follicle growth through Wnt signaling via Frizzled receptor binding and downstream pathways involving calmodulin(CaM)and cyclic-AMP response binding protein(CREB).qPCR validation showed significantly higher relative expression levels of miR-218,miR-150,miR-31-5p,miR-133b,and miR-433-3p in SPE and XPE groups compared to NC,with SPE exhibiting greater expression than XPE.Additionally,significant differences in FZD4,WNT4,CREB1,and FZD3 expression were observed between treatment groups and NC.These findings demonstrate that plasma exosomes from Xinji Fine-wool and Small-tailed Han sheep modulate hair growth by altering miRNA-mRNA expression profiles in skin tissues.
8.Comparison of lipid metabolism and its relationship with iodine nutritional status in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and benign thyroid nodules
Yashu ZHANG ; Yuqian ZHAI ; Yan HE ; Yu LI ; Lijun FAN
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(7):517-524
Objective:To study the lipid metabolism and its relationship with iodine nutrition status in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and benign thyroid nodules.Methods:A case-control study was conducted on patients with thyroid nodules initially diagnosed at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from November 2015 to April 2019. Basic information, thyroid function indicators [thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT 3), free thyroxine (FT 4), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb)], and pathological diagnosis results were collected from all subjects. Fasting venous blood and morning urine samples were collected for serum iodine concentration (SIC), urine iodine concentration (UIC) and blood lipid indicators [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA)] measurements. Results:A total of 1 090 subjects were included, including 907 PTC patients and 183 benign thyroid nodule patients. The UIC [ M ( Q1, Q3)] for the PTC group and benign thyroid nodule group were 143.36 (94.08, 227.94) and 146.28 (112.89, 236.07) μg/L, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the groups ( Z = 4.16, P = 0.042). Among PTC patients with different clinical pathological features, those with lymph node metastasis had higher FT 3 levels than those without lymph node metastasis ( t = 5.42, P = 0.021). The levels of TSH, TgAb, and TPOAb in patients with PTC combined with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) were higher than those without AITD ( Z = 11.87, 81.55, 475.96, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of various blood lipid indicators ( P > 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that SIC in patients with thyroid nodules was positively correlated with FT 3, FT 4, ApoB, lipoprotein (a), NEFA, TG, LDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C ( P < 0.05). FT 3 was positively correlated with NEFA and LDL-C/HDL-C ( r = 0.12, 0.09, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with ApoA1, TC, and HDL-C ( r = - 0.14, - 0.14, - 0.15, P < 0.001). FT 4 was positively correlated with NEFA ( r = 0.11, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with TG ( r = - 0.10, P = 0.003). According to the iodine nutritional level, the ApoE level of PTC patients in the SIC < 45 μg/L group was higher than that in the 45 - 90 μg/L group ( P < 0.05). The levels of LDL-C and ApoB in patients with benign thyroid nodules in the SIC > 90 μg/L group were higher than those in the 45 - 90 μg/L group ( P < 0.05). The ApoE level of patients with benign thyroid nodules in the UIC < 100 μg/L group was significantly higher than that in the 100 - 299 and ≥300 μg/L groups ( P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in thyroid function indicators of patients with PTC and benign thyroid nodules between different levels of SIC and UIC ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:Compared to benign thyroid nodules, PTC does not significantly affect patients' blood lipid levels. In patients with PTC and benign thyroid nodules, insufficient or excessive iodine nutrition can affect lipid metabolism.
9.Research Progress of Artificial Intelligence in 18F-FDG PET/CT Lung Tumor
Weihao ZHAI ; Xiaolin LI ; Li FAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(11):1145-1150
18F-deoxyglucose(FDG)PET/CT has been widely used in the diagnosis,efficacy evaluation,and prognosis prediction of lung tumor.In recent years,artificial intelligence has shown increasing capabilities in the analysis and processing of medical images and has influenced various aspects of molecular imaging,at the same time,radiomics analysis based on artificial intelligence has received great attention in recent years.This article reviews the latest research progress of artificial intelligence in optimizing 18F-FDG PET/CT lung tumor images,explores the new developments and challenges of artificial intelligence in image acquisition,reconstruction,segmentation,denoise,radiomics,etc.,and looks forward to its future applications in lung tumor.
10.Epigenetic changes and exercise regulation:mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle aging and improvement
Rao FAN ; Jianda KONG ; Lin LI ; Teng ZHAI ; Zirou YANG ; Lei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):419-429
BACKGROUND:Muscle aging is closely related to various epigenetic changes,and exercise has a certain regulatory effect on these epigenetic changes.However,the specific mechanism is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To review the epigenetic mechanisms of skeletal muscle and how exercise can improve skeletal muscle aging and promote adaptive changes in muscle through these epigenetic mechanisms,aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of skeletal muscle aging and disease mechanisms. METHODS:During the period from June 1st to August 1st,2023,literature searches were conducted for relevant literature published from database inception to August 2023 in databases including Web of Science,PubMed,CNKI,WanFang,and VIP.The search terms used included"skeletal muscle,""muscle,""aging,""older adult,""aging,""exercise,""physical exercise,""epigenetic,"and"epigenetics"in Chinese as well as"skeletal muscle,muscle,aging,older adult,senescence,age,exercise,sports,physical activity,epigenetic,epigenetics"in English.Boolean logic operators were used to connect the search terms for retrieval,and corresponding strategies were developed.According to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria,70 eligible articles were selected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Epigenetics refers to the phenomenon where gene expression and function are regulated without changes in gene sequence,and epigenetic changes in skeletal muscle are an important field.The epigenetic mechanisms of skeletal muscle play an important role in muscle aging,mainly involving DNA methylation,histone modification,regulation of non-coding RNAs,chromatin remodeling,changes in mitochondrial function and expression changes of aging-related genes.Exercise significantly regulates the epigenetics of skeletal muscle,including promoting DNA methylation,muscle histone modification,regulating miRNA expression,and regulating lncRNA expression,regulating muscle factors(such as interleukin-6),regulating mitochondrial function(such as peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ co-activator 1α).Future studies are recommended for long-term,cross-diverse population-based exercise interventions;the application of multi-omics techniques such as proteomics and metabolomics;strengthening the understanding of epigenetic changes at the single-cell level;cross-species comparative studies as well as human clinical trials for the translation of animal model findings to humans;strategies for combining exercise and pharmacological interventions to assess their synergistic effects;and epigenetic studies of crosstalk interactions between skeletal muscle and different organs.

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