1.HER2 in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges
Zhao-Tao PAN ; Feng-Yu GAI ; Chen CHEN ; Tong LI ; Yan-Ping QING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):936-950
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite therapeutic advancements over recent decades, the prognosis for patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains poor. Approximately 2%-4% of mCRC cases exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification or overexpression, defining a distinct molecular subtype. This HER2-positive status is strongly associated with primary resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies, which are the standard of care for patients with RAS wild-type tumors. Beyond its well-established role in breast and gastric cancers, HER2 has emerged as a pivotal biomarker and actionable therapeutic target in mCRC. However, selecting appropriate treatment strategies remains challenging due to patient heterogeneity and diverse molecular subtypes. This review systematically summarizes the molecular biology, diagnostic strategies, and advances in targeted therapies for HER2-positive mCRC. On the diagnostic front, we discuss the applications of immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection technologies. We highlight discrepancies in diagnostic criteria across key clinical trials—such as HERACLES, DESTINY, and MOUNTAINEER—underscoring the urgent need for standardized, CRC-specific definitions to ensure consistent patient selection and comparability of efficacy data across studies. Although NGS enables comprehensive genomic profiling, its cost-effectiveness relative to traditional methods must be carefully considered. Therapeutically, we summarize clinical trial data for HER2-directed agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as tucatinib and lapatinib, monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as trastuzumab deruxtecan. We review dual-targeting strategies and note recent FDA approvals that represent significant milestones in second-line treatment. Additionally, we explore the potential of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with HER2-targeted therapies to enhance antitumor immunity through mechanisms including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. ADCs enable precise delivery of cytotoxic payloads, reducing off-target toxicity while effectively inhibiting oncogenic pathways. A substantial portion of this review is dedicated to dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying primary and acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies—persistent challenges that limit clinical benefit. These mechanisms include reactivation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK, concurrent mutations in genes like KRAS or BRAF, and alterations in HER2 expression that compromise treatment efficacy. For instance, specific HER2 mutations (e.g., L755S) can reduce drug binding affinity, while ctDNA monitoring facilitates early detection of emerging resistance clones during disease progression, thereby enabling timely therapeutic adjustments. Tumor heterogeneity and dynamic interactions with the microenvironment further complicate resistance patterns observed in clinical practice. HER2-targeted therapy represents a new frontier in precision oncology for mCRC, offering renewed hope for improving patient outcomes. Realizing this potential will require continued optimization of diagnostic algorithms and treatment workflows. Future efforts must focus on overcoming resistance, validating liquid biopsy approaches for dynamic monitoring, and establishing unified clinical guidelines. HER2 has become an essential biomarker for stratifying mCRC patients beyond traditional RAS and BRAF status, underscoring the shift from empiric treatment to biomarker-driven precision medicine. International, multidisciplinary collaboration will be critical to validate emerging biomarkers and refine treatment algorithms globally.
2.Construction and immunogenicity evaluation of bacterial-like particles vaccine for porcine transmissible gastroenteritis
Lili GAI ; Shouzhi SHENG ; Yanting ZHU ; Siqi LI ; Pengju ZHANG ; Yanlong CONG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1642-1649,1671
We took the surface spike S protein of transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)as the research object.Based on the Gram-positive enhancer matrix(GEM)-anchor protein(PA)display platform,two kinds of bacteria-like particles(BLPs)with surface-displayed TGEV DA and S1 were prepared using the insect cell-baculovirus expression system.The results showed that the lev-els of IL-4,IFN-γ,IgG,IgA,and sIgA induced by 50 μg BLP-DA were higher than those of the 25μg group.The levels of IL-4,IFN-γ,and sIgA induced by 50 μg BLP-S1 were higher than those of the 25 μg group,while the levels of IgG and IgA were lower than those of the 25 μg group.Under the same dose,when the dose was 25 μg,the levels of IFN-γ,IgG,IgA,and sIgA induced by BLP-S1 were higher than those of BLP-DA,while the level of IL-4 was lower than that of BLP-DA.When the dose was 50 μg,the level of IgG induced by BLP-DA was higher than that of BLP-S1,while the other indicators were lower than those of BLP-S1.Under different immunization routes,the levels of IgA and sIgA in the gavage group were higher than those in the intramuscular injec-tion group,and the levels of some cytokines were significantly higher in the gavage group than in the intramuscular injection group at specific time points,but there was no significant difference in the levels of IgG antibodies.In conclusion,the two types of TGEV BLPs constructed in this study both have good immunogenicity and can induce cellular and humoral immunity in mice.When the immunization doses are the same,the immunogenicity of BLP-S1 is better than that of BLP-DA.
3.Visualization Analysis of the Current Research Status of Chinese Materia Medica Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
Weizhou CHEN ; Ping YIN ; Xia LI ; Die HU ; Zhenyu GUO ; Cong GAI ; Huimin ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3276-3294
Objective To give references for future study,the current state of research and identify key areas of interest,and development trends in the field of Chinese Materia Medica interventions for PD were examined.Methods Literature on Chinese Materia Medica treatment of PD published between 2004 and 2024 was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)and Web of Science(WOS)databases.After screening,689 articles were included(412 in Chinese,277 in English).CiteSpace software was used for bibliometric and knowledge graph analysis,generating author collaboration networks,institutional collaboration networks,keyword clustering,timeline maps,and keyword burst analysis.Results Over the past two decades,the number of publications has continued to grow globally.Chinese-language studies focused primarily on clinical research,with core authors such as Yi Liu,Jiancheng He,and Jianfen Liang,and institutions like Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine making significant contributions.English-language literature emphasized mechanistic studies,with Kyung Hee University and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine as leading research teams.High-frequency keywords included"Parkinson's disease"(346 occurrences),"traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)"(60 occurrences),and"oxidative stress"(11 occurrences).Keyword clustering revealed research hotspots in TCM formulas(e.g.,Zhichan decoction),mechanisms(e.g.,oxidative stress),and integrated TCM-Western medicine therapies(e.g.,Madopar).Burst analysis indicated emerging frontiers in the gut-brain axis,iron metabolism,molecular docking,gut microbiota,and signaling pathways.Conclusions Although there is a lot of potential for treating PD in TCM,there are also a lot of challenges.In order to realize the transformation of TCM from a supportive to a mainstream treatment for PD,and to bring better efficacy to patients in the future,it is necessary to strengthen evidence-based research,deepen the research of mechanisms,promote the construction of standards,explore the integration of Chinese and Western medicine,and improve the evaluation system.
4.Construction and immunogenicity evaluation of bacterial-like particles vaccine for porcine transmissible gastroenteritis
Lili GAI ; Shouzhi SHENG ; Yanting ZHU ; Siqi LI ; Pengju ZHANG ; Yanlong CONG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1642-1649,1671
We took the surface spike S protein of transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)as the research object.Based on the Gram-positive enhancer matrix(GEM)-anchor protein(PA)display platform,two kinds of bacteria-like particles(BLPs)with surface-displayed TGEV DA and S1 were prepared using the insect cell-baculovirus expression system.The results showed that the lev-els of IL-4,IFN-γ,IgG,IgA,and sIgA induced by 50 μg BLP-DA were higher than those of the 25μg group.The levels of IL-4,IFN-γ,and sIgA induced by 50 μg BLP-S1 were higher than those of the 25 μg group,while the levels of IgG and IgA were lower than those of the 25 μg group.Under the same dose,when the dose was 25 μg,the levels of IFN-γ,IgG,IgA,and sIgA induced by BLP-S1 were higher than those of BLP-DA,while the level of IL-4 was lower than that of BLP-DA.When the dose was 50 μg,the level of IgG induced by BLP-DA was higher than that of BLP-S1,while the other indicators were lower than those of BLP-S1.Under different immunization routes,the levels of IgA and sIgA in the gavage group were higher than those in the intramuscular injec-tion group,and the levels of some cytokines were significantly higher in the gavage group than in the intramuscular injection group at specific time points,but there was no significant difference in the levels of IgG antibodies.In conclusion,the two types of TGEV BLPs constructed in this study both have good immunogenicity and can induce cellular and humoral immunity in mice.When the immunization doses are the same,the immunogenicity of BLP-S1 is better than that of BLP-DA.
5.Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy on the volumes of amygdala and hippocampal subfields in patients with major depressive disorder
Sirui WANG ; Gai KONG ; Hui LI ; Zhenying QIAN ; Huiru CUI ; Yingying TANG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):434-442
Objective·To investigate the longitudinal changes in amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes before and after transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)treatment in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD)and explore their correlation with the antidepressant and anxiolytic efficacy of TMS.Methods·A total of 58 patients diagnosed with MDD at Shanghai Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,were included in this study between January 2018 and August 2023.Clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale(MADRS),and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)at baseline and post-TMS treatment.Patients underwent a baseline magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan followed by TMS treatment targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)at a frequency of 10 Hz,totaling 20 sessions.A follow-up MRI scan was conducted on the same day the TMS treatment concluded.Amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes were segmented and calculated by using FreeSurfer v6.0.0 software.Longitudinal changes in the subfield volumes were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance.Controlling for age,sex,and intracranial volume,partial correlation analysis was conducted between subfield volumes and baseline clinical scores.The association between the rate of volume change in brain regions with significant volume changes and symptom improvement(reduction in HAMD,MADRS,and HAMA scores)was evaluated.Results·Following TMS treatment,a significant increase in the volume of the right amygdala central nucleus was observed(t=-2.441,P=0.018).While the volumes of bilateral hippocampal fimbria decreased,the volumes of most hippocampal subfield and the total hippocampus increased(P<0.05).No significant correlations were found between baseline amygdala or hippocampal subfield volumes and clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms.However,only in patients who responded effectively to TMS treatment,a positive correlation was found between the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail and reductions in anxiety symptoms(HAMA:r=0.334,P=0.044).Conclusion·High-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce volume increases in the right amygdala central nucleus and specific hippocampal subfields.Additionally,the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail is associated with anti-anxiety effects in TMS responders,suggesting that high-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce neuroplastic changes in the central nucleus of the right amygdala and key subfields of the hippocampus.
6.Meta analysis of physical activity on the improvement of health related quality of life among children and adolescents
LIU Shanjie, LI Gai, SONG Yunfeng, OUYANG Lingqing, XU Chi
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):806-810
Objective:
To systematically review the effect of physical activity (PA) on health related quality of life (HRQoL) among children and adolescents and the magnitude of association, so as to provide an evidence based support for optimizing health promotion strategies for children and adolescents.
Methods:
Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, SCIELO, PEDro, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases were searched to collect literature on PA and HRQoL in children and adolescents, which were published up to January 1, 2025. Cochrane ROB tool and specific evaluation system were used to assess literature quality, Stata 16.0 software was used for Meta analysis. For descriptive studies, correlation( r ) and 95% confidence interval( CI ) were used as effect indicators, and the inverse variance method was used to merge the data. Standardized mean difference( SMD ) and 95% CI were used to calculate the combined effect size of intervention studies.
Results:
A total of 22 studies involving 27 303 healthy children and adolescents were included, including 9 descriptive studies and 13 intervention studies. The results of descriptive analysis showed that PA level was positively correlated with HRQoL ( r =0.27, 95% CI =0.21-0.32, P <0.01). The analysis of intervention studies showed that PA had significant effects on overall HRQoL ( SMD =0.10, 95% CI =0.05-0.16), physical functioning ( SMD =0.16, 95% CI =0.08-0.23), and mental functioning ( SMD =0.17, 95% CI =0.10-0.25)( P <0.01). Subgroup analysis found that the effects of physical activity on overall HRQoL, physiological function, and psychological function in children and adolescents were maximized when the intervention duration was less than 6 months ( SMD =0.13, 0.18, 0.20), the frequency was≥5 times per week ( SMD =0.13, 0.19, 0.24) and there was a supplementary plan( SMD =0.10, 0.18, 0.23)( P <0.01).
Conclusion
PA is an important factor affecting the HRQoL of healthy children and adolescents, and the systematic PA intervention has a effect on improving the HRQoL.
7.Association between household solid fuel use for cooking and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly adults in rural China: Evidence from the China Family Panel Studies Database
Ting YANG ; Yong LIU ; Xufeng LI ; Yun GAI ; Zhihao XIE ; Junkui WANG ; Yong YU ; Jingxuan WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):926-931
Background Although current evidence suggests a link between outdoor air pollution and depressive symptoms, the effect of solid fuel use (a significant indoor air pollutant) on depressive symptoms in China's rural middle-aged and elderly population remains poorly understood. Objective To explore the association between solid fuel use for cooking and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas of China, and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of depressive symptoms among residents in rural areas. Methods Data were obtained from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), depressive symptoms were assessed using 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and cooking fuel type was self-reported. Subsequently, two-level binary unconditional logistic regression models were fitted to assess the impact of solid fuel use for cooking on depressive symptoms. Results A total of
8.Mechanism of action of ginsenoside Rg_2 on diabetic retinopathy and angiogenesis based on YAP/TLRs pathway.
Zhuo-Rong LIU ; Yong-Li SONG ; Shang-Qiu NING ; Yue-Ying YUAN ; Yu-Ting ZHANG ; Gai-Mei HAO ; Jing HAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1659-1669
Ginsenoside Rg_2(GRg2) is a triterpenoid compound found in Panax notoginseng. This study explored its effects and mechanisms on diabetic retinopathy and angiogenesis. The study employed endothelial cell models induced by glucose or vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), the chorioallantoic membrane(CAM) model, the oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR) mouse model, and the db/db mouse model to evaluate the therapeutic effects of GRg2 on diabetic retinopathy and angiogenesis. Transwell assays and endothelial tube formation experiments were conducted to assess cell migration and tube formation, while vascular area measurements were applied to detect angiogenesis. The impact of GRg2 on the retinal structure and function of db/db mice was evaluated through retinal thickness and electroretinogram(ERG) analyses. The study investigated the mechanisms of GRg2 by analyzing the activation of Yes-associated protein(YAP) and Toll-like receptors(TLRs) pathways. The results indicated that GRg2 significantly reduced cell migration numbers and tube formation lengths in vitro. In the CAM model, GRg2 exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in the vascular area ratio. In the OIR model, GRg2 notably decreased the avascular and neovascular areas, ameliorating retinal structural disarray. In the db/db mouse model, GRg2 increased the total retinal thickness and enhanced the amplitudes of the a-wave, b-wave, and oscillatory potentials(OPs) in the ERG, improving retinal structural disarray. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the TLR signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated following YAP knockdown, with PCR results consistent with the transcriptome sequencing findings. Concurrently, GRg2 downregulated the expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), TNF receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6), and nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB) proteins in high-glucose-induced endothelial cells. Collectively, GRg2 inhibits cell migration and tube formation and significantly reduces angiogenesis in CAM and OIR models, improving retinal structure and function in db/db mice, with its pharmacological mechanism likely involving the down-regulation of YAP expression.
Animals
;
Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
;
Diabetic Retinopathy/physiopathology*
;
Mice
;
YAP-Signaling Proteins
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Panax notoginseng/chemistry*
;
Endothelial Cells/metabolism*
;
Transcription Factors/genetics*
;
Angiogenesis
9.Mechanism of Sorbus tianschanica in regulating asthmatic airway inflammation through TLR4/PI3K/Akt/MMP9 signaling pathway.
Wen-Kai WANG ; Jun-Min CHANG ; Xiao-Li MA ; Gai-Ru LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4304-4314
To investigate the effects and mechanisms of the water extract from Sorbus tianschanica(STE) on asthmatic airway inflammation, the mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a control group, a model group, a positive drug dexamethasone group(2 mg·kg~(-1)), a low-dose STE group(1 g·kg~(-1)), a medium-dose STE group(2 g·kg~(-1)), and a high-dose STE group(4 g·kg~(-1)). Except for the control group, all groups were subjected to ovalbumin induction to establish an asthma mouse model. The anti-inflammatory effects of STE were evaluated by examining pathological changes in lung tissue and measuring the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF). Transcriptomic and proteomic methods were further employed to analyze differentially expressed genes and proteins, as well as their associated signaling pathways in lung tissue. Subsequently, the expression changes of key genes were verified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry and Western blot methods were used to explore the regulatory mechanisms of STE in the pathogenesis of asthma in mice. Molecular docking was performed by using AutoDock Vina software to evaluate the binding affinity of the main active components in STE with the target proteins, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase catalytic subunit α(PIK3CA), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), protein kinase B1(Akt1), and matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP9). The results showed significant inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue proliferation in the lung tissue of mice in the model group. However, these pathological changes were markedly reduced following STE intervention. Compared with those of the control group, the expression levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in the BALF of the model group were significantly increased but notably decreased following STE intervention. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified key genes and proteins associated with allergic asthma, including tumor necrosis factor(TNF), IL-6, TLR4, PIK3CA, and MMP9. RT-qPCR validation revealed that high-dose STE intervention significantly downregulated the expressions of PIK3CA, IL-6, Akt1, MMP9, IL-13, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), TNF, CXC motif chemokine ligand 1(CXCL1), and TLR4 mRNAs and significantly upregulated the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1) mRNA. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that STE significantly downregulated the expressions of MMP9, TLR4, PIK3CA, and phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) in lung tissue of asthmatic mice. Moreover, molecular docking demonstrated that kaempferol-3,7-diglucoside, isoquercitrin, quercetin-3-gentiobioside, and hyperoside in STE exhibited stable binding affinities with PIK3CA, TLR4, Akt1, and MMP9, suggesting that the active components may exert anti-inflammatory effects by targeting and modulating asthma-related signaling pathways. In summary, STE exerts anti-asthmatic effects by inhibiting the expressions of PIK3CA, MMP9, p-Akt, and TLR4 and regulating the TLR4/PI3K/Akt/MMP9 signaling pathway.
Animals
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Asthma/metabolism*
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Lung/immunology*
;
Male
10.Predictive factors for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants and the construction of a nomogram prediction model.
Jun MU ; Shu-Shu LI ; Ai-Ling SU ; Shu-Ping HAN ; Jin-Gai ZHU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(3):279-285
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the predictive factors for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm infants and to construct a nomogram prediction model for hsPDA occurrence in this population.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of preterm infants with gestational age <32 weeks diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) who were delivered at Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. The subjects were divided into an hsPDA group (52 cases) and a non-hsPDA group (176 cases) based on the presence of hsPDA. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to screen predictive variables regarding the general information of the infants at birth, maternal pregnancy and delivery conditions, and relevant indicators during hospitalization. A nomogram prediction model for hsPDA occurrence was constructed using R software in preterm infants. Internal validation was performed using the Bootstrap method. Finally, the predictive model was evaluated for calibration, discrimination ability, and clinical utility.
RESULTS:
Multivariate regression analysis showed that the ratio of the left atrium to aorta diameter (LA/AO), mode of delivery (vaginal), and duration of mechanical ventilation were independent predictive factors for hsPDA in preterm infants (P<0.05). Based on the results of univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, variables used to construct the nomogram prediction model for hsPDA risk included: LA/AO ratio, mode of delivery (vaginal), duration of mechanical ventilation, 5-minute Apgar score, and the presence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome requiring surfactant therapy. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this model was 0.876 (95%CI: 0.824-0.927), and the calibrated curve was close to the ideal reference line, indicating good calibration. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test demonstrated that the model fit well, and the clinical decision curve was above the extreme curves.
CONCLUSIONS
The nomogram prediction model, constructed using five variables (LA/AO ratio, vaginal delivery, duration of mechanical ventilation, 5-minute Apgar score, and the presence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome requiring surfactant therapy), has reference significance for predicting the occurrence of hsPDA in preterm infants and provides valuable guidance for the early clinical identification of hsPDA.
Humans
;
Ductus Arteriosus, Patent/etiology*
;
Nomograms
;
Female
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Infant, Premature
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Male
;
Hemodynamics
;
Logistic Models
;
Pregnancy


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