1.Neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B on Parkinson’s disease model mice by regulating the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiaoli WANG ; Hua RONG ; Siwen PAN ; Chunlei YU ; Tianjiao XU ; Yu SUN ; Huan CONG ; Yu PANG ; Gang CHEN ; Xiaoming LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):998-1002
OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B (ELB) on Parkinson’s disease (PD) model mice by regulating the IκB kinase β (IKKβ)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, positive control group (selegiline hydrochloride, 10 mg/kg), and ELB low-dose and high-dose groups (80, 160 mg/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically for 14 consecutive days. Starting from the 10th day of administration, the model group and all administration groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 30 mg/kg, for five consecutive days to establish the chronic PD model. After the last administration for 24 h, six mice were randomly selected from each group to test their behavioral abilities; detect the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in brain tissue and their mRNA expressions were measured, and positive expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), protein expressions of TH, α -synuclein ( α -syn), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in the brain tissue were detected. The ultrastructure of neurons in substantia nigra was observed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, rotarod endurance time and climbing score of each administration group (except for the ELB low-dose group) were increased significantly ( P <0.05), while the levels and mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, α -syn, and Iba-1, as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in brain tissue were decreased significantly (except for TNF-α in the ELB low-dose group). Conversely, the level and mRNA expression of IL-10 (except for the ELB low-dose group), TH positive expression and protein expressions were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Typical neurodegenerative pathological changes, such as neuronal karyopyknosis, mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization, and endoplasmic reticulum dilation, all showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS ELB may exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the activation of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway, alleviating inflammatory responses, reducing abnormal α -syn aggregation and neuronal loss, and further improving motor dysfunction in PD mice.
2.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
3.Study on the role and mechanism of SPP1+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis
Zexin YANG ; Zeping GUI ; Junqi ZHANG ; Gang ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Li SUN ; Shuang FEI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):413-421
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis. Methods The expression features of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allografts of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) patients were analyzed based on single-cell transcriptome data of renal tissues from patients with CAD. Transcription factor VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis were performed on the single-cell transcriptome data. Renal tissue samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, including the CAD group (n=5) and the non-renal allograft fibrosis group (CTL group, n=5). A mouse model of chronic allograft rejection was established and divided into the allogeneic kidney transplantation group (CAD group, n=3) and the syngeneic kidney transplantation group (SYN group, n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect renal tissue injury in mice, and Masson staining was used to detect renal tissue fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect SPP1 expression in renal tissues of transplant recipients and mouse renal allografts. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were extracted from mice and subjected to hypoxia stimulation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot, and SPP1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. BMDMs were transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by hypoxia intervention, and the expression of HIF-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of BMDMs, and the expression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related markers was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allograft tissues was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the CTL group (P<0.05). The renal injury score and the percentage of interstitial fibrotic area in the CAD group were significantly higher than those in the SYN group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages was increased in the CAD group compared with the CTL group, and also increased in the CAD group compared with the SYN group (both P<0.05). VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis revealed activation of the hypoxia pathway and upregulated expression of transcription factors such as HIF-1α in SPP1+ macrophages. SPP1 expression was elevated in BMDMs under hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of HIF-1α inhibited hypoxia-induced SPP1 protein expression, whereas overexpression of HIF-1α upregulated SPP1 protein levels. After co-culture of hypoxia-induced BMDMs with MAECs, the expression levels of EndMT-related markers were increased. Conclusions SPP1+ macrophages differentiated under hypoxia are significantly infiltrated in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis, and may promote renal allograft fibrosis by inducing EndMT in renal vascular endothelial cells.
4.Clinicopathological and molecular mechanisms of CLDN18.2 in gastric cancer aggressiveness: a high-risk population study with multi-omics profiling
Hengquan WU ; Mei LI ; Gang WANG ; Peiqing LIAO ; Peng ZHANG ; Luxi YANG ; Yumin LI ; Tao LIU ; Wenting HE
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(1):47-57
Background:
The tight junction protein claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) has been implicated in poor prognosis and suboptimal immunotherapy response in gastric cancer (GC). This study investigates the clinicopathological relevance of CLDN18.2 expression and its association with molecular subtypes in GC patients from a high-incidence region, combining transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to explore how CLDN18.2 contributes to progression and metastasis.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 494 GC patients (2019–2024) underwent immunohistochemical analysis for CLDN18.2, Epstein-Barr virus (Epstein–Barr virus–encoded RNA), p53, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6). CLDN18.2 positivity was defined as moderate to strong (2+/3+) membranous staining in ≥75% of tumor cells. Clinicopathological correlations, biomarker associations, and survival outcomes were evaluated. Transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing was performed to explore molecular mechanisms.
Results:
CLDN18.2 positivity was observed in 26.9% (133/494) of gastric adenocarcinomas. CLDN18.2-positive tumors correlated with TNM stage (p = .003) and shorter overall survival (p = .018). No associations were identified with age, sex, HER2 status, microsatellite instability, or Epstein-Barr virus infection. Transcriptomic profiling revealed CLDN18.2-high tumors enriched in pathways involving cell junction disruption, signaling regulation, and immune modulation. Proteomic profiling showed that tumors with high CLDN18.2 were enriched in multiple mechanism-related pathways such as integrated metabolic reprogramming, cytoskeletal recombination, immune microenvironment dysregulation, and pro-survival signaling. These mechanisms may collectively contribute to tumor progression and metastasis.
Conclusions
CLDN18.2 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrate that CLDN18.2 promotes tumor progression and metastasis, underscoring its potential as an independent prognostic factor in regions with a high incidence of GC.
6.Molecular mechanism of Shenling Baizhu powder in treatment of cancer cachexia based on network pharmacology
Gang KE ; Qingke DONG ; Shirong XIAO ; Qian GONG ; Rong LI ; Daijie WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(5):242-250
Objective To analyze the pharmacological mechanism of Shenling Baizhu powder in the treatment of cancer cachexia based on the network pharmacological method and provide a reference for the clinical application of classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions. Methods Through TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases, the main chemical components and their targets of the TCM prescription of Shenling Baizhu powder were obtained, and the active components of the TCM were screened according to ADME. The main targets of cancer cachexia were obtained through OMIM, Genecards, Disgenet and DRUGBANK databases, and protein interaction analysis was conducted using String platform to build a PPI network. The “drug-active ingredient-target” network of Shenling Baizhu powder was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, and then the biological processes and pathways involved were analyzed by using Metascape platform. Finally, molecular docking verification was conducted by Discovery Studio. Results The core active ingredients of Shenling Baizhu powder in the treatment of cancer cachexia were quercetin, kaempferol, pyrolignous acid, stigmasterol, luteolin, β-sitosterol, etc. The core targets were AKT1, TP53, TNF, IL-6, MAPK3, CASP3, JUN, CTNNB1, HIF1A, EGFR, etc. The molecular docking test also showed that the top 10 active ingredients, such as pyrolignous acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol, had good binding activities with most of the target sites. The biological pathway of Shenling Baizhu powder in treating cancer cachexia wss mainly to regulate tumor related pathway, metabolism related pathway, inflammatory factors and appetite related pathway. Conclusion This study preliminarily revealed the mechanism of action of Shenling Baizhu powder in treating cancer cachexia with multi components, multi targets and multi pathways, which provided a basis for the clinical development and utilization of Shenling Baizhu powder.
7.Epidemiology and trends of major respiratory infectious diseases in Beijing in 2014-2023
Xiao HU ; Yanlin GAO ; Yunping SHI ; Yang LIU ; Chao WANG ; Ying ZHOU ; Wei LI ; Jiaze LI ; Gang LI
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(2):101-109
Objective To analyze the epidemiology and trends of measles,tuberculosis,pertussis,scarlet fever,influenza,mumps and rubella in Beijing between 2014 and 2023 in order to provide data for prevention and control of related diseases.Methods Data on the incidences of seven respiratory infectious diseases in Beijing between 2014 and 2023 was collected.Descriptive epidemiological methods were employed to analyze their demographic,temporal and spatial distribution.Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess temporal trends in incidence.Results A total of 1 406 777 cases of seven respiratory infectious diseases were reported in Beijing between 2014 and 2023,which corresponded to an average crude rate of 649.76/100 000 reported annually.The crude rate of incidencewas higher among females than among males,with the most vulnerable age groups being 0-4 years and 5-19 years,and was higher in the six districts than on the outskirts.Most of the respiratory infectious diseases peaked in winter and spring.The annual increase in the incidence of respiratory infectious diseases in Beijing in this period averaged 27.27%,with no statistically significant differences in trends.The incidence rates of measles,tuberculosis,scarlet fever,mumps and rubella decreased significantly while those of pertussis and influenza increased,but with no statistically significant difference.Conclusion The overall incidence of major respiratory infectious diseases in Beijing is increasing.It is recommended that more people get vaccinated,surveillance of such diseases as pertussis and influenza be enhanced,and regional health resources be allocated more effectively,all of which will be critical to subsequent prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases in Beijing.
8.Investigation of the association between air pollutants and the long-term risk of sudden cardiac death
Yue PAN ; Shui WANG ; Linghui JIANG ; Mengya LI ; Yifan WANG ; Juncheng DAI ; Xufeng CHEN ; Gang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(6):844-851
Objective:The association between air pollutants and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between five air pollutants—PM 2.5, PM 2.5–10, PM 10, NO 2, and NO?—and the risk of SCD. Methods:We analyzed data from 460 862 participants in the UK Biobank cohort, all enrolled between 2006 and 2010, with no baseline SCD. Follow-up continued until the study endpoint. Annual average concentrations of the five pollutants were assessed. Associations between pollutants and SCD were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models, followed by Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess causality.Results:Over a mean follow-up of 12.4 years, 2 662 SCD cases were recorded. After adjusting for confounders, no significant associations were found between air pollutants and SCD risk: PM 2.5 ( HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99–1.07, P = 0.14), PM 2.5–10 ( HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.08, P = 0.08), PM 10 ( HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.03, P = 0.26), NO? ( HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.00, P = 0.26), and NO x ( HR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00–1.01, P = 0.19). MR analysis further supported the absence of causal relationships: PM 2.5 ( β = -0.149, P = 0.90), PM 2.5–10 ( β = 0.387, P = 0.62), PM 10 ( β = -0.994, P = 0.62), NO? ( β = –0.005, P = 0.99), and NO 2 ( β = –0.827, P = 0.25). Conclusions:This study found no evidence linking PM 2.5, PM 2.5–10, PM 10, NO?, or NO 2 to an increased risk of SCD. Mendelian randomization confirmed the lack of causal associations between these pollutants and SCD.
9.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
10.The construction of the image of a good doctor in the Yan’an period and its contemporary enlightenment
Yuxin ZHANG ; Xiaochuang WANG ; Jiamei LI ; Gang WANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(10):1321-1327
During the Yan’an period, the party and government employed forms of health propaganda that were popular among the masses, focusing on superb medical skills and public feedback, as well as the strategy of skillfully using narrative techniques to carry out doctor-patient communication, which collectively created the image of good doctors characterized by “firm belief, superb medical skills, effective communication, and a friendly and approachable demeanor.” They were not only guardians of the people’s health but also the solid pillars of the success of the revolutionary cause. In the journey of the new era, contemporary medical professionals should deeply grasp the spiritual core of good doctors in the Yan’an period, uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China, harbor a benevolent heart, and earn the trust and respect of patients through sincere humanistic care and superb medical services, so as to collectively promote the development of medical undertakings and contribute their strength to building a healthy China.


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