1.The Role of Histone Lactylation in Diseases and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xin ZHANG ; Jie DU ; Zhao-Huan LI ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):887-904
Histone lactylation is a recently identified post-translational modification, wherein lactate mediates the enzymatic addition of lactyl groups to lysine residues on histones. Since its discovery, extensive research has demonstrated that histone lactylation is widely present in human tissues and plays a pivotal role in regulating the transcription of specific genes. Subsequent studies have further established this modification as a widespread epigenetic mark with significant physiological implications. With advancing research, accumulating evidence confirms that lactylation at distinct histone sites elicits diverse biological effects—such as promoting cell proliferation, driving inflammatory responses, and enhancing fibrosis—all of which profoundly influence disease progression and serve as key drivers of disease onset and development. Conversely, inhibiting histone lactylation can alter disease outcomes, positioning histone lactylation as a promising therapeutic target. Moreover, studies have revealed crosstalk between histone lactylation and other post-translational modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, which collectively regulate disease progression. Notably, lactylation occurs not only on histones but also on non-histone proteins. Histone lactylation activates specific gene transcription and reshapes metabolic epigenetics, while non-histone lactylation directly modulates enzyme activity, signal transduction, and protein stability. These two facets form a synergistic network through shared lactate pools, common modifying enzyme systems, and pathway crosstalk, thereby constructing a multi-dimensional regulatory framework—namely, the “histone lactylation-metabolism hub-non-histone lactylation” axis. This architecture bridges metabolism and epigenetics, and deciphering its topological structure may provide novel targets for precise intervention in diseases driven by lactate-mediated signaling hijacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in clinical practice, has been shown to regulate histone lactylation by modulating lactate metabolism and lactylation-related enzymes, thereby influencing disease progression. Moreover, certain TCM formulations exhibit potential as alternative therapies for drug-resistant diseases, underscoring the significance of further exploring TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation in future therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying histone lactylation, systematically delineate the associations between site-specific histone lactylation and various diseases, present a comprehensive landscape of the “lactate-histone lactylation and functional protein lactylation” axis, and summarize the mechanistic basis and research advances in TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation for disease treatment. Additionally, we discuss current challenges in histone lactylation research and propose future directions, ultimately aiming to deepen understanding and broaden perspectives on the roles and therapeutic potential of histone lactylation in disease.
2.Clear cell renal cell carcinoma with parotid gland metastasis 10 years after radical nephrectomy: a case report and literature review
Hongjun LIU ; Chenxu MA ; Xueping ZHANG ; Feng HAN ; Yuan GAO ; Hongjun ZHAO ; Liang QIAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(1):42-45
Objective To analyze the diagnosis, treatment and clinical characteristics of a patient with parotid gland metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)following radical nephrectomy. Methods The clinical data and diagnostic/therapeutic course of the patient were reported, and the metastasis time and treatment methods of patients with parotid metastasis of renal cancer were summarized in combination with literature. Results The 63-year-old male patient sought medical help due to a mass behind the right ear persisting for 3 months. He had undergone a right radical nephrectomy for a renal tumor 10 years ago. Preoperative computed tomography(CT)with contrast of the parotid region revealed an approximately 2.5 cm×2.1 cm round soft-tissue density lesion in the right parotid gland with slightly irregular margins. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)showed an enlarged left kidney with an irregular shape and multiple round, slightly hyperdense lesion(SUVmax=7.2), suggestive of malignancy. A round, slightly hyperdense lesion(diameter 2.6 cm, SUVmax=4.2)with well-defined borders and increased radiotracer uptake was noted in the right parotid gland, indicating a hypermetabolic mass where malignancy could not be excluded. The patient subsequently underwent partial parotidectomy, advancement flap transplantation, and facial nerve dissection. Postoperative pathology revealed tumor cells with clear/eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclear atypia, exhibiting ill-defined borders with salivary gland tissue. Immunohistochemistry was positive for PAX-8, CAⅨ, and Ki-67. During the 12-month follow-up, the patient was in good condition with no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion Parotid gland metastasis following radical nephrectomy is exceedingly rare, with no specific imaging features and clinical manifestations, and definitive diagnosis relies on pathological examination. Currently, there is no standardized treatment protocol, but complete surgical excision remains the primary therapeutic option.
3.Neoadjuvant Sintilimab Combined with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients Followed by Selective Bladder Sparing Surgery: A Phase 2 Trial
Zhou TONG ; Guanghou FU ; Feng ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LIU ; Xing XUE ; Hangyu ZHANG ; Yimin WANG ; Xudong ZHU ; Yang GAO ; Lulu LIU ; Xuanwen BAO ; Yi ZHENG ; Weijia FANG ; Peng ZHAO ; Baiye JIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):581-590
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP) regimen in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor sintilimab as neoadjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients and the feasibility of the following selective bladder sparing surgery.
Materials and Methods:
Patients with histopathologically confirmed urothelial carcinoma without distant metastases (T2-4a, N ≤ 1, M0, American Joint Committee of Cancer 8th) and with adequate organ function will be enrolled. The therapeutic regimen was sintilimab 200 mg once on day 8, gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 35 mg/m2 once on days 1 and 8, every 21 days for four cycles. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR, pT0N0) rate. The secondary end points were ypT < 2 rate, R0 resection rate, event-free survival, and safety.
Results:
From May 4, 2020, to May 20, 2023, 55 patients were enrolled. Forty-six patients were evaluated for efficacy. Among the 42 patients who underwent surgery, 16 patients (38.0%) achieved pCR. Thirty-three patients (78.6%) achieved pT < 2. With a median follow-up of 15.7 months, the 1-year event-free survival was 91.3%. Notwithstanding the poor pathological baseline characteristic of a high T3-T4a proportion (39.1%), a promising bladder preservation (including 22 patients transurethral resection of bladder tumor, 5 patients partial cystectomy, and 4 surveillances) rate was achieved (67.4%). The most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events was neutropenia (n=15, 27.3%), which was related to chemotherapy. There were no grade 3 immune-related adverse events.
Conclusion
Neoadjuvant GP plus sintilimab is a promising regimen for MIBC patients, with relatively high pT < 2 rate and triggering the emerging roles for the multi-disciplinary team decision-making for bladder sparing surgery.
4.The Role of Circulating Tumor Cell as a Promising Biomarker in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Nodules: A Prospective Study
Shijie WANG ; Changdan XU ; Xiaohong XU ; Weipeng SHAO ; Guohui WANG ; Xiongtao YANG ; Liwei GAO ; Feng TENG ; Hongliang SUN ; Yue ZHAO ; Hongxiang FENG ; Guangying ZHU
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):128-140
Purpose:
Our previous study showed that circulating tumor cell (CTC) count combined with gene mutation detection might help differentiate benign and malignant pulmonary nodules (PNs). Herein, we aimed to expand the study cohort and conduct further sequencing analysis.
Materials and Methods:
Patients with PNs were included, and CTCs were identified before operation. Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (LC-WGS) and lung cancer-related targeted gene sequencing were performed on CTCs. The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The differences in CTC counts among subgroups classified by demographic–clinical characteristics were analyzed. LC-WGS–based copy number variation (CNV) analysis and targeted gene mutation analysis were conducted.
Results:
A total of 172 patients were included. CTC count of 2.5 was identified by the ROC curves as the optimal diagnostic cutoff. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC count for differentiating benign and malignant PNs were 54.2% and 78.6%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of combined CTC count, radiological nodule type, and any malignant imaging features were 84.7% and 71.4%, respectively. The CTC counts were significantly greater in patients with aggressive tumors, later stage, and spread through air spaces. CTCs from malignant cases had more CNVs than those from benign cases.
Conclusion
CTC count can be used in identifying malignant PNs. The diagnostic efficacy can be improved if combined with computed tomography imaging characteristics. Further CNV analysis might help differential diagnosis. Greater CTC count might suggest more aggressive tumors. CTC detection can provide important information and guidance for subsequent management of PNs.
5.From Metabolic Reprogramming to Lactylation: Targeting Dilemmas and Breakthrough Directions in Colorectal Cancer
Xin ZHANG ; Zhao-Huan LI ; Jing-Wen ZHAO ; Jie DU ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2123-2146
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by persistently high incidence and mortality. Current therapies are limited by drug resistance and modest patient benefit, underscoring the urgent need for new perspectives rooted in tumor biology. The unique metabolic landscape of CRC makes it an ideal model in which to dissect the pathological roles of lactylation regulatory networks: microsatellite-stable (MSS) CRC, which accounts for approximately 85% of cases, concurrently upregulates glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, engaging in intense metabolic competition with immune cells; the intratumoral lactate pool exhibits a distinctive “dual-source supply” feature—in addition to tumor-intrinsic glycolysis, substantial exogenous lactate is provided by gut microbiota dysbiosis and by colonizing bacteria within liver metastases; high-frequency oncogenic mutations and lactylation modifications establish a feed-forward circuit of “oncogene-driven lactate accumulation-lactylation-facilitated tumor progression”. Moreover, MSS CRC displays near-complete unresponsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors, a phenomenon underpinned by multiple immune evasion mechanisms mediated by lactate and lactylation. Lactate metabolism is a hallmark of metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Lactate homeostasis provides tumor cells with metabolic substrates, modulates redox status, and regulates fatty acid metabolism to promote malignant progression. Notably, lactate can drive lactylation—an emerging post-translational modification (PTM) in which lactyl groups are attached to lysine residues, dynamically governing gene transcription and protein function and thereby establishing a bridge between metabolism and epigenetics. Lactate and lactylation form a multidimensional, coordinated network: lactylation of key metabolic enzymes such as LDHA reinforces a positive feedback loop that sustains lactate production; lactylation of upstream transcription factors such as HIF-1α drives metabolic reprogramming; furthermore, lactylation engages in crosstalk with m6A and m5C RNA modifications as well as with other PTMs such as acetylation, profoundly reshaping cellular behavior. In CRC, histone lactylation drives malignant phenotypes by activating immunosuppressive programs, inhibiting ferroptosis, and promoting invasion and migration; non-histone lactylation accelerates translation elongation, stabilizes β‑catenin, maintains redox homeostasis, and prevents PD-L1 degradation, thereby facilitating tumor progression. Lactylation-related gene signatures have demonstrated potential for prognostic stratification. Therapeutic strategies targeting the lactylation network range from upstream metabolic intervention to modulation of the modifying enzymes and direct blockade of lactylation modifications, forming a hierarchical interventional framework. However, current evidence derives predominantly from cell lines and xenograft models, and a causal relationship between lactylation and malignant progression in CRC has yet to be rigorously established. Whether inhibition of lactylation can alter CRC phenotypes independently of metabolic alterations and acetylation fluctuations remains a central unanswered question in the field. This review systematically examines the research progress and translational challenges surrounding lactylation regulatory networks, aiming to provide a circumspect assessment to inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies for CRC.
6.Experimental study on the method of establishing a pig left lung orthotopic transplantation model
Heng ZHAO ; Jinteng FENG ; Shan GAO ; Rui ZHAO ; Hongyi WANG ; Ye SUN ; Yixing LI ; Haotian BAI ; Runyi TAO ; Bin HE ; Zhiyu WANG ; Yanpeng ZHANG ; Borui SUN ; Shuo LI ; Guangjian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1275-1281
Objective To explore the method for establishing a pig left lung orthotopic transplantation model. Methods A total of 4 male Yorkshire pigs weighing (40.0±2.5) kg underwent surgical procedures, including anesthesia, tracheal intubation, donor lung procurement, and recipient lung transplantation. Histological morphology and blood gas analysis of the transplanted lungs were assessed 2 hours after reperfusion to evaluate the histological changes and function of the transplanted lungs. Results The pigs underwent left lung in situ transplantation, effectively simulating conditions relevant to human lung transplantation. Two hours after the transplantation, arterial blood gas analysis showed that arterial partial pressure of oxygen was 155.4-178.6 mm Hg, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide was 53.1-62.4 mm Hg, and the oxygenation index was 310.8-357.2 mm Hg. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated a low degree of pulmonary edema and minimal cellular infiltration. Conclusion The pig left lung orthotopic transplantation model possesses strong operability and stability. Researchers can replicate this model according to the described methods and further conduct basic research and explore clinical translational applications.
7.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
8.Risk prediction models for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection in ICU patients established based on 5 types of machine learning algorithms
Chen JIA ; Yan GAO ; Xili XIE ; Feng ZHAO ; Haiming QING ; Lu WANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(17):2586-2591
OBJECTIVE To establish the an optimal prediction model for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii(CRAB)infection in ICU patients based on machine learning(ML)so as to help clinicians to diagnose and make decisions.METHODS The clinical data were collected from the patients who were hospitalized in ICUs of a three-A hospital from Jan.1,2017 to Dec.31,2024 and were randomly divided into the training set and the test set in a 7∶3 ratio.The characteristic variables were selected by means of LASSO regression analysis in combina-tion with multivariate logistic regression analysis.Five types of M L classification models were integrated,the opti-mal model was analyzed and identified.The performance of the prediction model for CRAB infection in the ICU patients was evaluated with the use of sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,areas under receiver operating characteris-tic curves(AUCs),calibration curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow test and decision curve analysis(DCA).The outputs of the ML models were interpreted by Shapley additive explanations(SHAP)and permutation importance.RESULTS A total of 2 904 patients were enrolled in the study,695(23.93%)of whom had CRAB infection.The AUC of XGBoost model was highest in the training set and the test set,respectively(0.994 and 0.907).The result of Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the calibration curves of the XGBoost model indicated that the predicated risk was highly con-sistent with the observed risk(x2=7.323 and 4.609,P=0.513 and 0.764,respectively).The DCA curves showed that the XGBoost model performed best within the whole range of threshold,with the highest net profit.The length of ICU stay,use of tigecycline,central venous catheterization,use of carbapenems and use of ventilator were determined as the major predictive factors by means of SHAP.CONCLUSIONS The XGBoost model is established and interpreted by SHAP.It provides bases for screening of the ICU patients at high risk of CRAB infection.
9.The effectiveness of applying different tip positions of midline catheters:a Meta-analysis
Wanting SHENG ; Rui WANG ; Yuxiao ZHAO ; Pengfei QI ; Silong GAO ; Juan FENG ; Bohan LÜ ; Qun NIU ; Gang WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(8):990-997
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of different tip positions applied to midline catheters(MC)and provide evidence-based evidence for venous catheter tip positioning in clinical practice.Methods Computerized searches of PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Library,CINAHL,CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP,and CBM for studies on the effectiveness of applying MC with different tip positions were performed from the time of database construction to July 2024.Meta-analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3 software after 2 investigators independently screened the studies,extracted the information and evaluated the quality of the included studies.Results A total of 9 studies with 2 302 hospitalized patients were included.The quality evaluation results of the included studies are all B-level.Meta-analysis showed that when the tip of the MC was located in the subclavian vein compared with the tip of the MC in the axillary vein,the rate of total catheter-related complications,phlebitis,blood leakage,infiltration,catheter occlusion,catheter dislocation,and catheter-associated thrombosis were lower,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).When the tip of the MC was located in the subclavian vein compared with the tip of the MC in the axillary vein,the catheter retention time was longer,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.007).The descriptive analysis showed a lower rate of extubation due to complications when the tip of the MC was located in the subclavian vein compared with when the tip was located in the axillary vein(P<0.05).Conclusion When the tip of the MC is located in the subclavian vein compared to when it is located in the axillary vein,the incidence of total catheter-related complications,phlebitis,blood leakage,infiltration,catheter occlusion,catheter dislocation,catheter-associated thrombosis,and the rate of catheter extractions due to complications were lower,and the catheter was left in place for a longer period of time.Due to the limitations of the quantity and quality of the included studies,more large-sample,high-quality studies are needed to further validate the effectiveness of different tip positions of MC.
10.Progress in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Steroid-Unrespon-sive Pneumonitis Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Xiangran FENG ; Yongfeng GAO ; Xiaofei LAN ; Xianwen SUN ; Jun ZHOU ; Jingya ZHAO ; Zhiyao BAO ; Yi XIANG
China Cancer 2025;34(3):244-250
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis(CIP)is a relatively common immune-related adverse event.The current treatment for CIP mainly relies on glucocorticoids,with 70%~80%of patients being controlled by conventional glucocorticoid therapy.However,steroid-unresponsive CIP is often se-vere and can be life-threatening.There is no standard treatment protocol for steroid-unresponsive CIP,highlighting a significant unmet clinical need.This paper reviews the diagnosis,treatment progress,and exploratory research of steroid-unresponsive CIP to provide evidence-based guidelines and directions for clinical and translational research.

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