1.Safety evaluation of sintilimab in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma
Hao ZHONG ; Hang LIN ; Yaxin LU ; Haiyan MAI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):482-485
OBJECTIVE To assess the safety profile of sintilimab in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS The data of patients with cholangiocarcinoma from January 1st, 2021 to December 31st, 2022 were collected and divided into control group (29 cases) and observation group (18 cases) based on different medication regimens. Patients in the control group were treated with Gemcitabine hydrochloride for injection+Cisplatin for injection or Oxaliplatin for injection, the observation group was treated with Sintilimab injection based on the control group. Patients in each group underwent blood routine, liver and kidney function, biochemical and other examinations before and after each treatment cycle to observe the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. The correlation of adverse drug reactions with drugs was evaluated with Naranjo’s scale. RESULTS The correlation between blood toxicity and drug use was deemed “probable” in both groups; however, the observation group exhibited a significantly higher score, indicating a stronger correlation. In the control group, hepatotoxic reactions were classified as “suspicious” whereas in the observation group, they were categorized as “probable”. The correlation of gastrointestinal symptoms between the two groups was considered “possible”. Systemic symptoms, skin toxicity, musculoskeletal toxicity, endocrine toxicity and renal toxicity were all classified as having a “suspicious” correlation with drug use. The total incidence of blood toxicity in the observation group was significantly higher than control group (P=0.014). There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidences of hepatotoxic, gastrointestinal symptoms, systemic symptoms, skin toxicity, musculoskeletal toxicity, endocrine toxicity, renal toxicity, or the incidence of grade 3 or higher blood toxicity, hepatotoxic between the two groups (P>0.05). For the patients experiencing adverse drug reactions, the symptoms were alleviated following drug discontinuation or symptomatic supportive treatment. No fatalities occurred during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS Sintilimab combined with chemotherapy may significantly increase the risk of blood toxicity in patients with cholangiocarcinoma, especially thrombocytopenia, but the adverse reactions are within a controllable range, and the overall safety is good.
2.A Multi-Omics Study on the Differences in Blood Biological Characteristics between Acute Gout Patients with Damp-Heat Toxin Accumulation Syndrome and Damp-Heat Accumulation Syndrome
Wei LIU ; Bowen WEI ; Hang LU ; Yuxiu KA ; Wen WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):480-491
ObjectiveTo combine metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics to analyze the biological characteristics of damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome and damp-heat accumulation syndrome in acute gout. MethodsBlood samples were collected from 15 patients with damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome and 15 patients with damp-heat accumulation syndrome in acute gout in clinical practice. Metabolomics technology was applied to detect serum metabolites, and an orthogonal partial sample least squares discriminant analysis model was constructed to screen for metabolites with significant intergroup changes, and enrichment pathway analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. Astral data independence acquisition (DIA) was used to detect serum proteins, perform principal component analysis and screen differential proteins, demonstrate differential ploidy by radargram, apply subcellular localisation to analyse protein sources, and finally apply weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to find key proteins. Transcriptome sequencing technology was also applied to detect whole blood mRNA, screen differential genes and perform WGCNA, and construct machine learning models to screen key genes. ResultsMetabolome differential analysis revealed 62 differential metabolites in positive ion mode and 26 in negative ion mode. These differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the mTOR signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway, with trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamaldehyde, guanabenz, 4-aminophenyl-1-thio-beta-d-galactopyranoside showing the highest diagnostic efficacy. The proteome differential analysis found that 55 proteins up-regulated and 20 proteins down-regulated in the samples of damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome. Notably, myelin basic protein (MBP), transferrin (TF), DKFZp686N02209, and apolipoprotein B (APOB) showed the most significant differences in expression. Differential proteins were mainly enriched in pathways related to fat digestion and absorption, lipid and atherosclerosis, and cholesterol metabolism. WGCNA showed the highest correlation between damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome and the brown module, with proteins in this module primarily enriched in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway and lipid and atherosclerosis. Transcriptomic differential analysis identified 252 differentially expressed genes, with WGCNA indicating the highest correlation between damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome and the midnight blue module. The random forest (RF) model was identified as the optimal machine learning model, predicting apolipoprotein B receptor (APOBR), far upstream element-binding protein 2 (KHSRP), POU domain class 2 transcription factor 2 (POU2F2), EH domain-containing protein 1 (EHD1), and family with sequence similarity 110A (FAM110A) as key genes. Integrated multi-omics analysis suggested that damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome in the acute phase of gout is closely associated with lipid metabolism, particularly APOB. ConclusionCompared to damp-heat accumulation syndrome in the acute phase of gout, damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome is more closely associated with lipid metabolism, particularly APOB, and lipid metabolism disorders contribute to the development of damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome in patients with acute gout.
3.Baicalein mitigates ferroptosis of neurons after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Ting ZHU ; Tingting YUE ; Yue CUI ; Yue LU ; Wei LI ; Chunhua HANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):52-57
BACKGROUND:Ferroptosis is a mode of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis,necrosis,and other novel cellular deaths,which occurs mainly due to accumulated lipid peroxidation.Ferroptosis has been shown to be involved in the pathological process following subarachnoid hemorrhage.Baicalein,serving as an adept sequestered of iron,evinces its prowess by quelling lipid peroxidative cascades.Nonetheless,the enigma lingers as to whether baicalein possesses the capacity to ameliorate neuronal ferroptosis,elicited in the wake of early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of baicalein on neuronal ferroptosis after subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS:Primary neuronal cells were extracted from C57BL/6L fetal mice at 16-17 days of gestation.Hemoglobin was used to stimulate primary neuronal cells to simulate an in vitro subarachnoid hemorrhage model.The viability of primary neuronal cells treated with baicalein at concentrations of 5,15,25,50,and 100 μmol/L for 24 hours was detected by CCK-8 assay to determine the optimal concentration of baicalein.Primary neuronal cells were divided into control group,hemoglobin group,and hemoglobin+baicalein group.The levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in cells were detected by kits.The mRNA expressions of ferroptosis-related markers PTGS2,SLC7A11,and glutathione peroxidase 4 were detected by RT-PCR.The primary neuronal cells were further divided into control group,SLC7A11 inhibitor Erastin group,hemoglobin group,hemoglobin+baicalein group,and hemoglobin+baicalein+Erastin group.The expression of the ferroptosis related markers SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 was detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Baicalein(25 μmol/L)was selected as the following experimental concentration.(2)Compared with the hemoglobin group,the level of malondialdehyde and the level of reactive oxygen species were significantly decreased(P<0.05)in the hemoglobin+baicalein group.(3)Compared with the hemoglobin group,the mRNA expression of PTGS2 significantly decreased,and the mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 significantly increased(P<0.000 1)in the hemoglobin+baicalein group.(4)SLC7A11 inhibitor Erastin could reverse the baicalin-improved ferroptosis effect to a certain extent(P<0.05).(5)The results showed that baicalein could alleviate the ferroptosis of neuronal cells after subarachnoid hemorrhage through the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
7.Research progress on the comorbidity mechanism of sarcopenia and obesity in the aging population.
Hao-Dong TIAN ; Yu-Kun LU ; Li HUANG ; Hao-Wei LIU ; Hang-Lin YU ; Jin-Long WU ; Han-Sen LI ; Li PENG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):905-924
The increasing prevalence of aging has led to a rising incidence of comorbidity of sarcopenia and obesity, posing significant burdens on socioeconomic and public health. Current research has systematically explored the pathogenesis of each condition; however, the mechanisms underlying their comorbidity remain unclear. This study reviews the current literature on sarcopenia and obesity in the aging population, focusing on their shared biological mechanisms, which include loss of autophagy, abnormal macrophage function, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced sex hormone secretion. It also identifies metabolic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, vitamin D metabolism abnormalities, dysregulation of iron metabolism, decreased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and gut microbiota imbalances. Additionally, this study also explores the important role of genetic factors, such as alleles and microRNAs, in the co-occurrence of sarcopenia and obesity. A better understanding of these mechanisms is vital for developing clinical interventions and preventive strategies.
Humans
;
Sarcopenia/physiopathology*
;
Obesity/physiopathology*
;
Aging/physiology*
;
Autophagy/physiology*
;
Insulin Resistance
;
Comorbidity
;
Vitamin D/metabolism*
;
Gonadal Steroid Hormones/metabolism*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
;
Mitochondria
;
MicroRNAs
8.Mineralogical studies on iron-containing mineral medicines, Haematitum and Limonitum.
Min LU ; Xiao-Fei WANG ; Cheng-Cheng WANG ; Jing-Xu CHEN ; Hang-Jie ZHU ; Juan LI ; Yan CAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1179-1186
Haematitum and Limonitum are two iron-containing mineral medicines included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. They have similar main components and major differences in their property, flavor, channel tropism, and clinical uses. In this study, we investigated the surface properties, mineral composition, mineral dissociation, elemental composition, and iron state of Haematitum and Limonitum to explore their mineralogical differences. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), specific surface and porosity analyzer, X-ray diffractometer(XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer(XPS), and advanced mineral identification and characterization system(AMICS) were used to analyze the mineralogy of Haematitum and Limonitum. The results showed that Haematitum had an angular surface with granular attachments and a specific surface area of 17.04 m~2·g~(-1). In comparison, Limonitum had a smooth and flat surface with a bundled acicular crystal structure and a specific surface area of 46.29 m~2·g~(-1). Haematitum consists of 31 detectable minerals containing 18 elements, with the major element, iron(44.5% Fe~(2+) and 55.5% Fe~(3+)) distributed in 17 minerals, including hematite, iron oxide, knebelite, siderite, and magnesioferrite. Limonitum consists of 32 detectable minerals containing 17 elements, with the major element, iron(14.5% Fe~(2+) and 85.5% Fe~(3+)) distributed in 19 minerals, including limonite, iron oxide, chlorite, and knebelite. In summary, the elemental composition of Haematitum and Limonitum does not differ greatly, but there are large differences in the mineral composition and iron state. The large specific surface area and strong adsorption capacity of Limonitum may be one of the mechanisms of its anti-diarrheal action. The Fe_2O_3 and illite contained in Haematitum and Limonitum may be the key substances for their hemostasis effects. The mineralogical differences are expected to provide a reference for explaining the scientific connotation of mineral medicine and laying a material foundation for studying its mechanism of action.
Iron/analysis*
;
Minerals/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
X-Ray Diffraction
;
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
;
Photoelectron Spectroscopy
9.Clinical study on the treatment of traumatic osteomyelitis of the upper tibia by membrane-induced technique combined with gastrocnemius muscle flap transposition.
Yi-Yang LIU ; Yi-Hang LU ; Qiong-Lin CHEN ; Bing-Yuan LIN ; Hai-Yong REN ; Kai HUANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Qiao-Feng GUO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(9):937-944
OBJECTIVE:
To explore clinical efficacy of membrane-induced technique combined with gastrocnemius muscle flap transposition in treating traumatic osteomyelitis of the upper tibia.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 7 patients with traumatic osteomyelitis of the upper tibia who were treated with membrane-induced technique combined with gastrocnemius muscle flap transposition from January 2022 to December 2023. Among them, there were 4 males and 3 females; aged from 29 to 57 years old; 4 patients were treated after open fracture, 2 patients were treated after closed fracture, and 1 patient was treated after scalding; the courses of disease ranges from 2 weeks to 8 years; sinus tracts were present in all patients, and the lesion range of the tibia ranged from 5 to 9 cm. The results of deep tissue bacterial culture showed that 2 patients were negative, 3 patients were staphylococcus aureus, 1 patient was methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, and 1 patient was pseudomonas aeruginosa and 1 patient was klebsiella pneumoniae. After debridement, the range of bone defect ranged from 8 to 12 cm, and the cortical defect accounted for approximately 30% of the circumference. The area of soft tissue defect ranged from 8.0 cm×2.0 cm to 10.0 cm×6.0 cm. At the first stage, vancomycin-loaded/meropenem/gentamicin-loaded bone cement was implanted. The gastrocnemius muscle flap was repositioned to cover the wound surface and free skin grafting was performed. After an interval of 7 to 10 weeks, the stageⅡsurgery was performed to remove bone cement. Autologous iliac bone mixed with vancomycin/gentamicin and calcium sulfate artificial bone was transplanted, and the wound was sutured. One patient retained the original internal plants, one patient removed the internal plants and replaced them with steel plate external fixation, one patient replaced the internal plants and added steel plate external fixation, and three patients were simply fixed with steel plate external fixation. One year after operation, the recovery of knee joint and ankle joint functions was evaluated by using Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee joint score and Kofoed ankle joint function score respectively.
RESULTS:
All patients had their wounds closed simultaneously with bone cement implantation and healed well. All patients were followed up for 12 to 17 months after operation, and satisfactory bone healing was achieved at 6 months after stageⅡsurgery. Twelve months after operation, all patients had good bone healing without obvious limping was observed when walking. At 12 months after operation HSS knee joint score ranged from 93 to 100 points, and Kofoed ankle function score ranged from 96 to 100 points.
CONCLUSION
For traumatic osteomyelitis of the upper tibia, a staged treatment plan combining membrane-induced technique and gastrocnemius flap transposition on the basis of thorough debridement could safely cover the wound surface, effectively control bone infection and achieve satisfactory bone healing, without adverse effects on limb function.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Osteomyelitis/surgery*
;
Adult
;
Surgical Flaps
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Tibia/injuries*
;
Muscle, Skeletal/surgery*
10.Clinical features and immunotherapy for children with loss-of-function/gain-of-function mutations in the STAT gene: an analysis of 10 cases.
Hong-Wei LI ; Yan-Hong WANG ; Shang-Zhi WU ; Bi-Yun ZHANG ; Shi-Hui XU ; Jia-Xing XU ; Zhan-Hang HUANG ; Cheng-Yu LU ; De-Hui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(8):951-958
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the clinical features of children with STAT gene mutations, and to explore corresponding immunotherapy strategies.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 10 children with STAT gene mutations who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, from October 2015 to October 2024. Exploratory immunotherapy was implemented in some refractory cases, and the changes in symptoms, imaging manifestations, and cytokine levels were assessed after treatment.
RESULTS:
For the 10 children, the main clinical manifestations were recurrent rash since birth (7/10), cough (8/10), wheezing (5/10), expectoration (4/10), and purulent nasal discharge (4/10). Genotyping results showed that there was one child with heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in the STAT1 gene, four children with heterozygous LOF mutation in the STAT3 gene, and five children with heterozygous gain-of-function (GOF) mutation in the STAT3 gene. Two children with LOF mutation in the STAT3 gene showed decreased interleukin-6 levels and improved clinical symptoms and imaging findings after omalizumab treatment. Three children with GOF mutation in the STAT3 gene achieved effective disease control after treatment with methylprednisolone (0.5 mg/kg per day). Two children with GOF mutation in the STAT3 gene received treatment with JAK inhibitor and then showed some improvement in symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
STAT gene mutation screening should be considered for children with recurrent rash and purulent respiratory tract infections. Targeted immunotherapy may improve prognosis in patients with no response to conventional treatment.
Humans
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Male
;
Immunotherapy
;
Female
;
Child, Preschool
;
Child
;
Gain of Function Mutation
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Infant
;
Loss of Function Mutation
;
STAT Transcription Factors/genetics*

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