1.Reconceptualizing Critical Illness in Cancer Through the Lens of Host Unregulated Response
Yun CHU ; Shiyi GONG ; Xin DING ; Hua ZHAO ; Huan CHEN ; Qing ZHANG ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):1-9
Onco-critical care has emerged as an important subspecialty at the intersection of critical care medicine and oncology, attracting increasing attention in recent years. With continuous innovations in cancer therapies, patient survival has improved significantly; however, the incidence of associated critical complications has also increased. The reasons for cancer patients requiring intensive care unit admission are diverse and can be broadly categorized into three groups: progression of the underlying malignancy, treatment-related complications, and coexisting classical critical illnesses. Traditional critical care concepts and practices face limitations in addressing the multidimensional and heterogeneous challenges of onco-critical care. Based on the core mechanism of critical illness development—host/organ unregulated response (HOUR)—this article systematically elaborates on how this framework advances understanding and clinical practice into onco-critical care, with emphasis on its manifestations in neuroendocrine, immune-inflammatory, and coagulation-metabolic pathways. The review summarizes recent advances in clinical assessment and phenotyping systems for onco-critical illness and discusses a multidisciplinary, integrated management strategy centered on the "Disease Control, Host Response Modulation, Organ Support" triad. Finally, major challenges and future directions in this field are outlined. By integrating existing evidence and theoretical insights, this review aims to provide new perspectives and a theoretical foundation for the clinical management of onco-critical illness, thereby promoting its evolution toward precision and standardization.
2.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
3.Preparation of allitridin nano-sustained release particles and experimental study on its protective effect on lower limb ischemia
Huan Ouyang ; Bo Liu ; Yi Liu ; Binshan Zha ; Yang Ding ; Xianyu Hu ; Zhiyong Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):201-209
Objective:
To prepare hollow mesoporous silicon nanoparticles ( HMSNs) loaded with allicin—diallyl trisulfide (DATS) , and to study their feasibility as a therapeutic agent for ischemic injury of lower limbs .
Methods:
HMSNs were synthesized by selective etching , and their microstructure was observed by scanning and transmis- sion electron microscopy. Their physical and chemical properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering (DLS) . Their biological safety was tested by erythrocyte hemolysis and cytotoxicity experiments . DATS was loaded into HMSNs by adsorption to obtain DATS sustained release nanoparticles (DATS-HMSNs) , and the cumulative release curve of DATS was calculated and produced by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups (sham operation group , normal saline group , DATS group , and DATS-HM- SNs group) . Lower limb ischemia models were made by femoral artery ligation and resection . The exercise ability and the contents of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α ) , interleukin-6 (IL-6) , monocyte chemoattractant protein- 1 (MCP-1) , reactive oxygen species (ROS) , platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) , alpha smooth muscle actin ( α-SMA) , basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in muscles of mice in each group before and after limb ischemia were tested .
Results :
Scanning and transmission e- lectron microscope observation showed that the prepared HMSNs were hollow , spherical and uniform in particle size . DLS results showed that the particle size was (226. 5 ± 11 . 8) nm. The results of red blood cell hemolysis test and cytotoxicity test showed that HMSNs had good biocompatibility. The maximum drug loading rate of HMSNs on DATS was 27. 89% , the cumulative release rate of DATS in 7 days was about 80. 12% , and could reach 97. 27% in 21 days . Compared with the control group , after DATS-HMSNs were applied to mice with lower limb ischemia , immunohistochemical staining showed that the levels of CD31 , α-SMA , bFGF and VEGF increased ( P < 0. 05) . Elisa test showed that the levels of TNF-α , IL-6 , MCP-1 and ROS decreased (P < 0. 05) , and the exercise ability of mice recovered satisfactorily after ischemia.
Conclusion
DATS-HMSNs can release DATS slowly and continu- ously , providing protection against ischemic injury of lower limbs .
4.Differences in inflammatory indicators and prognostic factors between pulmonary and extrapulmonary ARDS caused by sepsis
Honglei QI ; Xiaojuan YANG ; Xiaojun YANG ; Xigang MA ; Xiaohong WANG ; Huan DING ; Jinyuan ZHU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(6):1300-1306
Objective To investigate the influencing factors of pulmonary and extrapulmonary acute re-spiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)caused by sepsis.Methods A total of 126 patients with ARDS admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine,General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University,from January 2022 to June 2024 were selected.Patients were divided into pulmonary ARDS and extrapulmonary ARDS groups based on the etiology of ARDS.General data,inflammatory indicators,and prognostic outcomes were compared between the two groups.COX regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors.Results A-mong the 126 patients,72 were diagnosed with pulmonary ARDS and 54 with extrapulmonary ARDS.The pulmonary ARDS group had significantly lower SOFA scores,fewer organ dysfunctions,a lower incidence of arrhythmia,shorter mechanical ventilation duration,higher Murray scores,and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI)compared to the extrapulmonary ARDS group(P<0.05).Inflammatory markers,including pro-calcitonin(PCT),C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin(IL)-4,IL-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),were significantly lower in the pulmonary ARDS group,while interferon-γ(INF-γ)levels were higher(P<0.05).For pulmonary ARDS,CCI and TNF-α were identified as independent risk factors for prog-nosis(P<0.05),with the combination of CCI and TNF-α yielding the highest predictive accuracy(AUC=0.81,95%CI:0.71-0.91).For extrapulmonary ARDS,CCI and CRP were independent risk factors(P<0.05),and their combination achieved the highest predictive performance(AUC=0.91,95%CI:0.84-0.98).Conclusion Inflammatory profiles between pulmonary and extrapulmonary ARDS caused by sepsis are different.CCI and TNF-α are independent risk factors for mortality in pulmonary ARDS,while CCI and CRP are independent risk factors in extrapulmonary ARDS.
5.Progress in the application of coagulation curve waveform analysis in the detection of coagulation function
Hongmei DONG ; Huan WANG ; Huihui DING ; Hong CHEN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(15):1879-1884
The detection of coagulation function is helpful for the diagnosis of blood diseases,the assess-ment of bleeding and thrombus risks in patients,and the treatment of hemostasis and anticoagulation.It plays an important role in the diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of diseases.Solidification curve waveform analy-sis is a newly developed method for assessing coagulation function.It obtains more sensitive parameters for e-valuating the coagulation function of the body by taking the order derivative of the waveform reflecting the co-agulation process in routine coagulation experiments.Compared with traditional coagulation function tests,co-agulation cuvre waveform analysis curves is more comprehensive and effective in assessing the risk of bleeding and thrombosis.
6.Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for liver aging
Huan NIU ; Yan-Nan WANG ; Yu DING ; Yu-Qing LIN ; Jian QIN ; Jian-Cheng WANG
Liver Research 2025;9(2):118-131
Aging is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the physiological integrity of cells,tissues,and or-gans,resulting in a decrease in the body's physiological functions and an acceleration of the onset of age-related diseases,ultimately leading to death.The aging of the liver,which is a critical metabolic organ,is closely linked to various chronic liver diseases,such as hepatitis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis,and it ex-acerbates their prognosis and is a primary risk factor for their development at all stages.Therefore,a comprehensive understanding of the causes,mechanisms,and potential therapeutic targets associated with liver aging holds significant clinical importance for delaying or potentially reversing liver aging and for treating chronic liver diseases.Stem cells,which are potential anti-aging agents,present a promising and effective alternative for managing liver aging.In this review,we systematically assess the driving factors,characteristics,and underlying mechanisms of liver aging.We then discuss the current status of the use of stem cells to mitigate liver senescence and address related liver diseases.The review reveals that a stem cell-based approach represents a promising therapeutic strategy for combating liver aging and associated diseases.
7.Study on Correlation Between Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Elements and Risk Factors in Patients with Type Ⅱ Cardio-renal Syndrome
Rong YU ; Hanchao HUANG ; Huan DENG ; Wenli DING ; Yanping ZENG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1568-1573
Objective To investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome elements and risk factors in patients with type Ⅱ cardio-renal syndrome(CRS).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 116 patients with type Ⅱ CRS.The distribution of TCM syndrome elements was analyzed,and the correlation between the syndrome elements and risk factors of gender,age,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,coronary heart disease,hypertension,diabetes,and anemia were evaluated.Results(1)The analysis of syndrome elements of 116 patients with type Ⅱ CRS showed that the main disease-location elements were heart(96 cases,82.76%),lung(89 cases,76.72%),kidney(81 cases,69.83%),spleen(71 cases,61.21%),and liver(25 cases,21.56%);the main disease-nature elements were qi deficiency(113 cases,97.41%),blood deficiency(96 cases,82.76%),yang deficiency(95 cases,81.89%),phlegm(94 cases,81.03%),yin deficiency(90 cases,77.59%),dampness(61 cases,52.59%),water retention(55 cases,47.41%),and blood stasis(47 cases,40.52%).(2)The analysis of age groups of 116 patients with type Ⅱ CRS showed that the majority of the patients were middle-aged and elderly individuals over 60 years old,and the age groups covered<60 years old(4 cases,3.45%),61-70 years old(10 cases,8.62%),71-80 years old(28 cases,24.14%),81-90 years old(64 cases,55.17%),and>90 years old(10 cases,8.62%).(3)The analysis of gender of 116 patients with type Ⅱ CRS showed that 46 cases(39.66%)were male,and 70 cases(60.34%)were female,the female outnumbering the male.(4)The exploration of correlation between TCM syndrome elements and risk factors with Logistic regression analysis showed that blood deficiency was positively correlated with alcohol consumption,hypertension,and anemia(P<0.05 or P<0.01),yang deficiency was positively correlated with anemia(P<0.05),yin deficiency was positively correlated with smoking and diabetes(P<0.05),dampness was positively correlated with smoking and anemia(P<0.01),water retention was positively correlated with gender and protein abnormalities(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and blood stasis was positively correlated with hypertension(P<0.05).Conclusion The illness of type Ⅱ CRS is located in the heart,involving the five organs,and is closely related to the lungs and kidneys.The general pathogenesis of type Ⅱ CRS is characterized by being deficiency of qi and yang in the root cause,and having the symptom manifestations of phlegm and blood stasis.In type Ⅱ CRS patients,men are more likely to suffer water retention,smokers are more likely to suffer yin deficiency and dampness,drinkers are more likely to suffer blood deficiency,individuals with hypertension are more likely to suffer blood deficiency and blood stasis,individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer yin deficiency,individuals with anemia are more likely to suffer blood deficiency,yang deficiency and dampness,and individuals with protein abnormalities are more likely to suffer water retention.
8.Bioequivalence study of ritonavir tablets in Chinese healthy subjects
Yuan-Yuan XU ; Chuan-Shu WANG ; Shao-Chun CHEN ; Jia-Xiang DING ; Xue-Feng WANG ; He-Yue WANG ; Jing XIE ; Huan ZHOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(10):1502-1506
Objective To evaluate the bioequivalence of a single oral dose of ritonavir in fasted and fed conditions in healthy Chinese adult subjects with the test and reference formulations.Methods A single-center,open-label,randomized,single-dose,two-periods,two-sequence crossover design was used,and 64 subjects were enrolled in both the fasted and fed groups.The subjects received 100 mg of the test preparation or reference preparation orally per cycle,and the drug concentration of ritonavir in plasma was detected using the high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS)method.Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by a non-compartment model,and SAS 9.4 software was used for statistical analysis.Results Arithmetic mean values of the main pharmacokinetic parameters of the subject formulation of ritonavir tablets and the reference formulation in the fasting group:Cmax were(791.90±400.20)and(809.60±449.14)ng·mL-1;AUC0_t were(6 072.61±2 631.98)and(6 296.30±3 388.95)ng·h·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were(6 129.59±2 655.57)and(6 347.26±3 434.12)ng·h·mL-1,respectively.Arithmetic mean values of the main pharmacokinetic parameters of the subject formulation of ritonavir tablets and the reference formulation in the fed group:Cmax were(512.37±233.60)and(521.74±223.87)ng·mL-1;AUC0_t were(4 203.43±2 221.33)and(4 200.13±1 993.50)ng·h·mL-1;AUC0_∞ were(4 259.21±2 266.88)and(4 259.63±2 044.12)ng·h·mL-1.The 90%confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of Cmax,AUC0_t and AUC0_∞ of the prototype drug ritonavir in plasma after oral administration of 100 mg of the test and reference formulations of ritonavir tablets under fasting and fed conditions fell within the 80.00%to 125.00%equivalence interval.Conclusion The test and reference formulations of ritonavir tablets were bioequivalent under fasting and postprandial conditions.
9.The Role of α7nAChR in Alzheimer’s Disease
Dao-Bo DING ; Wen-Jun MU ; Xin LI ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU ; Qing-Yuan HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(11):2897-2904
As the global population continues to age, the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, continues to rise significantly. As the disease progresses, the patient’s daily living abilities gradually decline, potentially leading to a complete loss of self-care abilities. According to estimates by the Alzheimer’s Association and the World Health Organization, AD accounts for 60%-70% of all other dementia cases, affecting over 55 million people worldwide. The case number is estimated to double by 2050. Despite extensive research, the precise etiology and pathogenesis of AD remain elusive. Researchers have a profound understanding of the disease’s pathological hallmarks, which include amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles resulting from the abnormal phosphorylation of Tau protein. However, the exact causes and mechanisms of the disease are still not fully understood, leaving a vital gap in our knowledge and understanding of this debilitating disease. A crucial player that has recently emerged in the field of AD research is the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). α7nAChR is composed of five identical α7 subunits that form a homopentamer. This receptor is a significant subtype of acetylcholine receptor in the central nervous system and is widely distributed in various regions of the brain. It is particularly prevalent in the hippocampus and cortical areas, which are regions associated with learning and memory. α7nAChR plays a pivotal role in several neurological processes, including neurotransmitter release, neuronal plasticity, cell signal transduction, and inflammatory response, suggesting its potential involvement in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. In recent years, the role of α7nAChR in AD has been the focus of extensive research. Emerging evidence suggests that α7nAChR is involved in several critical steps in the disease progression of AD. These include involvement in the metabolism of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), the phosphorylation of Tau protein, neuroinflammatory response, and oxidative stress. Each of these processes contributes to the development and progression of AD, and the involvement of α7nAChR in these processes suggests that it may play a crucial role in the disease’s pathogenesis. The potential significance of α7nAChR in AD is further reinforced by the observation that alterations in its function or expression can have significant effects on cognitive abilities. These findings suggest that α7nAChR could be a promising target for therapeutic intervention in AD. At present, the results of drug clinical studies targeting α7nAChR show that these compounds have improvement and therapeutic effects in AD patients, but they have not reached the degree of being widely used in clinical practice, and their drug development still faces many challenges. Therefore, more research is needed to fully understand its role and to develop effective treatments based on this understanding. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the association between α7nAChR and AD pathogenesis. We provide an overview of the latest research developments and insights, and highlight potential avenues for future research. As we deepen our understanding of the role of α7nAChR in AD, it is hoped that this will pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this devastating disease. By targeting α7nAChR, we may be able to develop more effective treatments for AD, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
10.Gegen Qinliantang Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Rat Model of Catch-up Growth by Regulating SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf1 Signaling Pathway
Jiru DING ; Huan ZHANG ; Dongmin LIU ; Xiaoke ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):77-86
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Gegen Qinliantang on glucose and lipid metabolism in the rat model of catch-up growth (CUG) induced by a high-fat diet and the underlying mechanism. MethodA total of 60 SD rats were randomized into a normal control group (n=18) and a modeling group (n=42). The rat model of CUG was established with a restricted diet followed by a high-fat diet, and the changes of general status and body weight were observed. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured in 6 rats in each group at the end of the 4th and 8th week, respectively. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and the insulin sensitivity and body composition changes of CUG rats were evaluated. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into 6 groups: normal control, model, high-, medium-, and low-dose Gegen Qinliantang (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1), and pioglitazone (3.125 mg·kg-1). The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 6 weeks, and the normal control group and model group were administrated with the same amount of normal saline. During the experiment period, the changes of body weight were recorded, and the FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TG, and TC were determined at the end of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of skeletal muscle in rats. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the skeletal muscle were measured strictly according to the manuals of the reagent kits. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was performed to measure the mRNA levels of silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator1α (PGC1α), and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1) in the skeletal muscle. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess the expression of SIRT1, PGC1α, and Nrf1 in the skeletal muscle. ResultCompared with the normal control group, the model group presented elevated levels of FBG, FINS, TG, and TC (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased HOMA-IR (P<0.01), increased diameter of muscle fibers and adipocytes between muscle cells in the skeletal muscle, rising levels of ROS and MDA in the skeletal muscle (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1, PGC1α, and Nrf1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Gegen Qinliantang (especially the medium and high doses) and pioglitazone decreased the body weight, FINS, HOMA-IR, and TG (P<0.05, P<0.01) and reduced interstitial components such as intermuscular fat in the skeletal muscles and the diameter of muscle fibers. Furthermore, the drugs lowerd the levels of ROS and MDA (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1, PGC1α, and Nrf1 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the skeletal muscle. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can ameliorate the glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in CUG rats by regulating the SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf1 signaling pathway.


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