1.Toripalimab-Induced Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient with Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):120-124
Immune checkpoint inhibitors can induce a rare but fatal complication known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(HLH). However, reports of ICI-related HLH in breast cancer are extremely limited, and no cases induced by the combination of toripalimab with chemotherapy have been documented. This article reports a case of a breast cancer patient who developed persistent high fever 13 days after receiving toripalimab combined with chemotherapy. Diagnostic evaluations met the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria. Following methylprednisolone pulse therapy, the patient's symptoms improved rapidly, with subsequent consolidation treatment involving low-dose etoposide. Follow-up examinations one month after discharge showed normal results. This case suggests that toripalimab may induce HLH in breast cancer patients and that initial treatment with glucocorticoids alone can be effective. It provides a reference for the early clinical identification and management of such severe immune-related adverse events.
2.A case of special blood type with discrepancy between ABO genotype and serological results
Wenting JIA ; Wei ZHANG ; Limin CUI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):118-122
Objective: To analyze the cause of discrepancy between ABO genotype B102/O01 and serological results in one case by PCR-SSP, to clarify the serological characteristics of this special blood group, and to explore relevant blood transfusion strategies. Methods: Blood group serological tests were performed on blood donor in August and December 2024, including forward and reverse ABO typing using tube method, H antigen identification, direct anti-human globulin test by tube method, red blood cell absorption-elution test, and determination of ABH blood group substance in saliva. Exons 1-7 of the ABO gene were amplified by PCR-SSP and sequenced. Results: The two separate serological tests consistently identified the donor as having an A
B phenotype, but the results of gene sequencing indicated a B102/O01 genotype, showing an discrepancy between serological and genetic results. Conclusion: It is very likely that the blood type of the blood donor is B102/O01 with a microchimerism of type A, or an AB type masked by A type reference gene.
3.Clinical Application of Harmonizing and Regulating Pivot Method in Pulmonary Fibrosis:Based on the Characteristics of Essence-Attribute-Function
Mingsheng LYU ; Hongsheng CUI ; Jia ZHU ; Weibo BI ; Ruifeng JIN ; Zhijie ZHANG ; Qiuyi CHEN ; Siyang YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):381-385
Based on the theory of "shaoyang(少阳) resembling the pivot" and collateral diseases, this article proposes that pulmonary fibrosis (PF) can be divided into three stages including wind bi (痹), constraint bi, and atrophy bi. The core pathogenesis of PF is the obstruction of the pivot and pulmonary collateral obstruction. In terms of treatment, the basic principles are to harmonize and regulate the pivot, and to promote the circulation of the lung collaterals. Depending on the different characteristics of the "essence-attribute-function", treatment methods such as harmonizing and regulating the pivot, resolving phlegm and removing stasis, supplementing deficiency and harmonizing collaterals are suggested. This approach ensures the regulation of the pivot, smooth circulation of qi and blood, unblocking of the lung collaterals and nourishing the lung body, achieving the goals of balancing the ascending and descending of qi, removing phlegm and stasis, and relieving cough and wheezing.
4.Huanglian Jiedutang Improves Cognitive Impairment after Schemic Stroke by Regulating Neuron via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Mengying SUN ; Lizhen WANG ; Tong LI ; Leilei WANG ; Shiyan JIA ; Tingting WANG ; Yanwen YANG ; Kaiqiang SI ; Youxiang CUI ; Zhilong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) on cognitive function in mice with ischemic stroke (IS) and to elucidate whether its neuroprotective effects are mediated by inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and subsequent suppression of NF-κB-regulated neuronal apoptosis. MethodsAn IS model was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n =12 per group), i.e., sham operation, model, HLJDT low-dose (3.9 g·kg-1·d-1), HLJDT high-dose (7.8 g·kg-1·d-1), and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE, 31.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). Post-operatively, neurological deficit scores (Longa score), cerebral infarct volume assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and brain water content were evaluated. Learning and memory were assessed using new object recognition (NOR) and fear conditioning (FC) tests. Hippocampal pathology was examined via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence detected expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocyte marker), cellular oncogene Fos (c-Fos, neuronal activation marker), and glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). Western blot measured nuclear factor-κB inhibitor protein α (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), ionic calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and apoptosis-related proteins, such as cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to assess mRNA levels of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB p65, cleaved Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores, brain water content, and cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01). Hippocampal CA1 neurons were disorganized, showing nuclear pyknosis and karyolysis. NOR exploration time and FC freezing time were significantly reduced (P<0.01). GFAP and c-Fos expression were increased, while GAD65 expression was decreased (P<0.01). Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax were upregulated, Bcl-2 was downregulated, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was elevated (P<0.01). Expression levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Iba-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, HLJDT high-dose, low-dose, and GBE groups showed significant improvements in all parameters (P<0.01). Among them, the HLJDT high-dose group showed the most pronounced neuronal structural recovery and superior performance in NOR and FC tests (P<0.01). In this group, GFAP and c-Fos decreased, GAD65 increased (P<0.01), apoptosis-related protein expression was reversed, and NF-κB signaling and related inflammatory factor expression were suppressed (P<0.01). ConclusionHLJDT ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in mice after IS, potentially by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
6.Effect of Modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang on Lonp1-regulated Insulin Resistance Pathway in Liver of Spleen-deficiency Hyperlipidemia Rats
Xinyue CUI ; Guoyuan SUI ; Qi ZHANG ; Mengzhu CHE ; Ze ZHANG ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):24-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang (M-XSLJZ) on insulin resistance-regulated fatty acid synthesis via Lon protease 1 (Lonp1) in the liver of spleen-deficiency hyperlipidemia rats. MethodsA total of 70 male SD rats were randomly allocated into seven groups (n=10): blank control group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, spleen-deficiency hyperlipidemia (PX-HFD) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang (JW-L, JW-M, JW-H), and rosuvastatin group. The spleen-deficiency model was induced in the PX-HFD, JW-L, JW-M, JW-H, and rosuvastatin groups by irregular diet combined with exhaustive swimming. Except for the control group, all groups were fed an HFD for 10 weeks to establish a hyperlipidemia rat model. Following modeling, the rats in the JW-L, JW-M, and JW-H groups received the decoction by gavage at 3.51, 7.02, 14.04 g·kg-1, respectively, while the rosuvastatin group received 9×10-4 g·kg-1. After 8 weeks of administration, samples were collected. D-xylose excretion rate was quantified using the phloroglucinol method. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hepatic TG content was quantified by the glycerol phosphate oxidase-peroxidase anti-peroxidase (GPO-PAP) method. Serum insulin (INS), fasting blood glucose (FBG), hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial complex Ⅰ activity were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of Lonp1, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) were determined by real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Protein expression levels of Lonp1, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated (p)-JNK, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), p-IRS1, and ACC1 in liver tissues were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the HFD group showed a significant increase in body weight (P<0.01). The PX-HFD group showed a significant decrease in D-xylose excretion rate (P<0.01). Both the HFD and PX-HFD groups exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, FBG, INS, and HOMA-IR (P<0.01), along with increased orange-red lipid droplets, prominent fatty vacuoles, and significantly elevated hepatic TG level (P<0.01). Mitochondrial complex Ⅰ activity significantly decreased (P<0.05), while ROS level, Lonp1 mRNA and protein expression, and ACC1 mRNA and protein expression significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The p-IRS1/IRS1 protein expression ratio significantly decreased (P<0.01), whereas the p-JNK/JNK protein expression ratio significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the HFD group, the PX-HFD group showed significantly reduced D-xylose excretion rate and serum HDL-C level (P<0.01), significantly decreased hepatic TG level (P<0.05), and significantly increased HOMA‑IR index (P<0.01). Hepatic Lonp1 mRNA and protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), p‑IRS1/IRS1 protein expression ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.01), while ACC1 mRNA and protein expression and p‑JNK/JNK protein expression ratio were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the PX-HFD group, all treatment groups showed significantly reduced serum TC, TG, LDL-C levels, and HOMA-IR index (P<0.05, P<0.01), with ameliorated orange‑red lipid droplet deposition and significantly reduced hepatic TG and ROS levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). The JW-M, JW-H, and rosuvastatin groups exhibited significantly decreased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased D‑xylose excretion rate (P<0.01), significantly decreased HDL‑C level (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased mitochondrial complex I activity, Lonp1 mRNA and protein expression, and p-IRS1/IRS1 protein expression ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as significantly decreased p-JNK/JNK protein expression ratio (P<0.01). ConclusionM-XSLJZ may exert its lipid‑lowering effect by regulating Lonp1 expression in rat liver, thereby improving insulin resistance and subsequently inhibiting hepatic lipid synthesis.
7.Study on population pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam in post-stroke epilepsy patients
Chenxi LIU ; Yin WU ; Caiyun JIA ; Sai CUI ; Huizhen WU ; Suxing WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):594-599
OBJECTIVE To establish population pharmacokinetic model of levetiracetam (Lev) for Chinese patients with post- stroke epilepsy (PSE), and provide reference for formulating individualized dosing regimens for Lev therapy in this specific population. METHODS Blood concentration data and clinical diagnosis and treatment information of PSE patients meeting the inclusion criteria were retrospectively collected and divided into model group and validation group at an 8∶2 ratio using a random number method. Based on the model group data, a population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Internal evaluation was performed through goodness-of-fit tests and bootstrap analysis, while external validation was conducted using the validation group data. RESULTS A total of 75 blood concentration measurements from 70 PSE patients were collected, with 60 measurements from 55 patients used for model development and 15 measurements from 15 patients reserved for external validation. The final model estimated a population typical value of clearance at 2.98 L/h. Estimated glomerular filtration rate, daily dose, and homocysteine level significantly influenced clearance of Lev (P<0.01). The model demonstrated satisfactory predictive performance, as evidenced by goodness-of-fit tests, bootstrap analysis, and external validation results. CONCLUSIONS Daily dose, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and homocysteine level are identified as significant covariates influencing Lev clearance in Chinese PSE patients. When making clinical decisions, comprehensive consideration should be given to the patient’s treatment response, physiological and pathological conditions, and the occurrence of adverse reactions, etc. The dosage of Lev should be adjusted based on the results of population pharmacokinetic model.
8.Research progress on mechanism of miRNA regulating H-type blood vessels in bone metabolic diseases and intervention effect of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicines
Jia-xuan FAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Rui CUI ; Lin-zhong CAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):606-612
microRNA(miRNA),as a short non-coding RNA molecule,regulates bone-immune signal and stress response through transcription,translation as well as the combination of shear process,exerting the effect of promoting angiogenesis and repairing damage bone;type H vessels play a role in the cou-pling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in the formation of new bone and promoting bone regeneration at the defect site.In re-cent years,miRNA regulates hypoxia inducible factor 1α(HIF-1 α)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),Notch,plate-let-derived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB),Wnt/glycogen syn-thase kinase-3 β(GSK3 β)to affect the migration,recruitment,proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells(ECs)and osteoblast(OB),promote the coupling of H-type vessels and os-teoblasts to improve bone homeostasis,and then prevent and treat bone metabolic diseases.This article explains the role of miRNA in regulating H-type vascular osteogenic coupling to provide tar-gets and pathways for improving bone homeostasis.In addition,the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine affect the differential expression of miRNA to promote H-type angiogenesis and provide strategies for clinical prevention and treatment of bone metabolic diseases.
9.Levels and clinical significance of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries
Xiaosong LI ; Wenjing XU ; Xiaojian CUI ; Songbo JIA
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(20):2497-2501,2506
Objective To investigate the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)and lipopolysaccha-ride signal receptor(CD14)in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries and their clini-cal significance.Methods A total of 468 preschool children(aged 3-6 years)who underwent oral examina-tions in the hospital from April 2022 to May 2024 were selected as the research objects and were divided into the observation group(with dental caries,n=107)and the healthy group(without dental caries,n=361)based on the presence or absence of dental caries.The observation group was further divided into three sub-groups according to the degree of caries activity test(CAT)score:low activity group(n=29),moderate activ-ity group(n=46),and high activity group(n=32).The children in the observation group were followed up for 6 months,and then divided into the occurrence group(n=36)and the non-occurrence group(n=71)based on whether chronic apical periodontitis occurred during the follow-up period.The levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid in the research objects were detected.The relationship between the levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries and CAT score was ex-plored by Pearson correlation analysis.The predictive value of HIF-1α and CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid for chronic apical periodontitis in preschool children with dental caries was explored by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid in the obser-vation group were higher than those in the healthy group(P<0.05).With the increase of CAT score,the lev-els of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid gradually increased(high activity group>moderate activi-ty group>low activity group),and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries were positively correlated with CAT score(r=0.526,0.634,P<0.001).The levels of HIF-1α and CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid in the occurrence group were significantly higher than those in the non-occurrence group(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of combined prediction of HIF-1α and CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid for chronic apical periodontitis in preschool children with dental caries was 0.902(95%CI:0.857-0.952),which was higher than 0.709(95%CI:0.664-0.759)and 0.825(95%CI:0.775-0.870)of individual prediction of HIF-1α and CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid.Conclusion HIF-1α and CD14 are highly expressed in gingival crevicular fluid of preschool children with dental caries,and their levels are related to the activity of dental caries and the occurrence of chronic apical periodontitis in preschool chil-dren with dental caries.The combined detection of the two can be used as effective indicators for predicting the occurrence of chronic apical periodontitis in preschool children with dental caries.
10.Prenatal diagnosis of intellectual developmental disorder type 22 caused by ZBTB18 gene mutation: a case report
Jia CHE ; Jing GUO ; Pengyun LI ; Yuexia LYU ; Fangying CUI ; Yuan TIAN ; Yali LI ; Shihong CUI ; Ling LIU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(1):70-73
This article reported a case of autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder type 22 caused by a heterozygous mutation in the ZBTB18 gene. At 24 +4 weeks of gestation, prenatal ultrasound indicated a short outer diameter of the fetal corpus callosum and bilateral ventricular dilatation. Whole-genome copy number variation analysis of the fetus showed no abnormalities. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing validation of the family revealed the fetus carried a c.1374_1383del(p.S459*) heterozygous mutation in the ZBTB18 gene (NM_205768.3), which was neither phenotypically present nor genotypically detected in the parents, suggesting a de novo mutation. Based on the clinical manifestations, the fetus was diagnosed with autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder type 22. After genetic counseling, the pregnant woman opted for termination of the pregnancy. This case highlights the correlation between prenatal ultrasonic detection of callosal dysgenesis and lateral ventricular enlargement and intellectual developmental disorders caused by gene mutations. Furthermore, it expands the mutation spectrum of the ZBTB18 gene, thereby facilitating prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.

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