1.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
2.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
3.Sex-specific effects of Semen Cuscutae aqueous extract on behavior, proteomics, and gut microbiota in rats
Zihan ZHAO ; Yaling YANG ; Junhui ZHOU ; Jie REN ; Zhiqiang LUO ; Ruibin BAI ; Jian YANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):50-61
Background: Sex-based differences often influence the therapeutic efficacy and safety of medications. Semen Cuscutae is a traditional tonic botanical drug with sex-specific characteristics, traditionally indicated for conditions such as impotence (exclusive to males) and restless fetus (exclusive to pregnant females). However, most existing studies have focused on a single sex. Objective: To evaluate the sex-specific biological effects of Semen Cuscutae in rats and explore its molecular mechanisms, with the aim of uncovering its pharmacological characteristics through a multiomics approach. Methods: A traditional aqueous extract of Semen Cuscutae (SCA) was used as the experimental material. Forty adult Sprague-Dawley rats (equal numbers of males and females) were randomly divided into 4 groups: male control, male SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), female control, and female SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. The biological effects were comprehensively evaluated using a combination of open field test, biochemical analyses, proteomics, and gut microbiota profiling. Results: As a tonic botanical drug, SCA appeared to directly affect the mental and behavioral state of rats. It significantly altered the time spent by rats in the center area during the open field test, showing a sex-dependent reversal of behaviors. Proteomic analysis of brain tissue identified 624 differentially expressed proteins across the groups, with 10 key differentially expressed proteins related to sex differences, including fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, transcription elongation factor A protein-like 1, 40S ribosomal protein S25, neural cell adhesion molecule, and anion exchange protein 2 (SLC4A2). Enrichment analysis revealed that in male rats, SCA upregulated proteins involved in biological processes such as ribosome function and energy derivation, supporting protein synthesis and enhancing energy supply, showing an overall gain effect. In contrast, in female rats, SCA downregulated proteins associated with processes such as positive regulation of target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling and vesicle transport, suggesting suppression of neuronal signaling and material transport, indicative of a shift toward a more restrained physiological state. Furthermore, SCA reduced gut microbiota diversity in female rats but increased it in males, including the abundance of Akkermansia, which may serve as a crucial mediator. Conclusion: Overall, the biological effects of SCA differ significantly between male and female rats, with evidence suggesting greater health benefits in males. These findings help elucidate the scientific basis of its traditional applications and provide guidance for the precise application of SCA as a functional health food.
4.The Association of Iodixanol With Renal and Cardiovascular Safety in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention:A Prospective Cohort Study
Zhaoping LIU ; Jian AN ; Aijie HOU ; Yanqin REN ; Lei QIN ; Xiaojie CHEN ; Guozhen HAO ; Xi SU ; Ping YANG ; Guidong SHEN ; Shenghuang WANG ; In-ho CHAE ; Yong HUO
Journal of Cardiovascular Intervention 2026;5(1):38-48
Background:
This study was performed to characterize the incidence, costs, and risk factors associated with renal and cardiovascular adverse outcomes following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Methods:
Patients with STEMI who underwent pPCI using iso-osmolar contrast were enrolled at 39 centers. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and major adverse renal and cardiovascular events (MARCE) was analyzed, as well as inpatient costs. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors.
Results:
Among 2,293 patients, the incidence of AKI and MARCE within 72 hours post-pPCI was 4.14% (n = 95) and 4.40% (n = 101), respectively. AKI and/or MARCE were associated with systolic blood pressure (AKI: odds ratio [OR], 1.009; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.000–1.018), hypertension (AKI: OR, 1.815; 95% CI, 1.133–2.906; MARCE: OR, 1.760;95% CI, 1.118–2.769), anterior wall infarction (AKI: OR, 1.895; 95% CI, 1.196–3.004; MARCE:OR, 1.939; 95% CI, 1.240–3.032), Killip class (AKI: OR, 1.465; 95% CI, 1.117–1.922; MARCE:OR, 1.467; 95% CI, 1.131–1.903), and serum creatinine (SCr; MARCE: OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.000–1.012). Hospitalization costs for patients with STEMI who developed AKI or MARCE were significantly higher than for those without AKI (9,595 ± 5,795 vs. 8,279 ± 3,872 USD, P = 0.003) or without MARCE (9,890 ± 5,616 vs. 8,255 ± 3,859 USD, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
In patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI with iso-osmolar contrast, the incidence of AKI and MARCE was associated with higher hospitalization costs. Systolic blood pressure, hypertension, anterior wall infarction, Killip class, and SCr were identified as risk factors for these outcomes.
5.Dynamic prediction of JC polyomavirus reactivation after kidney transplantation
Mengyao LI ; Chengfeng ZHANG ; Difei REN ; Xin LIANG ; Shuyu CHEN ; Yushi PENG ; Yanjie WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Jian XU ; Zheng CHEN ; Yun MIAO ; Yibin WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):635-643
Objective To construct a dynamic prediction model for JC polyomavirus (JCV) reactivation after kidney transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 128 recipients who met the inclusion criteria and received kidney transplantation in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, from June 2021 to December 2024. Dynamic Cox regression and dynamic restricted mean survival time (RMST) regression based on the landmark method were adopted to establish the dynamic prediction models, and Monte Carlo cross-validation was used to evaluate model performance. Results The dynamic models could predict the incidence and onset time of JCV reactivation within the subsequent 3 months according to covariates at each landmark time point from the 1st to the 6th month after transplantation. Remuzzi score, body mass index and warm ischemia time were independent risk factors for JCV reactivation, while a history of urinary BK polyomavirus reactivation served as a protective factor. The median values of the area under the curve, C-index and Brier score of the dynamic Cox model were 0.873, 0.851 and 0.065 respectively, and the C-index of the dynamic RMST model was 0.829, all of which were superior to those of the static model. Conclusions The landmark-based dynamic models exhibit excellent predictive performance, which may integrate baseline data and post-transplant follow-up information to realize dynamic assessment of the risk and time window of JCV reactivation, thereby providing evidence for optimizing post-operative monitoring and individualized intervention strategies.
6.Risk factor and prognosis of critically ill patients infected with Acinetobacter baumanni
Naobei YE ; Pan ZHANG ; Jian REN ; Hongxia WANG ; Xingyu QIN ; Haonan SUN ; Shuhan XU ; Ruiqin ZHANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(10):1173-1179,1184
Objective To analyze the risk factors of critically ill patients infected with Acinetobacter bau-mannii(AB)and carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB).Methods From January 2022 to June 2023,the data of Intensive Care Unit(ICU)patients admitted to Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical Uni-versity in Shanxi Province were collected.According to whether they were infected with AB,the patients were divided into an observation group and a control group(98 cases each).The observation group was further di-vided into a carbapenem sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii(CSAB)group(72 cases)and a CRAB group(26 cases).Mann-Whitney U test,chi-square test and other univariate and multivariate binary Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of AB and CRAB infection for critically ill patients.The prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan Meier survival analysis.Results Long stay in ICU,previous use of carbapenem drugs and high Acute Physiology and Health Evaluation(APACHE Ⅱ)score were independent risk factors for AB sus-ceptibility(P<0.05),while the independent risk factors for CRAB susceptibility were invasive ventilation and delayed surgery(P<0.01).In addition,CRAB infection,COVID-19 and shock was risk factors for death in critically ill patients,and invasive ventilation,indwelling drainage tube and operation could reduce the risk of death in critically ill patients(P<0.05).Conclusion ICU stay time,APACHE Ⅱ score,previous use of car-bapenem drugs and invasive ventilation increase the risk of AB and CRAB infection in critically ill patients.In-vasive ventilation,indwelling drainage and early surgery could reduce the risk of death from AB and CRAB in-fection in critically ill patients.
7.Short-term efficacy of 3D-printed artificial vertebral body combined with PEEK-Cage implantation in treatment of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine
Shao-tong SUN ; Jun LIU ; Ting-yu LIU ; Wei-jian REN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):325-329
Objective To investigate the short-term efficacy of 3D-printed artificial vertebral body combined with PEEK-Cage implantation in anterior cervical surgery for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine(OPLL).Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with OPLL who underwent anterior cervical surgery with 3D-printed artificial vertebral body and PEEK-Cage implantation in the Fifth Department of Orthopaedics,Liaoning Provincial People's Hospital from September 2022 to June 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.The surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,bed rest time,hospital stay,and surgery-related complications of patients were analyzed.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score and visual analogue scale(VAS)score of patients were counted before surgery,3 days after surgery,1 month after surgery and 6 months after surgery.The changes of Cobb angle of fusion segment of patients were recorded before surgery,3 days after surgery,1 month after surgery and 6 months after surgery.Results All 15 patients successfully completed the surgery.The surgical time was 130 to 160 minutes,with an average of(148.68±10.04)minutes.The intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 200 mL,with an average of(130.0±18.8)mL.The postoperative drainage volume was 220 to 980 mL,with an average of(270.0±24.6)mL.The bed rest time was 3 to 11 days,with an average of(3.6±2.8)days.The hospital stay was 7 to 16 days,with an average of(8.2±2.6)days.All patients'incisions healed in the first stage,and no infection occurred.One patient suffered from dural sac tear during surgery;4 patients had dysphagia after surgery;1 patient suffered from muscle weakness of one limb after surgery;Hematoma formed in the incision of cervical spine in 1 patient 3 days after surgery.At 3 days,1 month,and 6 months after surgery,the Cobb angle,VAS score and JOA score of 3 patients with myeloid symptoms and upper limb root pain were significantly improved compared with those before surgery(P<0.05),and the Cobb angle and JOA score of 12 patients with only myeloid symptoms were significantly improved compared with those before surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion 3D-printed artificial vertebral body combined with PEEK-Cage implantation in anterior cervical surgery is an effective method for the treatment of OPLL,which can significantly relieve patients'pain and improve their dysfunction in a short time,with good stability and fusion effect.
8.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Haoyue XU ; Xiaoying LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Shizhu BAI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Jian MENG ; Zhijun SUN ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Qing XI ; Lin KONG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Yuanyong FENG ; Kai SONG ; Hongyu HAN ; Jieying LI ; Qianwei NI ; Yun LI ; Juan CHAI ; Xiaochen YANG ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):437-449
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is a malignant lesion originating from the oral mucosal squamous epithelium,account-ing for over 80%of oral and maxillofacial malignancies.Key etiological factors include tobacco,alcohol abuse,and betel quid chewing.In China,its incidence has shown an overall upward trend,posing a significant threat to public health.OSCC exhibits high local invasive-ness,making early diagnosis critical for improving prognosis.Its clinical management requires close multidisciplinary collaboration among oral and maxillofacial surgery,head and neck surgery,radiation oncology,medical oncology,reconstructive surgery,radiology,patholo-gy,and nutritional support teams.Given the increasing disease burden of OSCC and rapid development of multidisciplinary collaborative models,an expert panel has formulated this integrated management consensus based on evidence-based medicine and extensive deliber-ation.Centered on the'Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment-Rehabilitation'framework,the consensus provides comprehensive guidance for the entire disease course of OSCC patients,aiming to standardize clinical practice.
9.Effect of lymphatic circulation reconstruction under supermicrosurgery in secondary lymphedema of lower limbs
Linxuan HAN ; Rongyu LAN ; Jian MO ; Weihua ZHANG ; Xiaofei WU ; Jie QIN ; Zhuotan WU ; Xiaoping REN ; Guangmei DENG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(9):997-1002
Objective To analyze the efficacy of vascularized lymph node transplantation(VLNT)combined with lymphatic venous anastomosis(LVA)in the treatment of secondary lower extremity lymphedema assisted by super microsurgical techniques.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 15 patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema who underwent VLNT+LVA surgery in the Department of Reconstructive and Reconstructive Microsurgery of Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2021 to July 2023,and compared the circumference and volume of each segment of the lower limb between the preoperative and postoperative 90 days.LVA according to the results of ICG examination,3-5 parts of the lower limb were selected for"Z"shaped surgery,and the lymphatic vessels and venules were anastomosed under the microscope in the subcutaneous fat layer.VLNT confirmed and labeled the saphenous branch of the descending knee artery and its accompanying veins in the popliteal fossa,and the latissimus dorsi lymph node flap was incised,and the flap vessels were anastomosed with the saphenous branch of the descending knee artery and its accompanying veins.Postoperative observation of flap vascularization.The circumference and volume of the affected limb were measured before surgery and 90 days after surgery.Results A total of 15 patients with lower extremity lymphedema were included without serious complications.Statistical analysis showed that the circumference of all levels of the affected limb and the volume of the affected limb were improved 90 days after operation compared with those before surgery.Among them,the limb circumference and volume at each level from the highest point of the dorsum of the foot to 52 cm above the ankle improved 90 days after the operation compared with those before the operation.Conclusion LNT+LVA treatment for secondary lower extremity lymphedema can effectively control edema and improve the function of the affected limb.
10.Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment: Integrating Immunotherapy and Chinese Herbal Medicines to Enhance Immune Response.
Yu-Xin XU ; Lin CHEN ; Wen-da CHEN ; Jia-Xue FAN ; Ying-Ying REN ; Meng-Jiao ZHANG ; Yi-Min CHEN ; Pu WU ; Tian XIE ; Jian-Liang ZHOU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(9):856-864

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