1.HER2 in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges
Zhao-Tao PAN ; Feng-Yu GAI ; Chen CHEN ; Tong LI ; Yan-Ping QING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):936-950
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite therapeutic advancements over recent decades, the prognosis for patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains poor. Approximately 2%-4% of mCRC cases exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification or overexpression, defining a distinct molecular subtype. This HER2-positive status is strongly associated with primary resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies, which are the standard of care for patients with RAS wild-type tumors. Beyond its well-established role in breast and gastric cancers, HER2 has emerged as a pivotal biomarker and actionable therapeutic target in mCRC. However, selecting appropriate treatment strategies remains challenging due to patient heterogeneity and diverse molecular subtypes. This review systematically summarizes the molecular biology, diagnostic strategies, and advances in targeted therapies for HER2-positive mCRC. On the diagnostic front, we discuss the applications of immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection technologies. We highlight discrepancies in diagnostic criteria across key clinical trials—such as HERACLES, DESTINY, and MOUNTAINEER—underscoring the urgent need for standardized, CRC-specific definitions to ensure consistent patient selection and comparability of efficacy data across studies. Although NGS enables comprehensive genomic profiling, its cost-effectiveness relative to traditional methods must be carefully considered. Therapeutically, we summarize clinical trial data for HER2-directed agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as tucatinib and lapatinib, monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as trastuzumab deruxtecan. We review dual-targeting strategies and note recent FDA approvals that represent significant milestones in second-line treatment. Additionally, we explore the potential of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with HER2-targeted therapies to enhance antitumor immunity through mechanisms including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. ADCs enable precise delivery of cytotoxic payloads, reducing off-target toxicity while effectively inhibiting oncogenic pathways. A substantial portion of this review is dedicated to dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying primary and acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies—persistent challenges that limit clinical benefit. These mechanisms include reactivation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK, concurrent mutations in genes like KRAS or BRAF, and alterations in HER2 expression that compromise treatment efficacy. For instance, specific HER2 mutations (e.g., L755S) can reduce drug binding affinity, while ctDNA monitoring facilitates early detection of emerging resistance clones during disease progression, thereby enabling timely therapeutic adjustments. Tumor heterogeneity and dynamic interactions with the microenvironment further complicate resistance patterns observed in clinical practice. HER2-targeted therapy represents a new frontier in precision oncology for mCRC, offering renewed hope for improving patient outcomes. Realizing this potential will require continued optimization of diagnostic algorithms and treatment workflows. Future efforts must focus on overcoming resistance, validating liquid biopsy approaches for dynamic monitoring, and establishing unified clinical guidelines. HER2 has become an essential biomarker for stratifying mCRC patients beyond traditional RAS and BRAF status, underscoring the shift from empiric treatment to biomarker-driven precision medicine. International, multidisciplinary collaboration will be critical to validate emerging biomarkers and refine treatment algorithms globally.
2.Correlation between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and hemodynamic parameters of ultrasound for carotid artery and heart
Xia MA ; Ying HUI ; Jianjiao WANG ; Siyu WANG ; Mo ZHANG ; Wei HUANG ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Gai LI ; Xianquan SHI
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(5):16-21
Objective:To investigate the correlation between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cfPWV)and carotid artery structural,hemodynamic,and cardiac functional parameters.Methods:A total of 420 healthy volunteers who underwent neck ultrasound,cardiac ultrasound,and cfPWV examination at Kailuan General Hospital from June 2022 to February 2023 were selected,and they were divided into two groups based on the atherosclerosis threshold value of cfPWV>10 m/s,which included high cfPWV group(140 cases,cfPWV>10 m/s)and low cfPWV group(280 cases,cfPWV≤10 m/s).The demographic data(age,sex)of 420 persons were collected,and the common carotid artery diameter(CCAD),common carotid artery intima-media thickness(CIMT),plaque status,peak systolic velocity(PSV),end-diastolic velocity(EDV)and mean flow velocity(MFV)were compared between two groups.Then,the differences of interventricular septal thickness(IVST)of heart,left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWT),the ratio of blood flow velocity at early stage to that at advanced stage in mitral valve(E/A)and stroke volume(SV)were analyzed.Multivariate logistic regression was adopted to analyze the independent influence factors of cfPWV enhancement.Results:The average age of high cfPWV group was(61.31±9.66)years old,which was significantly higher than(51.06±10.47)years old of low cfPWV group,and the difference of that was significant(t=-9.56,P<0.01).In the parameters of common carotid artery,63 persons(45.0%)occurred plaque in 140 persons of high cfPWV group,which was significantly lower than 50 persons(17.86%)in 280 persons of low cfPWV group,and the difference of that between two groups was significant(x2=34.97,P<0.05).The differences of CCAD,CIMT,PSV,EDV and MV of common carotid artery at right side of persons between two groups were significant(t=-2.16,-5.40,4.52,5.59,5.04,P<0.05),respectively.The parameters of heart showed that the LVPWT thickness increased(9.35±1.13)mm,and the ratio of E/A<1 increased 77.86%in high cfPWV group,which were significantly related to the increase of cfPWV(r=0.27,0.38,P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age(OR=1.05,95%CI:1.02-1.08),CCAD(OR=1.63,95%CI:1.22-2.16),plaque presence(OR=1.84,95%CI:1.07-3.17),LVPWT(OR=1.35,95%CI:1.05-1.72),and the ratio of E/A<1(OR=2.37,95%CI:1.32-4.26)were independent predictors of cfPWV enhancement.Conclusion:The enhancement of cfPWV is closely related to high age,the reconstruction of common carotid artery(widening of inside diameter,and plaque formation),left ventricular hypertrophy,and diastolic abnormality,which indicates it is possible that atherosclerosis process accompanies by the change of interaction mechanism of blood vessels-heart.
3.Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy on the volumes of amygdala and hippocampal subfields in patients with major depressive disorder
Sirui WANG ; Gai KONG ; Hui LI ; Zhenying QIAN ; Huiru CUI ; Yingying TANG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):434-442
Objective·To investigate the longitudinal changes in amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes before and after transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)treatment in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD)and explore their correlation with the antidepressant and anxiolytic efficacy of TMS.Methods·A total of 58 patients diagnosed with MDD at Shanghai Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,were included in this study between January 2018 and August 2023.Clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale(MADRS),and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)at baseline and post-TMS treatment.Patients underwent a baseline magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan followed by TMS treatment targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)at a frequency of 10 Hz,totaling 20 sessions.A follow-up MRI scan was conducted on the same day the TMS treatment concluded.Amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes were segmented and calculated by using FreeSurfer v6.0.0 software.Longitudinal changes in the subfield volumes were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance.Controlling for age,sex,and intracranial volume,partial correlation analysis was conducted between subfield volumes and baseline clinical scores.The association between the rate of volume change in brain regions with significant volume changes and symptom improvement(reduction in HAMD,MADRS,and HAMA scores)was evaluated.Results·Following TMS treatment,a significant increase in the volume of the right amygdala central nucleus was observed(t=-2.441,P=0.018).While the volumes of bilateral hippocampal fimbria decreased,the volumes of most hippocampal subfield and the total hippocampus increased(P<0.05).No significant correlations were found between baseline amygdala or hippocampal subfield volumes and clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms.However,only in patients who responded effectively to TMS treatment,a positive correlation was found between the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail and reductions in anxiety symptoms(HAMA:r=0.334,P=0.044).Conclusion·High-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce volume increases in the right amygdala central nucleus and specific hippocampal subfields.Additionally,the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail is associated with anti-anxiety effects in TMS responders,suggesting that high-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce neuroplastic changes in the central nucleus of the right amygdala and key subfields of the hippocampus.
4.Clinical Applications and Potential Mechanisms of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness
Jianlin PU ; Jing FU ; Zhong LI ; Qiuyue MAO ; Hongpeng LIU ; Yadong LIU ; Xuesong GAI
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(10):1-11
Prolonged disorders of consciousness(pDoC)are complex and prolonged conditions that severely impact patient prognosis and remain a clinical treatment challenge.In recent years,neural regulation-based awakening therapies have been widely applied in the assessment and treatment of pDoC patients.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)technology can regulate neural activity and improve patients'consciousness states,demonstrating positive awakening effects for pDoC patients.However,the optimal stimulation parameters and awakening mechanisms of rTMS remain unclear.This article reviews the pathological mechanisms of pDoC,clinical applications of rTMS at different targeting sites and stimulation frequencies,and focuses on exploring how rTMS promotes consciousness recovery through neural mechanisms such as altering neural pathways,reshaping brain networks,promoting synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter release,regulating neurotrophic factor expression,and modulating cerebral hemodynamics.Based on artificial intelligence,the article also prospects the future clinical research applications of rTMS.
5.Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy on the volumes of amygdala and hippocampal subfields in patients with major depressive disorder
Sirui WANG ; Gai KONG ; Hui LI ; Zhenying QIAN ; Huiru CUI ; Yingying TANG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):434-442
Objective·To investigate the longitudinal changes in amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes before and after transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)treatment in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD)and explore their correlation with the antidepressant and anxiolytic efficacy of TMS.Methods·A total of 58 patients diagnosed with MDD at Shanghai Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,were included in this study between January 2018 and August 2023.Clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale(MADRS),and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)at baseline and post-TMS treatment.Patients underwent a baseline magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan followed by TMS treatment targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)at a frequency of 10 Hz,totaling 20 sessions.A follow-up MRI scan was conducted on the same day the TMS treatment concluded.Amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes were segmented and calculated by using FreeSurfer v6.0.0 software.Longitudinal changes in the subfield volumes were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance.Controlling for age,sex,and intracranial volume,partial correlation analysis was conducted between subfield volumes and baseline clinical scores.The association between the rate of volume change in brain regions with significant volume changes and symptom improvement(reduction in HAMD,MADRS,and HAMA scores)was evaluated.Results·Following TMS treatment,a significant increase in the volume of the right amygdala central nucleus was observed(t=-2.441,P=0.018).While the volumes of bilateral hippocampal fimbria decreased,the volumes of most hippocampal subfield and the total hippocampus increased(P<0.05).No significant correlations were found between baseline amygdala or hippocampal subfield volumes and clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms.However,only in patients who responded effectively to TMS treatment,a positive correlation was found between the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail and reductions in anxiety symptoms(HAMA:r=0.334,P=0.044).Conclusion·High-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce volume increases in the right amygdala central nucleus and specific hippocampal subfields.Additionally,the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail is associated with anti-anxiety effects in TMS responders,suggesting that high-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce neuroplastic changes in the central nucleus of the right amygdala and key subfields of the hippocampus.
6.Construction and immunogenicity evaluation of bacterial-like particles vaccine for porcine transmissible gastroenteritis
Lili GAI ; Shouzhi SHENG ; Yanting ZHU ; Siqi LI ; Pengju ZHANG ; Yanlong CONG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1642-1649,1671
We took the surface spike S protein of transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)as the research object.Based on the Gram-positive enhancer matrix(GEM)-anchor protein(PA)display platform,two kinds of bacteria-like particles(BLPs)with surface-displayed TGEV DA and S1 were prepared using the insect cell-baculovirus expression system.The results showed that the lev-els of IL-4,IFN-γ,IgG,IgA,and sIgA induced by 50 μg BLP-DA were higher than those of the 25μg group.The levels of IL-4,IFN-γ,and sIgA induced by 50 μg BLP-S1 were higher than those of the 25 μg group,while the levels of IgG and IgA were lower than those of the 25 μg group.Under the same dose,when the dose was 25 μg,the levels of IFN-γ,IgG,IgA,and sIgA induced by BLP-S1 were higher than those of BLP-DA,while the level of IL-4 was lower than that of BLP-DA.When the dose was 50 μg,the level of IgG induced by BLP-DA was higher than that of BLP-S1,while the other indicators were lower than those of BLP-S1.Under different immunization routes,the levels of IgA and sIgA in the gavage group were higher than those in the intramuscular injec-tion group,and the levels of some cytokines were significantly higher in the gavage group than in the intramuscular injection group at specific time points,but there was no significant difference in the levels of IgG antibodies.In conclusion,the two types of TGEV BLPs constructed in this study both have good immunogenicity and can induce cellular and humoral immunity in mice.When the immunization doses are the same,the immunogenicity of BLP-S1 is better than that of BLP-DA.
7.Visualization Analysis of the Current Research Status of Chinese Materia Medica Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
Weizhou CHEN ; Ping YIN ; Xia LI ; Die HU ; Zhenyu GUO ; Cong GAI ; Huimin ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3276-3294
Objective To give references for future study,the current state of research and identify key areas of interest,and development trends in the field of Chinese Materia Medica interventions for PD were examined.Methods Literature on Chinese Materia Medica treatment of PD published between 2004 and 2024 was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)and Web of Science(WOS)databases.After screening,689 articles were included(412 in Chinese,277 in English).CiteSpace software was used for bibliometric and knowledge graph analysis,generating author collaboration networks,institutional collaboration networks,keyword clustering,timeline maps,and keyword burst analysis.Results Over the past two decades,the number of publications has continued to grow globally.Chinese-language studies focused primarily on clinical research,with core authors such as Yi Liu,Jiancheng He,and Jianfen Liang,and institutions like Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine making significant contributions.English-language literature emphasized mechanistic studies,with Kyung Hee University and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine as leading research teams.High-frequency keywords included"Parkinson's disease"(346 occurrences),"traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)"(60 occurrences),and"oxidative stress"(11 occurrences).Keyword clustering revealed research hotspots in TCM formulas(e.g.,Zhichan decoction),mechanisms(e.g.,oxidative stress),and integrated TCM-Western medicine therapies(e.g.,Madopar).Burst analysis indicated emerging frontiers in the gut-brain axis,iron metabolism,molecular docking,gut microbiota,and signaling pathways.Conclusions Although there is a lot of potential for treating PD in TCM,there are also a lot of challenges.In order to realize the transformation of TCM from a supportive to a mainstream treatment for PD,and to bring better efficacy to patients in the future,it is necessary to strengthen evidence-based research,deepen the research of mechanisms,promote the construction of standards,explore the integration of Chinese and Western medicine,and improve the evaluation system.
8.Visualization Analysis of the Current Research Status of Chinese Materia Medica Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
Weizhou CHEN ; Ping YIN ; Xia LI ; Die HU ; Zhenyu GUO ; Cong GAI ; Huimin ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3276-3294
Objective To give references for future study,the current state of research and identify key areas of interest,and development trends in the field of Chinese Materia Medica interventions for PD were examined.Methods Literature on Chinese Materia Medica treatment of PD published between 2004 and 2024 was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)and Web of Science(WOS)databases.After screening,689 articles were included(412 in Chinese,277 in English).CiteSpace software was used for bibliometric and knowledge graph analysis,generating author collaboration networks,institutional collaboration networks,keyword clustering,timeline maps,and keyword burst analysis.Results Over the past two decades,the number of publications has continued to grow globally.Chinese-language studies focused primarily on clinical research,with core authors such as Yi Liu,Jiancheng He,and Jianfen Liang,and institutions like Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine making significant contributions.English-language literature emphasized mechanistic studies,with Kyung Hee University and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine as leading research teams.High-frequency keywords included"Parkinson's disease"(346 occurrences),"traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)"(60 occurrences),and"oxidative stress"(11 occurrences).Keyword clustering revealed research hotspots in TCM formulas(e.g.,Zhichan decoction),mechanisms(e.g.,oxidative stress),and integrated TCM-Western medicine therapies(e.g.,Madopar).Burst analysis indicated emerging frontiers in the gut-brain axis,iron metabolism,molecular docking,gut microbiota,and signaling pathways.Conclusions Although there is a lot of potential for treating PD in TCM,there are also a lot of challenges.In order to realize the transformation of TCM from a supportive to a mainstream treatment for PD,and to bring better efficacy to patients in the future,it is necessary to strengthen evidence-based research,deepen the research of mechanisms,promote the construction of standards,explore the integration of Chinese and Western medicine,and improve the evaluation system.
9.Association between household solid fuel use for cooking and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly adults in rural China: Evidence from the China Family Panel Studies Database
Ting YANG ; Yong LIU ; Xufeng LI ; Yun GAI ; Zhihao XIE ; Junkui WANG ; Yong YU ; Jingxuan WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):926-931
Background Although current evidence suggests a link between outdoor air pollution and depressive symptoms, the effect of solid fuel use (a significant indoor air pollutant) on depressive symptoms in China's rural middle-aged and elderly population remains poorly understood. Objective To explore the association between solid fuel use for cooking and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas of China, and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of depressive symptoms among residents in rural areas. Methods Data were obtained from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), depressive symptoms were assessed using 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and cooking fuel type was self-reported. Subsequently, two-level binary unconditional logistic regression models were fitted to assess the impact of solid fuel use for cooking on depressive symptoms. Results A total of
10.68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MR for predicting pathological complete response to neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal cancer
Xiao ZHANG ; Yuan FENG ; Chunxia QIN ; Yongkang GAI ; Weiwei RUAN ; Mengting LI ; Xiaoli LAN
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(3):144-148
Objective:To determine if preoperative 68Ga-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-04 PET/MR could contribute to predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Methods:In this retrospective study, 35 patients (23 males, 12 females, age (59.1±7.9) years) with gastrointestinal cancer who underwent 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MR after receiving neoadjuvant immunotherapy between February 2021 and January 2024 were enrolled. Clinical data, PET imaging parameters including SUV, peak of SUV normalized by lean body mass (SUL peak), FAPI-positive tumor volume (FTV), and total FAPI-positive lesion burden (TLF), and pathological data were collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into pCR group and non-pCR group, and the independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare those parameters between the 2 groups. ROC curve analysis (Delong test) was performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of each parameter to predict pCR. Results:The overall pCR rate of the neoadjuvant therapy was 40.0%(14/35). In the visual evaluation, 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET was limited in predicting pCR, showing false positivity in 12 patients and false negative in 1 patent. While SUV max( t=2.50, P=0.018), SUL peak( t=3.11, P=0.004), FTV( U=3.00, P=0.030) and TLF( U=2.96, P=0.042) in non-pCR group were all higher than those in pCR group. The predictive efficiency of FTV <1.925cm 3 for pCR was better than the efficiency of PET visual evaluation ( Z=3.61, P<0.001), with the prediction accuracy of 82.86%(29/35). Conclusions:68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MR may provide an effective clinical tool for guiding further treatment of patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant immunotherapy. The quantitative features derived from 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET appear promising in predicting pCR, which are expected to provide a reference for avoiding surgery.

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