1.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Complicated by ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Shaoying WANG ; Linyi PENG ; Ke ZHENG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Dachun ZHAO ; Xia ZHANG ; Lin ZHAO ; Wenhui WANG ; Weiqing WANG ; Zhenzhen ZHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):43-51
A 51-year-old male presented with nasal obstruction, followed by progressive hearing loss and blurred vision. Imaging identified space-occupying lesions in the paranasal sinuses, orbits, and paraspinal regions, while laboratory tests confirmed positive anti-proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(PR3- ANCA) immunoglobulin G (IgG)and markedly elevated serum IgG4. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and radiotherapy, the patient exhibited steroid dependency with relentless disease progression. Following multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) coexisting with ANCA- associated vasculitis (AAV) was favored, though IgG4-related disease remained a critical differential. Ultimately, profound immunosuppression precipitated a severe herpesvirus infection, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This case underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexity of concurrent IMT and AAV, highlights the therapeutic dilemma of balancing primary disease control against fatal opportunistic infections, and emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases.
2.Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide on high glucose-induced apoptosis in retinal capillary pericytes
Chunyan FENG ; Sheng CHEN ; Lin LIN ; Junchang CAO ; Zhaoda YE ; Fajie KE ; Jun HU
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):753-759
AIM:To investigate the protective effects of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide(DOP)on high glucose-induced apoptosis in retinal capillary pericytes and its potential mechanism involving mitochondrial function.METHODS:Retinal capillary pericytes were allocated into five groups: normal control(NC), high glucose(HG), and three DOP treatment groups(low, DOP-L; medium, DOP-M; high, DOP-H). Pericyte ultrastructure was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Apoptotic rate was quantified via Annexin V-FITC staining. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was assessed using the JC-1 probe. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blot were employed to measure expression levels of cytochrome C(Cyt C), B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), Caspase-9, and Caspase-3, respectively.RESULTS:Compared to the NC group, pericytes exposed to HG exhibited significant mitochondrial damage, elevated apoptotic rate, increased mRNA and protein expression of Cyt C, Bax, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3(all P<0.01), alongside a marked reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential and expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein(all P<0.01). In contrast, DOP treatment groups(DOP-M,DOP-H)dose-dependently ameliorated mitochondrial damage, reduced apoptotic rate, downregulated Cyt C, Bax, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 expression, enhanced mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and upregulated Bcl-2 expression relative to the HG group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:DOP attenuates high glucose-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial injury in retinal capillary pericytes. The underlying mechanism may involve the restoration of mitochondrial transmembrane potential.
3.Animal Models of Functional Constipation: A Review
Youcheng HE ; Shijin LIN ; Fengru JIANG ; Sihan LI ; Xiao KE ; Wenrong WANG ; Jianye YUAN ; Minghan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):196-209
Functional constipation (FC) is a clinically common functional bowel disorder characterized by a protracted course and associations with various chronic disorders and psychological abnormalities. Although not life-threatening, FC significantly impairs patients' quality of life. FC subtypes include slow-transit constipation (STC), defecatory disorder (DD), and normal-transit constipation (NTC). The pathological mechanisms underlying FC have not been fully elucidated, and overall clinical efficacy remains unsatisfactory. Animal models of FC serve as essential tools for the study of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutics. This article systematically reviews the current state of research on the animal models of FC and identifies that rodents, particularly rats and mice, are the most commonly used species. Dogs and pigs are also employed in complex intervention studies due to their physiological similarities to humans, though their use is limited by housing challenges and ethical considerations. Induction methods vary across different FC subtypes. STC models are primarily established with chemical agents such as loperamide or compound diphenoxylate. DD modeling often involves low-fiber diets combined with methylene blue injection or rectal narrowing. NTC modeling mainly relies on low-fiber dietary interventions. In addition, disease-syndrome combination models based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory have been developed, encompassing excess patterns such as heat accumulation, cold accumulation, and Qi stagnation, as well as deficiency patterns including Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Yang deficiency. These are achieved through an approach of disease model + syndrome induction, enabling the integration of mechanisms from both Western and TCM perspectives. Models are evaluated from two aspects: disease and syndrome manifestations (e.g., colonic transit, secretory function, and TCM syndrome indicators such as mental state and body weight) and disease mechanisms (e.g., enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of Cajal, smooth muscle cells, gut microbiota, and metabolites). However, current research still faces challenges such as poor consistency in some models, non-specific interference in mechanism interpretation, insufficient studies on NTC, and lack of TCM tongue and pulse diagnosis in evaluation. Future efforts should focus on optimizing model stability and specificity to provide a more reliable experimental basis for investigating the pathological mechanisms of FC and developing therapeutic agents.
4.B7-H3 molecule inhibits apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway
Lin ZHENG ; Jianxin ZHONG ; Ke NIU ; Qing XU ; Huijuan LING ; Yayu ZHU ; Bing CHEN ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):232-238
ObjectiveTo explore the role of the histone deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/p53 signaling pathway in promoting apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) induced by the co-stimulatory molecule B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3). MethodsThe GEPIA 2 platform was used for survival analysis of NSCLC patients based on B7⁃H3 gene expression levels. The Gene Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) method was used to analyze the enrichment characteristics of B7⁃H3 molecules in the gene set of cell apoptosis. In the non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell line, B7⁃H3 was knocked down, and the protein expression levels of SIRT1 and p53 were detected by Western blot. B7⁃H3 was overexpressed in A549 cells and the apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. Overexpression of B7⁃H3 and knockdown of SIRT1 were performed in A549 cell line. The expression levels of p53 and apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were detected respectively by Western blot. Cell apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. ResultsThe overall survival of the B7-H3 high-expression group was significantly lower than that of the low-expression group (P<0.01). B7-H3 was significantly enriched in the cell apoptosis signaling pathway and the p53 signaling pathway (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of SIRT1 was significantly downregulated, and p53 was significantly upregulated in the B7⁃H3 knockdown group (both P<0.001). Overexpression of B7-H3 significantly up-regulated SIRT1 protein expression (P<0.05), down-regulated p53 expression (P<0.01), and markedly increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio of apoptosis-related proteins (P<0.001). The results of Annexin V/PI double staining showed that the apoptosis rate of A549 cells with overexpressed B7⁃H3 decreased (the apoptosis rate of the control group was 26.72%±4.13%, while that of the B7⁃H3 overexpression group was 13.87%±0.82%; P<0.01). In B7-H3-overexpressing cell lines, SIRT1 knockdown significantly reversed apoptosis (P<0.05), up-regulated p53 protein expression (P<0.001), and markedly reduced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P<0.001). ConclusionB7-H3 molecule inhibits the apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.
5.Consistent Detection of Aquaporin-4 Antibodies:A Comparative Analysis Between Fixed and Live Cell-Based Assays
Jing WANG ; Linge WANG ; Xiaolin YANG ; Zhizhong LI ; Jinyu JIANG ; Qiao XU ; Siyuan HUANG ; Qing FU ; Yang YANG ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Lin YANG ; Ai CHEN ; Xiaopeng ZENG ; Ke XU ; Peng ZHENG ; Xinyue QIN ; Jinzhou FENG
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2026;22(2):212-220
Background:
and Purpose Live cell-based assays (LCBA) are increasingly used for serological antibody detection due to their ability to preserve antigen conformation, offering moderately higher sensitivity than fixed cell-based assays. However, the clinical necessity of prioritizing LCBA for the detection of aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains unclear, especially when compared to its established role in diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease.
Methods:
We compared the performance of live cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (LCBA-IF) and fixed cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (FCBA-IF) in detecting AQP4-IgG in 90 cases of NMOSD meeting 2015 International Panel for Neuromyelitis Optica Diagnosis criteria, alongside 40 controls. Additionally, we further investigated the relationship between AQP4-IgG titers as measured by LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF and clinical parameters in NMOSD patients.
Results:
Results showed 96.9% agreement between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF (Cohen’s κ=0.935), with a strong Spearman correlation (0.977, p<0.001). Both methods demonstrated 100% specificity, with LCBA-IF showing slightly higher sensitivity compared to FCBA-IF. Within LCBAIF-tested groups, statistically significant differences in annualized relapse rates were observed across all pairwise comparisons (low-titer vs. moderate-titer, low-titer vs. high-titer, and moderate-titer vs. high-titer; all p<0.050). However, this association reached statistical significance in some FCBA-IF-tested groups.
Conclusions
Overall, there is a strong concordance between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF in detecting AQP4-IgG, where LCBA-IF shows slightly higher sensitivity. Furthermore, there is a potential link between elevated AQP4-IgG titers and an increased risk of relapse, and this correlation may appear more pronounced when using LCBA-IF.
6.Chinese expert consensus on salvage esophagectomy for esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy
Zhaoxian LIN ; Yang HU ; Lei XIAN ; Yun LI ; Jinbo ZHAO ; Xiaobin HOU ; Shuangping ZHANG ; Sunkui KE ; Changying GUO ; Songping XIE ; Haitao WEI ; Yong LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):977-987
Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) has become a cornerstone in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer; however, local control remains suboptimal, and persistent lesions or locoregional recurrences after treatment are not uncommon. For patients without distant metastases but with local failure, whether surgical intervention can still offer curative potential remains a major clinical dilemma. Salvage esophagectomy (SE) offers potential long-term survival for selected patients, but this procedure is performed in the context of severe fibrosis, impaired local blood supply, and obscured anatomical planes following chemoradiotherapy, resulting in significantly higher perioperative risk compared to primary esophagectomy. Consequently, controversies exist regarding patient selection, preoperative restaging, choice of surgical approach, extent of lymphadenectomy, gastrointestinal reconstruction, and perioperative management. In recent years, with the refinement of restaging modalities such as PET/CT, the accumulation of experience in high-volume centers, and emerging evidence from clinical studies, the clinical role of SE has gradually shifted from a "high-risk salvage measure" to a "selective curative strategy aimed at achieving long-term survival in carefully selected patients". Nevertheless, standardized guidelines for patient selection, technical approaches, and perioperative management are still lacking. Based on current evidence and clinical experience, experts organized by the Integrated Esophageal Cancer Committee of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association systematically reviewed key issues regarding SE, including its definition, indications, preoperative evaluation, choice of surgical approach, lymphadenectomy, gastrointestinal reconstruction, and perioperative management, and formulated a Chinese expert consensus. This consensus aims to provide guidance for standardized assessment, appropriate referral, individualized surgical decision-making, and optimized perioperative management of patients with locoregional failure after dCRT. Ultimately, this will increase the likelihood of R0 resection, reduce the risk of severe complications, and promote the safer, more judicious, and standardized implementation of SE in high-risk scenarios.
7.Current status and associated factors of human rabies immunoglobulin use in children with rabies exposure
Jinxiang LIN ; Li CHEN ; Huichao KE ; Suping LI ; Yushuang CHEN ; Qingchi ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2176-2180
OBJECTIVE To analyze the current status and associated factors of human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) use in children with rabies-exposure, so as to provide a reference for the rational use of HRIG.METHODS Clinical data of children with rabies-exposure who were admitted to the outpatient and emergency departments of Xiamen Children’s Hospital from January to December 2024 were retrospectively collected. HRIG use in these children was analyzed, and univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses was used to identify independent risk factors for non-use of HRIG among children indicated for it.A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess 42 surgeons’ knowledge of rabies-post-exposure prophylaxis,self-rated factors influencing HRIG use,and reasons for non-use in high-risk exposure scenarios.RESULTS A total of 564 pediatric patients were enrolled, of whom 122 met the indications for HRIG use; however, only 24 received HRIG, yielding an actual utilization rate of 19.67%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that head and facial exposure was an independent risk factor for non-use of HRIG [OR=7.77, 95%CI (1.11, 54.27), P =0.039]. The questionnaire survey revealed that surgeons had the lowest awareness rate regarding the time to antibody production after rabies vaccination (35.71%), followed by the appropriate timing of HRIG administration (50.00%). Among the self-rated factors influencing HRIG use by surgeons, wound depth and bleeding status had the highest mean scores (2.95 points). The primary reasons for non-use HRIG in special cases and grade Ⅲ exposure pediatric patients were the judgment that the offending animal was healthy or posed low risk,accounting for 45.24% and 38.10%, respectively; followed by parental refusal due to cost, pain, or other concerns,accounting for 26.19% and 33.33%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS The actual utilization rate of HRIG among children meeting the indications for HRIG use in our hospital was relatively low. Head and facial exposure was an independent risk factor for non-use of HRIG. Some surgeons had insufficient understanding of the time to antibody production after rabies vaccination and the appropriate timing of HRIG administration. Animal-related risk assessment and parental preferences may influence the use of HRIG.
8.RBM15 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells via the TMBIM6/TGF-β/Smad axis
Jia Ke ; Zhao Fang ; Huang Haiwei ; Zhang Lin
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(8):899-908
[摘 要] 目的:探讨RNA结合基序蛋白15(RBM15)是否通过含跨膜Bax抑制基序蛋白6(TMBIM6)/TGF-β/Smad轴促进宫颈癌细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭。方法:收集2023年1月至2025年1月在苏州大学附属张家港医院接受手术治疗的82例宫颈癌患者的肿瘤组织与癌旁组织。应用R语言分析癌症基因组图谱(TCGA)数据库中RBM15、TMBIM6 mRNA的表达;采用免疫组织化学法和Western blotting法检测RBM15、TMBIM6蛋白表达;采用Kaplan-Meier曲线分析RBM15、TMBIM6 mRNA表达与宫颈癌患者预后的关系;采用CCK-8法、划痕实验及Transwell侵袭实验检测RBM15、TMBIM6对宫颈癌细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭的影响;利用基于序列的RNA腺苷甲基化位点预测工具(SRAMP)预测TMBIM6 mRNA的N6-甲基腺苷(m6A)修饰位点;采用RNA免疫共沉淀(RIP)实验、RNA衰变和挽救实验鉴定RBM15与TMBIM6 mRNA的相互作用;采用甲基化RNA免疫共沉淀定量PCR(MeRIP-qPCR)检测TMBIM6 mRNA的m6A富集;采用Western blotting法检测RBM15通过TMBIM6对宫颈癌细胞TGF-β/Smad通路相关蛋白表达的影响。结果:宫颈癌组织中RBM15 mRNA、TMBIM6 mRNA表达均高于癌旁组织(均P < 0.05),癌组织RBM15、TMBIM6阳性率均高于癌旁组织(均P < 0.001)。宫颈癌细胞系HeLa、MS-751、SiHa中RBM15、TMBIM6蛋白表达均高于正常宫颈上皮细胞系Ect1/E6E7(均P < 0.05)。国际妇产科联盟(FIGO)分期ⅠB2~ⅡB期宫颈癌组织中RBM15、TMBIM6蛋白阳性率高于ⅠA~ⅠB1期(P均 < 0.05)。RBM15 mRNA高表达组、TMBIM6 mRNA高表达组5年无进展生存率分别低于各自的低表达组(均P < 0.05)。宫颈癌组织中RBM15 mRNA与TMBIM6 mRNA表达呈正相关(P < 0.05)。SRAMP预测结果显示,TMBIM6 mRNA序列的960、24876、25203位点为高可信度m6A修饰位点。在HeLa、SiHa细胞中过表达RBM15后,TMBIM6 mRNA和蛋白表达升高(P < 0.05);敲低RBM15后,TMBIM6 mRNA和蛋白表达降低(P < 0.05)。与IgG组相比,RBM15抗体免疫沉淀物中TMBIM6 mRNA显著富集。MeRIP-qPCR结果显示,TMBIM6 mRNA的960、24876、25203位点均存在明显的m6A富集。敲低RBM15可缩短TMBIM6 mRNA半衰期并降低其稳定性。敲低RBM15可抑制宫颈癌细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭,过表达TMBIM6可逆转上述影响。在HeLa、SiHa细胞中过表达TMBIM6后,TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3蛋白表达升高;敲低RBM15后,上述蛋白表达降低,过表达TMBIM6可逆转该影响。结论:RBM15可能通过m6A修饰提高TMBIM6 mRNA稳定性并激活TGF-β/Smad通路,从而促进宫颈癌细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭。
9.Convergent modulation of default mode network effective connectivity by modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam in patients with chronic insomnia disorder
Ke WANG ; Yiding HAN ; Haohao YAN ; Xingyan GUO ; Wuhong LIN ; Ping YAO ; Min LIU ; Min CHEN ; Longbiao CUI ; Wenbin GUO ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):356-366
BackgroundBoth modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam serve as effective treatments for chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Default mode network (DMN) dysfunction is recognized as the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying CID. However, it remains unclear whether the two treatments exert their therapeutic effects via convergent modulation of DMN functional connectivity. ObjectiveTo investigate the convergent remodeling characteristics of bidirectional effective connectivity (EC) of core DMN nodes with both the intra-network and the remaining whole-brain regions in CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome following the treatment with modified Suanzaoren Decoction or estazolam, so as to provide neuroimaging evidence for the convergent neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both therapies in treating CID. MethodsEighty-two patients diagnosed with CID according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorder, third edition (ICSD-3) were consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Mental Health Center from October 2020 to September 2023. Based on treatment preference, patients were assigned to receive a 6-week intervention in either the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group (n=52) or the estazolam group (n=30). Ultimately, 66 patients completed follow-up assessments (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group, n=41; estazolam group, n=25). All CID patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning before and after treatment. Core DMN nodes including medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and precuneus (PCUN) were selected as seed regions. Granger causality analysis (GCA) was employed to assess bidirectional EC between the seed regions and both the other intra-DMN nodes and the remaining whole-brain regions. Hepatic and renal function indices were detected pre- and post-treatment to evaluate the safety profiles of both treatments. ResultsAt baseline, significant between-group differences were identified in EC from the left IPL to the left middle fronto-orbital gyrus/gyrus rectus (t=5.24, Z=4.84, voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected), with the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group exhibiting stronger EC than the estazolam group. No significant between-group differences were observed in EC between other core DMN nodes and remaining whole-brain regions (P>0.05). Within-group pre- to post-treatment comparisons demonstrated consistent connectivity alterations in both groups. Specifically, EC from the left IPL to the supplementary motor area (SMA) decreased after treatment (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-6.28, Z=5.208; estazolam group: t=-5.58, Z=4.425). Conversely, EC from the SMA to the left IPL increased (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.89, Z=4.968; estazolam group: t=6.15, Z=4.720). Furthermore, both groups demonstrated reduced EC from the PCUN to the left IPL (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-5.85, Z=4.94; estazolam group: t=-5.75, Z=4.515), and elevated EC from the left IPL to the PCUN (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.29, Z=4.579; estazolam group: t=4.55, Z=3.826) (voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected). No significant pre- to post-treatment differences were observed in hepatic or renal function indices in either group (P>0.05). ConclusionIn CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome, both modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam induce convergent bidirectional remodeling of EC between the left IPL and the SMA and the PCUN. [Funded by Natural Science Fund Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (number, 2019MS08099); ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06452953]
10.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.

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