1.Clinicopathological and molecular mechanisms of CLDN18.2 in gastric cancer aggressiveness: a high-risk population study with multi-omics profiling
Hengquan WU ; Mei LI ; Gang WANG ; Peiqing LIAO ; Peng ZHANG ; Luxi YANG ; Yumin LI ; Tao LIU ; Wenting HE
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(1):47-57
Background:
The tight junction protein claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) has been implicated in poor prognosis and suboptimal immunotherapy response in gastric cancer (GC). This study investigates the clinicopathological relevance of CLDN18.2 expression and its association with molecular subtypes in GC patients from a high-incidence region, combining transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to explore how CLDN18.2 contributes to progression and metastasis.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 494 GC patients (2019–2024) underwent immunohistochemical analysis for CLDN18.2, Epstein-Barr virus (Epstein–Barr virus–encoded RNA), p53, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6). CLDN18.2 positivity was defined as moderate to strong (2+/3+) membranous staining in ≥75% of tumor cells. Clinicopathological correlations, biomarker associations, and survival outcomes were evaluated. Transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing was performed to explore molecular mechanisms.
Results:
CLDN18.2 positivity was observed in 26.9% (133/494) of gastric adenocarcinomas. CLDN18.2-positive tumors correlated with TNM stage (p = .003) and shorter overall survival (p = .018). No associations were identified with age, sex, HER2 status, microsatellite instability, or Epstein-Barr virus infection. Transcriptomic profiling revealed CLDN18.2-high tumors enriched in pathways involving cell junction disruption, signaling regulation, and immune modulation. Proteomic profiling showed that tumors with high CLDN18.2 were enriched in multiple mechanism-related pathways such as integrated metabolic reprogramming, cytoskeletal recombination, immune microenvironment dysregulation, and pro-survival signaling. These mechanisms may collectively contribute to tumor progression and metastasis.
Conclusions
CLDN18.2 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrate that CLDN18.2 promotes tumor progression and metastasis, underscoring its potential as an independent prognostic factor in regions with a high incidence of GC.
2.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.
3.MST1 knockdown attenuates the anti-renal fibrosis effect of pERK inhibition by salvianolic acid B
Yu-xuan LI ; Ying-ying WANG ; Hui-min TAO ; Jie-mei JIANG ; Yan YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2046-2052
Aim To explore the MST1 knockdown at-tenuates the inhibitory effect of salvianolic acid B(Sal B)on pERK anti-renal fibrosis.Methods In vitro experiments stimulated human renal cortical proximal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2)with XMU-XP-1(10μmol·L-1)inhibitor;in vivo experiments induced wild-type(WT)and MST1 systemic knockout mouse(MST1-/-)renal fibrosis models with DEN/CCl4/C2H5OH(DCC)and interfered with Sal B(15 mg·kg-1·d-1,ig)intervention.Renal histopathology was observed by HE and Masson staining;α-SMA and pERK protein expression was detected by Western blot;and pERK protein expression was detected by im-munofluorescence.Results In vitro results showed that Sal B could inhibit pERK protein expression.In vivo results showed that Sal B could improve DCC-in-duced renal tissue pathological injury and inhibit α-SMA and pERK protein expression;MST1-/-aggrava-ted pathological injury and significantly up-regulated α-SMA and pERK protein expression.Conclusion Sal B reduces the stimulatory effect of XMU-MP-1 on HK-2 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK protein;Sal B exerts its anti-renal fibrosis effect by inhibiting the phosphorylation of α-SMA protein and ERK pro-tein;and MST1-/-,aggravating the pathological inju-ry of renal tissue,significantly up-regulated the expres-sion of α-SMA and pERK protein,which in turn atten-uated the antirenal fibrosis effect of Sal B.
4.Significance of basophil levels in prognostic evaluation of intra-abdominal infection
Ming-min PANG ; Shao-hua FAN ; Mei-chen YAN ; Bao LIU ; Ju YANG ; Ya-nan LI ; Shi-han ZHANG ; Ting-yu MENG ; Tao GAO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):367-372
Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.
5.Research advances of CXCL12/CXCR4 in the rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis
Hong-mei YANG ; Hao-lin LI ; Juan-juan YANG ; Xiao-jun SU ; Hai-tao LEI ; Dong-sheng LU ; Li-li KAN ; Peng-fei TAO ; Hai-dong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):230-234
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that can cause joint destruction and deformity.As a small molecule cytokine,the chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12)regulates the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis by binding to the specific receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4).Therefore,based on the bio-logical characteristics of CXCL12 and CXCR4,this paper intro-duces the pathogenesis of CXCL12/CXCR4 in RA and summari-zes the progress in RA-related research,with the aim of providing clinical value for understanding the pathogenesis of RA and de-veloping novel therapeutic targets.
6.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.
7.MST1 knockdown attenuates the anti-renal fibrosis effect of pERK inhibition by salvianolic acid B
Yu-xuan LI ; Ying-ying WANG ; Hui-min TAO ; Jie-mei JIANG ; Yan YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2046-2052
Aim To explore the MST1 knockdown at-tenuates the inhibitory effect of salvianolic acid B(Sal B)on pERK anti-renal fibrosis.Methods In vitro experiments stimulated human renal cortical proximal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2)with XMU-XP-1(10μmol·L-1)inhibitor;in vivo experiments induced wild-type(WT)and MST1 systemic knockout mouse(MST1-/-)renal fibrosis models with DEN/CCl4/C2H5OH(DCC)and interfered with Sal B(15 mg·kg-1·d-1,ig)intervention.Renal histopathology was observed by HE and Masson staining;α-SMA and pERK protein expression was detected by Western blot;and pERK protein expression was detected by im-munofluorescence.Results In vitro results showed that Sal B could inhibit pERK protein expression.In vivo results showed that Sal B could improve DCC-in-duced renal tissue pathological injury and inhibit α-SMA and pERK protein expression;MST1-/-aggrava-ted pathological injury and significantly up-regulated α-SMA and pERK protein expression.Conclusion Sal B reduces the stimulatory effect of XMU-MP-1 on HK-2 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK protein;Sal B exerts its anti-renal fibrosis effect by inhibiting the phosphorylation of α-SMA protein and ERK pro-tein;and MST1-/-,aggravating the pathological inju-ry of renal tissue,significantly up-regulated the expres-sion of α-SMA and pERK protein,which in turn atten-uated the antirenal fibrosis effect of Sal B.
8.Clinical value analysis of different MRI measurement methods in evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer
Yuling DUAN ; Xuezhi ZHOU ; Yongyi LI ; Lixia MA ; Desheng YANG ; Jiao CHENG ; Yan WU ; Tao LIU ; Guoyuan JIANG ; Mei WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(14):2152-2159
Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of three breast MRI measurement methods—RECIST 1.1,the optimal method,and three-dimensional(3D)volumetric assessment—in assessing the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)in breast cancer patients,with the objective of identifying the most clinically practical approach.Methods A total of 110 breast cancer patients who underwent NAC followed by surgical treatment between 2019 and 2023 were included in the study.Breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was conducted within one week before and after the completion of NAC.Tumor response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1 criteria,widely recognized as the optimal method,as well as 3D volume measurement.Pathological response was determined according to the Miller-Payne grading system.Sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)were computed and compared using the DeLong test.Results The AUC values for RECIST 1.1,the optimal method,and 3D volumetric assessment were 0.768,0.795,and 0.883,respectively.The 3D volumetric assessment exhibited significantly better discriminative performance(P<0.05),with the highest sensitivity(98.9%),specificity(77.8%),and accuracy(95.5%).Additionally,the optimal method demonstrated superior performance over RECIST 1.1 across multiple parameters.Conclusions 3D volumetric mea-surement demonstrates superior performance compared to RECIST 1.1 and the optimal method in evaluating the response to NAC,offering a more accurate and comprehensive assessment tool.Additionally,the optimal method shows advantages over RECIST 1.1 and may serve as a practical alternative in settings where 3D software is not available.
9.Clinical value analysis of different MRI measurement methods in evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer
Yuling DUAN ; Xuezhi ZHOU ; Yongyi LI ; Lixia MA ; Desheng YANG ; Jiao CHENG ; Yan WU ; Tao LIU ; Guoyuan JIANG ; Mei WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(14):2152-2159
Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of three breast MRI measurement methods—RECIST 1.1,the optimal method,and three-dimensional(3D)volumetric assessment—in assessing the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)in breast cancer patients,with the objective of identifying the most clinically practical approach.Methods A total of 110 breast cancer patients who underwent NAC followed by surgical treatment between 2019 and 2023 were included in the study.Breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was conducted within one week before and after the completion of NAC.Tumor response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1 criteria,widely recognized as the optimal method,as well as 3D volume measurement.Pathological response was determined according to the Miller-Payne grading system.Sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)were computed and compared using the DeLong test.Results The AUC values for RECIST 1.1,the optimal method,and 3D volumetric assessment were 0.768,0.795,and 0.883,respectively.The 3D volumetric assessment exhibited significantly better discriminative performance(P<0.05),with the highest sensitivity(98.9%),specificity(77.8%),and accuracy(95.5%).Additionally,the optimal method demonstrated superior performance over RECIST 1.1 across multiple parameters.Conclusions 3D volumetric mea-surement demonstrates superior performance compared to RECIST 1.1 and the optimal method in evaluating the response to NAC,offering a more accurate and comprehensive assessment tool.Additionally,the optimal method shows advantages over RECIST 1.1 and may serve as a practical alternative in settings where 3D software is not available.
10.Research advances of CXCL12/CXCR4 in the rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis
Hong-mei YANG ; Hao-lin LI ; Juan-juan YANG ; Xiao-jun SU ; Hai-tao LEI ; Dong-sheng LU ; Li-li KAN ; Peng-fei TAO ; Hai-dong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):230-234
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that can cause joint destruction and deformity.As a small molecule cytokine,the chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12)regulates the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis by binding to the specific receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4).Therefore,based on the bio-logical characteristics of CXCL12 and CXCR4,this paper intro-duces the pathogenesis of CXCL12/CXCR4 in RA and summari-zes the progress in RA-related research,with the aim of providing clinical value for understanding the pathogenesis of RA and de-veloping novel therapeutic targets.

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