Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10 /L vs preoperative 3.07×10 /L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10 /L vs preoperative 3.05×10 /L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10 /L vs preoperative 2.99×10 /L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the influencing factors affecting the poor prognosis of drug-induced liver injury （DILI） in the Chinese population， and to provide evidence-based support for early identification and interventions of DILI. METHODS Retrieved from PubMed， Medline， Embase， the Cochrane Library， CNKI， Wanfang database， China biomedical medicine database （CBM） and VIP， clinical studies （case-control studies， cohort studies） related to influencing factors for poor prognosis of DILI were collected from inception to May 31， 2025. After literature screening， data extraction and quality evaluation of included studies， meta-analysis was carried out by using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 17 literature were included， involving 4 078 DILI patients， of whom 673 were in the poor prognosis group and 3 405 were in the favorable prognosis group. Meta-analysis showed that history of liver disease （OR＝2.47， 95%CI was 1.61-3.78， P ＜0.001）， alcohol drinking history （OR＝1.77， 95%CI was 1.22-2.56， P ＝0.003）， Chinese herbal medicine/Chinese patent medicine （OR＝1.87， 95%CI was 1.30-2.70， P ＜0.001）， non-hepatocellular injury type （OR＝1.70， 95%CI was 1.37-2.10， P ＜0.001）， international normalized ratio （INR） elevated （OR＝2.51， 95%CI was 1.97-3.19， P ＜0.001）， and alanine transamine （ALT） elevated （OR＝1.27， 95%CI was 1.14-1.41， P ＜0.001） were risk factors of poor prognosis in DILI. Higher albumin （ALB） level （OR＝0.47， 95%CI was 0.39-0.57， P ＜0.001）， elevated prothrombin activity （PTA） （OR＝0.88， 95%CI was 0.85-0.91， P ＜0.001） and more than 2 kinds of hepatoprotective drugs （OR＝0.62， 95%CI was 0.41-0.95， P ＝0.030） were protective factors for poor prognosis of DILI. CONCLUSIONS Patients with alcohol drinking history， history of liver disease， elevated INR， elevated ALT， taking Chinese herbal medicine/Chinese patent medicine， and non-hepatocellular injury type of DILI have a greater risk of poor prognosis， and higher ALB level， higher PTA and more than 2 kinds of hepatoprotective drugs can reduce the risk of poor prognosis of DILI.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease accompanied by various complications, and the exact etiology remains unclear. Treatments for SLE encompass hormone therapy, plasma exchange and immunoadsorption, and targeted biological therapies. Berbamine (BBM), a cellular immunopotentiator with diverse biological functions, has not been reported to have immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects on SLE. The mice were divided into control group, model group, positive control group, low, medium and high BBM groups. In control group, C57BL/6J wild mice received intraperitoneal injection of saline. In model group, MRL/lpr lupus mice were treated with intraperitoneal injection of saline. In positive control group, MRL/lpr lupus mice received intragastric administration of hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets [Plaquenil, 150 mg/(kg·d)]. In BBM groups, MRL/lpr lupus mice received intragastric administration of different concentration of BBM respectively [20 mg/(kg·d), 50 mg/(kg·d), 100 mg/(kg·d)]. After 8 weeks of treatment, blood was collected from the retro-orbital venous plexus, and ELISA was used to detect the levels of anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and anti-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein/Sm (snRNP/Sm) antibodies. Spleen tissues were collected for analysis of Th1/Th2 ratio by flow cytometry. The RNA and protein of spleen were extracted, and the levels of T-box transcription factor T-bet and GATA3 (GATA binding protein 3) mRNA and protein were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation of white blood cells in the blood was tested by blood routine test. The histopathological changes of kidneys of each group were detected by HE staining. Compared with the model group, the levels of ANA, anti-dsDNA, and anti-snRNP/Sm antibodies were significantly reduced in the BBM-treated groups. The Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly decreased in the model group, but reversed by BBM. Compared with the control group, T-bet expression was significantly downregulated, while GATA3 expression was significantly upregulated in the model group. After BBM intervention, T-bet expression significantly increased, while GATA3 expression decreased compared with the model group. The number of white blood cells significantly decreased in the model group, and increased in the BBM-treated groups. In the model group, the glomerular mesangial and endothelial cells showed significant hyperplasia, clear thrombus was observed in the dilated capillaries, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the renal interstitium. In medium and high BBM groups, the infiltration of inflammatory cells and capillary thrombosis were significantly decreased. In conclusion, BBM exhibits certain immunomodulatory effects on SLE and promotes the proliferation of white blood cells.
Animals ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Inbred MRL lpr ; Female ; Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology*

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms and molecular targets of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA) plus empagliflozin(EM) in attenuating diabetic tubulopathy(DT) by targeting mitochondrial homeostasis and pyroptosis-apoptosis-necroptosis(PANoptosis). In the in vivo study, the authors established the DT rat models through a combination of uninephrectomy, administration of streptozotocin via intraperitoneal injections, and exposure to a high-fat diet. Following modeling successfully, the DT rat models received either TFA, EM, TFA+EM, or saline(as a vehicle) by gavage for eight weeks, respectively. In the in vitro study, the authors subjected the NRK52E cells with or without knock-down Z-DNA binding protein 1(ZBP1) to a high-glucose(HG) environment and various treatments including TFA, EM, and TFA+EM. In the in vivo and in vitro studies, The authors investigated the relative characteristics of renal tubular injury and renal tubular epithelial cells damage induced by reactive oxygen species(ROS), analyzed the relative characteristics of renal tubular PANoptosis and ZBP1-mediatted PANoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells, and compared the relative characteristics of the protein expression levels of marked molecules of mitochondrial fission in the kidneys and mitochondrial homeostasis in renal tubular epithelial cells, respectively. Furthermore, in the network pharmacology study, the authors predicted and screened targets of TFA and EM using HERB and SwissTargetPrediction databases; The screened chemical constituents and targets of TFA and EM were constructed the relative network using Cytoscape 3.7.2 network graphics software; The relative targets of DT were integrated using OMIM and GeneCards databases; The intersecting targets of TFA, EM, and DT were enriched and analyzed signaling pathways by Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) software using DAVID database. In vivo study results showed that TFA+EM could improve renal tubular injury, the protein expression levels and characteristics of key signaling molecules in PANoptosis pathway in the kidneys, and the protein expression levels of marked molecules of mitochondrial fission in the kidneys. And that, the ameliorative effects in vivo of TFA+EM were both superior to TFA or EM. Network pharmacology study results showed that TFA+EM treated DT by regulating the PANoptosis signaling pathway. In vitro study results showed that TFA+EM could improve ROS-induced cell injury, ZBP1-mediatted PANoptosis, and mitochondrial homeostasis in renal tubular epithelial cells under a state of HG, including the protein expression levels of marked molecules of mitochondrial fission, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and membrane potential level. And that, the ameliorative effects in vitro of TFA+EM were both superior to TFA or EM. More importantly, using the NRK52E cells with knock-down ZBP1, the authors found that, indeed, ZBP1 was mediated PANoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells as an upstream factor. In addition, TFA+EM could regulate the protein expression levels of marked signaling molecules of PANoptosis by targeting ZBP1. In summary, this study clarified that TFA+EM, different from TFA or EM, could attenuate DT with multiple targets by ameliorating mitochondrial homeostasis and inhibiting ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis. These findings provide the clear pharmacological evidence for the clinical treatment of DT with a novel strategy of TFA+EM, which is named "coordinated traditional Chinese and western medicine".
Animals ; Rats ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Benzhydryl Compounds/administration & dosage* ; Glucosides/administration & dosage* ; Abelmoschus/chemistry* ; Male ; Homeostasis/drug effects* ; Flavones/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Diabetic Nephropathies/physiopathology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) play protective effects against white matter injury (WMI) in neonatal rats via activation of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. METHODS: A neonatal WMI model was established in 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats by unilateral common carotid artery ligation combined with hypoxia. The study comprised two parts. (1) Rats were randomized into sham, hypoxia-ischemia (HI), and HUC-MSC groups (n=36 per group); brain tissues were collected at 7, 14, and 21 days after modeling. (2) Rats were randomized into sham, HI, HUC-MSC, and HUC-MSC+ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor) groups (n=12 per group); tissues were collected 14 days after modeling. Hematoxylin-eosin staining assessed histopathology, and Luxol fast blue staining evaluated myelination. Immunohistochemistry examined the localization and expression of Nrf2, myelin basic protein (MBP), and proteolipid protein (PLP). Immunofluorescence assessed synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95). Western blotting quantified Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, SYP, PSD-95, MBP, and PLP. Spatial learning and memory were evaluated by the Morris water maze. RESULTS: At 7, 14, and 21 days after modeling, the sham group showed intact white matter, whereas the HI group exhibited white matter disruption, cellular vacuolation, and disorganized nerve fibers. These pathological changes were attenuated in the HUC-MSC group. Compared with the HI group, the HUC-MSC group showed increased Nrf2 immunopositivity and protein levels, increased HO-1 protein levels, and decreased Keap1 protein levels (P<0.05). Compared with the HI group, the HUC-MSC group had higher SYP and PSD-95 immunofluorescence intensities and protein levels, higher MBP and PLP positivity and protein levels, increased mean optical density of myelin, more platform crossings, and longer time in the target quadrant (all P<0.05). These improvements were reduced in the HUC-MSC+ML385 group compared with the HUC-MSC group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS HUC-MSCs may promote oligodendrocyte maturation and synaptogenesis after neonatal WMI by activating the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway, thereby improving spatial cognitive function.
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/physiology* ; Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Humans ; Rats ; White Matter/pathology* ; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/physiology* ; Umbilical Cord/cytology* ; Heme Oxygenase-1/physiology* ; Animals, Newborn ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/physiology* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology* ; Female ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression level of T-complex polypeptide 1 (TCP1) in the bone marrow of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, and explore its correlation with clinical characteristics and prognosis. METHODS: The bone marrow samples from 80 newly diagnosed AML patients and 30 iron deficiency anemia (IDA) patients were collected, and real time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of TCP1 . The clinical data of AML patients were collected, and the correlation of TCP1 expression with clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients were analyzed. The impact of TCP1 on overall survival (OS) of AML patients was identified by using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting prognosis of AML patients. RESULTS: Compared with IDA patients, the expression of TCP1 was significantly increased in AML patients (P < 0.01). The high expression group of TCP1 showed a higher proportion of patients with ≥60 years and non-remission after treatment, more accompanied by TET2 mutation and poor prognosis but shorter OS compared to the low expression group (all P < 0.05). The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, chromosomal abnormalities, therapeutic efficacy and TCP1 expression were independent risk factors affecting prognosis of AML patients (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION TCP1 is significantly upregulated in AML patients, and its expression is associated with partial clinical features and poor prognosis. It can serve as a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target for AML patients.
Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism* ; Humans ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Bone Marrow/metabolism* ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/metabolism* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prognosis ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Multivariate Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Chaperonin Containing TCP-1

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) with extramedullary disease (EMD). METHODS: The clinical data of 40 pomalidomide-based multiple myeloma patients with extramedullary disease admitted to the Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from February 2019 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 40 patients, 8 were newly diagnosed with EMD and 32 were refractory/relapsed EMD. There were 21 cases with bone-related extramedullary disease (EM-B) and 19 cases with soft tissue-related extramedullary disease (EM-S). Compared with the EM-B group, the EM-S group exhibited lower LDH levels, an elevation in LDH and a shorter progression-free survival(PFS) (11 months vs 21.5 months, P =0.0363). 32 patients completed 3 courses of treatment, and the short-term efficacy was evaluated. There was no significant difference in the rate of use of 3 or more drugs and ASCT treatment between NDMM group and RRMM group (87.50% vs 93.75%, P >0.05; 25.00% vs 15.63%, P >0.05). Compared with the RRMM group, the overall response rate (ORR) of the NDMM patients was significantly higher (83.33% vs 57.70%, P < 0.05). The deep remission rate (VGPR+CR) of the NDMM group was better than that of the RRMM group (50.00% vs 29.62%, P < 0.05), and the non-response rate (SD+PD) of the NDMM group was significantly lower than that of the R/RMM group (33.33% vs 65.38%, P < 0.05), while the partial remission rate (PR) and mortality rate of the NDMM were not significantly different from those of the RRMM group(P >0.05). With a median follow-up of 26 months, the median PFS was 19 months. Univariate analysis showed that EM-S, high-risk genetic abnormalities, induction therapy did not achieve partial response(PR) or better, and more than 2 lines of treatment failure were associated with shorter PFS. Multivariate analysis showed that the best response to induction therapy did not achieve PR or better, EM-S were an independent adverses prognostic factor for PFS. The results of safety analysis showed that 16 cases had hematological adverse events, including 3 cases of grade 3/4 and 13 cases of grade 1/2. The most common non-hematological adverse events were nausea, vomiting, fatigue and abdominal distension, which were mild and tolerable. CONCLUSION Pomalidomide-based chemotherapy is effective and well tolerated in MM patients with extramedullary disease.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Thalidomide/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult