1.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
2.Dynamic analyses of immune status in the spleen and maternal-fetal interface during gestation in mice.
Kang ZHU ; Yang YANG ; Guihu WANG ; Qing GAO ; Mu LI ; Jing GENG ; Xuri ZHANG ; Xi LIU ; Yane GAO ; Zongfang LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(11):1379-1380
3.Short-term efficacy of improved Bentall operation with "pericardial lining" for aortic root aneurysm
Xianzhi WANG ; Jixiang LIANG ; Huan WANG ; Gen ZHANG ; Zhigang DENG ; Dongquan HE ; Cunfu MU ; Wenlin ZHANG ; Chunzhu XUE ; Yang HE ; Dianyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(11):1615-1620
Objective To investigate the feasibility of a "pericardial lining" modified Bentall procedure for the treatment of patients with aortic root aneurysm. Methods This was a retrospective study that consecutively enrolled patients treated at the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, and the First People's Hospital of Guangyuan from January 2023 to February 2024. Preoperative clinical data, imaging findings (including echocardiography and CT scans of the aortic root and the entire aorta), details of coronary artery management, surgical outcomes, and postoperative follow-up results were collected. All patients underwent the "pericardial lining" modified Bentall procedure: the aortic valve was replaced, and an autologous pericardial patch was divided into three equal leaflets based on the circumference of the aortic annulus measured by a valve sizer. These leaflets were then sutured to the aortic annulus. Fenestrations were created in two of the pericardial leaflets for anastomosis with the left and right coronary ostia. The pericardial leaflets were sutured to the wall of the aortic sinuses to form an integrated structure, thereby narrowing the sinus portion. A prosthetic vascular graft was anastomosed to the proximal and distal aorta, and no aortic root-to-right atrium shunt was created. Results A total of 5 patients, aged 37 to 68 years, were included. The preoperative Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk scores ranged from 2.8% to 3.9%. The diameter of the ascending aorta was 40-73 mm, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was 45-71 mm, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 47%-64%. Intraoperatively, the aortic cross-clamp time ranged from 85 to 180 min, and the cardiopulmonary bypass time ranged from 110 to 302 min. Postoperative follow-up echocardiography revealed that the ascending aortic diameter was 27-35 mm, LVEDD was 39-57 mm, and LVEF was 43%-61%. All surgeries were completed successfully with satisfactory immediate outcomes and no intraoperative complications. During the follow-up period, there was no mortality or reoperation. Conclusion For patients with aortic root aneurysm, the "pericardial lining" modified Bentall procedure yields satisfactory preliminary results, and the technique is demonstrated to be feasible.
4.Synthesis and Applications of Indole-3-formylhydrazine Modified Pyrene Schiff Base Compound as Copper Ion Fluorescence Probe
Mu-Xi WANG ; Zhen-Yu HUANG ; Xiao-Feng LIN ; Xiao-Lan LEI ; Jian SUN ; Li-Jun MA
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(7):1108-1117
In this work,a fluorescent probe PIN was synthesized using indole-3-carbohydrazide and pyrenecarboxaldehyde as raw materials.PIN showed weak fluorescence emission in aqueous solution with acetonitrile volume fraction of 70%.However,when Cu2+was added to this aqueous solution of PIN,a new fluorescence emission peak appeared at 495 nm,and the intensity of this peak gradually increased with the increase of concentration of Cu2+,and also caused a significant change in the fluorescence color of the solution.In contrast,the addition of 15 kinds of other common metal ions did not cause such change.The detection limit of PIN for Cu2+was 78.7 nmol/L,which was much lower than the maximum permitting level of Cu2+in drinking water in hygienic standard for drinking water in China.Therefore,PIN was a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence-enhanced probe for Cu2+.Meanwhile,the addition of Cu2+could also cause a new absorption peak at 440 nm in the ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum of the aqueous solution of PIN,and meanwhile the colorless PIN solution changed into yellow,exhibiting the performance of PIN as a colorimetric probe for Cu2+.By fitting with the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm equation,the binding ratio of PIN to Cu2+was 2:1,and the binding constant was 3.42×1012 L2/mol2.In addition,the binding mode of PIN with Cu2+was explored by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR)titration experiments and density functional theory simulations.The results showed that the addition of Cu2+could cause the aggregation of PIN molecules to form excimers,thus showing highly selective recognition.Finally,PIN was made into a simple test strip,which could achieve rapid and convenient fluorescence detection of Cu2+in actual water samples.
5.Evaluation of left atrial strain and left atrioventricular global strain in patients with cardiovascular immune-related adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Xin WANG ; Huiyu JIA ; Jiayu SU ; Lihui ZHAO ; Jie MU ; Wei FU ; Junguang WANG ; Xi WEI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(10):876-883
Objective:To evaluate the clinical utility of left atrial strain parameters and left atrioventricular global longitudinal strain(LAVGLS)in detecting cardiovascular immune-related adverse events(CV-irAEs)among non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs).Methods:A total of 68 patients with non-small cell lung cancer were prospectively enrolled in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from October 2023 to October 2024. All patients were treated with ICIs for 6 cycles. Electrocardiogram,cardiac serological markers and echocardiography were examined before medication(T0 stage),4 cycles after medication(T1 stage)and 6 cycles after medication(T2 stage),respectively. According to the guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology,all patients were divided into the CV-irAEs group( n=14)and the No-CV-irAEs group( n=54). AFI software and 4D Auto LAQ software were used to calculate LVGLS,left atrial reservoir longitudinal strain(LASr),LAVGLS and a series of left atrial parameters. Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to find the risk factors for the occurrence of CV-irAEs. ROC curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of these parameters for CV-irAEs. Results:Fourteen patients(20.6%)developed CV-irAEs after T2 stage. After ICIs treatment,LVGLS,LASr and LAVGLS decreased in both groups,LVGLS,LASr and LAVGLS decreased more significantly in the CV-irAEs group than those in the No-CV-irAEs group( P=0.038,0.047,0.005). Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)decreased in the CV-irAEs group at the same time( P=0.003). Cox multivariate analysis showed that ΔLAVGLS(the difference between stage T0 and stage T2)was a risk factor for CV-irAEs( HR:1.395, P=0.019). ROC curve analysis showed the area under the curve of LVGLS,LASr,LAVGLS,ΔLVGLS,ΔLASr,ΔLAVGLS,and LVEF at the T2 stage for diagnosis of CV-irAEs were 0.68,0.67,0.75,0.79,0.73,0.82,and 0.72,respectively. Conclusions:Decline of LAVGLS is a risk factor for CV-irAEs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving ICIs and can be used for early detection of CV-irAEs. LASr has potential diagnostic value for CV-irAEs,but it is less valuable than LVGLS and LAVGLS.
6.Evaluation of left atrial strain and left atrioventricular global strain in patients with cardiovascular immune-related adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Xin WANG ; Huiyu JIA ; Jiayu SU ; Lihui ZHAO ; Jie MU ; Wei FU ; Junguang WANG ; Xi WEI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(10):876-883
Objective:To evaluate the clinical utility of left atrial strain parameters and left atrioventricular global longitudinal strain(LAVGLS)in detecting cardiovascular immune-related adverse events(CV-irAEs)among non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs).Methods:A total of 68 patients with non-small cell lung cancer were prospectively enrolled in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from October 2023 to October 2024. All patients were treated with ICIs for 6 cycles. Electrocardiogram,cardiac serological markers and echocardiography were examined before medication(T0 stage),4 cycles after medication(T1 stage)and 6 cycles after medication(T2 stage),respectively. According to the guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology,all patients were divided into the CV-irAEs group( n=14)and the No-CV-irAEs group( n=54). AFI software and 4D Auto LAQ software were used to calculate LVGLS,left atrial reservoir longitudinal strain(LASr),LAVGLS and a series of left atrial parameters. Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to find the risk factors for the occurrence of CV-irAEs. ROC curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of these parameters for CV-irAEs. Results:Fourteen patients(20.6%)developed CV-irAEs after T2 stage. After ICIs treatment,LVGLS,LASr and LAVGLS decreased in both groups,LVGLS,LASr and LAVGLS decreased more significantly in the CV-irAEs group than those in the No-CV-irAEs group( P=0.038,0.047,0.005). Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)decreased in the CV-irAEs group at the same time( P=0.003). Cox multivariate analysis showed that ΔLAVGLS(the difference between stage T0 and stage T2)was a risk factor for CV-irAEs( HR:1.395, P=0.019). ROC curve analysis showed the area under the curve of LVGLS,LASr,LAVGLS,ΔLVGLS,ΔLASr,ΔLAVGLS,and LVEF at the T2 stage for diagnosis of CV-irAEs were 0.68,0.67,0.75,0.79,0.73,0.82,and 0.72,respectively. Conclusions:Decline of LAVGLS is a risk factor for CV-irAEs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving ICIs and can be used for early detection of CV-irAEs. LASr has potential diagnostic value for CV-irAEs,but it is less valuable than LVGLS and LAVGLS.
7.Effect of filling orbicularis muscle flap in correction of sunken upper eyelidsin subbrow blepharoplasty
Hengxin LIU ; Jiayang WANG ; Siqi MU ; Ziang ZHANG ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2024;30(1):56-60
Objective:To investigate the effect of folding and filling the orbicularis muscle flap of the inferiorcentral pedicle in correction of sunken upper eyelids.Methods:From August 2020 to April 2022, 39 female patients aged 36-63 (47.1±6.3) years with dermatochalasis and sunken upper eyelid were admitted to the Plastic Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. During the surgery, the orbicularis oculi muscle in the skin resection area was preserved and a muscle flap was formed with the central part of the lower margin of the incision as the pedicle, which was folded deep and filled in the anterior orbital septal space. 6 months after surgery, the Park method was used to compare the effects before and after surgery, and the doctors and patients were scored on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, respectively.Results:Unilateral upper eyelid hematoma appeared in 1 patient and healed after local acupuncture and aspiration, unilateral incision induration appeared in 2 patients, and gradually disappeared after 6 months of follow-up. The wounds of other patients healed in one stage. All the 39 patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The scores of the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale at 6 months after surgery were (4.12±0.95) for doctors and (3.82±1.27) for patients. Park method showed that the degree of sunken upper eyelid after surgery was significantly better than that before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-7.721, P=0.000). Conclusions:The folding and filling of the orbicularis muscle flap of the eye with the inferior central pedicle can correct the laxity of the upper eyelid and improve the sunken upper eyelid. This operation can make full use of local tissue, and the effect is simple and lasting.
8.Associations of genetic variants in GLP-1R with blood pressure responses to dietary sodium and potassium interventions
Mingke CHANG ; Chao CHU ; Mingfei DU ; Hao JIA ; Yue SUN ; Guilin HU ; Xi ZHANG ; Dan WANG ; Wenjing LUO ; Yu YAN ; Ziyue MAN ; Yang WANG ; Jianjun MU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(2):212-218
【Objective】 To investigate the association between genetic variations in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) gene and BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 A total of 514 subjects from 124 families were recruited in Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, in 2004, resulting in the establishment of a "salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort" . The subjects followed a dietary regimen which involved a normal diet for 3 days, a low-salt diet for 7 days, a high-salt diet for 7 days, and a high-salt potassium-supplemented diet for 7 days. BP measurement was conducted at different intervention periods, and peripheral blood samples were collected. Additionally, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GLP-1R gene were genotyped using the MassARRAY detection platform. 【Results】 The GLP-1R gene SNP rs9462472 exhibited a significant association with systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure response to high-salt intervention. Similarly, SNP rs2268637 showed a significant association with systolic BP response to high-salt intervention. Furthermore, SNP rs2268637 was significantly associated with systolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses to high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. 【Conclusion】 Our findings indicate a significant association of genetic variations in the GLP-1R gene with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. This suggests that the GLP-1R gene plays a role in the regulation of BP salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.
9.Ultrasonographic features of thyroid carcinoma of different sizes: comparison between medullary thyroid carcinomas and papillary thyroid carcinomas
Dai ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Ying WANG ; Jiali MU ; Xueqing WEI ; Xi WEI
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(2):133-139
Objective:To investigate the ultrasonographic features of medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) of different sizes and supply valid information for separating MTCs from papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).Methods:There were 87 patients with MTC and 220 patients with PTC detected by ultrasonography and confirmed by pathology at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from June 2018 to March 2022. Nodules were divided into the large nodule group (the maximum diameter of the tumor was>1 cm) and the small nodule group (the maximum diameter of the tumor was ≤1 cm). There were 97 cases in the small nodule group, including 28 cases of MTC and 69 cases of PTC. There were 210 cases in the large nodule group, including 59 cases of MTC and 151 cases of PTC. After stratification by thyroid nodules, ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules and metastatic lymph nodes, preoperative serum calcitonin (CT) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were compared between MTC and PTC patients.Results:In the small nodule group, the proportion of MTCs exhibiting hypoecho, smooth margins, and having blood flow signals was higher than that of PTCs, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). In the large nodule group, the proportion of MTCs showing cystic solidity, hypoecho, smooth margins, blood flow, and the type Ⅳvascular distribution was higher than PTCs, and the difference of calcification type between them was also statistically significant (all P<0.05). In contrast, the differences in the number of lesions and aspect ratio between MTCs and PTCs were not statistically significant regardless of nodule size (all P>0.05). In the small nodule group,6 metastatic lymph nodes of medullary thyroid carcinoma (LNM-MTC) and 11 metastatic lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (LNM-PTC) were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound, respectively. The diagnostic compliance rate of ultrasound was 78.6% (22/28) and 78.3% (54/69), respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.973). In the large nodule group, 28 LNM-MTC and 11 LNM-PTC were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound, respectively. The diagnostic compliance of ultrasound was 88.1% (52/59) and 73.5% (111/151), respectively, which was statistically significant ( P=0.022). Among them, 82.1% of LNM-MTC and 56.6% of LNM-PTC showed abnormal blood flow signals, with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.016). There were significant differences in preoperative serum CT and CEA levels of different sizes of MTCs (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Different sizes of MTCs require diverse demonstrative criteria. Abnormal blood flow signal is of great significance in the diagnosis of LNM-MTC. Within the absence of ultrasonic characteristics, preoperative serum CT test can provide confidence for the diagnosis of MTC.
10.Efficacy and safety evaluation of recombinant human growth hormone in treatment of pediatric patients with GHD and ISS based on propensity scores
Xi YANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yanxia MA ; Mei HAN ; Zikun TAO ; Weixiao BU ; Huaxia MU ; Yaqi XU ; Suzhen WANG ; Fuyan SHI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(6):1703-1711
Objective:To discuss the clinical efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)in the treatment of the pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency(GHD)and idiopathic short stature(ISS),and to clarify its clinical application value in the pediatric patients with short stature of different etiologies.Methods:The clinical data of 132 children with short stature who treated with rhGH from January 2018 to January 2023 were collected.They were divided into GHD group(n=70)and ISS group(n=62)based on different etiologies.The bone age,target height(TH),body mass index(BMI),height standard deviation score(HtSDS),changes in height standard deviation scores(ΔHtSDS)before treatment and 6 months after treatment,and growth velocity(GV)of the pediatric patients were calculated.Propensity score matching(PSM)and inverse probability of treatment weighting(IPTW)were used to balance the confounding factors between the pediatric patients in two groups and the efficacy and safety of the pediatric patients in two groups were evaluated.Results:There were significant differences in whether children were full-term,bone age,bone age maturity,and TH of the pediatric patients between two groups(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the height and HtSDS of the pediatric patients in both GHD and ISS groups were significantly increased after treated for 6 months(P<0.05).Before matched by PSM,there were significant differences in full-term,bone age,bone age maturity,and TH of the pediatric patients between two groups(P<0.05).After matched by PSM,there were no significant differences in gender,region,term birth status,mode of delivery,feeding method,age,bone age,height,BMI,TH,and pretreatment HtSDS of the pediatric patients between two groups(P>0.05);the standardized mean difference(SMD)differences of covariates except for region were<0.2.After weighted by IPTW,there were no significant differences in gender,region,term birth status,mode of delivery,feeding method,age,bone age,height,BMI,TH,and pretreatment HtSDS of the pediatric patients between two groups(P>0.05);all SMD of covariates except for term birth status were<0.2.Before balancing covariates,after meatched by PSM matching,and after weighted by IPTW weighting compared with GHD group,the GV and ΔHtSDS of the pediatric patients in ISS group were slightly increased,but the difference was not significant(P>0.05).In terms of adverse reactions,2 cases(2.68%)of fasting hyperglycemia and 7 cases(10.00%)of hypothyroidism occurred in GHD group;3 cases(4.84%)of fasting hyperglycemia and 2 cases(3.23%)of hypothyroidism occurred in ISS group.Conclusion:rhGH can promote the height increase in the patients with GHD and ISS,and there is no significant difference in the height-increasing efficacy between GHD and ISS children.The incidence of adverse reactions is relatively low during treatment,indicating good overall safety.

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