1.Epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of liver cancer in Guangdong Province
Ying ZHANG ; Yixuan CHEN ; Rong CAO ; Yue GAO ; Yutong HAN ; Ye WANG ; Ruilin MENG ; Xueyan ZHENG ; Yu LIAO ; Zhuanping ZENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):68-72
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of liver cancer in Guangdong Province in 2020, and to provide a scientific foundation for the development of regionalized prevention and control strategies for liver cancer. Methods According to the cancer registry data of Guangdong Province, the incidence, mortality and age-standardized rate by Chinese standard population in 2020 were calculated to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of liver cancer. The disability adjusted life years (DALYs), year of life loss (YLL), year of lived with disability (YLD), and cause-eliminated life expectancy were used to assess the disease burden of liver cancer. Results In 2020, the crude incidence rate and the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer in Guangdong Province were 27.79/100 000 and 20.84/100 000,respectively, and the crude mortality rate and the age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer were 25.49/100,000 and 17.64/100 000, respectively. The total DALY and DALY rate of liver cancer in Guangdong Province were 515 311 person-years and 513.83/100 000, respectively. After eliminating the causes of death from liver cancer, the life expectancy in Guangdong Province increased from 84.60 years to 84.99 years. All indicators consistently demonstrated that the burden of liver cancer was higher in males than that in females, and the burden of liver cancer was higher in rural areas than that in urban areas. Conclusion Liver cancer in Guangdong Province exhibits a high incidence, mortality and disease burden level in 2020. There are obvious differences of gender, age and region in cancer burden. It is necessary to strengthen liver cancer screening and diagnosis and treatment in men, the elderly and those in rural areas to reduce the burden of liver cancer gradually in Guangdong Province.
2.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
3.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
4.Simultaneous determination of 13 aromatic amine compounds in workplace air by high performance liquid chromatography
Weimin XIE ; Ruibo MENG ; Zuofei XIE ; Jing YUAN ; Jiaheng HE ; Jiawen HU ; Weifeng RONG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):182-187
Objective To establish a liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of 13 aromatic amine compounds (AAs) in workplace air. Methods A total of 13 AAs in both vapor and aerosol phases were collected in workplace air using a new GDH-6 sampling tube. Samples were desorbed and eluted with methanol, separated using a Symmetry Shield™ RP18 reversed-phase liquid chromatography column, and detected with a diode array detector. Quantification was performed using an external standard method. Results The linear range of the 13 AAs measured by this method was 0.02-373.60 μg/L with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.999 0. The minimum detection concentration was 0.09-14.37 μg/m3, and the minimum quantitative concentration was 0.31-47.90 μg/m3 (both calculated based on sampling 15.0 L of air and 3.0 mL of elution volume). The average desorption and elution efficiency ranged from 97.46% to 101.23%. The within-run relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.10%-5.99%, and the between-run RSD was 0.17%-2.71%. Samples could be stably stored in sealed conditions at 2-8 ℃ for more than seven days. Conclusion This method is suitable for the simultaneous determination of 13 AAs in workplace air, including both vapor and aerosol phases.
5.Simultaneous determination of four thiol derivatives in workplace air by gas chromatography
Ruibo MENG ; Jing YUAN ; Jiawen HU ; Jiaheng HE ; Jingjing QIU ; Zuokan LIN ; Ziqun ZHANG ; Weifeng RONG ; Banghua WU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):188-192
Objective To establish a method for simultaneous determination of four high-molecular-weight thiol derivatives (TDs) in workplace air by gas chromatography. Methods The four kinds of vapor-phase macromolecular TDs (1-pentanethiol, 1-hexanethiol, 1-benzyl mercaptan, and n-octanethiol) in the workplace air were collected using the GDH-1 air sampling tubes, desorbed with anhydrous ethanol, separated on a DB-FFAP capillary column, and determined by flame ionization detector. Results The quantitation range of the four TDs was 0.30-207.37 mg/L, with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.999 00. The minimum detection mass concentrations and minimum quantitation mass concentrations were 0.18-0.32 and 0.60-1.05 mg/m3, respectively (both calculated based on the 1.5 L sample and 3.0 mL desorption solvent). The mean desorption efficiencies ranged from 87.07% to 103.59%. The within-run and between-run relative standard deviations were 1.92%-8.22% and 1.89%-8.45%, respectively. The samples can be stored at room temperature or 4 ℃ for three days and up to 7 days at -18 ℃. Conclusion This method is suitable for the simultaneous determination of four vapor-phase TDs in workplace air.
6.Guidelines on the Technical Plan for Emergency Health Response to Acute Gelsemium Poisoning
Jiaxin JIANG ; Ruibo MENG ; Zhongxiang GAO ; Rongzong LI ; Weifeng RONG ; Weihui LIANG ; Shibiao SU ; Jian HUANG ; Cheng JIN ; LlU XIAOYONG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):203-206
Acute Gelsemium poisoning is a systemic disease primarily affecting the central nervous system and respiratory symptoms caused by the ingestion of a substantial amount of Gelsemium within a short period. It manifests as sudden onset and rapid progression, primarily caused by accidental ingestion due to misidentification, and posing significant health risks. The compilation of the Technical Plan for Emergency Health Response to Acute Gelsemium Poisoning describes in detail the specialized practice and technical requirements in the process of handling acute Gelsemium poisoning, including accident investigation and management, laboratory testing and identification, in-hospital treatment, and health monitoring. The guidelines clarify key procedures and requirements such as personal protection, investigation elements, etiology determination, medical rescue, and health education. The key to acute Gelsemium poisoning investigation lies in promptly identifying the toxin through exposure history, clinical manifestations, and sample testing. Because there is no specific antidote for Gelsemium poisoning, immediate removal from exposure, rapid elimination of the toxin, and respiratory monitoring are critical on-site rescue measures. Visual identification of food or herbal materials, followed by laboratory testing to determine Gelsemium alkaloids in samples is a rapid effective screening method. These guidelines offer a scientific, objective, and practical framework to support effective emergency responses to acute Gelsemium poisoning incidences.
7.Comparison of biomechanical characteristics of superior and inferior pubic ramus fractures fixed with different internal fixation methods
Xin RAO ; Daixiang JIANG ; Hui LU ; Yangxing LUO ; Meng LI ; Dingxi LIU ; Qimei WU ; Rong LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(27):5757-5764
BACKGROUND:Percutaneous retrograde screws and minimally invasive percutaneous plates are extensively used in the treatment of unilateral pubic ramus fractures.However,the above internal fixations have the disadvantages of mistakenly penetrating the hip joint and damaging the medial pelvic trophoblastic artery.A new type of retrograde superior pubic ramus intramedullary nail offers advantages,such as fewer radiographic exposures and shorter surgery times,but the validation of the biomechanical properties of the three endoprostheses is lacking.OBJECTIVE:To compare the biomechanical differences post-treatment of upper and lower pubic ramus fractures using percutaneous retrograde screws,minimally invasive percutaneous plates,and retrograde superior pubic ramus intramedullary nail under various conditions through finite element analysis.METHODS:Pelvic CT data were collected from one volunteer and imported into Mimics 20,Geomagic Wrap 2021,and SolidWorks 2019 to create geometric models of three types of internal fixation for treating unilateral pubic ramus fractures:hollow screw group,plate group,and intramedullary nail group.Each model was imported into Ansys 2022 software,where it was set up in vertical,book-opening,and shear conditions for preprocessing and calculation to compare and analyze the mechanical stability of the implants.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vertical conditions,the biomechanical stability of the hollow screw treatment for unilateral pubic fractures was superior to that of the steel plate and intramedullary nail,with the smallest peak stress in the implant,which was four times lower compared to the other two groups.(2)In book-opening conditions,the steel plate treatment for unilateral pubic fractures showed better biomechanical stability,particularly in reducing stress at the fracture ends of the upper pubic branch,with stress values five times higher in the other two groups.(3)In shear conditions,the intramedullary nail treatment for unilateral pubic fractures exhibited good biomechanical stability,maintaining the best pelvic displacement,with a 25%greater displacement observed in the other two groups.(4)These findings reveal the biomechanical differences of different implants:the peak stress of implants is the smallest under vertical working conditions with percutaneous retrograde screws.Minimally invasive percutaneous plates reduce the stress at the broken end of superior pubic branch under open-book working condition.Retrograde superior pubic ramus intramedullary nail of superior pubic branch maintains pelvic displacement under shear working condition.The surgeon can combine the biomechanical differences of the implants with the actual situation of pubic injury in clinical practice to make the best implant treatment.
8.Analysis of the effectiveness and acceptability of antidepressants in the treatment of postpartum depression
Wen-feng LI ; Ke XU ; Xin WEN ; Meng LI ; Hai YUAN ; De-rong KONG ; Wei-feng MI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):245-249
Objective To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of antidepressant drugs in the treatment of postpartum depression(PPD).Methods The PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Database,VIP Journals of Chinese Scienc were searched,and Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System(SinoMed)database until November 2023.Screen randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of antidepressant drugs for the treatment of PPD.The treatment group was given antidepressant drugs,and the control group was given placebo or another antidepressant drug.Meta-analysis of effectiveness and acceptability is performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 27 RCTs with a total of 2 202 patients were included.The results of meta-analysis showed:The top three efficacy relative to placebo were mirtazapine[odds ratio(OR)=2.25,95%confidence interval(CI)=(1.20-3.30),P<0.05],nortriptyline[OR=1.50,95%CI=(0.55-2.44),P>0.05],venlafaxine[OR=1.35,95%CI=(0.13-2.56),P>0.05].Acceptability is compared with placebo in the top three Chinese herbal medicine[OR=0.47,95%CI=(-0.72-1.66),P>0.05],nortriptyline[OR=-0.08,95%CI=(-1.16-1.33),P>0.05],venlafaxine[OR=-0.12,95%CI=(-1.47-1.24),P>0.05].Conclusion Nortriptyline,venlafaxine,trazodone,and duloxetine are effective in treating PPD without obvious adverse drug reactions.
9.An investigation into how fixation and permeabilization affect antigens'mean fluorescence values and percentage of positive cells obtained through flow cytometry
Xianing GUO ; Yuxin LIU ; Song YU ; Rong LI ; Ye YANG ; Jiaqing LI ; Meng CAO ; Jing LUAN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(8):1997-2002
Objective:Conventional myeloid cell staining methodologies were employed to stain splenocytes and peripheral blood cells by fixation and permeabilization and non-fixation and permeabilization methods,respectively,and effects of staining were compared following flow cytometry detection.Methods:Peripheral blood and spleen of three 8-week-old C57 male mice were divided into fixation and permeabilization group and non-fixation and permeabilization group for staining,and flow cytometry was used to detect mean fluorescence intensity(MFI)of each fluorescent antibody and proportion of positive cells.Results:In mouse peripheral blood samples,MFI of 7-AAD-PerCP-Cyanine5.5 and CD147-PE were lower in fixation and permeabilization group than non-fixation and permeabilization group,MFI of F4/80-FITC,MHC Class Ⅱ(I-A/I-E)-APC-R700,Ly-6c-APC-Cy7,CD206-BV421,CD45-BV510,CD11b-BV605,CD11c-BV650 and CD86-BV786 were higher than non-fixation and permeabilization group.Proportions of each immune cell in fixation and permeabilization group and non-fixation and permeabilization group were highly similar.In mouse spleen samples,MFI of antibodies in fixation and permeabilization group were higher than those in non-fixation and permeabilization group,with exception of CD147-PE,which had a lower MFI than non-fixation and permeabilization group;proportions of dendritic cells and Mon/Ly-6clow cells were lower than non-fixation and permeabilization group,whereas proportions of rest myeloid subpopula-tions were higher than non-fixation and permeabilization group.Conclusion:Fixation and permeabilization in peripheral blood cells can improve antibody MFI,but it has little effect on proportion of positive cells.Fixation and permeabilization can enhance antibody MFI in splenocytes,while effect on proportion of each positive cell is more significant.It is advised that when designing staining strate-gies,researchers attempt to choose alternative cell surface antigens for assay or optimize protocols through required pre-experiments in order to acquire stable and dependable results.
10.Advances in the study of gut-derived uremic toxins and vascular calcification
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(1):75-84
As a common complication of chronic kidney disease(CKD),vascular calcification(VC)significantly increases the incidence of CKD-complicated cardiovascular disease(CVD)and mortality.As chronic kidney disease ad-vances and the glomerular filtration rate(GFT)declines,certain solutes,incapable of efficient filtration and elimination,a-mass within the body,coalescing into uremic toxins which instigate a spectrum of complications,ultimately intensifying mortality rates.Gut-derived uremic toxins(GUT),products of intestinal flora metabolizing and fermenting intestinal sub-stances,significantly influence the trajectory and prognosis of CKD patients,exerting a pivotal role in the genesis of VC.Manipulating uremic toxin levels by modulating the host gut microbiota emerges as a potential means to prevent and manage VC.This discourse delves into elucidating the precise mechanisms through which various commonplace GUT—encompas-sing small molecules,macromolecules,and protein-bound toxins—impact the evolution of VC.This impact is predomi-nantly observed through their modulation of the host's inflammatory response,oxidative stress,and signaling pathways.These insights offer a potential avenue for the modulation of uremic toxin levels,positing a novel adjunctive therapeutic ap-proach for managing VC.


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