1.Therapeutic efficacy of ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormone in aGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Yue HU ; Xupai ZHANG ; Sihan LAI ; Shan ZHANG ; Lei MA ; Xiao WANG ; Yan DENG ; Ying HAN ; Ying HE ; Guangcui HE ; Hai YI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):506-512
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormone for patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Thirty patients with aGVHD after allo-HSCT admitted to the Department of Hematology of the General Hospital of Western Theater Command from November 2021 to November 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with low-dose hormone (methylprednisolone 0.3-1 mg kg
-d
) combined with ruxolitinib 5-10 mg d
. The efficacy and adverse reactions were observed during the follow-up period to analyze the survival outcomes of the patients. Results: A total of 30 patients with aGVHD after allo-HSCT were included in this study, consisting of 15 (50%) males and 15 (50%) females with a median age of 34 year-old (ranging from 14 to 62). Classification by disease type: there were 18 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 4 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 4 cases of aplastic anemia, and 4 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome. Classification by aGVHD severity: there were 27 cases (90%) of Ⅱ-Ⅳ degree aGVHD and 11 cases (36.7%) of Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree aGVHD. Ruxolitinib in combination with low-dose glucocorticoid treatment yield responses in 28 (93.3%) patients, of which 27 (90%) achieved complete remission (CR), while 1 (3.3%) showed partial remission (PR). One patient (3.3%) had no response (NR), and 1 patient (3.3%) exhibited progressed disease (PD). Overall survival (OS) at 1 year of transplantation was 73.9% (95%CI 49.5% to 87.7%), progression-free survival (PFS) was 93.3% (95%CI 75.9% to 98.3%), non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 20.6% (95%CI 7.9% to 47.4%), and median survival time was 27.6 months. Conclusion: Ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormones is safe and effective in the treatment of aGVHD after allo-HSCT.
2.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of sepsis by regulating helper T cell differen-tiation
Sihan GUO ; He SU ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Jilintai RONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):516-521
epsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome triggered by infection, and its high mortality rate is closely associated with immune imbalance, particularly the imbalance in the differentiation of helper T cell (Th) cell subsets [Th1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T cell (Treg) ] . In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its characteristics of multi-component and multi-target actions, has demonstrated unique advantages in regulating Th cell differentiation and function, as well as correcting immune imbalances in sepsis, offering new perspectives for immunotherapy of sepsis. This review summarizes relevant studies on the regulation of Th cell differentiation for sepsis treatment by TCM monomers and active ingredients (such as Astragalus membranaceus , Scutellaria baicalensis , Coptis chinensis , Rheum palmatum , Ganoderma lucidum , Ginkgo biloba , and Cistanche deserticola ), the alcohol extract of Dai Baijie, and TCM formulas and preparations categorized as blood-activating and stasis-removing, purgative and laxative, warming and tonifying yang, and tonifying qi and nourishing yin. The results indicate that these TCM monomers, active ingredients, extracts, formulas, and preparations can regulate the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance, target the differentiation balance of Th cell subsets, alleviate inflammatory responses, or improve immune suppression, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on sepsis.
3.Investigation and disposal of a suspected outbreak of hospital-acquired carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection in an ICU
Hairui SONG ; Chunyan SUN ; Sihan XIAO ; Ruqing GAO ; Qi ZHANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(15):2351-2356
OBJECTIVE To study the prevention and control strategies for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii(CRAB)infection through inves-tigating an outbreak of CRAB infection in an intensive care unit(ICU),and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of such hospital-acquired infections.METHODS Epide-miological investigations were conducted on patients with CRAB infection in the ICU of a hospital from Jul.7 to Jul.29,2023,and microbial sampling,identification and drug sensitivity testing were conducted on suspected con-taminated environments and items.Targeted prevention and control measures were taken to control the outbreak.RESULTS Within a short period,8 patients in this hospital developed CRAB hospital-acquired infection,among whom,the drug resistance profiles of CRAB isolated from the specimens of 7 patients in bed A4,A14,B18,B19,B20,B21 and B22 were consistent.Through environmental hygiene monitoring,CRAB isolated from patient clothing,isolation gowns and medical staff uniforms matched the drug resistance profiles of the seven patient iso-lates.After taking targeted measures,no new CRAB infection cases occurred in Oct.,and CRAB was no longer i-solated from the environment and medical fabrics.CONCLUSIONS The suspected outbreak of CRAB infection may be related to the inadequate management and contamination of medical fabrics.Therefore,in addition to strictly implementing the routine prevention and control measures for multidrug-resistant bacteria,it is also crucial to strengthen the standardized management of medical fabrics for the prevention and control of hospital-acquired in-fections and outbreaks.
4.Cutibacterium acnes promotes inflammation in acne by inducing Gasdermin E-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes
Fengyuan ZHANG ; Sihan CHEN ; Zizhen ZHOU ; Meng ZHOU ; Rong ZENG ; Xu CHEN ; Ni LIAN ; Min LI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(7):623-629
Objective:To investigate the role of Gasdermin E (GSDME) -mediated keratinocyte pyroptosis induced by Cutibacterium acnes ( C.acnes) in the pathogenesis of acne. Methods:The human immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT cells were stimulated with heat-inactived C.acnes for 15 minutes to 24 hours, and Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of cleaved GSDME (GSDME-NT) in HaCaT cells at different time points. Skin tissue samples were collected from 5 acne patients and 4 healthy controls, who visited the Hospital for Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2 to December 1, 2024; additionally, 3 samples of acne cyst contents and 3 samples of normal follicle contents were collected. Immunohistochemical study and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine GSDME-NT expression in the epidermis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of interleukin (IL) -1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α in acne cyst or normal follicle contents. GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells were constructed by transfection with lentivirus carrying GSDME-shRNA, and HaCaT cells transfected with lentivirus carrying the nonsense sequence control (NC) served as controls; ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells after C. acnes stimulation ( C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group) , as well as in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + NC group, C. acnes + NC group, and PBS + GSDME knockdown group. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the GSDME-NT expression in HaCaT cells pretreated with or without retinol after C. acnes stimulation. Results:The cleavage of GSDME in HaCaT cells began at 1 hour after in vitro C. acnes stimulation, and GSDME-NT could be detected at this time. Compared with the control epidermis, the proportion of GSDME-NT-positive HaCaT cells (9.34% ± 2.92% vs. 3.05% ± 1.14%, t = -3.47, P = 0.026) and GSDME-NT protein expression levels ( t = -3.51, P = 0.025) significantly increased in the lesional epidermis of acne patients. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the acne cyst contents than in the normal follicle contents (IL-1β: 1 337.24 [1 182.32, 2 230.61] pg/ml vs. 0.00 [0.00, 108.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.99, P = 0.046; TNF-α: 811.31 [438.26, 817.73] pg/ml vs. 46.67 [12.41, 53.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.96, P = 0.049) . ELISA showed that the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the C. acnes + NC group (12.12 ± 3.07 pg/ml, 26.06 ± 1.57 pg/ml, respectively) than in the PBS + NC group (3.73 ± 2.24 pg/ml, 10.14 ± 0.79 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) ; compared with the C. acnes + NC group, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased in the C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group (3.38 ± 0.93 pg/ml, 12.67 ± 2.10 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) . The GSDME-NT expression was significantly lower in the retinol + C. acnes group than in the C. acnes group ( P = 0.029) . Conclusion:C. acnes may induce GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes, thereby promoting the release of inflammatory factors and aggravating the inflammatory response in acne, while retinol may be able to inhibit this process.
5.Optimization of Processing Technology of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.by Box-Behnken Response Surface Method Combined with Analytic Hierarchy Process
Guowei XU ; Wei WANG ; Sihan LIU ; Yidan HONG ; Liqiang ZHANG ; Chengguo JU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(1):134-139
Objective To optimize the processing technology of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.Methods On the basis of single factor experiment,the ratio of material to liquid,frying temperature and frying time were taken as the influencing factors,and the comprehensive scores of appearance traits,curculigoside,orcinol glucoside and orcinol gentiobioside were taken as the evaluation indexes.The optimal processing technology was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method combined with analytic hierarchy process,and the process verification was carried out.Results The optimal process was as follows:the raw C.orchioides pieces were mixed with the same amount of Evodia rutaecarpa juice,placed in a closed container,moistened until the juice was completely absorbed,stir-fried at 130 ℃ for 6 min,taken out and dried at 60 ℃.For each 100 kg of Curculigo,10 kg of Evodia rutaecarpa was used.Evodia rutaecarpa juice preparation method:10 kg of Evodia rutaecarpa was soaked in 12 times the amount of water for 60 min,decocted for 50 min,extracted for 3 times,combined with the filtrate,and concentrated to 100 kg to obtain Evodia rutaecarpa juice.Conclusion The optimal processing technology of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.is stable and feasible.
6.Genetic variation analyses of human papillomavirus 39 and prediction of T and B Cell epitopes
Yuxiao ZHANG ; Yijuan YANG ; Li WANG ; Sihan LAN ; Jing YU ; Jie HE ; Hongping ZHANG ; Min FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):9-17
Objective:This study aimed to analyze the genetic variation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) type 39 genomes and to predict and screen the dominant T-cell and B-cell epitopes of the viral early proteins (E1, E2, E6, E7) and late proteins (L1, L2).Methods:A total of 70 full-length sequences of HPV39 variants were retrieved from the clinical samples and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) to construct a phylogenetic tree, analyze genetic polymorphisms, and predict the physicochemical properties of the viral proteins. Next, T-cell and B-cell epitopes were predicted using IEDB and ABCpred, and potential dominant epitopes were further selected based on parameters such as the secondary structure of the epitope region, peptide flexibility, hydrophilicity, surface accessibility and antigenicity. Finally, a homology analysis of the potential dominant epitopes was performed with 12 high-risk HPV types.Results:HPV39 variants from different sources can be clustered into two lineages (A and B), each exhibiting distinct mutation patterns. The mutation rate was the highest in E7 and the lowest in E1 among the different viral genes. However, these nucleotide/amino acid mutations did not significantly impact the physicochemical properties of the viral proteins. After prediction and screening, 5 and 6 potential dominant B-cell epitopes were identified in both L1 and L2, respectively. E1, E2, E6, and E7 yielded 18, 10, 4, and 1 potential dominant HLA-I restricted T-cell epitopes, respectively. Additionally, E1, E2, and E6 yielded 7, 3, and 2 potential dominant HLA-II restricted T-cell epitopes, respectively. Homology analysis indicated that T-cell dominant epitopes in E1, E2, and E6, as well as B-cell epitopes in L2, showed high homology (93%-100%) with HPV68, HPV33, HPV45, and HPV59.Conclusions:Bioinformatics analysis and prediction revealed that HPV39 variants can be clustered into two main evolutionary branches, A and B, each exhibiting a specific mutation pattern. The viral proteins contain potential dominant T-cell and B-cell epitopes that can be further investigated, providing valuable theoretical support for the development of HPV39-related peptide-based vaccines and therapeutics.
7.Analysis of etiological characteristics,risk factors and inflammatory factors in patients with postoperative infection following modified radical mastectomy
Fang QIAN ; Yongqiang SUN ; Sihan ZHANG ; Tianli SONG
China Oncology 2025;35(6):563-569
Background and purpose:Modified radical mastectomy is an important approach for treating breast cancer,but the risk of postoperative incision infection rate is relatively high,which can seriously affect the treatment outcome and prognosis of these patients.This study aimed to investigate the etiological characteristics,related risk factors and changes of serum inflammatory factors such as procalcitonin(PCT),C reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.Methods:The clinical data of breast cancer patients admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Zhengzhou from February 2019 to February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.The pathogenic bacteria distribution and related risk factors of postoperative incision infection and the changes of serum inflammatory factors such as PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 were explored.This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third People's Hospital of Zhengzhou(No.:2025-04-014-K01)and acquired the informed consent.The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology(STROBE)checklist was followed for this case control study.Results:A total of 128 patients were enrolled in this study.All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy were divided into infected group(n=22)and non-infected group(n=106)according to whether incision infection occurred after surgery.The incision infection rate after modified radical mastectomy was 17.19%(22/128).Twenty-six strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated and cultured from 22 patients with postoperative incision infection.Among these,16 strains were Gram-positive,accounting for 61.54%(16/26),mainly staphylococcus aureus and enterococcus faecalis.There were 10 Gram-negative strains,accounting for 38.46%(10/26),mainly escherichia coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa.The influencing factors of incision infection after modified radical mastectomy included preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,intraoperative blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,drainage time≥7 d,albumin<35 g/L,and white blood cell count<4×109/L(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,duration of drainage time≥7 d,albumin<35 g/L and white blood cell count<4×109/L were the independent influencing factors of incision infection after modified radical mastectomy(P<0.05).The peripheral blood levels of PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 in both groups increased compared with those before surgery,and those in the infected group were higher than those in the non-infected group(P<0.05).Conclusion:staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli were the main pathogens after modified radical breast mastectomy.Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,drainage time≥7 d,albumin<35 g/L and white blood cell count<4×109/L were the independent influencing factors.The levels of serum PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 could be used as effective indicators to predict postoperative incision infection.
8.Protective Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Damage of PV Interneurons in Schizophrenic Mice
Hongli ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Chaohui DUAN ; Mingcai JI ; Sihan ZENG ; Xiaoyuan LYU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(5):1368-1375
Objective To investigate the mechanism of action of Ginkgo biloba extract on schizophrenia based on oxidative stress-mediated damage to PV interneurons.Methods 54 SPF grade male mice were selected as experimental subjects,divided into blank group,model group,ginkgo biloba extract 50 mg·kg-1,100 mg·kg-1,150 mg·kg-1 group,and risperidone group.Schizophrenic mouse models were established by intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 0.3 mg·kg-1,and behavioral(open field experiment,Y-maze,forced swimming)tests were conducted.Blood samples and brain tissue were collected 24 h after the last dose,Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect changes in PV neurons in the mouse brain;Detect the content of MAD,GSH Px,and SOD in serum using a reagent kit;ELISA method was used to detect the levels of iron and lipid peroxidation in mouse brain tissue;Western blot was used to detect the protein level of GPX4 in the mouse brain.Results Compared with the model group,the Ginkgo biloba leaf extract 150 mg·kg-1 group and the risperidone group significantly reduced the spontaneous alternation rate of the Y maze and significantly shortened the immobility time of forced swimming(P<0.05);PV neuron staining with varying degrees of enhanced fluorescence intensity;The MDA content in the serum of mice was significantly reduced(P<0.01),while the contents of SOD and GSH px were significantly increased(P<0.05);The iron content in the mouse brain was significantly reduced(P<0.05),the ROS content was significantly reduced(P<0.05),and the GPX4 content in the mouse brain was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Ginkgo biloba extract has a significant improvement effect on negative symptoms and cognitive impairment in MK-801 induced schizophrenia mouse models,and can also improve PV neuron damage in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia mice.Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of iron death mediated oxidative stress by Ginkgo biloba extract.
9.Cutibacterium acnes promotes inflammation in acne by inducing Gasdermin E-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes
Fengyuan ZHANG ; Sihan CHEN ; Zizhen ZHOU ; Meng ZHOU ; Rong ZENG ; Xu CHEN ; Ni LIAN ; Min LI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(7):623-629
Objective:To investigate the role of Gasdermin E (GSDME) -mediated keratinocyte pyroptosis induced by Cutibacterium acnes ( C.acnes) in the pathogenesis of acne. Methods:The human immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT cells were stimulated with heat-inactived C.acnes for 15 minutes to 24 hours, and Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of cleaved GSDME (GSDME-NT) in HaCaT cells at different time points. Skin tissue samples were collected from 5 acne patients and 4 healthy controls, who visited the Hospital for Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2 to December 1, 2024; additionally, 3 samples of acne cyst contents and 3 samples of normal follicle contents were collected. Immunohistochemical study and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine GSDME-NT expression in the epidermis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of interleukin (IL) -1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α in acne cyst or normal follicle contents. GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells were constructed by transfection with lentivirus carrying GSDME-shRNA, and HaCaT cells transfected with lentivirus carrying the nonsense sequence control (NC) served as controls; ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells after C. acnes stimulation ( C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group) , as well as in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + NC group, C. acnes + NC group, and PBS + GSDME knockdown group. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the GSDME-NT expression in HaCaT cells pretreated with or without retinol after C. acnes stimulation. Results:The cleavage of GSDME in HaCaT cells began at 1 hour after in vitro C. acnes stimulation, and GSDME-NT could be detected at this time. Compared with the control epidermis, the proportion of GSDME-NT-positive HaCaT cells (9.34% ± 2.92% vs. 3.05% ± 1.14%, t = -3.47, P = 0.026) and GSDME-NT protein expression levels ( t = -3.51, P = 0.025) significantly increased in the lesional epidermis of acne patients. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the acne cyst contents than in the normal follicle contents (IL-1β: 1 337.24 [1 182.32, 2 230.61] pg/ml vs. 0.00 [0.00, 108.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.99, P = 0.046; TNF-α: 811.31 [438.26, 817.73] pg/ml vs. 46.67 [12.41, 53.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.96, P = 0.049) . ELISA showed that the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the C. acnes + NC group (12.12 ± 3.07 pg/ml, 26.06 ± 1.57 pg/ml, respectively) than in the PBS + NC group (3.73 ± 2.24 pg/ml, 10.14 ± 0.79 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) ; compared with the C. acnes + NC group, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased in the C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group (3.38 ± 0.93 pg/ml, 12.67 ± 2.10 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) . The GSDME-NT expression was significantly lower in the retinol + C. acnes group than in the C. acnes group ( P = 0.029) . Conclusion:C. acnes may induce GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes, thereby promoting the release of inflammatory factors and aggravating the inflammatory response in acne, while retinol may be able to inhibit this process.
10.Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits mGluR5-Fyn signaling to alleviate neuroinflammation and pathological changes in Alzheimer disease
Yuxiang LIU ; Yani HE ; Xueying LIN ; Sihan PENG ; Shuyi LI ; Keke ZHANG ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(5):833-842
AIM:This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester(CAPE)on metabotropic glutamate receptor 5(mGluR5)and tyrosine kinase Fyn,and to explore its role in alleviating neuroinflam-mation and pathological features of Alzheimer disease(AD).METHODS:In vitro,the murine neuroblastoma N2a cell line was treated with amyloid β-protein 42 oligomers(Aβ42Os;10 nmol/L to 10 μmol/L)for 24 h.Cell viability was as-sessed by MTT assay.Western blot analyzed mGluR5 expression and Fyn phosphorylation(Tyr416).Pharmacological modulators(CHPG/MPEP)were used to evaluate mGluR5-mediated inflammatory cytokine regulation(qPCR)and Fyn ac-tivation.In vivo,wild-type(WT)and 5×FAD mice(WT,WT+CAPE,5×FAD and 5×FAD+CAPE)were analyzed for AD-related proteins,neuroinflammation(ELISA),glial activation(GFAP/Iba-1 immunofluorescence),and β-amyloid deposi-tion(thioflavin S).RESULTS:(1)Treatment with 1 μmol/L Aβ42Os increased mGluR5 expression(P<0.01)and Fyn phosphorylation(P<0.01)without affecting N2a cell viability.Intracerebral Aβ42Os injection similarly up-regulated hip-pocampal mGluR5 and Fyn(P<0.01).(2)MPEP reduced mGluR5 expression(P<0.01)and Fyn phosphorylation(P<0.01),while suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)mRNA levels(P<0.01).(3)CAPE decreased mGluR5-Fyn activation in N2a cells,neurons,and 5×FAD mice(P<0.01).(4)CAPE-treated 5×FAD mice exhibited reduced neuroinflammation markers(GFAP,Iba-1,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6),Aβ plaques,and p-APP levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Treatment with CAPE inhibits Aβ42Os-induced mGluR5-Fyn signaling activation,thereby attenuating neuroinflammation and the pathology associated with AD.

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