1.TGF-β1-engineered Biomimetic Platelet Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke
Li-Qi CHEN ; Tian-Fang KANG ; Guo-Jun HUANG ; Ting YIN ; Ai-Qing MA ; Lin-Tao CAI ; Hong PAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):697-710
ObjectivePost-ischemic acute inflammation and the subsequent persistent dysregulation of the immune microenvironment represent major pathological drivers that aggravate neuronal injury and severely restrict functional recovery following ischemic stroke. Although current reperfusion therapies partially restore blood flow, they fail to effectively modulate the secondary inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress, which remain critical barriers to neurological restoration. To address this challenge, this study aimed to engineer and systematically evaluate a biomimetic nanosystem composed of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-loaded platelet membrane-camouflaged lipid nanoparticles (PLP). This nanosystem was designed to achieve dual lesion-targeted delivery and immune microenvironment remodeling. By verifying its spatiotemporal accumulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and neuroprotective efficacy, we sought to establish an integrated therapeutic strategy that simultaneously enables lesion targeting, immune regulation, and functional recovery after ischemic injury. MethodsThe physicochemical properties of PLP, including hydrodynamic particle size, zeta potential, structural stability, and morphology, were characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The preservation of platelet membrane-derived adhesion and immunoregulatory proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE through comparative analysis of protein band profiles between PLP and native platelet membranes. The in vitro biological activities of PLP were evaluated using two complementary cellular models. LPS-induced M1-polarized RAW264.7 macrophages were employed to assess inflammatory modulation, while oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced BV2 microglial cells and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were utilized to investigate neuroinflammatory regulation and neuronal protection. For in vivo validation, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The spatiotemporal biodistribution and lesion-targeting capability of the PLP were monitored through live fluorescence imaging. Therapeutic efficacy was comprehensively evaluated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence analysis, body weight monitoring, and neurological severity score (NSS) assessment. ResultsPLP nanoparticles displayed a uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale particle size distribution, and stable negative surface charge, indicating favorable colloidal stability and circulation potential. SDS-PAGE results confirmed the effective retention of key platelet membrane proteins associated with endothelial adhesion, immune evasion, and inflammatory regulation, demonstrating the successful biomimetic construction. Optimal therapeutic concentrations were determined in OGD/R-induced BV2 cells, where PLP exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity.In vitro experiments demonstrated that PLP significantly inhibited the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis under ischemia-reperfusion conditions. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that PLP rapidly accumulated in the ischemic brain hemisphere and maintained prolonged retention for up to 7 d, suggesting enhanced lesion-specific targeting and sustained drug release. Compared with control group, PLP treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume, attenuated reactive astrogliosis, improved weight recovery, and accelerated neurological functional restoration, as reflected by significantly improved NSS scores. ConclusionThis study establishes a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates platelet membrane-mediated active targeting with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties of TGF-β1. The PLP system enables rapid lesion homing and long-term retention while synergistically regulating the post-stroke inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing pro-inflammatory immune activation, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and limiting excessive astrocyte reactivity. Importantly, this study proposes a conceptually therapeutic paradigm that combines targeted delivery with immune microenvironment remodeling to achieve comprehensive neurovascular protection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence supporting the translational potential of biomimetic nanotherapeutics as next-generation precision interventions for ischemic stroke.
2.Prognostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yun-Ting WANG ; Adarsh KUDVA ; Yen-Ting LU ; Liang-Tseng KUO ; Chia-Hsuan LAI ; Yuan-Hsiung TSAI ; Chun-Ta LIAO ; Ku-Hao FANG ; Chung-Jan KANG ; Ethan I. HUANG ; Cheng-Ming HSU ; Geng-He CHANG ; Ming-Shao TSAI ; Yao-Te TSAI
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):45-54
Objectives:
. The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC.
Methods:
. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Results:
. Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion
. Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.
3.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
4.Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Widespread Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia
Xin TANG ; Qian-Qian MENG ; Ye GAO ; Chu-Ting YU ; Yan-Rong ZHANG ; Yan BIAN ; Jin-Fang XU ; Lei XIN ; Wei WANG ; Han LIN ; Luo-Wei WANG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(2):198-206
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival.
Results:
Ninety-two and 33 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD and ERFA, respectively. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates for ESD were 100.0%, 90.2%, and 76.1%, respectively. At 12 months, the complete response rate was comparable between the two groups (94.6% vs 90.9%, p=0.748). During a median follow-up of 66 months, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the ERFA group (p=0.004), while no significant differences in overall survival (p=0.845) and disease-specific survival (p=0.494) were observed.Preoperative diagnosis of intramucosal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.55; vs high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) was an independent predictor of recurrence. Significantly fewer patients in the ERFA group experienced stenosis compare to ESD group (15.2% vs 38.0%, p=0.016).
Conclusions
The risk of recurrence was higher for ERFA than ESD for ESCN but overall survival was not affected. The risk of esophageal stenosis was significantly lower for patients who underwent ERFA.
5.Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Widespread Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia
Xin TANG ; Qian-Qian MENG ; Ye GAO ; Chu-Ting YU ; Yan-Rong ZHANG ; Yan BIAN ; Jin-Fang XU ; Lei XIN ; Wei WANG ; Han LIN ; Luo-Wei WANG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(2):198-206
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival.
Results:
Ninety-two and 33 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD and ERFA, respectively. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates for ESD were 100.0%, 90.2%, and 76.1%, respectively. At 12 months, the complete response rate was comparable between the two groups (94.6% vs 90.9%, p=0.748). During a median follow-up of 66 months, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the ERFA group (p=0.004), while no significant differences in overall survival (p=0.845) and disease-specific survival (p=0.494) were observed.Preoperative diagnosis of intramucosal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.55; vs high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) was an independent predictor of recurrence. Significantly fewer patients in the ERFA group experienced stenosis compare to ESD group (15.2% vs 38.0%, p=0.016).
Conclusions
The risk of recurrence was higher for ERFA than ESD for ESCN but overall survival was not affected. The risk of esophageal stenosis was significantly lower for patients who underwent ERFA.
6.HPLC fingerprint of Shaoyao Gancao Keli
Shangren LI ; Kaiting DUAN ; Ting YAYG ; Fang WANG ; Difei HUANG ; Lingling DUAN ; Junjie LI ; Shiyong LIU
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(5):488-492
Objective:To establish HPLC fingerprint of Shaoyao Gancao Keli to provide quality control.Methods:Waters Xselect CSH C18 column was used.The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.05%phosphoric acid solution with gradient elution.The detection wavelength was 232 nm.The column temperature was 35 ℃.The flow rate was 0.8 mL·min-1.The injection volume was 10 μL.10 samples were tested by the method.The similarity of 10 samples were evaluated,and the common peaks were identified.Results:HPLC fingerprint of 17 common peaks was estab-lished.10 common peaks were identified which were gallic acid,albiflorin,paeoniflorin,liquiritin apioside,liquiritin,β-1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose,isoliquiritin apioside,isoliquiritin,liquiritigenin,glycyrrhizic acid.The similarity of 10 samples was higher than 0.95.Conclusion:The method has good separation,accuracy,re-peatability and stability,and could be used as a standard for quality control of Shaoyao Gancao Keli.
7.Clinical features and genetic analysis of horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis caused by ROBO3 gene variation in two families
Ting LIU ; Fei WANG ; Yuebing LU ; Zhongqi FANG ; Ping LI ; Shijie DONG ; Dayong BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(7):611-617
Objective:To observe and analyze the ocular clinical features and pathogenic genes of horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS).Methods:A pedigree study was conducted.Two families with HGPPS diagnosed by ophthalmology examination at Henan Children's Hospital from November 2023 to April 2024 were included, with 3 people from two generations in each family.Medical history and family history of the subjects were inquired.Vision acuity, diopter, anterior segment, intraocular pressure, wide-angle laser scanning ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, visual evoked potential (VEP), electroretinogram (ERG), ocular B-ultrasound, full spine AP+ lateral view, orbit+ skull+ cervical spine+ thoracic spine+ lumbosacral spine MRI plain scan were performed on the subjects.Whole genomic DNA was extracted from 2 ml of peripheral venous blood collected from the subjects, and gene sequencing was performed using whole exome sequencing (WES) technology.Suspicious pathogenic variant loci were verified by Sanger sequencing, and the pathogenicity of gene variant loci was analyzed according to the ACMG standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan Children's Hospital (No.2024-KY-0024).All subjects and guardians signed informed consent forms and were informed of relevant matters before genetic testing.Results:The proband from family 1 was male, 3 years and 2 months old.At the age of 6 months, he was found to have head tilted to the left with a right scoliosis of the spine centered on T11-12 and no obvious abnormalities on VEP and ERG examinations.The proband from family 2 was male, 3 years and 4 months old, with a left scoliosis of the spine centered on T12.Both probands developed horizontal fixation paralysis, unable to rotate eye outward, slightly limited inward rotation, left eye hypertropia, mild horizontal nystagmus, normal vertical eye movement, backward development of major movements, and normal vision, anterior segment and fundus.MRI examination showed that the medulla oblongata was butterfly shaped, and a brainstem fissure could be seen in the center of the medulla oblongata.The genetic testing showed that the proband from family 1 had compound heterozygous variations c. 1054delC/p.Gln352Serfs *90 (M1) in exon 7 and c. 1219G>T/p.Gly407Cys (M2) in exon 8 of ROBO3 gene.The father of the proband carried M1 and the mother of the proband carried M2.The proband from family 2 had compound heterozygous variations c. 1888C>T/p.R630X (M3) in exon 12 and c. 2684C>A/p.A895E (M4) in exon 17 of ROBO3 gene.M1 and M3 were possible pathogenic, and M2 and M4 were of unknown clinical significance, and prediction software predicted M2 and M4 were harmful variations. Conclusions:The main clinical features of two HGPPS pedigree are horizontal fixation paralysis and progressive scoliosis, accompanied by nystagmus and strabismus.MRI shows brainstem fissure in the central medullary area.Four variants are novel variants, which increases the variation spectrum of ROBO3 gene.
8.Experimental study of doxorubicin coated by magnetic drug-carrying gel beads in the treatment of colorec-tal cancer
Linsha KONG ; Gaigai HE ; Ting LI ; Kun FANG ; Wei HE ; Li WEI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(7):953-959
Objective To investigate the efficacy of ferro-based magnetic starch-loaded gel beads,composed of MgFe2O4 and cassava starch,in the treatment of colorectal cancer.Methods Sixteen SPF-grade 6-week-old male Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to four groups(n=4 per group):control,CMCS SA@MgFe2O4,doxorubicin,and CMCS SA@MgFe2O4@Dox.Mice in each group received normal saline,CMCS SA@MgFe2O4,doxorubicin,or CMCS SA@MgFe2O4@Dox on days 4,6,8,10,12,and 14 post-implantation of colorectal tumor cells(HCT116).Tumor volume changes were monitored following treatment.TUNEL staining was performed to assess tumor tissue apoptosis.Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression levels of Ki67 and Caspase-3 in tumor tissues.Western blot was employed to determine the protein expression levels of Caspase-3,Bcl-2,and Bax.Results Mice in the Control and CMCS SA@MgFe2O4 groups exhibited the largest tumour volumes,with intact major organ structures,tightly arranged cells,normal nuclear morphology,and no significant inflammatory cell aggregation.In contrast,mice in the Dox group displayed shrunken tumour tissues,disorganized cardiac muscle fibres,enlarged interstitial spaces in splenic tissues,and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver,lung,and kidney tissues.Mice in the CMCS SA@MgFe2O4@Dox group showed minimal tumour tissue,well-aligned cardiac muscle fibres,and reduced inflammatory responses in the remaining organs.Compared to the Control group,mice in both the Dox and CMCS SA@MgFe2O4@Dox groups demonstrated significantly decreased tumour volume and final weight(P<0.05),in-creased interstitial inflammatory cell aggregation,decreased collagen fibres,and enhanced apoptosis.Additionally,there was a significant decrease in Ki67 expression(P<0.05)and an increase in Caspase-3 expression(P<0.05).The expression of Bcl-2 protein was also significantly reduced(P<0.05),while the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared to the Dox group,mice in the CMCS SA@MgFe2O4@Dox group exhibited significantly smaller tumour volume and final weight(P<0.01),more pronounced tissue necrosis,further reduction in collagen fibres,and a greater increase in apoptosis.There was also a more significant decrease in Ki67 expression(P<0.05)and a more substantial increase in Caspase-3 expression(P<0.05).Furthermore,the expression of Bcl-2 protein was further decreased,while the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins was further increased(P<0.05).Conclusion The iron-based magnetic starch drug delivery system has no therapeutic effect on tumor cells,but the combination with adriamycin can significantly increase the therapeutic effect of adriamycin and reduce its side effects.
9.Effects of 4C management mode on rehabilitation and quality of life in patients with acute heart failure in CCU
Shu-lan LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Yue-ying CAO ; Yan-fang JIANG ; Man-ting LIN
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):687-691
Objective:To explore the effects of 4C management mode on rehabilitation and quality of life in patients with acute heart failure(AHF)in cardiovascular intensive care unit(CCU).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 110 patients with AHF admitted in CCU of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2021 and February 2023.Patients were randomly divided into intervention group(n=55)and control group(n=55).Patients in the control group received routine intervention,while those in the inter-vention group received additional 4C management mode,both groups were intervened for 3 months.The indexes of cardiac function,self-efficacy,exercise tolerance,blood oxygen saturation(SpO2),mental state and quality of life were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared to those in the control group after intervention,patients in the intervention group had significantly lower interventricular septal thickness(IVST)[(9.20±0.10)mm vs.(10.30±0.17)mm,P<0.001],left ventricular end-systolic volume index(LVESVI)[(35.21±0.74)ml/m2 vs.(39.70±1.09)ml/m2,P<0.001],left ventricular end-diastolic volume index(LVED VI)[(45.35±0.71)ml/m2 vs.(56.76±1.48)ml/m2,P<0.001],scores of self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)[(32.10±1.57)points vs.(45.36±1.94)points,P<0.001],self-rating depression scale(SDS)[(35.03±1.52)points vs.(47.70±2.12)points,P<0.001]and Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire(MLHFQ)[(51.27±2.85)points vs.(56.46±3.53)points,P<0.001],and significantly higher score of general self-efficacy scale(GSES)[(28.71±3.84)points vs.(20.34±1.56)points,P<0.001],6 min walking distance(6MWD)[(428.53±5.50)m vs.(362.14±6.18)m,P<0.001]and SpO2[(99.11±0.87)%vs.(94.23±0.73)%,P<0.001].Conclusion:4C management mode may improve the cardiac function,self-efficacy,mental state and quality of life in patients with acute heart failure in CCU.
10.The role and research progress of cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Cai-fang GUO ; Hong FAN ; Ting LUAN ; Hui ZHAN ; Haifeng WANG ; Jiansong WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(13):1952-1957
The treatment landscape for metastatic renal cell carcinoma(mRCC)has evolved rapidly over the past two decades with the introduction of targeted therapies and novel immune checkpoint inhibitors.Among these developments,cytoreductive nephrectomy(CN)remains a controversial and unresolved issue,with its survival benefits being questioned compared to systemic therapy(ST).The role and optimal timing of CN in the context of modern systemic treatment for mRCC remain unclear.Additionally,there is still no well-defined consensus on patient selection for CN.Therefore,this article provides a concise review of current evidence regarding CN in mRCC,incor-porating the latest renal cancer management guidelines.We focus particularly on optimal surgical timing,candidate patient selection,and the therapeutic value of metastasectomy.Furthermore,we examine the current role of CN in metastatic non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma and explore its evolving clinical applications and future prospects in mRCC treatment.

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