1.Role of Macrophage Ferroptosis in Immune Evasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Research Progress on Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention
Jinxiang PENG ; Xiaojuan LI ; Man LU ; Xinhua XU ; Mengxian SHU ; Feng WU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):316-324
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops within a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which limits the efficacy of immunotherapy. Polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) toward a pro-tumorigenic M2 phenotype is a major driver of immune escape. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death program, intersects with hepatic iron metabolism and immune regulation and thus offers promising points of therapeutic intervention. This review systematically elucidates the mechanistic role of TAM ferroptosis in HCC immune evasion and highlights a “bidirectional regulation” intervention strategy grounded in the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle of “fortifying healthy qi and eliminating pathogens” (Fuzheng Quxie). This strategy employs “eliminating pathogens” (Quxie) approaches to exploit the metabolic vulnerability of M2-like TAMs and precisely induce their ferroptosis. Moreover, it utilizes “fortifying healthy qi” (Fuzheng) approaches to protect M1-like TAMs and CD8+ T cells from oxidative damage. This parallel “induction-protection” paradigm demonstrates the unique advantages of TCM in systemically remodeling TIME through multitarget synergistic actions. Accordingly, precision regulation of TAM ferroptosis based on the Fuzheng Quxie theory represents a promising integrative Chinese-Western medicine strategy for overcoming current bottlenecks in HCC immunotherapy, although its clinical translational potential warrants further validation.
2.Amniotic and bladder extracellular matrix materials in repairing rat endometrial injury
Xiaojuan KONG ; Zhengjiao MA ; Zhenyu TAN ; Peng LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(22):4731-4739
BACKGROUND:A large number of studies have confirmed that both amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials can be used as stem cell carriers for the treatment of endometrial injury,but the difference in effect between the two materials is relatively rare.OBJECTIVE:To compare the difference of amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials as stem cell carrier in the treatment of endometrial injury.METHODS:Whole bone marrow adhesion method was used to isolate and purify bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from SD rats.SD-rat amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials were prepared respectively,and then bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on the surface of the two materials to detect cell proliferation and adhesion.Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group).Except the sham operation group,the endometrial injury group,the amniotic extracellular matrix group,and the bladder extracellular matrix group were all established by mechanical intervention.The amniotic extracellular matrix/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell complex and bladder stromal extracellular matrix/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell complex were transplanted into the injured endometrial site in the amniotic extracellular matrix group and the bladder extracellular matrix group.Samples were collected and detected 14 and 28 days after transplantation.The morphology of rat endometrial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor in endometrial tissues were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expression levels of vimentin and CD34 in endometrial tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Both kinds of extracellular matrix materials were beneficial to the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Compared with bladder extracellular matrix materials,amniotic extracellular matrix materials could promote the adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.(2)Compared with the sham operation group,the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly decreased(P<0.01),endometrial tissue was dysplastic,endometrial thickness and number of glands were significantly decreased,and vimentin and CD34 positive expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01)in the endometrial injury group.Compared with the endometrial injury group,the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the endometrial tissue morphology was significantly improved,and the endometrial thickness and the number of glands were significantly increased;the positive expressions of vimentin and CD34 were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01)in the amniotic extracellular matrix group and the bladder extracellular matrix group,and the improvement of amniotic extracellular matrix group was better than that of bladder extracellular matrix group(P<0.05).(3)The results show that compared with bladder extracellular matrix materials,amniotic extracellular matrix material as a carrier of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can further promote the repair of damaged endometrium.
3.Surveillance and analysis of etiology of viral diarrhea in children under five years old in Baotou city
Xiaojuan CHEN ; Yaoxing LIU ; Jingxian PENG ; Yingbo XIE ; Min GUO ; Jingyi LU ; Men WANG ; Rong JIN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(6):507-511
Objective:To investigate the epidemiological trends of viral diarrhea pathogens in children in Baotou city, and to provide reference for controlling the prevalence of viral diarrhea and guiding the development of regional vaccines.Methods:Fecal samples were collected from children under five years old hospitalized with viral diarrhea at two sentinel hospitals in Baotou from June 2023 to May 2024. Real-time PCR was used to detect group A rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software, with Chi-square tests conducted to assess differences. A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 246 fecal samples were collected, including 153 from males and 93 from females. Among these, 135 samples tested positive, yielding a positivity rate of 54.88% (135/246). There were 82 positive samples from male children and 53 from female children, with no significant difference between genders. Most positive samples (51.85%, 70/135) tested positive for two viruses. Specifically, co-infections of group A rotavirus with norovirus or adenovirus accounted for 98.57% (69/70) of all co-infected cases. Significant differences in detection rates were observed across age groups (χ 2=29.803, P<0.001), with the highest positivity rates in children under one year old and in the 1-year age group. Seasonality, viral diarrhea in Baotou was more prevalent in winter and spring. The G8P[8] genotype of group A rotavirus was the predominant strain. Conclusions:From June 2023 to May 2024, viral diarrhea in hospitalized children under five years old in Baotou is primarily caused by co-infections of group A rotavirus and norovirus, with a higher incidence in preschool-aged children. The G8P[8] genotype of group A rotavirus is the dominant strain. It is recommended to strengthen vaccination and surveillance efforts for viral diarrhea in preschool children, particularly during the winter and spring seasons.
4.Etiological profile of influenza-like illness and genetic analysis of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of influenza A(H3N2) viruses in Baotou during the 2022-2023 influenza season
Xiaojuan CHEN ; Yaoxing LIU ; Rong JIN ; Yaoxia KANG ; Wei GAO ; Li BO ; Jingxian PENG
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(11):935-941
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness(ILI)and the genetic evolutionary trends of the hemagglutinin(HA)and neuraminidase(NA)genes of influenza A(H3N2)viruses isolated in Baotou during the 2022-2023 influenza season.Methods:Etiological surveillance data for ILI cases in Baotou during the 2022-2023 influenza season were collected from the China Influenza Surveillance Information System. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the data. HA and NA genes of 30 influenza A(H3N2)viruses were sequenced. Amino acid variation sites,glycosylation sites,drug resistance genes,and phylogenetic trees were analyzed using MEGA 11 software and the NextClade online analysis tool.Results:A total of 1 443 ILI specimens were tested,of which 241(16.70%)were positive for influenza viruses. Among the positive cases,influenza A(H3N2)virus-positive cases accounted for 75.93%(183/241). The nucleotide sequence similarity of the HA gene between the 30 influenza A(H3N2)isolates and the vaccine strains A/Hong Kong/2671/2019(H3N2),A/Cambodia/e0826260/2020(H3N2),and A/Darwin/9/2021(H3N2)ranged from 96.83% to 98.77%,while the amino acid sequence similarity ranged from 94.63% to 99.62%. A total of 14 amino acid variation sites and 11 conserved glycosylation sites were identified in the HA gene. For the NA gene,the nucleotide sequence similarity ranged from 98.37% to 99.65%,and the amino acid sequence similarity ranged from 94.64% to 98.28%. A total of three amino acid variation sites and nine conserved glycosylation sites were found in the NA gene. None of the 30 influenza A(H3N2)isolates had mutations associated with drug resistance,and all belonged to the clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1.Conclusions:During the 2022-2023 influenza season in Baotou,the circulating influenza A(H3N2)viruses belong to the same evolutionary clade as the 2021-2022 vaccine strain A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020(H3N2). The isolates from different sources share a common evolutionary origin;however,variations are observed across the genome in terms of homology,molecular mutations,and glycosylation patterns.
5.Role of noncoding RNA and protein interaction in pancreatic cancer.
Zhang LI ; Tingting ZHANG ; Xiaojuan YANG ; Yong PENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(9):1019-1036
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with little or no protein-coding potential. Emerging evidence indicates that ncRNAs are frequently dysregulated and play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. Their aberrant expression can arise from chromosomal abnormalities, dysregulated transcriptional control, and epigenetic modifications. ncRNAs function as protein scaffolds or molecular decoys to modulate interactions between proteins and other biomolecules, thereby regulating gene expression and contributing to pancreatic cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying ncRNA dysregulation in pancreatic cancer, emphasize the biological significance of ncRNA-protein interactions, and highlight their clinical relevance. A deeper understanding of ncRNA-protein interactions is essential to elucidate molecular mechanisms and advance translational research in pancreatic cancer.
Humans
;
Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
RNA, Untranslated/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics*
6.Surveillance and analysis of etiology of viral diarrhea in children under five years old in Baotou city
Xiaojuan CHEN ; Yaoxing LIU ; Jingxian PENG ; Yingbo XIE ; Min GUO ; Jingyi LU ; Men WANG ; Rong JIN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(6):507-511
Objective:To investigate the epidemiological trends of viral diarrhea pathogens in children in Baotou city, and to provide reference for controlling the prevalence of viral diarrhea and guiding the development of regional vaccines.Methods:Fecal samples were collected from children under five years old hospitalized with viral diarrhea at two sentinel hospitals in Baotou from June 2023 to May 2024. Real-time PCR was used to detect group A rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software, with Chi-square tests conducted to assess differences. A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 246 fecal samples were collected, including 153 from males and 93 from females. Among these, 135 samples tested positive, yielding a positivity rate of 54.88% (135/246). There were 82 positive samples from male children and 53 from female children, with no significant difference between genders. Most positive samples (51.85%, 70/135) tested positive for two viruses. Specifically, co-infections of group A rotavirus with norovirus or adenovirus accounted for 98.57% (69/70) of all co-infected cases. Significant differences in detection rates were observed across age groups (χ 2=29.803, P<0.001), with the highest positivity rates in children under one year old and in the 1-year age group. Seasonality, viral diarrhea in Baotou was more prevalent in winter and spring. The G8P[8] genotype of group A rotavirus was the predominant strain. Conclusions:From June 2023 to May 2024, viral diarrhea in hospitalized children under five years old in Baotou is primarily caused by co-infections of group A rotavirus and norovirus, with a higher incidence in preschool-aged children. The G8P[8] genotype of group A rotavirus is the dominant strain. It is recommended to strengthen vaccination and surveillance efforts for viral diarrhea in preschool children, particularly during the winter and spring seasons.
7.Etiological profile of influenza-like illness and genetic analysis of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of influenza A(H3N2) viruses in Baotou during the 2022-2023 influenza season
Xiaojuan CHEN ; Yaoxing LIU ; Rong JIN ; Yaoxia KANG ; Wei GAO ; Li BO ; Jingxian PENG
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(11):935-941
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness(ILI)and the genetic evolutionary trends of the hemagglutinin(HA)and neuraminidase(NA)genes of influenza A(H3N2)viruses isolated in Baotou during the 2022-2023 influenza season.Methods:Etiological surveillance data for ILI cases in Baotou during the 2022-2023 influenza season were collected from the China Influenza Surveillance Information System. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the data. HA and NA genes of 30 influenza A(H3N2)viruses were sequenced. Amino acid variation sites,glycosylation sites,drug resistance genes,and phylogenetic trees were analyzed using MEGA 11 software and the NextClade online analysis tool.Results:A total of 1 443 ILI specimens were tested,of which 241(16.70%)were positive for influenza viruses. Among the positive cases,influenza A(H3N2)virus-positive cases accounted for 75.93%(183/241). The nucleotide sequence similarity of the HA gene between the 30 influenza A(H3N2)isolates and the vaccine strains A/Hong Kong/2671/2019(H3N2),A/Cambodia/e0826260/2020(H3N2),and A/Darwin/9/2021(H3N2)ranged from 96.83% to 98.77%,while the amino acid sequence similarity ranged from 94.63% to 99.62%. A total of 14 amino acid variation sites and 11 conserved glycosylation sites were identified in the HA gene. For the NA gene,the nucleotide sequence similarity ranged from 98.37% to 99.65%,and the amino acid sequence similarity ranged from 94.64% to 98.28%. A total of three amino acid variation sites and nine conserved glycosylation sites were found in the NA gene. None of the 30 influenza A(H3N2)isolates had mutations associated with drug resistance,and all belonged to the clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1.Conclusions:During the 2022-2023 influenza season in Baotou,the circulating influenza A(H3N2)viruses belong to the same evolutionary clade as the 2021-2022 vaccine strain A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020(H3N2). The isolates from different sources share a common evolutionary origin;however,variations are observed across the genome in terms of homology,molecular mutations,and glycosylation patterns.
8.Impact of Minimally Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation on Systemic Inflammatory Response and Transfusion Requirements after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Xiaojuan ZHOU ; Libin YANG ; Peng YANG ; Hao GONG ; Xu YANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(3):58-65
Objective This study aims to explore the effects of Minimally Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation(MECC)on systemic inflammatory response and transfusion requirements following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(CABG).Methods A total of 126 patients who underwent CABG from January 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 63 patients in each group.The observation group received MECC,while the control group was treated with Conventional Extracorporeal Circulation(CECC).Inflammatory response indicators,immune system function,coagulation function,renal function,cardiac function,and clinical symptoms were monitored preoperatively and at 24,48,and 72 hours postoperatively for comparison and analysis.Results At 24 hours postoperatively,CRP,IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the observation group were(18.5±3.7)mg/L,(15.2±3.4)pg/mL and(25.3±5.6)pg/mL,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).At 48 hours postoperatively,the CD4+/CD8+ratio in the observation group was 1.6±0.3,which was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).At 72 hours postoperatively,the PT and APTT in the observation group were(12.1±1.2)seconds and(30.4±3.2)seconds,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,72 hours after surgery,SCr and BUN in the observation group were(1.1±0.2)mg/dL and 14.6±3.1 mg/dL,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).In terms of cardiac function indexes,at 24 hours postoperatively,CI,LVEF,cTnⅠ and BNP in the observation group were(2.6±0.5)L/min/m2,(55.6±4.0)%,(0.14±0.03)ng/mL,and(280±30)pg/mL,respectively,which were significantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05).At all postoperative time points,the VAS score,complication rate,length of hospital stay and ICU stay were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05),with the VAS score at 24 hours postoperatively being(4.8±1.2)compared to(5.5±1.3)in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions MECC demonstrates significant advantages in attenuating systemic inflammatory response after CABG,protecting multi-system function,reducing postoperative blood transfusion requirements,and improving postoperative recovery.Compared with traditional extracorporeal circulation,MECC effectively reduce postoperative inflammatory reactions and complications,enhancing the quality of life for patients post-surgery,and shows broad clinical application prospects.
9.Amniotic and bladder extracellular matrix materials in repairing rat endometrial injury
Xiaojuan KONG ; Zhengjiao MA ; Zhenyu TAN ; Peng LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(22):4731-4739
BACKGROUND:A large number of studies have confirmed that both amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials can be used as stem cell carriers for the treatment of endometrial injury,but the difference in effect between the two materials is relatively rare.OBJECTIVE:To compare the difference of amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials as stem cell carrier in the treatment of endometrial injury.METHODS:Whole bone marrow adhesion method was used to isolate and purify bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from SD rats.SD-rat amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials were prepared respectively,and then bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on the surface of the two materials to detect cell proliferation and adhesion.Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group).Except the sham operation group,the endometrial injury group,the amniotic extracellular matrix group,and the bladder extracellular matrix group were all established by mechanical intervention.The amniotic extracellular matrix/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell complex and bladder stromal extracellular matrix/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell complex were transplanted into the injured endometrial site in the amniotic extracellular matrix group and the bladder extracellular matrix group.Samples were collected and detected 14 and 28 days after transplantation.The morphology of rat endometrial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor in endometrial tissues were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expression levels of vimentin and CD34 in endometrial tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Both kinds of extracellular matrix materials were beneficial to the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Compared with bladder extracellular matrix materials,amniotic extracellular matrix materials could promote the adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.(2)Compared with the sham operation group,the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly decreased(P<0.01),endometrial tissue was dysplastic,endometrial thickness and number of glands were significantly decreased,and vimentin and CD34 positive expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01)in the endometrial injury group.Compared with the endometrial injury group,the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the endometrial tissue morphology was significantly improved,and the endometrial thickness and the number of glands were significantly increased;the positive expressions of vimentin and CD34 were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01)in the amniotic extracellular matrix group and the bladder extracellular matrix group,and the improvement of amniotic extracellular matrix group was better than that of bladder extracellular matrix group(P<0.05).(3)The results show that compared with bladder extracellular matrix materials,amniotic extracellular matrix material as a carrier of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can further promote the repair of damaged endometrium.
10.Association between temperature and mortality: a multi-city time series study in Sichuan Basin, southwest China.
Yizhang XIA ; Chunli SHI ; Yang LI ; Shijuan RUAN ; Xianyan JIANG ; Wei HUANG ; Yu CHEN ; Xufang GAO ; Rong XUE ; Mingjiang LI ; Hongying SUN ; Xiaojuan PENG ; Renqiang XIANG ; Jianyu CHEN ; Li ZHANG
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;29():1-1
BACKGROUND:
There are few multi-city studies on the association between temperature and mortality in basin climates. This study was based on the Sichuan Basin in southwest China to assess the association of basin temperature with non-accidental mortality in the population and with the temperature-related mortality burden.
METHODS:
Daily mortality data, meteorological and air pollution data were collected for four cities in the Sichuan Basin of southwest China. We used a two-stage time-series analysis to quantify the association between temperature and non-accidental mortality in each city, and a multivariate meta-analysis was performed to obtain the overall cumulative risk. The attributable fractions (AFs) were calculated to access the mortality burden attributable to non-optimal temperature. Additionally, we performed a stratified analyses by gender, age group, education level, and marital status.
RESULTS:
A total of 751,930 non-accidental deaths were collected in our study. Overall, 10.16% of non-accidental deaths could be attributed to non-optimal temperatures. A majority of temperature-related non-accidental deaths were caused by low temperature, accounting for 9.10% (95% eCI: 5.50%, 12.19%), and heat effects accounted for only 1.06% (95% eCI: 0.76%, 1.33%). The mortality burden attributable to non-optimal temperatures was higher among those under 65 years old, females, those with a low education level, and those with an alternative marriage status.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggested that a significant association between non-optimal temperature and non-accidental mortality. Those under 65 years old, females, and those with a low educational level or alternative marriage status had the highest attributable burden.
Female
;
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Cities
;
Cold Temperature
;
Hot Temperature
;
Mortality
;
Temperature
;
Time Factors
;
Middle Aged
;
Male

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail