1.Impact of Nutritional Support on Antitumor Efficacy in the Era of Immunotherapy
Xiaojun QIAN ; Ling LU ; Xuecheng HU ; Shiwei LI ; Wenjun GAO ; Li PAN ; Yubei SUN ; Suyi LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):89-95
Despite breakthroughs in immunotherapy for solid tumors, significant variations in treatment efficacy persist. Up to 80% of cancer patients suffer from malnutrition, which leads to: lymphoid atrophy and reduced T-cell reserves; deficiency of substrates required for T-cell activation and expansion; concurrent inflammation hindering T-cell infiltration into tumors; and cachexia accelerating PD-1 antibody clearance. Clinical studies confirm that severe malnutrition significantly impairs immune responses and increases the risk of treatment toxicity. Therefore, implementing standardized nutritional therapy is crucial for optimizing the reserve, activation, expansion, and infiltration capacity of immune cells, thereby providing a sound immune system foundation for immunotherapy. Immunonutrition therapy, by enhancing immunonutrients such as arginine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and nucleotides, reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and promotes T-cell activation and proliferation. This enhances anti-tumor immune responses, prolongs survival, and advances cancer treatment towards multimodal combination and precision approaches.
2.Effect of auricular therapy on sleep improvement and the GABAergic system pathway in an insomnia rat model
Hao CHEN ; Xifen ZHANG ; Xuesong WANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Xuxin LI ; Xihui ZHENG ; Yu WANG ; Xiaojun ZHENG ; Haiping LI ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):138-148
Objective:
To investigate the effect of auricular therapy on sleep improvement and the GABAergic system pathway in a rat model of insomnia and to explore its possible mechanism.
Methods:
According to the random number table, 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, auricular point sticking, auricular bloodletting, and auricular bloodletting combined with sticking groups, with 12 rats per group. Insomnia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine. After establishing the insomnia model, 36 rats were treated once a day with auricular point sticking or bloodletting for 5 consecutive days. After the intervention, the general condition and body weight of rats were observed; the righting reflex test was used to detect the sleep latency and duration; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hypothalamic neuron cells; and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the GABA and glutamate content in rat serum. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to detect GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein and mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of rats, and Western blotting(WB) was used to detect GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, GAD65/67, GAT-1, and GABA-T protein expression in the hypothalamus of rats.
Results:
Compared with the blank control group, the model group had a lower body weight, a significantly shorter sleep duration (P<0.05), severe damage to the morphological structure of hypothalamic neurons with disordered cell arrangement, larger intercellular gaps, enlarged cell bodies, and a vacuolated appearance. All the intervention groups had significantly higher body weight and longer sleep duration than the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the other intervention groups, the auricular point sticking group had a longer sleep duration (P<0.05), and the hypothalamic neuron cells in all intervention groups improved, with the auricular point sticking group showing more apparent improvement. The model group had a lower GABA and higher glutamate contents, and GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus were lower than in the blank control group. In contrast, GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression was higher, and GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression was lower (P<0.05). The serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting groups was higher, and the serum glutamate content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups was lower than in the model group. GABA ARα1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of each intervention group was significantly increased, and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups increased. GABA ARα1(IHC, WB), GABA ARγ2(WB), and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC, WB) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased, whereas GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARγ1(IHC) and GABA ARγ2(WB) protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting combined sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with in the inventation groups, the serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking group increased, the serum glutamate content decreased, GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus increased, and GABA ARα1(IHC), GAD65/67 protein expression increased. In contrast, GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Auricular therapy, particularly auricular point sticking, may have modulated the GABAergic system pathway by upregulating hypothalamic GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression while downregulating GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression to alleviate symptoms in an insomnia rat model.
3.Study on surface microcirculation sensitization of acupuncture points related to cold coagulation and stasis syndrome in primary dysmenorrhea
Xuxin LI ; Xuesong WANG ; Miao LIN ; Mingjian ZHANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Xifen ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Haiping LI ; Xiaojun ZHENG ; Xisheng FAN ; Jun LIU ; Juncha ZHANG ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):253-269
Objective:
To assess the dynamic changes of microcirculation at acupoints in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold congelation and blood stasis syndrome using laser speckle blood flow imaging.
Methods:
Patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome (primary dysmenorrhea group, n=53) and healthy female college students(control group, n=57) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from October 2020 to July 2022 were enrolled at Hebei University of Chinese Medicine. On the premenstrual and first day of menstruation, a laser speckle blood flow imaging system was used to measure the microcirculation blood flow perfusion on the surface of acupoints related to the conception, thoroughfare, and governor vessels, and stomach, spleen, and bladder meridians in the abdomen and lumbosacral regions. The dynamic changes in microcirculation were calculated based on the difference in average blood flow perfusion at each acupoint before and after menstruation. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic changes in microcirculation on the surface of each acupoint. The microcirculation sensitization rate of acupoints was calculated.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the dynamic changes in microcirculation at the following acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group were increased (P<0.05): conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]); left thoroughfare vessel (left Huangshu[KI16], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], left Qixue[KI13], left Dahe[KI12], left Henggu[KI11]); left stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], left Wailing[ST26], left Qichong[ST30]); left spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14]); right thoroughfare vessel (right Huangshu[KI16], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Siman[KI14], right Qixue[KI13], right Dahe[KI12], right Henggu[KI11]); right stomach meridian (right Wailing[ST26], right Daju[ST27], right Shuidao[ST28], right Guilai[ST29], right Qichong[ST30]); and right spleen meridian (right Fujie[SP14]). The area under the ROC curve of conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]), thoroughfare vessel (right Siman[KI14], left Huangshu[KI16], right Qixue[KI13], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Dahe[KI12], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], right Huangshu[KI16], left Qixue[KI13], right Henggu[KI11], left Henggu[KI11], left Dahe[KI12]); stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], right Guilai[ST29], left Wailing[ST26], right Shuidao[ST28], right Daju[ST27], right Wailing[ST26], right Qichong[ST30], left Qichong[ST30]), and spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14], right Fujie[SP14]) was 0.610-0.682 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the sensitization rate of some acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
With the onset of menstruation, the blood flow perfusion of some acupoints in the abdomen (thoroughfare, and conception vessels, and stomach and spleen meridians) of patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome increased, and the status of acupoints changed from a resting state to an active state. These acupoints are sensitive in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome and have a certain diagnostic efficacy, providing a basis for further analyzing the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion to treat primary dysmenorrhea with cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome.
4.Meteorological factor-driven prediction of high-use days of budesonide: construction and comparison of ensemble learning models
Qitao CHEN ; Yue ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Jingwen NI ; Guoqiang SUN ; Fenfei GAO ; Lizhen XIA ; Zihao LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(21):2723-2726
OBJECTIVE To construct ensemble learning models for predicting high-use days of budesonide based on meteorological factors, thereby providing reference for hospital pharmacy management. METHODS Meteorological data for 2024 and outpatient budesonide usage data from the jurisdiction of Sanming Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine were collected. High-use days were defined as the 75th percentile of outpatient budesonide usage, and a corresponding dataset was established. The prediction task was formulated as a classification problem, and three ensemble learning models were developed: Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Histogram-based Gradient Boosting Classifier. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and log-loss. Model interpretability was analyzed using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). RESULTS The Histogram-based Gradient Boosting Classifier achieved the best performance (accuracy=0.75, F1-score=0.48), followed by XGBoost (accuracy=0.74, F1-score=0.43) and Random Forest (accuracy=0.72, F1-score=0.22). SHAP results suggested that the prediction results of the last two models have the highest correction. CONCLUSIONS Ensemble learning models can effectively predict high-use days of budesonide, with the Histogram- based Gradient Boosting Classifier demonstrating the best predictive performance. Low temperature, high humidity, and low atmospheric pressure show significant positive impacts on the prediction of daily budesonide usage.
5.Targeting farnesoid X receptor as aging intervention therapy.
Lijun ZHANG ; Jing YU ; Xiaoyan GAO ; Yingxuan YAN ; Xinyi WANG ; Hang SHI ; Minglv FANG ; Ying LIU ; Young-Bum KIM ; Huanhu ZHU ; Xiaojun WU ; Cheng HUANG ; Shengjie FAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1359-1382
Environmental toxicants have been linked to aging and age-related diseases. The emerging evidence has shown that the enhancement of detoxification gene expression is a common transcriptome marker of long-lived mice, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans. Meanwhile, the resistance to toxicants was increased in long-lived animals. Here, we show that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA), a marketed drug for the treatment of cholestasis, may extend the lifespan and healthspan both in C. elegans and chemical-induced early senescent mice. Furthermore, OCA increased the resistance of worms to toxicants and activated the expression of detoxification genes in both mice and C. elegans. The longevity effects of OCA were attenuated in Fxr -/- mice and Fxr homologous nhr-8 and daf-12 mutant C. elegans. In addition, metabolome analysis revealed that OCA increased the endogenous agonist levels of the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a major nuclear receptor for detoxification regulation, in the liver of mice. Together, our findings suggest that OCA has the potential to lengthen lifespan and healthspan by activating nuclear receptor-mediated detoxification functions, thus, targeting FXR may offer to promote longevity.
6.Monitoring results of key occupational hazard factors in workplaces in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
YU Chaoyan ; HONG Bin ; WU Xiaojun ; WANG Nianwei ; GAO Yan ; WANG Yangfeng
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(12):1277-1281
Objective:
To analyze the monitoring results of key occupational hazard factors in workplaces across different industries in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (Aba Prefecture), Sichuan Province, so as to provide the basis for optimizing occupational disease prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Data of key occupational hazard factors in workplaces in Aba Prefecture from 2022 to 2024 were collected through the Workplace Occupational Hazard Monitoring System. Descriptive analyses were conducted on the over-standard rates of occupational hazard factors, completion rates of occupational health examinations, and participation rates in occupational health training.
Results:
From 2022 to 2024, 165 enterprise-times in Aba Prefecture were monitored, with 112 enterprise-times exceeding the standards, the over-standard rate of enterprises was 67.88%. A total of 1 005 worksite positions were monitored, with 302 exceeding the standards, the over-standard rate of worksite positions was 30.05%. The over-standard rates of enterprises and worksite positions showed upward trends from 2022 to 2024 (both P<0.05). The over-standard rates of enterprises in the ferrous metal mining and dressing industry and non-ferrous metal mining and dressing industry were both 100%. The top three over-standard rates of worksite positions were in the non-metallic mining and dressing industry, ferrous metal mining and dressing industry, and non-ferrous metal mining and dressing industry, at 62.50%, 56.00%, and 53.13%, respectively. Worksite positions exposed to silica dust, noise, and coal dust had relatively high over-standard rates, at 17.00%, 10.04%, and 7.27%, respectively. The actual numbers of physical examinations for personnel at worksite positions with dust, chemical factors, and physical factors were 9 398, 2 469, and 10 928 person-times, respectively, with completion rates of 95.78%, 81.03%, and 100.00%, respectively. The actual number of re-examinations were 428, 129, and 1 121 person-times, respectively, with re-examination rates of 64.26%, 27.27%, and 81.53%, respectively. Among the monitored enterprises, 102 enterprise-times participated in training for persons in charge, with a participation rate of 61.82%; 108 enterprise-times participated in training for occupational health management personnel, with a participation rate of 65.45%; and 10 489 person-times of workers exposed to hazards participated in occupational health training for workers, with a participation rate of 86.24%.
Conclusions
The over-standard rate of key occupational hazards factors in workplaces in Aba Prefecture was relatively high. The completion rate of occupational health examinations was good, but the re-examination rate was low. It is recommended to focus on strengthening the prevention and control of occupational hazard factors in the mining and dressing industry and promoting the effective implementation of occupational health examinations and occupational health training.
7.Application of domestic SA-1000 single-port single-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic system in total hysterectomy
Xiaoxin SUI ; Jinghai GAO ; Jianhong DANG ; Zhifeng WANG ; Xiaojun LIU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(11):1420-1425
Objective To investigate the safety and feasibility of the domestic SA-1000 single-port single-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic system in total hysterectomy.Methods Data from 16 patients who underwent total hysterectomy using the SA-1000 system at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University,between Mar.2023 and Jan.2024 were retrospectively collected.Surgical parameters were analyzed.Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale(VAS)at 24 h after surgery and before discharge.Incision cosmesis was evaluated 3-5 weeks postoperatively using the body image questionnaire(BIQ,score range 3-24).Results All 16 procedures were successfully completed using the SA-1000 system without conversion to open surgery,achieving a 100.0%procedural success rate.The mean whole surgery time was(234.40±56.24)min.The median robotic arm setup time was 8.0(4.0,13.5)min,and the median console operating time was 128.0(100.0,151.0)min.The median intraoperative blood loss was 100.0(100.0,200.0)mL.No perioperative complications,such as hemorrhage,infection,injury to adjacent organs(ureters,bladder,bowel),poor wound healing,or incisional hernia,were observed.The mean wound pain score at 24 h postoperatively was 3.81±1.64,decreasing to a median of 3.0(2.0,4.0)before discharge.The BIQ score assessed at 3-5 weeks postoperatively was 21.88±1.15.Conclusion The application of the domestic SA-1000 single-port single-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic system for total hysterectomy is safe and feasible,demonstrating favorable surgical outcomes.It holds promise for broader implementation and promotion in domestic medical centers.
8.Correlation between serum levels of HAMP, SPP1, RGS2 and clinical pathological characteristics of gastric cancer patients and their predictive value for postoperative recurrence or metastasis
Guangxin LI ; Huijuan QUAN ; Zhijuan GAO ; Xiaojun WANG ; Liang LI ; Qian DONG ; Yongtao MIAO ; Dongsheng LIU
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(8):502-507
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) levels and the clinical pathological characteristics of gastric cancer patients, and their predictive value for postoperative recurrence or metastasis.Methods:A total of 92 gastric cancer patients treated at Handan First Hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were selected as the gastric cancer group, and 92 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group. The serum levels of HAMP, SPP1 and RGS2 were compared between the two groups. According to the mean levels of HAMP, SPP1, and RGS2 in the serum of gastric cancer patients, they were divided into HAMP high level group and HAMP low level group, SPP1 high level group and SPP1 low level group, RGS2 high level group and RGS2 low level group. The clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer patients with different levels of HAMP, SPP1 and RGS2 were compared respectively. After a median follow-up of 18 months, gastric cancer patients were divided into a non-recurrence or metastasis group ( n=59) and a recurrence and metastasis group ( n=33) based on whether the tumor recurred or metastasized. The serum levels of HAMP, SPP1, and RGS2 were compared between the two groups of patients. The predictive value of HAMP, SPP1 and RGS2 for postoperative recurrence or metastasis in patients with gastric cancer was analyzed by using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:Compared with the control group, the gastric cancer group had higher levels of serum HAMP [ (52.28±5.44) ng/ml vs. (31.22±4.18) ng/ml] and SPP1 [ (55.96±6.43) ng/ml vs. (36.99±5.25) ng/ml] ( t=29.44, P<0.001; t=21.92, P<0.001), and lower level of RGS2 [ (3.72±0.66) mg/L vs. (5.11±0.87) mg/L) ] ( t=12.21, P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in maximum tumor diameter ( χ2=13.07, P<0.001; χ2=6.71, P=0.010; χ2=10.56, P=0.001), TNM staging ( χ2=7.42, P=0.006; χ2=6.36, P=0.012; χ2=5.39, P=0.020), lymph node metastasis ( χ2=23.41, P<0.001; χ2=6.52, P=0.011; χ2=13.11, P<0.001), and differentiation degree ( χ2=9.01, P=0.003; χ2=7.97, P=0.005; χ2=15.29, P<0.001) between the gastric cancer patients in the HAMP high level group ( n=44) and the HAMP low level group ( n=48), the SPP1 high level group ( n=43) and the SPP1 low level group ( n=49), and the RGS2 high level group ( n=50) and the RGS2 low level group ( n=42). Compared with the non-recurrence or metastatic group, the recurrence and metastatic group had higher levels of serum HAMP [ (59.26±5.66) ng/ml vs. (48.37±4.28) ng/ml] and SPP1 [ (62.85±6.36) ng/ml vs. (52.11±5.38) ng/ml] level ( t=10.40, P<0.001; t=8.60, P<0.001), and lower level of RGS2 [ (3.01±0.48) mg/L vs. (4.12±0.69) mg/L] ( t=8.19, P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of serum HAMP, SPP1, and RGS2 levels alone for predicting postoperative recurrence or metastasis in gastric cancer patients were 0.777, 0.813, and 0.778, respectively. The AUC value of the combination of the three indicators for predicting postoperative recurrence or metastasis in gastric cancer patients was 0.871. The predictive efficacy of the combination of the three indicators for predicting postoperative recurrence or metastasis in gastric cancer patients was better than that alone ( Z=2.51, P=0.035; Z=2.61, P=0.032; Z=2.71, P=0.029) . Conclusions:The levels of HAMP and SPP1 in the serum of gastric cancer patients increase, while the level of RGS2 decreases, and the levels of the three are related to the maximum tumor diameter, TNM staging, lymph node metastasis and differentiation degree, and their combined detection has higher predictive value for postoperative recurrence or metastasis in gastric cancer patients.
9.Snhg3 improves glucose metabolism by promoting Sestrin2 expression in mice
Minglong ZHANG ; Mingyue GAO ; Xianghong XIE ; Zeyu GUO ; Xiaojun LIU ; Li YAN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(6):714-719
Objective To investigate the role of long non-coding RNA-small nucleolar RNA host gene 3(lncRNA-Snhg3)and its regulatory mechanism in the hepatic glucose metabolism of mice.Methods Adenovirus Snhg3 was over-expressed by the tail vein injection in db/db mice,and then glucose tolerance and pyruvate tolerance were meas-ured.The mRNA expression of mouse liver gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(Pepck)and glucose-6-phosphatase(G6pc)and stress-inducing protein 2(Sestrin2,Sesn2,a gene adjacent to Snhg3)were de-tected by RT-qPCR.The dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the effect of Snhg3 on the Sesn2 promoter activity in 293T cells.Results Snhg3 over-expression improved glucose tolerance and pyruvate tolerance in db/db mice.Snhg3 over-expression inhibited the mRNA of gluconeogenesis genes of Pepck(P<0.05)and G6pc(P<0.05),while promoted the mRNA of Sesn2(P<0.01).Meanwhile,Snhg3 over-expression promoted Sesn2 promoter activity in 293T cells(P<0.05).Conclusions Snhg3 improves glucose metabolism in mice by promoting Sestrin2 expression.
10.Strengthening the Maternal Health Management System to Safeguard Regional Maternal and Child Safety
Zhanjie ZHANG ; Yunqing XIAO ; Qing CHANG ; Hui PAN ; Jiong ZHOU ; Jinsong GAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Xiaojun MA
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;17(1):125-132
The health of women and children serves as the cornerstone of comprehensive public health and represents a crucial barometer for measuring social progress and civilization. It directly impacts family well-being and social harmony. As a national-level guidance center for complex disease diagnosis and treatment, Beijing's critical maternal care center, and the designated consultation hospital for pregnancy complicated by rheumatic immune and endocrine disorders, Peking Union Medical College Hospital bears significant responsibilities in managing complex medical cases and implementing counterpart assistance programs. Confronted with diverse and complicated maternal sources, particularly emergency cases lacking standardized prenatal care, the hospital has established a multi-tiered, whole-process, and comprehensive maternal-infant safety management system. Through implementing high-risk maternal management protocols, optimizing critical care procedures, promoting informatization development, and enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration, Peking Union Medical College Hospital has substantially improved the efficiency of critical maternal care and maternal-infant safety assurance. This paper systematically summarizes the institutional development experience in maternal management and explores potential optimization approaches, aiming to provide valuable references for enhancing maternal-infant safety management systems in domestic healthcare institutions.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail