1.The Potential Role of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hepatitis and in Targeted Therapy
Haixia LI ; Aiping TIAN ; Miao XUE ; Ziyi LI ; Xiaorong MAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):512-518
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver injury of unknown etiology. The onset of this disease involves the activation and recruitment of diverse immune and non-immune cells, which in turn trigger hepatic damage. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICM) are expressed on the surface of multiple cell types. By regulating cellular functional states, they help limit the intensity and duration of immune responses, thereby preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage, and maintaining immune homeostasis. In AIH, however, this natural "braking" mechanism is impaired, leading to aberrant activation of both immune and non-immune cells and the breakdown of immune homeostasis. Consequently, ICM are likely to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AIH. A deeper understanding of the function of ICM in AIH not onlyadvances our insight into the disease mechanism, but also suggests that targeting these molecules may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AIH.
2.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
3.Enhanced BBB penetration and microglia-targeting nanomodulator for the two-pronged modulation of chronically activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.
Ya WEI ; Xue XIA ; Xiaorong WANG ; Wenqin YANG ; Siqin HE ; Lulu WANG ; Yongke CHEN ; Yang ZHOU ; Feng CHEN ; Hanmei LI ; Fu PENG ; Guobo LI ; Zheng XU ; Jintao FU ; Huile GAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1098-1111
Intervention in chronically activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is a novel approach to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). The low permeability of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and non-selective distribution in the brain severely restrict AD drugs' disease-modifying efficacy. Here, an immunosuppressant TREM2-lowing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and resveratrol co-loaded cationic liposome is developed as an immune reprogramming nanomodulator modified by acid-cleavable BBB-targeting peptide and microglia-targeting peptide (Res@TcMNP/ASO) for AD management. Res@TcMNP/ASO can enter brain endothelial cells via D-T7 peptides. Then D-T7 undergoes an acid-responsive cleavage, facilitating the escape of Res@MNP/ASO from endo/lysosomes to cross the BBB. The detached Res@MNP/ASO specifically targets M1-phenotype microglia via exposed MG1 peptides to prompt the simultaneous delivery of two drugs into activated microglia. This nanomodulator can not only restore the immune function of microglia through TREM2-lowing ASO but also mitigate the immune stimulation to microglia caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) through resveratrol, thereby synergistically inhibiting the chronic activation of microglia to alleviate neuroinflammation in AD. Our results indicate that this combination treatment can achieve significant behavioral and cognitive improvements in late APP/PS1 mice.
4.Electrophysiological Abnormalities and Pharmacological Corrections of Pathogenic Missense Variants in KCNQ3.
Xiaorong WU ; Jili GONG ; Li QIU ; Guimei YANG ; Hui YUAN ; Xiangchun SHEN ; Yanwen SHEN ; Fuyun TIAN ; Zhaobing GAO
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(9):1511-1521
The KCNQ potassium channels play a crucial role in modulating neural excitability, and their dysfunction is closely associated with epileptic disorders. While variants in KCNQ2 have been extensively studied, KCNQ3-related disorders have rarely been reported. With advances in next-generation sequencing technologies, an increasing number of cases of KCNQ3-related disorders have been identified. However, the correlation between genotype and phenotype remains poorly understood. In this study, we established a variant library consisting of 24 missense mutations in KCNQ3 and introduced these mutations into three different template types: KCNQ3, KCNQ3-A315T (Q3*), and KCNQ3-KCNQ2 tandem (Q3-Q2). We then analyzed the effects of these mutations on the KCNQ3 channel function using patch-clamp recording. The most informative parameter across all three backgrounds was the current density of the mutant channels. The current density patterns in the Q3* and Q3-Q2 backgrounds were similar, with most mutations resulting in an almost complete loss of function (LOF), they were concentrated in the pore-forming domain of KCNQ3. In contrast, mutations in the voltage-sensing domain or C-terminus did not show significant differences from the wild-type channel. Interestingly, these LOF mutations were typically associated with self-limited familial neonatal epilepsy, while neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) were more closely associated with mutations that did not significantly differ from the wild-type. V1/2, another important parameter of the electrophysiological properties, could not be accurately determined in the majority of KCNQ3 mutations due to its nearly complete LOF in the Q3* and Q3-Q2 backgrounds. Intriguingly, the V1/2 of functional mutations were primarily leftward shifted, indicating a gain-of-function (GOF) effect, which was typically associated with NDD. In addition to previously reported mutations, we identified G553R as a novel GOF mutation. In the co-transfection background, parameters such as V1/2 could be determined, but the dysfunctional effects of these mutations were mitigated by the co-expression of wild-type KCNQ3 and KCNQ2 subunits, resulting in no significant differences between most mutations and the wild-type channel. Furthermore, we applied KCNQ modulators to reverse the electrophysiological abnormalities caused by KCNQ3 variants. The LOF mutations were reversed by the application of Pynegabine (HN37), a KCNQ opener, while the GOF mutation responded well to Amitriptyline (AMI), a KCNQ inhibitor. These findings provide essential insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying KCNQ3-related disorders and may inform clinical decision-making.
KCNQ3 Potassium Channel/genetics*
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Humans
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Mutation, Missense/genetics*
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KCNQ2 Potassium Channel/genetics*
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Patch-Clamp Techniques
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HEK293 Cells
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Animals
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Phenylenediamines/pharmacology*
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Carbamates
5.Perioperative management of postoperative delirium in elderly patients:a bibliometric analysis from 2014 to 2023
Panpan LI ; Miaomiao RAO ; Xiaorong DOU ; Lijun ZHANG ; Wenbin LU
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(2):180-186
Objective:To evaluate the progress and trends in perioperative management of postoperative delirium(POD)in the elderly over the past decade,providing insights for future research in China.Methods:Literature related to perioperative management of POD in elderly patients was retrieved from the Web of Science database published from Jan 1,2014,to Dec 31,2023.Articles and reviews were selected,and CiteSpace 6.3.1 software was used for duplicate removal and comprehensive analysis.Results:A total of 655 relevant publications were included,showing an overall increasing trend in annual output.China contributed 147 publications(22.44%,147/655),while the United States produced 134 publications(20.46%,134/655).Research hotspots focused on"hip fracture","neurocognitive disorders","Alzheimer's disease",and"oxidative stress".Conclusions:Research on the prevention and treatment of POD in elderly patients is growing globally.Although China has produced a substantial number of publications,its academic influence remains relatively limited.While clinical studies have elucidated strategies for POD prevention and treatment,further research is needed to validate intervention efficacy and explore underlying mechanisms.
6.Joint analysis of invasive margins and tumor center to evaluate the prognostic value of bystander CD8 + T cells in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer
Hao YANG ; Liying YANG ; Miaoqing ZHAO ; Li WU ; Yushan YAN ; Yimin ZHAO ; Ligang XING ; Xiaorong SUN
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(6):508-516
Objective:The impact of bystander CD8 + T cells (CD8 + Tbys) within the tumor microenvironment on the prognosis of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear, particularly concerning their infiltration differences at the invasive margin (IM) and tumor center (TC). Methods:We retrospectively collected postoperative specimens from 173 patients with primary early-stage NSCLC who underwent radical surgery at the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from 2014 to 2018. Tissue microarrays encompassing IM and TC regions were prepared and subjected to multicolor immunofluorescence staining (CK/CD8/CD103/DAPI). Image processing and phenotype recognition (CD8 + T cells, CK -CD8 +; CD8 + T bys, CK -CD8 +CD103 -) were performed using inFrom software, and automatic quantitative cell density analysis was conducted using R language. Differences in CD8 + T and CD8 + T bys densities at IM and TC were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The relationship between CD8 + T, CD8 + T bys and clinicopathological features was examined using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The impact of CD8 + T and CD8 + T bys on recurrence-free survival (RFS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Cox proportional hazards models. Results:A total of 173 patients with stage ⅠA-ⅡA NSCLC were included, with a recurrence rate of 26.6% (46/173) and a median RFS of 62.3 months (range: 44.7-71.9 months). CD8 + T and CD8 + T bys densities (1/1 000) were significantly higher in the IM region than in the TC region [70(32, 155) vs. 37(18, 88), P<0.001; 25(11, 46) vs. 18(7, 34), P=0.002]. No significant association was found between CD8 + T, CD8 + T bys and age, gender, smoking history, histological type, or pathological stage (all P>0.05). Patients with low-density IM CD8 + T cells had lower RFS compared to those with high-density IM CD8 + T cells ( P=0.021; median RFS not reached), Further analysis revealed that patients with low-density IM CD8 + T bys cell had lower RFS compared to those with high-density IM CD8 + T bys ( P=0.047; median RFS not reached), and low-density IM CD8 + T cell was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence ( HR=1.836, 95% CI:1.007-3.347, P=0.048). Joint analysis of IM and TC revealed that patients with low IM CD8 + T bys and high TC CD8 + T bys had significantly lower RFS compared to the other three groups ( P=0.006), and this combination was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence in early-stage NSCLC ( HR=2.090, 95% CI:1.162-3.760, P=0.014). Conclusions:The spatial distribution of bystander CD8 + T cells within the primary tumor influences the prognosis of patients with early-stage NSCLC. Patients with low-density IM CD8 + T bys and high-density TC CD8 + T bys are more prone to recurrence after radical surgery.
7.Efficacy analysis of endoscopic endonasal and craniotomy surgery in the treatment of craniopharyngioma Based on QST Classification
Chunlin ZHANG ; Changzhen JIANG ; Jun FU ; Zhicheng WANG ; Jianyu ZHU ; Wenjian FAN ; Xianjun CHEN ; Wanhai LI ; Wenwei LUO ; Wenpei CHEN ; Jinsheng HUANG ; Xiaorong YAN
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(2):72-81
Objective This study aims to explore the efficacy and complication rates of the transcranial approach(TCA)and extended endoscopic endonasal approach(EEEA)for the treatment of craniopharyngiomas based on the QST classification,providing a scientific reference for clinical decision-making on surgical approach.Methods A total of 151 patients who underwent craniopharyngioma surgery at our center from January 2018 to December 2023 were enrolled.The patients were categorized into Q-CP(suprasellar type),S-CP(infundibular type),and T-CP(tuberal type)according to the QST classification.Systematic collection and analysis were performed on the outcomes of TCA and EEEA treatments,respectively.The differences in effectiveness between the two approaches were evaluated based on the QST classification.Results The improvement rate of visual symptoms was overall higher in the EEEA group than in the TCA group(59.1%vs.36.5%,P=0.006),and the visual deterioration rate was lower(3.0%vs.14.1%,P=0.006).However,the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage was higher in the EEEA group(15.2%vs.3.5%,χ2=4.986,P=0.026).The incidence of postoperative seizures(8.2%vs.0,P=0.019),brain contusions(10.6%vs.0,P=0.005),and subdural hematoma(9.4%vs.0%,P=0.01)was higher in the TCA group.For patients with Q-CP type,the EEEA group had a higher rate of total tumor resection(92.9%vs.65.2%,P=0.025)and a lower recurrence rate(3.6%vs.21.7%,P=0.047),with shorter hospital stays and lower postoperative costs.The TCA group had higher intraoperative blood loss in this type(300 mL vs.200 mL,Z=-2.261,P=0.024).For S-CP type patients,the EEEA group showed a higher rate of total tumor resection(91.3%vs.74.2%)and a lower recurrence rate(0 vs.12.9%,P=0.031),with lower postoperative hospital costs.In T-CP type,due to the deeper location,EEEA showed limitations in protecting hypothalamic function and the TCA group had a better postoperative hypothalamic function score(P=0.035).Conclusion Based on QST classification,EEEA has advantages in Q-CP and S-CP types and is recommended as the preferred surgical procedure;In the T-CP type,TCA surgery is more helpful in protecting hypothalamic function.
8.Ginsenoside Re Inhibition via RhoA/MAPK on Angiotensin Ⅱ-Induced Proliferation,Migration,and Phenotypic Transformation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Weiwei HU ; Xiaoling WANG ; Xiaorong LI ; Chunhui TIAN ; Zhifen LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(5):1417-1425
Objective To investigate the effect of ginsenoside Re on angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)-induced proliferation,migration,and phenotype transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)by regulating the Ras homologous gene family member A(RhoA)/mitogen activated protein kinase(MAPK)pathway.Methods MOVAS cells were divided into control group,Ang Ⅱ group,ginsenoside Re low dose group,ginsenoside Re medium dose group,ginsenoside Re high dose group,andginsenoside Re high dose+RhoA activator(U46619)group.MOVAS cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8.MOVAS cell migration was detected by scratch assay.Immunocytochemistry was used to detect the positive expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and osteopontin(OPN)proteins in MOVAS cells.qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of PCNA,MMP-9,and MMP-2 in MOVAS cells.Western blot was used to detect RhoA,phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2(p-ERK1/2),phosphorylated stress activated protein kinase 1(p-JNK1),and p-P38 protein in MOVAS cells.Results Compared with the control group,the OD450 value,scratch healing rate,OPN protein positive expression,PCNA,MMP-9,MMP-2 mRNA expression,RhoA,p-ERK1/2,p-JNK1,p-P38 protein expression of MOVAS cells in the Ang II group increased,while the positive expression of α-SMA protein decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group,the OD450 value,scratch healing rate,OPN protein positive expression,PCNA,MMP-9,MMP-2 mRNA expression,and RhoA,p-ERK1/2,p-JNK1,and p-P38 proteins of MOVAS cells in the low,medium,and high dose groups of ginsenoside Re decreased,while the positive expression of α-SMA protein increased.The trend was most significant in the high dose group of ginsenoside Re(P<0.05).Compared with ginsenoside Re high-dose group,OD450 value,scratch healing rate,OPN protein positive expression,PCNA,MMP-9,MMP-2 mRNA expression and RhoA,p-ERK1/2,p-JNK1,p-P38 protein in ginsenoside Re high-dose+U46619 group increased,the positive expression of α-SMA protein decreased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion Ginsenoside Re may inhibit the proliferation,migration,and phenotype transformation of Ang Ⅱ in MOVAS cells by suppressing the RhoA/MAPK pathway.
9.Gold nanoparticle@mesoporous silica modified titanium implants promote osteogenic differentiation under high glucose conditions
Yunyi DENG ; Shichao CHEN ; Mingdong LUO ; Ruotong LI ; Xiaorong LAN ; Ke YU ; Guangwen LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(22):4694-4701
BACKGROUND:Titanium surface micro-nano structure modification is a hot research field in titanium implant surface treatment.The diabetic hyperglycemia environment will affect the stable bonding between titanium implant and bone tissue,so it is necessary to explore the surface micro-nano structure modification to improve the osteogenic activity of titanium implant in high glucose environment.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of gold nanoparticle@mesoporous silica nanoparticles(AuNPs@MSNs)coating on osteogenic activity of osteoblasts under high glucose in vitro.METHODS:Gold nanoparticle suspension and mesoporous silica were prepared respectively,and the two were mixed in deionized water in a certain proportion to prepare gold nanoparticle@mesoporous silica suspension.Titanium sheets were taken and divided into three groups for treatment:the smooth group was treated with water sandpaper;the nanotube group was treated with water sandpaper and then anodized to prepare titanium dioxide nanotube coating,and the experimental group prepared titanium dioxide nanotube coating and then immersed in gold nanoparticle@mesoporous silica suspension to prepare gold nanoparticle@mesoporous silica nanoparticles coating.The microscopic morphology and hydrophilicity of the surface of the three groups of titanium sheets were characterized.Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on the surface of the three groups of titanium sheets.Cell proliferation was detected by cell live/dead fluorescence staining and CCK-8 assay.Cell adhesion was detected by DAPI/phalloidin staining.Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on the surface of the three groups of titanium sheets,and high-glucose osteogenic induction medium was added for culture.Osteogenic differentiation was detected by alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of the titanium sheet in the smooth group was uniform and flat.The titanium dioxide nanotube arrays in the nanotube group were closely arranged on the surface,and the titanium sheet in the experimental group was loaded with gold nanoparticle@mesoporous silica on the surface and inside of the titanium dioxide nanotubes.The hydrophilicity of the titanium sheets in the nanotube group and the experimental group was better than that in the smooth group.(2)The results of cell live/dead fluorescence staining exhibited that the cell viability on the surface of the three groups of titanium sheets was higher than 90%.The results of CCK-8 assay show that the cell proliferation rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the smooth group and the nanotube group.The results of DAPI/phalloidin staining showed that the titanium dioxide nanotube coating and the gold nanoparticle@mesoporous silica nanoparticles coating were more conducive to cell adhesion.(3)The results of alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S staining showed that the alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization of the cells on the titanium sheet surface in the experimental group were higher than those in the smooth group and the nanotube group.(4)The results show that the gold nanoparticle@mesoporous silica nanoparticles coating can enhance the biological activity of the titanium surface and promote osteogenic differentiation in a high glucose environment.
10.Network analysis of the relationship between self-management and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jiangping ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHOU ; Wenting DU ; Yumei LI ; Weishan ZHANG ; Guangyu ZHU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(29):4039-4043
Objective:To explore the core factors of self-management and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the internal relationship between these two constructs.Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to enroll 210 COPD patients who visited the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from January to December 2022. Data were collected using Self-Management Scale and 36-item Short-Form. A relationship network between self-management and QOL was constructed via network analysis, and centrality indicators and network stability were calculated.Results:A total of 210 questionnaires were distributed, and 205 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 97.6%. Emotional management was identified as the core node in both the overall network and the self-management subnetwork (2.064), while vitality was the core node in the QOL subnetwork (0.730). The relationship between self-management and QOL was mainly manifested through the strong association between emotional management and role-emotion.Conclusions:Emotional management is the core factor in the relationship between self-management and QOL in COPD patients. The overall network of self-management and QOL is influenced by the strong association between emotional management and role-emotion.

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