1.Pathological changes and macrophage polarization in the liver and spleen of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Xiaoyu QIN ; Yuchun CAI ; Yang HONG ; Fanna WEI ; Yahong HU ; Yumeng CAI ; Yuan HU ; Ting ZHANG ; Xiaojin MO ; Bin XU ; Yan LU ; Jiahui SUN ; Yan ZHOU ; Zelin ZHU ; Muxin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):169-183
Objective To investigate the temporal changes in pathological damage and macrophage polarization in liver and spleen tissues of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, and to preliminarily unravel the peripheral immune responses during the early stage of A. cantonensis infection. Methods Forty female BALB/c mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups, including the control group and 7-, 14-, and 21-day infection groups, with 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection groups was inoculated with 30 third-stage (L3) larvae of A. cantonensis by oral gavage, and five mice were randomly selected from each infection group on days 7, 14, and 21 post-infection, while mice in the control group were given the same volume of physiological saline and five mice were randomly selected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. Mouse liver and spleen tissues were sampled. The histopathological changes of mouse liver and spleen tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the percentage of positive staining area and the co-localization positive rates of the macrophage surface antigens F4/80, CD86, and CD206 were quantified in mouse liver and spleen tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. In addition, five mice were collected from each infection group on days 7, 14, and 21 post-infection, and five mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. Mouse liver and spleen tissues were sampled for detection of macrophage markers CD86 and CD206 and macrophage phenotyping using flow cytometry, and the expression of M1 macrophage markers, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and M2 markers, including arginase 1 (Arg1), mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1) and chitinase-like protein 3 (Chil3) was quantified in mouse liver and spleen tissues using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay. Results Proliferative lesions of the hepatocyte were observed in mouse liver tissues and the follicular structures of the mouse spleen white pulp were disrupted 21 days post-infection with A. cantonensis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that there were significant differences in the percentages of F4/80, CD86 and CD206 positive staining areas in the liver and spleen tissues among the four groups of mice (F = 242.40, 197.14, 183.19, 157.65, 242.35 and 146.24; all P values < 0.001), and the percentages of positive staining in the liver and spleen tissues of mice in the 14-day infection group [(4.45 ± 0.51)%, (3.74 ± 0.67)%, (8.32 ± 0.72)%, (16.56 ± 1.14)%, (11.62 ± 0.52)%, and (8.29 ± 0.72)%, respectively] and the 21-day infection group [(3.70 ± 0.11)%, (3.22 ± 0.43)%, (11.53 ± 1.03)%, (12.59 ± 1.05)%, (9.02 ± 0.83)%, and (11.67 ± 1.10)%, respectively] were higher than in the control group [(0.35 ± 0.16)%, (0.40 ± 0.02)%, (0.93 ± 0.05)%, (2.78 ± 0.26)%, (2.33 ± 0.20)%, and (1.85 ± 0.20)%, respectively] (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed significant differences in the positive rates of F4/80 co-localization with CD86 and CD206 in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 24.42, 25.28, 54.51 and 130.55; all P values < 0.001). Flow cytometry detected significant differences in the proportions of CD86+ and CD206+ macrophages in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 67.98, 18.41, 29.77, 172.80; all P values < 0.001), and the proportions of CD206+ macrophages in the liver and spleen of the 21-day infection group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(9.25 ± 2.55)% vs (3.83 ± 0.72)%, and (4.22 ± 0.56)% vs (0.47 ± 0.18)%, respectively] (both P values < 0.05). In addition, RT-qPCR assay quantified significant differences in the relative mRNA expression of M1 macrophage markers (IL-1β, TNF-α and Nos2) and M2 macrophage markers (Arg1, Chil3 and Mrc1) in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 41.30, 31.82, 199.33, 19.96, 62.01, 119.76, 23.67, 95.90, 72.27, 82.59, 123.41 and 29.75; all P values < 0.05). Conclusions A. cantonensis infection may cause progressive pathological damage in mouse liver and spleen tissues, accompanied by dynamic temporal changes in macrophage polarization. M1 macrophage polarization predominates at the early stage of A. cantonensis infection and shifts towards M2 polarization at the later stages, suggesting that M2 polarization may participate in immune regulation at late stages of A. cantonensis infection by suppressing excessive inflammatory responses and promoting tissue repair.
2.Evaluation of the application of a predictive model for red blood cell demand in surgical procedures
Xiaoyu CAI ; Yannan FENG ; Chunya MA ; Yuan ZHUANG ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):51-55
Objective: To assess the clinical application value of a prediction model for red blood cell (RBC) demand in surgical procedures. Methods: Demographic data, laboratory parameters, anesthesia and transfusion records, and model prediction data were retrospectively collected from surgical patients at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital between 2018 and 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, t-test, and Mann-Kendall trend test. Results: From 2018 to 2024, the predictive model for RBC demand in surgical procedures was used to evaluate a total of 112 293 surgeries. During this period, the model call rate (77.49%-98.91%, P<0.05), compliance rate (56.81%-84.92%, P<0.05), and prediction accuracy rate (66.82%-94.17%, P<0.05) all showed significant upward trends. The total blood usage across the hospital (13645.4-7723.5 units, P<0.05) and the average blood usage per surgery (0.21-0.1 units, P<0.05) exhibited overall downward trends. Postoperative average hemoglobin levels in the non-compliance group (112.1-105.3 g/L in the non-compliance group vs 106.9-92.7 g/L in the compliance group, P<0.05) and the intraoperative excessive transfusion rate (5.06%-6.05% in the non-compliance group vs 0.09%-0.04% in the compliance group, P<0.05) were significantly higher in the non-compliance group compared to the compliance group. Conclusion: The predictive model for RBC demand in surgical procedures has played a positive role in conserving blood resources, optimizing blood resource allocation, and reducing intraoperative risks.
3.Peripheral Immune Response Patterns Under Vital Qi-Strengthening and Toxin-Eliminating Therapy and Their Value in Assessing Vital Qi Deficiency in Lung Cancer Metastasis: A Group-Based Trajectory Modeling
Fan XU ; Jianhui TIAN ; Yuan YAO ; Zhenyang CHENG ; Yanhong WANG ; Bin LUO ; Jialiang YAO ; Wang YAO ; Xinyi LU ; Yuchen BAO ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Youjun LIU ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Jianchun WU ; Minghua LI ; Wenfei SHI ; Yajing CUI ; Qingzhong LIU ; Yan LI ; Yun YANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(9):711-717
Objective On the basis of the theory of the tumor metastatic state, this work aims to explore the metastasis trajectories and peripheral immune response patterns in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving vital qi-strengthening and toxin-eliminating therapy (Fuzheng Juandu) and reveal the value of peripheral immunity in assessing vital qi deficiency during metastasis. Methods A retrospective study design was adopted. Patients with NSCLC admitted from January 1, 2018, to October 31, 2025 were enrolled. Data on metastasis status and peripheral immune indices were collected at the follow-up time points of one, two, three, and five years. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to fit metastasis trajectories, and the independent predictors of trajectory grouping were analyzed through multifactor and multiclassification logistic regression. Results A total of 184 patients with NSCLC were included, and three different groups of metastasis trajectories were identified, namely, the low-risk stable (46.74%, n=86), low-risk rising (13.59%, n=25), and high-risk stable (39.67%, n=73) groups. Univariate analysis revealed substantial differences in peripheral immune indices among the three trajectory groups. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, absolute neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, absolute monocyte count, platelet volume, SAA:CRP ratio, and NLR were independent predictors of the low-risk rising group, whereas TNM stage, absolute monocyte count, basophil count, SII, and NLR were independent predictors of the high-risk stable group. Conclusion Under Fuzheng Juandu therapy, patients with NSCLC exhibit three distinct metastasis trajectories, each
4.Treatment of Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome in Children from the Perspective of "Cold Qi Generates Turbidity"
Zhenhua YUAN ; Pan WANG ; Jingjing WU ; Mingyang CAI ; Shuang XU ; Yingying JIANG ; Yatong ZHANG ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Yuhang NIU ; Xilin CHEN ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2236-2239
Based on the theory of "cold qi generates turbidity" described in the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), together with the physiological characteristics of children, who are considered to have an inherent insufficiency of the lung, spleen, and kidney, and the clinical features of recurrent refractory nephrotic syndrome (RNS), this article proposes that the pathogenesis of RNS in children is characterized by yang deficiency with internal cold, turbidity arising from cold, latent turbidity transforming into toxin, activation by newly contracted pathogens, and turbid toxins damaging the collaterals. The core pathogenesis is identified as yang deficiency, turbidity coagulation, and collateral damage. Accordingly, the general treatment principle is warming yang and eliminating turbidity, with coordination of three methods including warming yang to strengthen the body's foundation, promoting yang to relieve constraint, and raising yang while replenishing qi. Zhenwu Decoction (真武汤) is employed as the basic prescription with modification according to syndrome differentiation, to achieve an effect eliminating turbidity and arresting leakage, restoring kidney function by unblocking the collaterals, and consolidating recovery to prevent relapse.
5.Environment and reproductive health: Bridging research and practice—Minutes of the Twentieth National Postgraduates Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Jun FAN ; Jiao CHEN ; Yuan WANG ; Chenchen ZHANG ; Xinyi GU ; Di YI ; Xiaoyu WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(9):1146-1148
From July 22 to 24, 2026, the 2nd International Symposium on Environment and Reproductive Health and the 20th National Postgraduates Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine were successfully held in Shanghai. The conference brought together experts, scholars, young researchers, and graduate students from Harvard University, National University of Singapore, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and other domestic and foreign universities and scientific research institutions to carry out in-depth exchanges on cutting-edge issues such as environment and reproductive health, environmental exposure and health effects, occupational health, disease risks, and toxicological mechanisms. The conference featured a main hall, multiple sessions, an editorial board memebers & experts forum, excellent paper reports, a postgraduate parallel forum, and keynote presentations. This postgraduate symposium, themed "Research and practice: Healing the schism", attracted a total of 113 papers. This year marked the first time that the National Postgraduates Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine was jointly held with an international academic conference. It further expanded the high-level platform for academic exchange and young talent cultivating, and promoted the deep integration of scientific research innovation, achievement dissemination, and public health practice.
6.Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective triterpenoids from the traditional Mongolian medicine Gentianopsis barbata.
Huizhen CHENG ; Huan LIU ; Xiaoyu QI ; Yuzhou FAN ; Zhongzhu YUAN ; Yuanliang XU ; Yanchun LIU ; Yan LIU ; Kai GUO ; Shenghong LI
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1111-1121
Gentianopsis barbata (G. barbata) represents a significant plant species with considerable ornamental and medicinal value in China. This investigation sought to elucidate the primary constituents within the plant and investigate their pharmacological properties. Fifty triterpenoids (1-50), including nine previously undescribed compounds (1, 2, 7, 10, 20, 28, 29, 37, and 41) were isolated and characterized from the whole plants of G. barbata. Notably, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited the novel 3,4;9,10-diseco-24-homo-cycloartane triterpenoid skeleton. The isolated triterpenoids demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine secretion in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, and hepatoprotective effects by preventing tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. These results demonstrate both the presence of diverse triterpenoids in G. barbata and their therapeutic potential for inflammatory and hepatic conditions, providing scientific evidence supporting the clinical application of this traditional Mongolian medicinal plant.
Triterpenes/isolation & purification*
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Mice
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
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Animals
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Humans
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RAW 264.7 Cells
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Hep G2 Cells
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Interleukin-6/genetics*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
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Medicine, Mongolian Traditional
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Protective Agents/isolation & purification*
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Liver/drug effects*
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Gentianaceae/chemistry*
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Plant Extracts/chemistry*
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Molecular Structure
7.ACTH-independent Cushing′s syndrome caused by a GNAS hotspot mutation: Case reports of two rare patients with McCune-Albright syndrome complicated by Cushing′s syndrome and literature review
Ziwei CHEN ; Congcong XIA ; Ning PAN ; Zhuozhou CUI ; Li JIANG ; Ni ZHEN ; Yuan XIAO ; Zhiya DONG ; Xiaoyu MA ; Wenli LU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):497-504
McCune-Albright syndrome(MAS) is a postzygotic somatic mutation disorder caused by activating mutations in the GNAS gene, which encodes the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein. Its clinical features typically include polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, cafe-au-lait skin pigmentation, and endocrine hyperactivity, such as Cushing′s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and growth hormone excess. Here, we report two rare cases of MAS complicated with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome, and provide a review and analysis of previously reported MAS cases associated with Cushing′s syndrome.
8.Microwave ablation for pediatric reninoma: a case report
Zhechen YU ; Guangqi ZENG ; Xiaoyu YUAN ; Tianyi WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Ting FENG ; Guohui LI ; Ting ZHANG ; Mingcui FU ; Xiangming YAN ; Shu DAI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):395-396
Reninoma is a rare renal secretory tumor,prevalent in the young population. This disease is mostly surgically resected,and the use of microwave ablation to treat reninoma in children is scarce. A case of reninoma in a child was reported in this paper. The patient presented with refractory hypertension,hypokalemia,hyperreninemia and hyperaldosteronemia. Enhanced CT and contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed mass in the lower pole of the right kidney,which was considered as reninoma and microwave ablation was performed. The renin concentration decreased to 68.42 pg/ml at 4 hours after surgery. After 1 year of postoperative follow-up,there was no recurrence of hypertension and hypokalemia,and no signs of tumor recurrence were seen on repeated ultrasound examinations.
9.Craniopharyngioma: a clinicopathological analysis of 71 cases
Xiaoyu YANG ; Yujie LI ; Chong GE ; Yuan LI ; Haibo WU
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(8):798-804
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) and papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP).Methods:A total of 71 cases craniopharyngioma, included 52 cases of ACP and 19 cases of PCP, diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei, China from September 2019 to November 2023 were collected. Clinical pathological data were analyzed, immunohistochemical staining was performed, and mutations in the CTNNB1 and BRAF V600E genes were examined to identify differences between ACP and PCP.Results:The ACP cohort comprised 27 male and 25 female patients, with an age at onset ranging from 6 to 70 years, mean age (42.0±18.3) years. In contrast, the PCP group included 15 males and 4 females, with an age at onset spanning 28 to 74 years, mean age (51.0±13.3) years. The ACP group more commonly showed calcifications on imaging than the PCP group [92.3% (48/52) versus 11/19]. Partial tumor resection and the maximum diameter of the tumor were important factors affecting the recurrence of ACP. Whorled cell clusters, wet keratinization, stellate reticulum, cysts, and calcification were more often seen in ACP than PCP ( P<0.05). Immunohistochemically, all (100%,52/52) of the ACP showed nuclear β-catenin expression, with varying degrees of expression in the nodular whorls, and scattered cytoplasmic β-catenin expression. The BRAF V600E expression was found in the cytoplasm of all (19/19) PCP cases, but only non-specific BRAF V600E nuclear positivity was observed in ACP cases. Molecular testing showed that the mutation rate of the CTNNB1 gene in ACP was 22.7% (5/22), and the mutation rate of the BRAF V600E in PCP was 19/19. Conclusions:ACP and PCP have different age at onset, radiological features, histopathological morphology, and genetic alterations. Proper use and interpretation of immunohistochemical results can help distinguish between ACP and PCP, while molecular testing can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic modality.
10.ACTH-independent Cushing′s syndrome caused by a GNAS hotspot mutation: Case reports of two rare patients with McCune-Albright syndrome complicated by Cushing′s syndrome and literature review
Ziwei CHEN ; Congcong XIA ; Ning PAN ; Zhuozhou CUI ; Li JIANG ; Ni ZHEN ; Yuan XIAO ; Zhiya DONG ; Xiaoyu MA ; Wenli LU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):497-504
McCune-Albright syndrome(MAS) is a postzygotic somatic mutation disorder caused by activating mutations in the GNAS gene, which encodes the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein. Its clinical features typically include polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, cafe-au-lait skin pigmentation, and endocrine hyperactivity, such as Cushing′s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and growth hormone excess. Here, we report two rare cases of MAS complicated with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome, and provide a review and analysis of previously reported MAS cases associated with Cushing′s syndrome.

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