1.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
2.Effects of Jiedu Yizhi Formula on neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Jie WANG ; Jian LIU ; Xiao-ting ZHU ; Yun-qiang LI ; Xin-yue ZHANG ; Fan LI ; Jia-li WU ; Wei LI ; Ming-quan LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1843-1852
AIM To investigate the mechanism of Jiedu Yizhi Formula on cognitive function and neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease(AD).METHODS 50 APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into the model group,the donepezil group,and the low-dose,moderate-dose,and high-dose Jiedu Yizhi Formula group(1.78,3.56 and 7.12 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group,in contrast to the 10 WT mice of the blank group.Following anesthesia administration and 8-week oral gavage regimen with respective drugs,all mice underwent final tissue sample collection.The mice had their learning and memory ability assessed by Morris water maze and nesting behavior scores;their pathology of brain tissue and Aβ expression observed using HE,Nissl and IHC staining;their polarization of microglia and the expression of inflammatory factors in hippocampal tissue detected by IF and ELISA;their hippocampal expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group had lower scores in total swimming distance,frequency in crossing the platform,residence time in the target quadrant,and nesting behavior scores(P<0.05,P<0.01);prolonged evasion latency(P<0.01);more disorganized arrangement of pyramidal cells,solidification and deep staining,unclear demarcation,irregular cell shapes,reduction of Nyctinidia,and increased Aβ deposition in the brain tissue(P<0.01);elevated expression of hippocampal microglia M1-type markers CD16/32 and lba-1(P<0.01);decreased levels of M2-type marker CD206(P<0.05);elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);decreased expressions of IL-13 and IL-4(P<0.01);and decreased levels of PI3K,Akt and mTOR mRNA,and reduced p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the donepezil group and the Jiedu Yizhi Formula groups showed statistically significant improvements in the aforementioned indexes(P<0.05,P<0.01),with the magnitude of improvement being higher in the high-dose Jiedu Yizhi Formula group.CONCLUSION Jiedu Yizhi Formula suppresses microglia Ml-type polarization while enhancing M2-type polarization via activation the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,which subsequently reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion.This mechanism attenuates Aβ deposition in brain tissues and ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AD mouse models.
3.Effectiveness and safety analysis of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-naive advanced cervical cancer:a retrospective cohort study
Sumei FAN ; Congling XIN ; Laifang ZHU ; Chang LIU ; Rui XU ; Zhengrong ZHOU ; Xi CHENG
China Oncology 2025;35(6):570-577
Background and purpose:The treatment of recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer remains challenging.Immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapy has shown preliminary clinical benefits,however,current evidence remains limited.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy on the prognosis of patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer.Methods:In this study,we conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data from 130 patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer admitted to Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from 2019 to 2025.The patients were categorized into the observation group(n=70),which included those who received camrelizumab with or without chemotherapy and targeted therapy,and the control group(n=60),including those who received chemotherapy and targeted therapy.Survival analysis was performed using the log-rank test,and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to explore prognostic factors.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center[Approval number:(2024)Review No.(015)]and all informed consents were exempted.Results:The objective response rate(ORR)in the observation group was 72.9%,and the disease control rate(DCR)was 80.0%,which were significantly higher than those in the control group with an ORR of 20.0%(χ2=36.1,P<0.001)and a DCR of 40.0%(χ2=21.8,P<0.001).The median progression-free survival(PFS)in the observation group was not reached,significantly longer than that in the control group of 7.0 months(P<0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified camrelizumab treatment as an independent protective factor for PFS(P<0.001).Age,site of recurrence/metastasis,initial treatment approach,and histopathological type were not significantly associated with PFS.In the observation group,adverse events of grade 3 or higher were reported in 29 patients(41.4%),which primarily included vasculitis,hypothyroidism,hypersensitivity reactions,and diarrhea.Conclusion:The use of camrelizumab significantly improved treatment outcomes and prognosis for patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer,with significantly improved progression-free survival.Although a certain proportion of patients experienced adverse events of grade 3 or higher,the overall safety profile was acceptable.In clinical practice,immunotherapy offers a more effective treatment option for patients.
4.Application of Auto-Prescription Technique in CT Portal Venography and Liver Volume Measurement
Yong FAN ; Xin FANG ; Yijun LIU ; Beibei LI ; Shigeng WANG ; Anliang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(9):1009-1014
Purpose To explore the application value of auto-prescription technique in CT portal venography and liver volume measurement.Materials and Methods A total of 180 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from April to November 2022 were prospectively collected and randomly divided into two groups,with 90 cases in each group.Group A(experimental group)was scanned with auto-prescription technique.Group B(conventional group)was scanned with 120 kVp,and the other imaging parameters kept the same as group A.In group A,the correlation between body mass index and tube voltage(kVp)recommended by auto-prescription technique was analyzed.The following values were compared between group A and group B,including the volume CT dose index,dose length product,CT value of portal vein and liver,standard deviation,contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR),image quality and subjective score of automatic segmentation.The liver volumes of group A and B were measured by Liver Segmentation software.The volumes measured by automatic segmentation software(Vsoft)were recorded,and then were compared with those segmented manually(gold standard)(Vstnd).Results Compared with group B,the volume CT dose index and dose length product in group A decreased by 22%and 25%(t=-4.654,-5.403,both P<0.05),respectively.The CT value and CNR of portal vein and liver in group A were higher than those in group B(t=4.857-6.011,all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in standard deviation,Vstnd and Vsoft between group A and group B(P>0.05).The consistency of subjective scores between the two observers was good(ICC=0.773-0.856,all P<0.05).The subjective scores of two-dimensional and three-dimensional images,as well as the automatic software segmentation scores in group A were higher than those in group B(Z=897.500,1 287.500,912.721,all P<0.05).The recommended kVp value in group A was positively correlated with body mass index(r=0.674,P<0.001).Conclusion The application of auto-prescription technique in CT portal venography can ensure the image quality,measure the liver volume accurately,and reduce the patient's radiation dose individually.
5.Current status of job competency of full-time healthcare-associated infec-tion management professionals in 31 provinces across China
Xin LIU ; Mengnai XIE ; Jihua SUN ; Hongfang SONG ; Fang LIU ; Guoai FAN ; Jia WEI ; Meng CAI
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(3):354-360
Objective To understand the current status of the job competency of full-time healthcare-associated in-fection(HAI)management professionals in all levels and types of medical institutions across China,and provide in-formation and basis for professional training,competency improvement,and career planning.Methods The strati-fied sampling method was adopted to select HAI management professionals from medical institutions in 31 provin-cial-level administrative regions across the country as the research subjects.The designed content of questionnaire involved four parts,including the surveyed personnel's basic information,daily job competency assessment,satis-faction level towards the job,as well as opinions and suggestions on the management of full-time HAI management professionals.The assessment on daily job competency was divided into 13 dimensions,ranging from very incompe-tent to very competent in 5 levels.The scores of HAI management professionals with different professional back-grounds were compared and analyzed.Results A total of 8 709 valid questionnaires were collected,with 3 475 and 3 697 surveyed personnel from tertiary and secondary medical institutions,respectively,and 1 537 from primary or unclassified medical institutions.The overall average score for the competency assessment of full-time HAI manage-ment professionals was(4.17±0.80)points.The scores of professionals with different professional backgrounds,from high to low,were as follows:nursing([4.12±0.81]points),clinical medicine([4.07±0.86]points),pre-ventive medicine([3.93±0.92]points),laboratory medicine([3.88±0.93]points),pharmacy([3.86±0.94]points),and health management([3.85±0.95]points).For the core competency of HAI management professio-nals,such as monitoring and analyzing HAI cases,identifying and investigating HAI outbreaks,the assessment scores for professionals with medical backgrounds were the highest(both P<0.05).For the basic work of HAI prevention and control,such as checking and guiding the implementation of rules and regulations,guiding occupa-tional protection,management and communication,and implementing HAI management training,professionals with a nursing background had the highest assessment scores(all P<0.05).Full-time HAI management professionals were relatively satisfied with their training,while those with a background in preventive medicine had lower satisfac-tion with their training,career development,and job benefits(all P<0.05).Conclusion There are significant differences in the competency of HAI management professionals with different professional backgrounds.It is nece-ssary to optimize division of labor and leverage the strengths,providing ideas and models for promoting the construction of a specialized and professional HAI management team.
6.Comparison of chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of Wendan Decoction
Tan XUE ; Man-wen XU ; Xue-hua FAN ; Feng-yu DONG ; Yan MIAO ; Jia-ning SUN ; Jun-han SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Jing YAO ; Rui-xin LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):384-394
AIM To compare the chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of classical famous prescription Wendan Decoction.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,naringin,hesperidin,6-gingerol and adenosine cyclophosphate were determined,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis were adopted in the investigation of component differences,and the equivalent of formula granules was adjusted.RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 10 batches of traditional decoctions were higher than those of HPLC fingerprints for 9 batches of formula granule decoctions(P<0.01).Adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,hesperidin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate demonstrated higher contents in traditional decoctions than those in formula granule decoctions(P<0.05),6-gingerol displayed lower content than that in the latter produced by manufacturers A,C(P<0.05),which was higher than that in the latter produced by manufacturer B(P<0.01).Various batches of traditional decoctions and formula granule decoctions could be obviously distinguished,adenosine,synephrine and hesperidin exhibited great influences on the classification of principal component analysis,and the quality of formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturer C was closer to that of traditional decoctions.After equivalent correction,the contents of various constituents in formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturers A,C showed no significant differences as compared with those in traditional decoction(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The formula granules of Wendan Decoction from different manufacturers exist quality differences,so the preparation process and extraction process of this preparation should be optimized to improve quality,and equivalent ratio should be adjusted according to actual requirements to ensure its scientific and rational clinical application.
7.Determination of polymyxin E in human plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application in therapeutic drug monitoring
Yan CHEN ; Xiaolan HUANG ; Yi LI ; Xin LI ; Beining GUO ; Yaxin FAN ; Hailan WU ; Mengting CHEN ; Wanzhen LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiaofen LIU
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(2):155-161
Objective To develop and validate an efficient and simple liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method for determination of polymyxin E in human plasma,and apply the established method in therapeutic drug monitoring(TDM)of polymyxin E.Methods The LC-MS/MS platform was based on AB SCIEX HPLC-4500MD system.Gradient elution was performed with 0.2%formic acid in water and 0.2%formic acid in acetonitrile.Phenomenex Kinetex XB-C18 column(100 mm × 2.1 mm,2.6 μm)were used.The analytes were detected by electrospray ionization(ESI)positive multiple reaction monitoring mode.The ion pairs for analytes(polymyxins E1,E2)and internal standard(polymyxins B1)were m/z 390.7→101.3,m/z 386.0→101.2,and m/z 402.3→101.2,respectively.Plasma samples were processed with protein precipitation method.Results Polymyxin E1 and E2 showed good linearity in the range of 0.031 2-6.24 mg/L and 0.006 15-1.23 mg/L,respectively.The within-run accuracy of polymyxin E1 and E2 in plasma ranged from 89.4%to 99.8%and 91.5%to 108.2%,respectively,while the between-run accuracy ranged from 91.8%to 104.7%and 95.6%to 105.2%,respectively.The within-run precision of polymyxin E1 and E2 in plasma ranged from 4.9%to 8.9%and 2.8%to 8.5%,respectively,while the between-run precision ranged from 4.1%to 7.6%and 4.2%to 9.8%,respectively.The average internal standard normalized matrix effect factors of polymyxins E1 and E2 were 96.9%-111.2%and 106.1%-112.8%in blank plasma samples from 6 different sources,102.5%-106.8%and 98.8%-105.2%in lipemic plasma,respectively,107.8%-108.9%and 106.9%-1 07.4%in hemolyzed plasma,respectively.The precision of matrix effects was less than 15.0%.The average recovery rate was 102.9%-107.5%for polymyxin E1 and E2,and 107.0%for internal standard polymyxin B1.The precision was less than 3.7%.Conclusions In this study,a simple and efficient LC-MS/MS method was established for determination of polymyxin E1 and E2 in human plasma,which is reliable in the therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic study of polymyxin E.
8.Effects of Jiedu Yizhi Formula on neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Jie WANG ; Jian LIU ; Xiao-ting ZHU ; Yun-qiang LI ; Xin-yue ZHANG ; Fan LI ; Jia-li WU ; Wei LI ; Ming-quan LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1843-1852
AIM To investigate the mechanism of Jiedu Yizhi Formula on cognitive function and neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease(AD).METHODS 50 APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into the model group,the donepezil group,and the low-dose,moderate-dose,and high-dose Jiedu Yizhi Formula group(1.78,3.56 and 7.12 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group,in contrast to the 10 WT mice of the blank group.Following anesthesia administration and 8-week oral gavage regimen with respective drugs,all mice underwent final tissue sample collection.The mice had their learning and memory ability assessed by Morris water maze and nesting behavior scores;their pathology of brain tissue and Aβ expression observed using HE,Nissl and IHC staining;their polarization of microglia and the expression of inflammatory factors in hippocampal tissue detected by IF and ELISA;their hippocampal expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group had lower scores in total swimming distance,frequency in crossing the platform,residence time in the target quadrant,and nesting behavior scores(P<0.05,P<0.01);prolonged evasion latency(P<0.01);more disorganized arrangement of pyramidal cells,solidification and deep staining,unclear demarcation,irregular cell shapes,reduction of Nyctinidia,and increased Aβ deposition in the brain tissue(P<0.01);elevated expression of hippocampal microglia M1-type markers CD16/32 and lba-1(P<0.01);decreased levels of M2-type marker CD206(P<0.05);elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);decreased expressions of IL-13 and IL-4(P<0.01);and decreased levels of PI3K,Akt and mTOR mRNA,and reduced p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the donepezil group and the Jiedu Yizhi Formula groups showed statistically significant improvements in the aforementioned indexes(P<0.05,P<0.01),with the magnitude of improvement being higher in the high-dose Jiedu Yizhi Formula group.CONCLUSION Jiedu Yizhi Formula suppresses microglia Ml-type polarization while enhancing M2-type polarization via activation the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,which subsequently reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion.This mechanism attenuates Aβ deposition in brain tissues and ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AD mouse models.
9.GBP3 negatively regulates HTLV-1 replication in a GTPase-dependent manner
Yanzi LIU ; Xin ZHAO ; Xiao QIN ; Yulu HUANG ; Xi YANG ; Qingqing FAN ; Bo YANG ; Jie WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):535-539
Objective:To investigate the effect of GBP3 on replication of adult T-lymphocytic leukemia virus type 1(HTLV-1).Methods:Expression of GBP3 in HTLV-1-infected HeLa cell and THP1 cell was detected by Western blot.The knock-down efficiency of siRNAs targeting GBP3 in HeLa and THP1 cells was evaluated by Western blot.Effects of GBP3 overexpression or knockdown on expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts Tax,px,HBZ,Gag,ENV,5'UTR,and viral proteins Tax,p19 were investigated by RT-qPCR and Western blot.GTPase-defective mutant of GBP3,GBP3K51A was constructed to explore whether the effects of GBP3 on HTLV-1 infection were dependent on its GTPase activity.Results:GBP3 expression was upregulated in HTLV-1 infected HeLa and THP1 cells.GBP3 overexpression decreased expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts and viral proteins,whereas the knockdown of GBP3 has the opposite effects.Overexpression of GBP3K51A increased expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts and viral proteins.Conclusion:HTLV-1 virus infection can induce expression of GBP3;overexpression of GBP3 inhibits virus replication and may depend on GTPase.
10.Effectiveness and safety analysis of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-naive advanced cervical cancer:a retrospective cohort study
Sumei FAN ; Congling XIN ; Laifang ZHU ; Chang LIU ; Rui XU ; Zhengrong ZHOU ; Xi CHENG
China Oncology 2025;35(6):570-577
Background and purpose:The treatment of recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer remains challenging.Immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapy has shown preliminary clinical benefits,however,current evidence remains limited.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy on the prognosis of patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer.Methods:In this study,we conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data from 130 patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer admitted to Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from 2019 to 2025.The patients were categorized into the observation group(n=70),which included those who received camrelizumab with or without chemotherapy and targeted therapy,and the control group(n=60),including those who received chemotherapy and targeted therapy.Survival analysis was performed using the log-rank test,and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to explore prognostic factors.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center[Approval number:(2024)Review No.(015)]and all informed consents were exempted.Results:The objective response rate(ORR)in the observation group was 72.9%,and the disease control rate(DCR)was 80.0%,which were significantly higher than those in the control group with an ORR of 20.0%(χ2=36.1,P<0.001)and a DCR of 40.0%(χ2=21.8,P<0.001).The median progression-free survival(PFS)in the observation group was not reached,significantly longer than that in the control group of 7.0 months(P<0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified camrelizumab treatment as an independent protective factor for PFS(P<0.001).Age,site of recurrence/metastasis,initial treatment approach,and histopathological type were not significantly associated with PFS.In the observation group,adverse events of grade 3 or higher were reported in 29 patients(41.4%),which primarily included vasculitis,hypothyroidism,hypersensitivity reactions,and diarrhea.Conclusion:The use of camrelizumab significantly improved treatment outcomes and prognosis for patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer,with significantly improved progression-free survival.Although a certain proportion of patients experienced adverse events of grade 3 or higher,the overall safety profile was acceptable.In clinical practice,immunotherapy offers a more effective treatment option for patients.

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