1.Research progress on strategies to target intestinal microbiota to improve drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy
Hui-ling LI ; Bi-qing LIU ; Ying-nan FENG ; Xin HU ; Lan ZHANG ; Xian-zhe DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):260-268
A growing body of research points out that gut microbiota plays a key role in tumor immunotherapy. By optimizing the composition of intestinal microbiota, it is possible to effectively improve immunotherapy resistance and enhance its therapeutic effect. This article comprehensively analyzes the mechanism of intestinal microbiota influencing tumor immunotherapy resistance, expounds the current strategies for targeted regulation of intestinal microbiota, such as traditional Chinese medicine and plant components, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics and dietary therapy, and explores the potential mechanisms of these strategies to improve patients' resistance to tumor immunotherapy. At the same time, the article also briefly discusses the prospects and challenges of targeting intestinal microbiota to improve tumor immunotherapy resistance, which provides a reference for related research to help the strategy research of reversing tumor immunotherapy resistance.
2.Prospects for 3D Bioprinting Research and Transdisciplinary Application to Preclinical Animal Models
Min HU ; Lexuan DONG ; Yi GAO ; Ziqi XI ; Zihao SHEN ; Ruiyang TANG ; Xin LUAN ; Min TANG ; Weidong ZHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):318-330
Animal experiments are widely used in biomedical research for safety assessment, toxicological analysis, efficacy evaluation, and mechanism exploration. In recent years, the ethical review system has become more stringent, and awareness of animal welfare has continuously increased. To promote more efficient and cost-effective drug research and development, the United States passed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Modernization Act 2.0 in September 2022, which removed the federal mandate requiring animal testing in preclinical drug research. In April 2025, the FDA further proposed to adopt a series of "new alternative methods" in the research and development of drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, which included artificial intelligence computing models, organoid toxicity tests, and 3D micro-physiological systems, thereby gradually phasing out traditional animal experiment models. Among these cutting-edge technologies, 3D bioprinting models are a significant alternative and complement to animal models, owing to their high biomimetic properties, reproducibility, and scalability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advancements and applications of 3D bioprinting technology in the fields of biomedical and pharmaceutical research. It starts by detailing the essential elements of 3D bioprinting, including the selection and functional design of biomaterials, along with an explanation of the principles and characteristics of various printing strategies, highlighting the advantages in constructing complex multicellular spatial structures, regulating microenvironments, and guiding cell fate. It then discusses the typical applications of 3D bioprinting in drug research and development,including high-throughput screening of drug efficacy by constructing disease models such as tumors, infectious diseases, and rare diseases, as well as conducting drug toxicology research by building organ-specific models such as those of liver and heart. Additionally,the review examines the role of 3D bioprinting in tissue engineering, discussing its contributions to the construction of functional tissues such as bone, cartilage, skin, and blood vessels, as well as the latest progress in regeneration and replacement. Furthermore, this review analyzes the complementary advantages of 3D bioprinting models and animal models in the research of disease progression, drug mechanisms, precision medicine, drug development, and tissue regeneration, and discusses the potential and challenges of their integration in improving model accuracy and physiological relevance. In conclusion, as a cutting-edge in vitro modeling and manufacturing technology, 3D bioprinting is gradually establishing a comprehensive application system covering disease modeling, drug screening, toxicity prediction, and tissue regeneration.
3.Prospects for 3D Bioprinting Research and Transdisciplinary Application to Preclinical Animal Models
Min HU ; Lexuan DONG ; Yi GAO ; Ziqi XI ; Zihao SHEN ; Ruiyang TANG ; Xin LUAN ; Min TANG ; Weidong ZHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):318-330
Animal experiments are widely used in biomedical research for safety assessment, toxicological analysis, efficacy evaluation, and mechanism exploration. In recent years, the ethical review system has become more stringent, and awareness of animal welfare has continuously increased. To promote more efficient and cost-effective drug research and development, the United States passed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Modernization Act 2.0 in September 2022, which removed the federal mandate requiring animal testing in preclinical drug research. In April 2025, the FDA further proposed to adopt a series of "new alternative methods" in the research and development of drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, which included artificial intelligence computing models, organoid toxicity tests, and 3D micro-physiological systems, thereby gradually phasing out traditional animal experiment models. Among these cutting-edge technologies, 3D bioprinting models are a significant alternative and complement to animal models, owing to their high biomimetic properties, reproducibility, and scalability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advancements and applications of 3D bioprinting technology in the fields of biomedical and pharmaceutical research. It starts by detailing the essential elements of 3D bioprinting, including the selection and functional design of biomaterials, along with an explanation of the principles and characteristics of various printing strategies, highlighting the advantages in constructing complex multicellular spatial structures, regulating microenvironments, and guiding cell fate. It then discusses the typical applications of 3D bioprinting in drug research and development,including high-throughput screening of drug efficacy by constructing disease models such as tumors, infectious diseases, and rare diseases, as well as conducting drug toxicology research by building organ-specific models such as those of liver and heart. Additionally,the review examines the role of 3D bioprinting in tissue engineering, discussing its contributions to the construction of functional tissues such as bone, cartilage, skin, and blood vessels, as well as the latest progress in regeneration and replacement. Furthermore, this review analyzes the complementary advantages of 3D bioprinting models and animal models in the research of disease progression, drug mechanisms, precision medicine, drug development, and tissue regeneration, and discusses the potential and challenges of their integration in improving model accuracy and physiological relevance. In conclusion, as a cutting-edge in vitro modeling and manufacturing technology, 3D bioprinting is gradually establishing a comprehensive application system covering disease modeling, drug screening, toxicity prediction, and tissue regeneration.
4.3D printing navigation template assisted pedicle screw placement for the treatment of type Ⅱ old odontoid fractures
Wei-Xin DONG ; Zhen-Tao CHU ; Yong HU ; Ou-Jie LAI ; Zhen-Shan YUAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(8):779-785
Objective To compare the safety and clinical efficacy of freehand and 3D printing navigation template assisted screw placement in patients with old odontoid fractures of type Ⅱ.Methods Total of 38 patients with old odontoid fractures of type Ⅱ were treated from November 2018 to December 2022,all of which presented as chronic neck pain.According to the dif-ferent methods of screw insertion into the pedicle,the patients were divided into a navigation template group and a freehand group.In the navigation template group,there were 17 patients including 9 males and 8 females with an average age of(51.30±13.20)years old,disease duration was(22.18±7.59)months.In the freehand group,there 21 patients including 7 males and 14 females with an average age of(49.46±11.92)years old,disease duration was(19.52±9.17)months.The intraoperative blood loss,operation time,and postoperative drainage output were recorded and compared between two groups.The accuracy of screw placement was evaluated by CT scan.Before operation and 1 year after operation,cervical pain was assessed by visual analogue scale(VAS),neurological changes were evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score,and the de-gree of spinal cord injury was assessed by the American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA)injury scale.Results All patients were followed up for(25.31±1.21)months.The operation time of template group(112.00±20.48)min had significantly shorter than that of the freehand group(124.29±15.24)min(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences between two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage,and hospital stay(P>0.05).At 1 year after operation,in template group and freehand group,the VAS[(2.88±0.86),(2.90±0.83)]and JOA[(14.94±1.82),(14.62±2.19)]improved with pre-operative[VAS(4.71±0.92),(4.86±0.79)and JOA(12.18±2.30),(11.95±2.31)](P<0.05),with no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05).No significant improvement was observed in ASIA grading in either group at 1 year after opera-tion(P>0.05),and there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05).The template group had significantly better accuracy of screw placement in the pedicle of the axis than the freehand group(P<0.05),while no significant difference was observed between two groups in the accuracy of screw placement in the pedicle of the atlas(P>0.05).Conclusion In the treat-ment of type Ⅱ old odontoid fractures with posterior pedicle screw fixation,3D printing navigation template screw placement can significantly shorten the operation time,achieve similar clinical efficacy as free-hand screw placement,and significantly im-prove the accuracy of screw placement in the pedicle of the axis.
5.The impact of DRGs payment on Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals:Based on difference-in-difference analysis
Hui-Jun GUO ; Jing LIU ; Guang-Yu HU ; Yi-Wei HAO ; Xin-Mei HAO ; Ya-Nan WANG ; Hui-Dong ZHU ; Qiu-Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(6):47-55
Objective:This study aims to evaluate the impact of Diagnosis-Related-Groups(DRGs)payment on the average total cost,length of stay,service volume,effectiveness,and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)hospitals.Methods:A national medical center specializing in TCM was selected as the research subject.The Difference-in-Difference Model(DID)was utilized to analyze the differences in various indicators between insured patients(intervention group)and uninsured patients(control group)before and after the implementation of the payment reform policy.The reliability and stability of the model were verified through parallel trend tests and placebo tests.Results:The coefficients of DID interaction terms for eleven indicators including average total hospitalization cost,number of cases,length of stay,proportion of medical service revenue,and proportion of herbal medicine revenue were significant(P<0.05).The DID interaction term coefficients for four indicators including herbal medicine usage rate and proportion of non-pharmacological TCM therapy revenue were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:DRG payment significantly reduced the per-admission cost,with significant decreases in consumables and medical technology expenses,optimizing cost structure,and a slight decrease in the proportion of herbal medicine costs.It is necessary to further expand the sample size,track policy impacts,and comprehensively evaluate the effects of DRG payment on TCM hospitals in China.
6.Effects of Xinyue Capsules on the expression of glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes in a rat model of cardiac hypertrophy
Hao ZHANG ; Xiao-Yun DING ; Hu WANG ; Ting-Ting LI ; Yu-Mei QIU ; Meng-Die XIE ; Wei DONG ; Yi-Xin SHEN ; Xi-Lan TANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(11):3594-3602
AIM To investigate the effects of Xinyue Capsules on the expression of glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes in isoproterenol(ISO)-induced rat heart tissue and primary myocardial cells of neonatal rats.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the Xinyue Capsules intervention group and Xinyue Capsules control group,with 8 rats in each group.The rat model of cardiac hypertrophy was established by 14 days consecutive intraperitoneal injection of ISO(30 mg/kg).Prior to the modeling,once daily administration of 0.393 g/kg Xinyue Capsules was given by gavage from 3 days in advance to the end of the experiment.After the last administration,the procurement of blood from abdominal aorta,the left and right ventricles were processed.And the rats had their indices levels of the heart,the left ventricle and the right ventricle measured;their pathomorphological changes of myocardial tissue observed using HE staining;their expressions of cardiac hypertrophy-related myocardial embryonic genes ANP,β-MHC and α-SKA mRNA detected using RT-qPCR method;and their serum TC,TG,LDL-C and HDL-C levels detected by biochemical method.In in vitro experiment,the neonatal rat model of myocardial hypertrophy was induced by exposure to ISO 1 μmol/L for 24 h.The investigation of the effect of Xinyue Capsules 12.5 μg/mL on ISO-induced myocardial hypertrophy was conducted by detection of myocardial cell area,embryo genes related to cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial cells protein cuntent.The further anti-cardiac hypertrophy mechanism of Xinyue Capsules research was conducted using RT-qPCR and Western blot to detect the gene and protein expressions of phospholipase A2(PLA2G6),phospholipase A1 member A(PLA1A)and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase(LCAT)in left ventricle tissue and myocardial cells of each group.RESULTS The in vivo experimental result showed that compared with the normal group,the model group displayed increased indices levels of the heart,the left ventricle and the right ventricle and cross-sectional area of left ventricular myocytes(P<0.05);and up-regulated expressions of ANP,β-MHC,α-SKA mRNA and PLA2G6,PLA1A and LCAT mRNA and proteins in the left ventricle(P<0.05);and increased levels of serum TC,TG and LDL-C(P<0.05);and decreased HDL-C level(P<0.05).However,the intervention of Xinyue Capsules inhibited the changes of the aforementioned indices(P<0.05).The in vitro experimental result revealed that Xinyue Capsules inhibited the ISO-induced increases of myocardial cell surface area and myocardial cell protein level,the up-regulation of ANP,β-MHC,α-SKA mRNA expressions and the PLA2G6,PLA1A,LCAT mRNA and protein expressions as well(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Xinyue Capsules can improve the ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats,and its mechanism may be associated with its regulation upon the expressions of glycerophospholipid metabolism-related enzymes PLA2G6,PLA1A and LCAT.
7.Analysis of surgical situations and prognosis of pancreaticoduodenectomy in Jiangsu province (a report of 2 886 cases)
Zipeng LU ; Xin GAO ; Hao CHENG ; Ning WANG ; Kai ZHANG ; Jie YIN ; Lingdi YIN ; Youting LIN ; Xinrui ZHU ; Dongzhi WANG ; Hongqin MA ; Tongtai LIU ; Yongzi XU ; Daojun ZHU ; Yabin YU ; Yang YANG ; Fei LIU ; Chao PAN ; Jincao TANG ; Minjie HU ; Zhiyuan HUA ; Fuming XUAN ; Leizhou XIA ; Dong QIAN ; Yong WANG ; Susu WANG ; Wentao GAO ; Yudong QIU ; Dongming ZHU ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(5):685-693
Objective:To investigate the surgical situations and perioperative outcome of pancreaticoduodenectomy in Jiangsu Province and the influencing factors for postoperative 90-day mortality.Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 2 886 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in 21 large tertiary hospitals of Jiangsu Quality Control Center for Pancreatic Diseases, including The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from March 2021 to December 2022 were collected. There were 1 732 males and 1 154 females, aged 65(57,71)years. Under the framework of the Jiangsu Provincial Pancreatic Disease Quality Control Project, the Jiangsu Quality Control Center for Pancreatic Diseases adopted a multi-center registration research method to establish a provincial electronic database for pancrea-ticoduodenectomy. Observation indicators: (1) clinical characteristics; (2) intraoperative and post-operative conditions; (3) influencing factors for 90-day mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3) or M(IQR), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or constituent ratio, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test, continuity correction chi-square test and Fisher exact probability. Maximal Youden index method was used to determine the cutoff value of continuous variables. Univariate analysis was performed using the corresponding statistical methods based on data types. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Logistic multiple regression model. Results:(1) Clinical characteristics. Of the 2 886 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, there were 1 175 and 1 711 cases in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Of the 21 hospitals, 8 hospitals had an average annual surgical volume of <36 cases for pancreaticoduodenectomy, 10 hospitals had an average annual surgical volume of 36-119 cases, and 3 hospitals had an average annual surgical volume of ≥120 cases. There were 2 584 cases performed pancreaticoduodenectomy in thirteen hospitals with an average annual surgical volume of ≥36 cases, accounting for 89.536%(2 584/2 886)of the total cases. There were 1 357 cases performed pancrea-ticoduodenectomy in three hospitals with an average annual surgical volume of ≥120 cases, accounting for 47.020%(1 357/2 886) of the total cases. (2) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions. Of the 2 886 patients, the surgical approach was open surgery in 2 397 cases, minimally invasive surgery in 488 cases, and it is unknown in 1 case. The pylorus was preserved in 871 cases, not preserved in 1 952 cases, and it is unknown in 63 cases. Combined organ resection was performed in 305 cases (including vascular resection in 209 cases), not combined organ resection in 2 579 cases, and it is unknown in 2 cases. The operation time of 2 885 patients was 290(115)minutes, the volume of intra-operative blood loss of 2 882 patients was 240(250)mL, and the intraoperative blood transfusion rate of 2 880 patients was 27.153%(782/2 880). Of the 2 886 patients, the invasive treatment rate was 11.342%(327/2 883), the unplanned Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatment rate was 3.087%(89/2 883), the reoperation rate was 1.590%(45/2 830), the duration of postoperative hospital stay was 17(11)days, the hospitalization mortality rate was 0.798%(23/2 882), and the failure rate of rescue data in 2 083 cases with severe complications was 6.529%(19/291). There were 2 477 patients receiving postoperative 90-day follow-up, with the 90-day mortality of 2.705%(67/2477). The total incidence rate of complication in 2 886 patients was 58.997%(1 423/2 412). The incidence rate of severe complication was 13.970%(291/2 083). The comprehensive complication index was 8.7(22.6) in 2 078 patients. (3) Influencing factors for 90-day mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age ≥ 70 years, postoperative invasive treatment, and unplanned ICU treatment were independent risk factors for 90-day mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy ( odds ratio=2.403, 2.609, 16.141, 95% confidence interval as 1.281-4.510, 1.298-5.244, 7.119-36.596, P<0.05). Average annual surgical volume ≥36 cases in the hospital was an independent protective factor for 90-day mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy ( odds ratio=0.368, 95% confidence interval as 0.168-0.808, P<0.05). Conclusions:Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Jiangsu Province is highly con-centrated in some hospitals, with a high incidence of postoperative complications, and the risk of postoperative 90-day mortality is significant higher than that of hospitallization mortality. Age ≥ 70 years, postoperative invasive treatment, and unplanned ICU treatment are independent risk factors for 90-day motality after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and average annual surgical volume ≥36 cases in the hospital is an independent protective factor.
8.Oxalate regulates crystal-cell adhesion and macrophage metabolism via JPT2/PI3K/AKT signaling to promote the progression of kidney stones
Song QIANLIN ; Song CHAO ; Chen XIN ; Xiong YUNHE ; He ZIQI ; Su XIAOZHE ; Zhou JIAWEI ; Ke HU ; Dong CAITAO ; Liao WENBIAO ; Yang SIXING
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(6):851-862
Oxalate is an organic dicarboxylic acid that is a common component of plant foods.The kidneys are essential organs for oxalate excretion,but excessive oxalates may induce kidney stones.Jupiter micro-tubule associated homolog 2(JPT2)is a critical molecule in Ca2+mobilization,and its intrinsic mecha-nism in oxalate exposure and kidney stones remains unclear.This study aimed to reveal the mechanism of JPT2 in oxalate exposure and kidney stones.Genetic approaches were used to control JPT2 expression in cells and mice,and theJPT2 mechanism of action was analyzed using transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics.The results showed that oxalate exposure triggered the upregulation of JPT2,which is involved in nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NAADP)-mediated Ca2+mobilization.Tran-scriptomic analysis revealed that cell adhesion and macrophage inflammatory polarization were inhibited by JPT2 knockdown,and these were dominated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT signaling,respectively.Untargeted metabolomics indicated that JPT2 knockdown inhibited the produc-tion of succinic acid semialdehyde(SSA)in macrophages.Furthermore,JPT2 deficiency in mice inhibited kidney stones mineralization.In conclusion,this study demonstrates that oxalate exposure facilitates kidney stones by promoting crystal-cell adhesion,and modulating macrophage metabolism and in-flammatory polarization via JPT2/PI3K/AKT signaling.
9.Prognostic significance and biological implications of SM‑like genes in mantle cell lymphoma
Xue HE ; Changjian YAN ; Yaru YANG ; Weijia WANG ; Xiaoni LIU ; Chaoling WU ; Zimu ZHOU ; Xin HUANG ; Wei FU ; Jing HU ; Ping YANG ; Jing WANG ; Mingxia ZHU ; Yan LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Shaoxiang LI ; Gehong DONG ; Xiaoliang YUAN ; Yuansheng LIN ; Hongmei JING ; Weilong ZHANG
Blood Research 2024;59():33-
Background:
SM-like (LSM) genes a family of RNA-binding proteins, are involved in mRNA regulation and can function as oncogenes by altering mRNA stability. However, their roles in B-cell progression and tumorigenesis remain poorly understood.
Methods:
We analyzed gene expression profiles and overall survival data of 123 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The LSM index was developed to assess its potential as a prognostic marker of MCL survival.
Results:
Five of the eight LSM genes were identified as potential prognostic markers for survival in MCL, with particular emphasis on the LSM.index. The expression levels of these LSM genes demonstrated their potential utility as classifiers of MCL. The LSM.index-high group exhibited both poorer survival rates and lower RNA levels than did the overall transcript profile. Notably, LSM1 and LSM8 were overexpressed in the LSM.index-high group, with LSM1 showing 2.5-fold increase (p < 0.001) and LSM8 depicting 1.8-fold increase (p < 0.01) than those in the LSM.index-low group.Furthermore, elevated LSM gene expression was associated with increased cell division and RNA splicing pathway activity.
Conclusions
The LSM.index demonstrates potential as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with MCL. Elevated expression of LSM genes, particularly LSM1 and LSM8, may be linked to poor survival outcomes through their involvement in cell division and RNA splicing pathways. These findings suggest that LSM genes may contribute to the aggressive behavior of MCL and represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
10.Prognostic significance and biological implications of SM‑like genes in mantle cell lymphoma
Xue HE ; Changjian YAN ; Yaru YANG ; Weijia WANG ; Xiaoni LIU ; Chaoling WU ; Zimu ZHOU ; Xin HUANG ; Wei FU ; Jing HU ; Ping YANG ; Jing WANG ; Mingxia ZHU ; Yan LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Shaoxiang LI ; Gehong DONG ; Xiaoliang YUAN ; Yuansheng LIN ; Hongmei JING ; Weilong ZHANG
Blood Research 2024;59():33-
Background:
SM-like (LSM) genes a family of RNA-binding proteins, are involved in mRNA regulation and can function as oncogenes by altering mRNA stability. However, their roles in B-cell progression and tumorigenesis remain poorly understood.
Methods:
We analyzed gene expression profiles and overall survival data of 123 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The LSM index was developed to assess its potential as a prognostic marker of MCL survival.
Results:
Five of the eight LSM genes were identified as potential prognostic markers for survival in MCL, with particular emphasis on the LSM.index. The expression levels of these LSM genes demonstrated their potential utility as classifiers of MCL. The LSM.index-high group exhibited both poorer survival rates and lower RNA levels than did the overall transcript profile. Notably, LSM1 and LSM8 were overexpressed in the LSM.index-high group, with LSM1 showing 2.5-fold increase (p < 0.001) and LSM8 depicting 1.8-fold increase (p < 0.01) than those in the LSM.index-low group.Furthermore, elevated LSM gene expression was associated with increased cell division and RNA splicing pathway activity.
Conclusions
The LSM.index demonstrates potential as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with MCL. Elevated expression of LSM genes, particularly LSM1 and LSM8, may be linked to poor survival outcomes through their involvement in cell division and RNA splicing pathways. These findings suggest that LSM genes may contribute to the aggressive behavior of MCL and represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

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