1.LU Fang's Clinical Experience in Differentiation and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the Perspective of Heat-Toxin and Blood-Stasis in the Collaterals
Yingchao NIU ; Yongzhu PIAO ; Xiang GENG ; Zhihui GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Huibin WU ; Zhilong WANG ; Shuangshuang GE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):16-20
This paper summarizes Professor LU Fang's clinical experience in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the differentiation and treatment of heat-toxin and blood-stasis in the collaterals. SLE is generally characterized by deficiency in origin with excess in manifestation. The core pathogenesis is heat-toxin obstructing the collaterals. During the acute active stage, the predominant pattern is blazing heat-toxin causing blood stasis, while in the chronic remitting stage, the main pattern is toxic stasis blocking the collaterals with qi and yin deficiency. Clinical treatment follows the basic principle that treat with salty-cold herbs, when heat invades internally and that assist with acrid-dispersing herbs when stasis obstructs the collaterals. The self-formulated Yimian Decoction (抑免汤) serves as the base formula and is applied in stages. During the acute active stage, it is often combined with herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and resolving stasis, and unblocking the collaterals. In the chronic remitting stage, it is often combined with herbs for activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals, as well as tonifying qi and nourishing yin.
2.Prokaryotic expression of Echinococcus granulosus Polo-like kinase 2 and immunoprotective efficacy of its recombinant protein
Xue WANG ; Mingzhi YAN ; Wenjing QI ; Chuanchuan WU ; Guowu ZHANG ; An GENG ; Mengxiao TIAN ; Jun LI ; Wenbao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):184-193
Objective To prepare the recombinant Echinococcus granulosus Polo-like kinase 2 (rEgPLK2) protein and evaluate its immunoprotective efficacy against cystic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into research and development of novel vaccines against echinococcosis. Methods The Polo-like kinase (PLK) protein sequences were retrieved from 12 species in the NCBI protein database, including E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Multiple sequence alignment was performed using the Clustal Omega program, and structural visualization and homology analysis were conducted using the ESPript 3.2 program. The recombinant plasmid pET-30a-EgPLK2 was transformed into BL21(DE3) competent cells. Protein expression was induced with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to characterize the expression and molecular weight of the rEgPLK2 protein. The purified rEgPLK2 protein was thoroughly emulsified with Freund’s complete adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio. Two New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with multipoint subcutaneous injection on the back at a dose of 300 μg per rabbit for primary immunization. For booster immunizations, the protein was emulsified with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio and administered on days 14, 28, and 42 after the primary immunization at a dose of 150 μg per rabbit. Serum was sampled from the rabbit ear vein on day 7 after the final immunization to yield anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibodies. Antibody titer was determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and antibody specificity was verified by Western blotting. The tissue localization of the EgPLK2 protein was detected in E. granulosus protoscoleces and adult worms using immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Eighteen 6- to 8-week-old female SPF-grade BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups, including the blank control group, rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group, and PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, of 6 mice each group. Mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and PBSISA group received three primary immunizations via intramuscular injection, and animals in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group was inoculated with immunogens prepared by emulsifying rEgPLK2 protein with ISA 201 adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio (6 μg per mouse), while mice in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group received an equal volume of PBS emulsified with ISA adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio. A fourth booster immunization was administered via intraperitoneal injection. Mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group received a booster immunization with 8 μg of rEgPLK2 protein per mouse, and animals in the PBS-ISA group received an equal volume of PBS, with immunizations given at 2-week intervals. Mice in the blank control group were given no treatment, and housed under standard conditions. Tail vein blood was collected from all mice 7 days after the final immunization, and levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG antibody and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3) were measured by indirect ELISA. E. granulosus infection was modelled in mice through injection with 1 000 E. granulosus protoscoleces via intrahepatic portal vein in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and PBS-ISA adjuvant control group 2 weeks after the last immunization. All mice were sacrificed and dissected. The number of cysts was counted in mouse livers, and the cyst reduction rate was calculated. Liver tissues were processed for paraffin sectioning and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and histopathological changes were examined under a light microscope. Results Sequence analysis revealed that EgPLK2 shared a high amino acid sequence homology with E. multilocularis PLK2 (EmPLK2) and contained the typical domains of the Polo-like kinase family, including the serine/threonine protein kinase catalytic domain (STKc) and Polo-box. The IPTG-induced rEgPLK2 protein was mainly expressed in the form of inclusion bodies, and the purified rEgPLK2 protein showed a relative molecular mass of approximately 70 kDa. The prepared rabbit anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibody had a titer of 1 : 256 000, and Western blotting assay showed that this anti-body specifically recognized the rEgPLK2 protein with a relative molecular mass of approximately 70 kDa. Immunofluorescence assay showed that the EgPLK2 protein was localized in the excretory bladder and rostellum of E. granulosus protoscoleces, as well as the tegument, suckers, and inter-proglottid junctions of adult worms. Immunoprotective assay showed that the serum levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies were 2.92 ± 0.49, 0.33 ± 0.10, 0.31 (0.36), and 3.12 (1.73) in mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group, which were all significantly higher than those in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group (0.14 ± 0.04, 0.07 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.04, and 0.11 ± 0.04, respectively) (t = 19.28 and 8.46, Z = 3.75 and 4.15; all P values < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in the serum anti-IgG3 antibody level between the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group [0.07 (0.01) vs. 0.073 (0.07); Z = 0.69, P > 0.05)]. In the mouse model of E. granulosus infections, the area of hepatic lesions was reduced and the inflammatory infiltration was alleviated in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group than in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, and the number of hepatic cysts was higher in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group than in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group [8.00 (2.00) vs. 1.00 (0.75); Z = −2.93, P < 0.01], with a cyst reduction rate of 80.40%. Indirect ELISA assay measured higher serum levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG (3.28 ± 0.48 vs. 0.11 ± 0.04; t = 15.86, P < 0.01), IgG1 (0.29 ± 0.02 vs. 0.09 ± 0.01; t = 15.67, P < 0.01), IgG2a [3.71 (1.09) vs. 0.08 (0.03); Z = 2.88, P < 0.01], and IgG2b antibodies [3.34 (1.01) vs. 0.08 (0.03); Z = 2.88, P < 0.01] in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group than in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, and there was no significant difference in the serum level of the specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG3 antibody between the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group (0.07 ± 0.01 vs. 0.07 ± 0.01; t = 1.29, P > 0.05). Conclusions The prokaryotic expression system has been successfully constructed for the EgPLK2 gene and the anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibody has been obtained. The rEgPLK2 protein exhibits a high immunogenicity, and is effective to protect against E. granulosus infection, and inhibits cyst development, which is a promising candidate vaccine target against cystic echinococcosis.
3.ERBB3 blockade sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to regorafenib after first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance by inhibiting HIF1A-ABCB1 signaling
Baorui TAO ; Chenhe YI ; Bo ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Yinchen GU ; Rongquan SUN ; Xiangyu WANG ; Jing LIN ; Jinhong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):787-807
Background/Aims:
Regorafenib is recommended by guidelines and trials as a sequential second-line therapy following progression on first-line sorafenib or lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, efficacy is limited, highlighting the urgent need to screen suitable patients and develop sensitization strategies.
Methods:
Acquired sorafenib- or lenvatinib-resistant (SR or LR) HCC cell lines and organoids were established. Genome-wide CRISPR library screen was performed in SR or LR cell strains to identify synthetic lethal targets of regorafenib. RNA-seq and FITC-regorafenib efflux assay were used to elucidate ERBB3-driven downstream signaling. Preclinical mouse models of cell line- and patient-derived xenografts and clinical cohorts of HCC patients were employed to validate the efficacy of ERBB3-guided patient stratification.
Results:
Screening with CRISPR library, we showed that inhibition of ERBB3 was synthetic lethal with regorafenib in SR or LR cell strains and organoids. Mechanistically, SR or LR triggered feedback activation of ERBB3 signaling and mediated regorafenib efflux via ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade pathway, limiting sensitivity to regorafenib. Moreover, ERBB3-low tumors following SR or LR exhibited significant sensitivity to regorafenib, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker to screen optimal candidates for sequential therapy. Seribantumab, an ERBB3-targeting monoclonal antibody, inhibited ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade, and its combination with regorafenib exerted marked synergistic anti-tumor effects on ERBB3-high tumors resistant to sorafenib or lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions
This study revealed that ERBB3 was a key resistance factor driving limited efficacy to sequential regorafenib, but also an effective therapeutic target whose inhibition enhanced regorafenib sensitivity after SR or LR.
4.Signal Mining of Tacrolimus-related Cardiovascular Adverse Events Based on the US FAERS Database
Yatong ZHANG ; Yan LIANG ; Lili GENG ; Xuelin SUN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1081-1088
To mine tacrolimus-related adverse event signals affecting the cardiovascular system based on an international authoritative database, aiming to provide a reference for clinical safe drug use. Adverse event reports with tacrolimus as the primary suspected drug were retrieved and extracted from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS) database from January 1, 2004, to September 30, 2024, with a focus on cardiovascular system-related adverse events. Adverse events were categorized using the system organ class(SOC) and preferred terms(PTs) from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities(MedDRA). Signal mining for cardiovascular system-related adverse drug events(ADEs) was performed using the information component(IC), empirical Bayesian geometric mean(EBGM), and reporting odds ratio(ROR) methods. A total of 58 357 ADE reports with tacrolimus as the primary suspected drug were retrieved, of which 3173 were related to cardiovascular system disorders. The top five most frequently reported cardiovascular adverse events were hypertension, cardiac arrest, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. ADE signal detection identified correlations between tacrolimus and hypertension, cardiac arrest, heart failure, ventricular hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac hypertrophy. Regarding the outcomes of cardiovascular adverse events, "hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization" was the most common(34.74%), followed by "death"(29.44%). Tacrolimus carries the risk of inducing various cardiovascular diseases. In clinical practice, when using tacrolimus, attention should be paid to the patient's underlying diseases and concomitant medications, adverse reactions should be closely monitored during the initial and long-term treatment phases, and the dosage should be adjusted in a timely manner to ensure patient safety during long-term therapy.
5.Graphene-mediated Far-infrared Therapy Enhances Anti-non-small Cell Lung Cancer Effects of Panax quinquefolium Saponins via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Huifang ZANG ; Zikai GENG ; Yan GAO ; Lu LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Bonian ZHAO ; Jing LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):131-145
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the inhibitory effect of Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is enhanced under graphene-mediated far-infrared therapy (GFIR), and to analyze its relationships with mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage, and the activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathways. MethodsIn the cell experiments, the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of PQS alone or in combination with GFIR (PQS+GFIR) on A549 cell viability. The scratch assay and the colony formation assay were adopted to evaluate cell migration and colony formation capabilities, respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to assess apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was performed to assess mitochondrial localization. Real-time polymerase China reaction(PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. A STING knockdown cell model was established by transfecting cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the knockdown efficiency was assessed by Real-time PCR and Western blot. The cell viability and apoptosis following gene knockdown were assessed through the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. In the animal experiments, an allogeneic xenograft mouse model was established with Lewis lung cancer cells. Mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, a cisplatin group, a low-dose PQS (PQS-Low, 90 mg·kg-1) group, a high-dose PQS (PQS-High, 180 mg·kg-1) group, a low-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-Low+GFIR, 90 mg·kg-1) group, and a high-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-High+GFIR, 180 mg·kg-1) group. Treatment lasted for 14 days, and the fluorescence intensity was monitored at the tumor site by small-animal in vivo imaging during the treatment period. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK cell levels in the spleens of mice. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to assess the infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the tumor tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the levels of interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mouse tumors. The mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), interferon beta 1 (IFNB1), and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) were determined by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of cGAS, STING, p-STING, TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, p-IRF3, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 were quantified via Western blot. ResultsThe cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group, PQS inhibited the viability and migration of A549 cells, promoted apoptosis, affected mitochondrial localization, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased the ROS level, and promoted mtDNA leakage. Following STING knockdown, the reductions in cell viability and the apoptosis-inducing effects caused by PQS were partially reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group showed inhibited A549 cell migration and colony formation, exacerbated apoptosis, downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and promoted mtDNA leakage. After STING knockdown, the reduced A549 cell viability and abnormal apoptosis phenotype were further reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). The animal experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the model group mice exhibited reduced proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, CD19+ B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK1.1+ cell levels in the spleen (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed increased immune cell parameters in mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group exhibited enhanced levels of the aforementioned indicators (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed significantly reduced fluorescence intensity in transplanted tumors, significantly upregulated expression of CD3 and CD4 in the tumor tissue, elevated levels of IFN-α and IL-6 in tumors, and upregulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, IFNB1, and NF-κB p65 as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation level of STING in tumors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group demonstrated further reduced tumor fluorescence intensity, elevated levels of CD3, CD4, and CD8 as well as cytokine levels in tumor tissue, and upregulated mRNA levels of genes related to the cGAS/STING pathway as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation levels of STING, TBK1, IRF3, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01) ConclusionGFIR enhances the inhibitory effect of PQS on NSCLC, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction, mtDNA leakage, and activation of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
6.Graphene-mediated Far-infrared Therapy Enhances Anti-non-small Cell Lung Cancer Effects of Panax quinquefolium Saponins via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Huifang ZANG ; Zikai GENG ; Yan GAO ; Lu LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Bonian ZHAO ; Jing LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):131-145
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the inhibitory effect of Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is enhanced under graphene-mediated far-infrared therapy (GFIR), and to analyze its relationships with mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage, and the activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathways. MethodsIn the cell experiments, the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of PQS alone or in combination with GFIR (PQS+GFIR) on A549 cell viability. The scratch assay and the colony formation assay were adopted to evaluate cell migration and colony formation capabilities, respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to assess apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was performed to assess mitochondrial localization. Real-time polymerase China reaction(PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. A STING knockdown cell model was established by transfecting cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the knockdown efficiency was assessed by Real-time PCR and Western blot. The cell viability and apoptosis following gene knockdown were assessed through the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. In the animal experiments, an allogeneic xenograft mouse model was established with Lewis lung cancer cells. Mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, a cisplatin group, a low-dose PQS (PQS-Low, 90 mg·kg-1) group, a high-dose PQS (PQS-High, 180 mg·kg-1) group, a low-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-Low+GFIR, 90 mg·kg-1) group, and a high-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-High+GFIR, 180 mg·kg-1) group. Treatment lasted for 14 days, and the fluorescence intensity was monitored at the tumor site by small-animal in vivo imaging during the treatment period. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK cell levels in the spleens of mice. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to assess the infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the tumor tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the levels of interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mouse tumors. The mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), interferon beta 1 (IFNB1), and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) were determined by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of cGAS, STING, p-STING, TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, p-IRF3, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 were quantified via Western blot. ResultsThe cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group, PQS inhibited the viability and migration of A549 cells, promoted apoptosis, affected mitochondrial localization, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased the ROS level, and promoted mtDNA leakage. Following STING knockdown, the reductions in cell viability and the apoptosis-inducing effects caused by PQS were partially reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group showed inhibited A549 cell migration and colony formation, exacerbated apoptosis, downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and promoted mtDNA leakage. After STING knockdown, the reduced A549 cell viability and abnormal apoptosis phenotype were further reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). The animal experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the model group mice exhibited reduced proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, CD19+ B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK1.1+ cell levels in the spleen (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed increased immune cell parameters in mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group exhibited enhanced levels of the aforementioned indicators (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed significantly reduced fluorescence intensity in transplanted tumors, significantly upregulated expression of CD3 and CD4 in the tumor tissue, elevated levels of IFN-α and IL-6 in tumors, and upregulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, IFNB1, and NF-κB p65 as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation level of STING in tumors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group demonstrated further reduced tumor fluorescence intensity, elevated levels of CD3, CD4, and CD8 as well as cytokine levels in tumor tissue, and upregulated mRNA levels of genes related to the cGAS/STING pathway as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation levels of STING, TBK1, IRF3, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01) ConclusionGFIR enhances the inhibitory effect of PQS on NSCLC, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction, mtDNA leakage, and activation of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
7.Sini San Treats Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Polarization of Intrahepatic Kupffer Cells
Yanyu QU ; Qiao GENG ; Zhuxiu ZHOU ; Dongyang ZHENG ; Jianmin YAN ; Huan LIU ; Li CHEN ; Feng ZHANG ; Desong KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):34-46
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Sini San (SNS) treats liver fibrosis through regulating the polarization of intrahepatic Kupffer cells. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male Balb/c mice were randomized into blank control, model, silymarin (0.2 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.93, 5.85, 11.70 g·kg-1, respectively) SNS groups. A mouse model of liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. After 5 weeks of administration, the body mass, liver pathological changes [Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining], serum biochemical indicators [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], liver fibrosis markers [procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), laminin (LN), and hyaluronic acid (HA)], inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)], and fibrosis-related proteins [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), and collagen type Ⅲ (Col Ⅲ)] were assessed. A co-culture system of THP-1 cells (M1 macrophages) and human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) was established. The cell experiment was designed with blank control (LX-2 alone), model (LX-2 + M1 macrophages), and low-, medium-, and high-dose SNS (co-culture with 5%, 10%, or 20% SNS-containing serum, respectively) groups. Cell viability, inflammatory cytokines, and macrophage phenotype were examined. Human primary hepatic Kupffer cells were allocated into blank control, M1 (LPS 100 μg·L-1+IFN-γ 20 μg·L-1), M2 (IL-4 20 μg·L-1+IL-13 20 μg·L-1), M1+M2, M1+SNS (supplemented with 10% SNS-containing serum for 2 h after culture under M1 conditions for 24 h), M2+SNS (supplemented with 10% SNS-containing serum for 2 h after culture under M2 conditions for 24 h), and M1+M2+SNS groups (supplemented with 10% SNS-containing serum for 2 h after culture under M1+M2 conditions for 24 h), and the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at protein and mRNA levels was determined. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, PCⅢ, LN, HA, IL-6, and TNF-α, upregulated protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ in the liver tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased IL-10 level and STAT3 mRNA level (P<0.05, P<0.01), accompanied by marked collagen deposition and inflammatory infiltration in the liver. Compared with the model group, all doses of Sini San reversed these alterations (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the high-dose group showing the most pronounced effects. Cell experiments demonstrated that, compared with the blank control group, the model group had elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and upregulated protein and mRNA levels of M1 markers [cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)] (P<0.01), along with declined level of IL-10 and downregulated expression of M2 markers [(CD163, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1)] (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, treatment with Sini San-containing serum at various concentrations lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and expression of M1 markers (P<0.05, P<0.01), while increasing the IL-10 level and M2 marker expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, Sini San downregulated the mRNA level of NF-κB and upregulated the mRNA level of STAT (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the experiment with human primary Kupffer cells, compared with the blank group, the M1 group showed increased NF-κB p65 expression (P<0.01) and decreased STAT3 expression (P<0.05), whereas the M2 group exhibited increased STAT3 expression (P<0.01). Compared with the respective model groups, Sini San-containing serum reversed the M1-induced overexpression of NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and further enhanced the M2-induced STAT3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSini San can inhibit the NF-κB p65/STAT3 signaling pathway and repolarize intrahepatic Kupffer cells from the pro-inflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype to attenuate inflammation and suppress hepatic stellate cell activation and collagen deposition, thereby exerting anti-fibrotic effect.
8.Etiological characteristics and molecular evolution of the first mpox case in Huai’an City of Jiangsu Province
Pengfei YANG ; Fang HE ; Qingli YAN ; Heyuan GENG ; Tong GAO ; Qiang GAO ; Chenglong XIONG ; Haiyan PENG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):85-92
Objective To analyze the virus subtypes, molecular evolutional and molecular transmission network features of the first confirmed mpox case in Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, so as to provide insights into understanding of the transmission and evolution dynamics of mpox virus and formulation of the mpox control strategy in the city. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from swabs of the first confirmed mpox case’s skin lesions in Huai’an City, and the amplicon sequencing library was constructed using the hypersensitive mpox virus whole-genome capture kit. High-throughput sequencing was performed using the GridION X5 nanopore sequencer on the Nanopore sequencing platform, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of mpox virus genome sequences was performed following sequence assembly. In addition, phylogenetic analysis, genetic genealogy and molecular traceability analysis were performed. Results The virus whole genome sequence of the first confirmed mpox case was successfully obtained by high-throughput sequencing, with a full length of 197 182 bp, and was named hMpxV/China/JS-HA01/2023, which belonged to the clade IIb (West African clade) lineage B.1.3. Compared with the mpox virus reference sequence MPXV-M5312_HM12_Rivers-001 (GenBank accession number: NC_063383), the genome sequence of the Huai’an virus isolate carried 86 SNPs, including 40 SNPs in the coding region as non-synonymous mutations and 73 SNPs as nucleotide mutations caused by APOBEC3 (APOBEC3). Of the 97 mpox virus gene sequences, 79 sequences were included in the molecular network (81.44%), and the threshold of the genetic distance accessed to the network was 0.35/105. There were two large molecular transmission clusters and one scattered cluster in the molecular transmission network of the mpox virus, andthehMpxV/China/JS-HA01/2023 sequence was located in the large cluster. The 97 gene sequences formed 92 haplotypes, including three shared haplotypes Hap_4, Hap_6 and Hap_38, and an exclusive haplotype Hap_1 of hMpxV/China/JS-HA01/2023 generated from mutation of the exclusive haplotype Hap_43, while the exclusive haplotype Hap_43 was generated from mutation of the shared haplotype Hap_38. Conclusions The whole genome sequence of the mpox virus isolated from the first confirmed mpox case in Huai’an City has been successfully obtained, and the molecular evolutionary and molecular transmission network characteristics of the virus have been preliminarily understood.
9.Research on Magnetic Stimulation Intervention Technology for Alzheimer’s Disease Guided by Heart Rate Variability
Shu-Ting CHEN ; Du-Yan GENG ; Chun-Meng FAN ; Wei-Ran ZHENG ; Gui-Zhi XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1264-1278
ObjectiveNon-invasive magnetic stimulation technology has been widely used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but there is a lack of convenient and timely methods for evaluating and providing feedback on the effectiveness of the stimulation, which can be used to guide the adjustment of the stimulation protocol. This study aims to explore the possibility of heart rate variability (HRV) in diagnosing AD and guiding AD magnetic stimulation intervention techniques. MethodsIn this study, we used a 40 Hz, 10 mT pulsed magnetic field to expose AD mouse models to whole-body exposure for 18 d, and detected the behavioral and electroencephalographic signals before and after exposure, as well as the instant electrocardiographic signals after exposure every day. ResultsUsing one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, we found that some HRV indicators could identify AD mouse models as accurately as behavioral and electroencephalogram(EEG) changes (P<0.05) and significantly distinguish the severity of the disease (P<0.05), including rMSSD, pNN6, LF/HF, SD1/SD2, and entropy arrangement. These HRV indicators showed good correlation and statistical significance with behavioral and EEG changes (r>0.3, P<0.05); HRV indicators were significantly modulated by the magnetic field exposure before and after the exposure, both of which were observed in the continuous changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) (P<0.05), and the trend of the stimulation effect was more accurately observed in the continuous changes of ECG. ConclusionHRV can accurately reflect the pathophysiological changes and disease degree, quickly evaluate the effect of magnetic stimulation, and has the potential to guide the pattern of magnetic exposure, providing a new idea for the study of personalized electromagnetic neuroregulation technology for brain diseases.
10.Advantages of a modified tumor volume and contact surface area calculation formula for the correlation and prediction of perioperative indicators in partial nephrectomy
Zihao LI ; Chong YAN ; Yao DONG ; Geng TIAN ; Yifei MA ; Hongliang LI ; Tie CHONG ; Delai FU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(6):481-488
Objective: To develop a modified calculation formula for renal tumor volume and tumor contact surface area (CSA) based on the modeling results of 3D Slicer software, and to create a webpage of the calculation formula for use. Methods: The general information and tumor anatomical data of 98 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy during Jan.2021 and Jul.2023 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were retrospectively analyzed.The imaging data were input into 3D Slicer software in the form of Dicom files for tumor and ipsilateral kidney modeling to obtain tumor anatomical data.The relationship between tumor anatomical parameters and tumor volume and CSA was analyzed using multifactorial linear regression.The initial modified formulas (V2, C2) and the optimized modified formulas (V3, C3) for tumor volume over CSA were established, respectively, after insignificant variables were eliminated.The mean square error (MSE) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) of the modified and traditional formulas (V1, C1) were compared, and the formula with the smallest MSE and AIC was selected as the optimal tumor volume and CSA calculation formula.The median tumor volume and CSA obtained from 3D modeling were used as the cutoff values.The optimal formula and conventional formula were applied to calculate tumor volume and CSA for all patients, and risk stratification was performed for all patients based on these cutoff values, and the perioperative indicators of patients in the upper and lower groups were compared.Finally, an online calculation tool was developed based on HTML. Results: Based on multifactorial linear regression analysis, we obtained the modified tumor volume calculation formula: V=0.382abc+2.488a+2.372b-4.146c+1.948(V2), V=0.469abc-4.586c+13.816(V3); the modified tumor CSA calculation formula CSA=2.469a
-2.262L
-19.23a+6.206b+1.212c+18.017L+1.616h-3.97h
-2.185h/h
-0.388(C2), CSA=2.376a
-2.144L
-20.157a+5.024b+1.128c+17.578L+2.525h-2.634(C3).Both of the modified volume formula (MSE=151.298 vs. 127.807 vs. 104.106) and modified CSA formula (MSE=309.878 vs.23.556 vs.30.388) had smaller errors compared to the conventional formula.The modified volume calculation formula showed that bleeding was more and thermal ischemia time was longer in patients with larger tumor volumes than in patients with smaller tumor volumes (P<0.05); and the modified CSA calculation formula showed that bleeding was more, surgery and thermal ischemia time were longer in patients with high CSA than in patients with low CSA (P<0.05).Finally, V3 and C3 are selected as the best calculation formula, and a web page (https://lizihao-bot.github.io/RCC-Calculate/) was established for easy use. Conclusion: This study combined data from a medical information technology platform with numerical modeling methods to provide a faster and more accurate method to calculate the renal tumor volume and CSA.Meanwhile, a webpage version of the tool was developed to enhance its practicability.

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