1.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.
2.Successful treatment of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridging to lung transplantation in a patient with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease
Yi GONG ; Xinyu LING ; Rui YAN ; Bo SUN ; Ke MA ; Guifang WANG ; Chang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):154-159
A 42-year-old male with chest tightness and dyspnea was admitted to the hospital. Chest CT indicated diffuse interstitial lung infiltration. Despite receiving anti-infective therapy, glucocorticoid therapy, and immunosuppressive agents, the patient developed refractory hypoxaemia. Endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation failed to improve oxygenation. Therefore the patient was diagnosed with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) accompanied by type Ⅰ respiratory failure. Veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was initiated, and oxygenation improved in this patient. The patient subsequently underwent bilateral lung transplantation with veno-arterio-venous (VAV) ECMO support. ECMO machine was withdrawn on day 1, and extubation was achieved on day 9 after surgery. Histopathology revealed fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) with hyaline membrane formation. The patient developed ICU-acquired myasthenia and received early rehabilitation, with gradual recovery of muscle strength. During follow-up, graft lung function remained stable. This case demonstrates that ECMO can serve as a bridge to lung transplantation in RP-ILD patients.
3.Identification of immune cell-related biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma using weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Dongyuan HE ; Bo CHEN ; Jingyao LIANG ; Haibo YE ; Xiaoxing YI ; Guangni LIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):751-758
Objective To identify immune cell-related biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Methods Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, a gene co-expression network was constructed for the TCGA-LUAD dataset using the "WGCNA" R package, and genes were clustered into different modules. Concurrently, the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumours using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm was applied to the tumor samples in the TCGA-LUAD dataset. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to evaluate the biological functions of genes within the most significantly correlated module. Candidate hub genes from the key module were intersected with a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to identify the final hub genes. The prognostic performance of these hub genes and their correlation with immune cell infiltration were validated using Kaplan-Meier curves and the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) algorithm. Finally, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted on the identified hub genes to construct a prognostic risk model. Results In the co-expression network, the brown module was found to be highly correlated with the ImmuneScore, StromalScore, and ESTIMATE Score. Five immune-related hub genes were identified: CD53, PLEK, SPI1, IL10RA, and C3AR1. Enrichment analysis of the brown module revealed that its genes were primarily enriched in GO terms such as "regulation of innate immune response" and KEGG pathways like the "NF-kappa B signaling pathway". Furthermore, the expression levels of these five hub genes were significantly and positively correlated with the infiltration abundance of various immune cells. The immune relevance of the model was validated by the Immunophenoscore (IPS) and the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score. Moreover, the established RiskScore demonstrated significant potential in predicting the response to immunotherapy. Conclusion These five immune-related key genes may serve as novel and effective potential therapeutic targets for LUAD immunotherapy, facilitating the development of personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with LUAD.
4.Different Exercise Modalities for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated With Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease
Bo-Zong YI ; Lei LÜ ; Yu-Xiao GUO ; Bei-Bei QIE ; Fei-Long CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2053-2070
Both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) fall within the spectrum of metabolic diseases, and they exhibit a bi-directional causal relationship and robust reciprocal association. Their shared pathological cornerstone is insulin resistance (IR), which involves the interplay of mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation, forming a cascading pathological process of “IR-mitochondrial dysfunction-inflammation”. This largely explains the notable upward trend in T2DM-MAFLD co-occurrence observed over recent years. Exercise intervention, as a safe and effective non-pharmacological approach, can improve the pathological progression of these patients at multiple levels. Following the logical framework of “pathogenesis-efficacy comparison-molecular mechanisms-clinical translation”, this article systematically compares the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), resistance exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and combined training. MICT reduces intrahepatic triglycerides by promoting lipolysis and improving cardiorespiratory fitness; resistance exercise increases muscle mass and basal metabolic rate, offering unique advantages in preserving muscle while reducing fat and improving insulin sensitivity; HIIT is a time-efficient exercise modality that enhances patients’ cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin sensitivity by alternating brief periods of vigorous exertion with recovery periods, with a prominent short-term triglyceride-lowering effect; combined training produces synergistic effects, comprehensively improving glucolipid metabolism and showing the best long-term adherence. Mechanistically, exercise exerts its beneficial effects through three common pathways: (1) AMPK-mediated lipid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis; (2) IRS/PI3K/Akt-mediated insulin signaling sensitization; and (3) Nrf2/ARE anti-oxidation and TGF-β/Smads anti-fibrosis regulation. Different exercise modalities activate these pathways with distinct emphases: MICT most directly and persistently activates the AMPK pathway; resistance exercise uniquely improves IRS/PI3K/Akt signaling through muscle mass gain; HIIT induces the highest AMPK activation intensity and triggers unique lactate-mediated signaling regulation; combined training integrates the above multiple mechanistic advantages. For clinical translation, multidisciplinary team collaboration is essential to ensure safety and adherence. Individualized prescriptions should be formulated according to the FITT-VP principle and patient phenotypes—frequency of 3-5 sessions/week of aerobic exercise combined with 2-3 sessions/week of resistance exercise; intensity of moderate-intensity (40%-60% heart rate reserve (HRR))aerobic exercise and 60%-80% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) for resistance exercise; time of at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, 30-60 min per session; type of combined training as the preferred modality; total volume of≥500-1 000 MET-min/week; and progression adjusted every 4-6 weeks—with real-time adjustments supported by wearable devices, ultimately forming a closed-loop management system from initial assessment to long-term follow-up. Notably, current studies have limitations such as small sample sizes and short intervention periods. Future research should focus on long-term follow-up, multi-omics biomarkers, and combined exercise-drug strategies. In conclusion, the systematic integration of structured, individualized, and sustainable exercise interventions into the multidisciplinary management pathway for patients with T2DM complicated by MAFLD is an urgent need in current clinical practice.
5.Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for native aortic valve regurgitation:single-centre experience
Xiao-xue ZHANG ; Yi FENG ; Xian-tao MA ; Yu-jie YANG ; Akilu WAJEEHULLAHI ; Chen-xi YAN ; Zi-yue ZHANG ; Zi-jun CHEN ; Bo QIN ; Shi-liang LI ; Cai CHENG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(1):33-41
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)for the treatment of primary aortic valve regurgitation(NAVR)and to compare the difference in the choice of prosthetic valve size and the difference in complications with aortic stenosis(AS).Methods According to the definition of Valve Academic Research Consortium(VARC-3),143 patients with NAVR/AS treated with TAVI and patients with NAVR treated with surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR)at Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology,China,from March 2019 to September 2024 were selected,and clinical data on baseline,perioperative,and primary endpoint events were were retrospectively collected and compared.Results Forty-three patients with NAVR were treated with TAVI,with a device success rate of 86.0%and a surgical success rate of 95.3%.Subgroup comparisons:(1)NAVR-TAVI group than NAVR-SAVR group:patients in the TAVI group had a significantly shorter operative time than those in the SAVR group(P<0.001);complete left bundle branch block was more likely to occur after TAVI(P=0.042),and complete right bundle branch block was more likely to occur after SAVR(P=0.044).SAVR postoperatively The incidence of congestive heart failure was higher(P=0.013),and the mortality rate was significantly higher in the SAVR group than in the TAVI group(P=0.019).(2)NAVR-TAVI group than AS-TAVI group:the differences in access selection,THV size[28(22,34)mm vs.24(22,32)mm,P=0.044]and proportion of THV overdiameter[14%(7%,20%)vs.7%(3%,11%),P<0.001]were statistically significant.patients in AS and NAVR groups had 1 case of permanent pacing after TAVI treatment.In the AS and NAVR groups,there was 1 case of permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI.2 patients in the AS group were converted to surgical treatment,and 6 patients died.Conclusions The use of"off-label"(transfemoral)and"on-label"(transapical)TAVI devices(both from domestic sources)is safer than SAVR for the treatment of NAVR,especially in elderly and high-risk patients.Compared with patients with AS treated with TAVI,larger diameter annulas are usually selected for NAVR,with higher rates of valve migration,but overall safety and efficacy are comparable to AS.
6.The application value of integrated Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of sepsis-induced coagulopathy induced by bacterial pneumonia sepsis
Rui ZHU ; Jun YAN ; Caijun WU ; Yi WU ; Zijing WANG ; Xue GONG ; Bo CHEN ; Liqiang NIU ; Li LI
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(2):166-172
Objective:To explore the application value of integrated Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) induced by bacterial pneumonia sepsis.Methods:A total of 60 inpatients with bacterial pneumonia and sepsis admitted to the Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2023 to June 2024 were collected in a cross-sectional study. Serum samples were collected, and immune indexes, coagulation function and some laboratory test results of the patients were detected or recorded. Sepsis Associated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score were evaluated.Results:Among the 60 patients, 71.7%( n=43) were associated with coagulation disorder, 65%( n=39) showed hemorrhagic SIC; A total of 37 patients (61.7%) were treated with integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, and 23 patients (38.3%) were treated with Western medicine. The main types of syndrome differentiation were toxic-heat syndrome ( n=48, 80.0%) and blood-stasis syndrome ( n=11, 18.3%). Serum human monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and platelet count (PLT) in patients with blood stasis syndrome were significantly lower than those in toxic-heat syndrome (all P<0.05). In patients with bacterial pneumonia sepsis, the total score of syndrome of excess of fu-viscera (Fu-shi-zheng) was positively correlated with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) ( r=0.293, P=0.023) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) ( r=0.436, P=0.001). The total score of toxin-heat syndrome ( r=0.323, P=0.016) and excess of fu-viscera syndrome ( r=0.354, P=0.008) were positively correlated with prothrombin time (PT). PD-1 was positively correlated with SOFA score ( r=0.343, P=0.007) and APACHE Ⅱ score ( r=0.354, P=0.006). The PD-1 level and SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores of the patients treated with integrated Chinese and western medicine were significantly lower than those treated with Western medicine alone (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The combined intervention of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine based on " Fuzheng Touxie Jiedu (The method of strengthening the body and removing the toxin)" has strong clinical guiding significance, and can effectively improve the immune function and prognosis of bacterial pneumonia SIC.
7.The application value of integrated Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of sepsis-induced coagulopathy induced by bacterial pneumonia sepsis
Rui ZHU ; Jun YAN ; Caijun WU ; Yi WU ; Zijing WANG ; Xue GONG ; Bo CHEN ; Liqiang NIU ; Li LI
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(2):166-172
Objective:To explore the application value of integrated Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) induced by bacterial pneumonia sepsis.Methods:A total of 60 inpatients with bacterial pneumonia and sepsis admitted to the Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2023 to June 2024 were collected in a cross-sectional study. Serum samples were collected, and immune indexes, coagulation function and some laboratory test results of the patients were detected or recorded. Sepsis Associated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score were evaluated.Results:Among the 60 patients, 71.7%( n=43) were associated with coagulation disorder, 65%( n=39) showed hemorrhagic SIC; A total of 37 patients (61.7%) were treated with integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, and 23 patients (38.3%) were treated with Western medicine. The main types of syndrome differentiation were toxic-heat syndrome ( n=48, 80.0%) and blood-stasis syndrome ( n=11, 18.3%). Serum human monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and platelet count (PLT) in patients with blood stasis syndrome were significantly lower than those in toxic-heat syndrome (all P<0.05). In patients with bacterial pneumonia sepsis, the total score of syndrome of excess of fu-viscera (Fu-shi-zheng) was positively correlated with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) ( r=0.293, P=0.023) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) ( r=0.436, P=0.001). The total score of toxin-heat syndrome ( r=0.323, P=0.016) and excess of fu-viscera syndrome ( r=0.354, P=0.008) were positively correlated with prothrombin time (PT). PD-1 was positively correlated with SOFA score ( r=0.343, P=0.007) and APACHE Ⅱ score ( r=0.354, P=0.006). The PD-1 level and SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores of the patients treated with integrated Chinese and western medicine were significantly lower than those treated with Western medicine alone (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The combined intervention of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine based on " Fuzheng Touxie Jiedu (The method of strengthening the body and removing the toxin)" has strong clinical guiding significance, and can effectively improve the immune function and prognosis of bacterial pneumonia SIC.
8.Detection of Ketamine and Norketamine Using an Aptamer-Functionalized Gra-phene Oxide Fluorescent Sensor
Li-Xia WEI ; Bo LIU ; Xiao-Yuan YANG ; Xi ZHANG ; Yi-Feng LAN ; Chao ZHANG ; Juan JIA ; Dan ZHANG ; Zhi-Wen WEI ; Ke-Ming YUN ; Zhe CHEN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(4):326-339
Objective To construct an aptamer-functionalized carboxylated graphene oxide(CGO)fluo-rescent sensor to achieve highly sensitive and specific detection of ketamine(KET)and its metabolite norketamine(NK)using an aptamer capable of simultaneously recognizing KET and NK.Methods A specific aptamer for simultaneous recognition of KET and NK was screened using graphene oxide-sys-tematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment(GO-SELEX)and molecular docking tech-niques.The aptamer,labeled with Cy5 fluorescence,was chemically conjugated to CGO to construct an aptamer-functionalized CGO fluorescent sensor.By optimizing detection conditions,including the mass concentration of CGO,aptamer concentration,reaction temperature,and incubation time,quantita-tive analysis of the target analytes was achieved using the ratio of fluorescence intensity changes be-fore and after target addition.The stability of the sensor in biological matrices was evaluated by moni-toring fluorescence intensity changes over incubation time in blank blood and urine,in comparison with the traditional physical adsorption-based CGO fluorescent sensor.Spiked recovery experiments in blank blood and urine were conducted to compare performance with that of HPLC-MS/MS.Results A specific aptamer A5 was selected and chemically conjugated with CGO to construct the aptamer-functionalized CGO fluorescent sensor.Under optimized conditions,the proposed fluorescent sensor ex-hibited a linear detection range of 1.0-5.0 ng/mL for KET,with a limit of detection(LOD)of 0.86 ng/mL;while for NK,the linear detection range was 1.0-5.0 ng/mL,with an LOD of 0.70 ng/mL.Com-pared with the CGO fluorescent sensor constructed via physical adsorption,this sensor demonstrated greater stability in blood and urine.The spiked recovery rates of KET and NK in blank blood and urine ranged from 81.50%to 110.03%,exhibiting detection performance comparable to that of HPLC-MS/MS.Conclusion The aptamer screening method offers a novel approach for selecting aptamers tar-geting drugs and their metabolites.The constructed aptamer-functionalized CGO fluorescent sensor pro-vides an efficient and reliable strategy for the high-performance detection of KET and NK.
9.Research progress on digital biomarkers related to motor symptoms in diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson′s disease
Yi CHEN ; Yuanyuan FENG ; Haiying ZHANG ; Dongfeng LI ; Bo SHEN ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(12):1331-1342
Parkinson′s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. It is particularly important to find biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity to capture the early features and evolution of the disease. As motor symptoms are the core symptomatic manifestation of PD and subtle changes in motor function occur early in the disease, the objectivity and broad applicability of digital devices make them ideal for screening and monitoring changes in motor function during the development of PD. Digital biomarkers related to motor symptoms in the diagnosis and monitoring of PD are reviewed in this article, with a view to providing some references for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
10.Efficacy Evaluation of Different Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty:A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Wu-yuan ZHENG ; Min-yun CHEN ; Wei-kai XU ; Xi LUO ; Yi-bo XIE
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2487-2493
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of two different approaches:direct anterior approach(DAA)and posterolateral approach(PLA)in total hip arthroplasty(THA).Methods:This study adopted a retrospective cohort study design,included to analyse 128 cases of THA patients who were received in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2024.Patients were divided into PLA group(n=61)and DAA group(n=67)according to different approach methods.Perioperative indicators,Harris hip joint function score,anteversion and abduction angles of acetabular prosthesis and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared with PLA group,DAA group had longer surgical time,less intraoperative blood loss,shorter surgical incision length and shorter postoperative hospital stay(P<0.05).Compared with the PLA group at 1 month(T2)to 6 months(T4)after surgery,DAA group had higher Harris hip joint function score(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared with PLA,DDA is used in THA,although the surgery time is longer,it can achieve a similar recovery effect in anteversion and abduction angles,which helps to shorten the surgical incision length and postoperative hospital stay,reduce intraoperative blood loss and achieve better hip joint function recovery.

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