1.Treatment Strategies for Postoperative Complications of Lung Cancer from Protecting Healthy Qi and Treating Qi
Jiajun SONG ; Yichao WANG ; Xueqi TIAN ; Yi LIU ; Lijing JIAO ; Ling XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):94-105
Pulmonary complications, the most common postoperative complications of lung cancer, not only affect the quality of life of the patients after surgery but also increase the prognostic risks of postoperative recurrence and metastasis, threatening the life safety. At present, a multidisciplinary model of diagnosis and rehabilitation with integrated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine has been initially formed under the guidance of the concept of rapid rehabilitation post operation for lung cancer. However, the treatment that only aims at shortening hospital stay and reducing the incidence of postoperative complications does not pay enough attention to the postoperative functional rehabilitation of the lung and the impact of follow-up adjuvant therapy, which affects the completeness of rehabilitation. This paper classifies the typical postoperative symptoms and manifestations of lung cancer into five groups: Lung system, emotion, digestive tract, pain, and nerve. On this basis, this paper summarizes the three core pathogeneses of postoperative complications of lung cancer as failure of Qi to ascend and descend leading to insecurity of defensive exterior, vessel block leading to Qi stagnation and fluid retention, and lung Qi deficiency leading to spleen and kidney deficiency. Accordingly, this paper proposes the treatment principle of protecting healthy Qi and treating Qi with the core of descending-tonifying-ascending-dispersing Qi and puts forward three treatment methods. The first is replenishing Qi and consolidating exterior, and expelling phlegm and regulating lung. The second is replenishing Qi and promoting blood flow to resolve stasis and relieving pain. The third is replenishing Qi and tonifying lung, and invigorating spleen and tonifying kidney. Furthermore, this paper elaborates on the pathogenesis and treatment principles of four common postoperative complications: Lung infection, pleural effusion, atelectasis, and bronchopleural fistula. On the basis of Western medical treatment, the TCM treatment characteristics of treating symptoms in the acute phase and eradicating the root cause in the chronic phase should be played. While dispelling the pathogen, measures should be taken to protect the healthy Qi, including tonifying lung Qi, regulating spleen Qi, and replenishing kidney Qi. This study summarizes the pathogenesis and treatment strategy of common postoperative complications of lung cancer according to the principle of protecting healthy Qi and treating Qi, aiming to provide guidance for the future treatment of postoperative complications of lung cancer.
2.Preparation of Trop2-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cells and study of their exhaustion status in vitro
Xiuying LIU ; Xinzhan LI ; Jingjing ZHU ; Jingjing LIU ; Yichao FENG ; Jianxun WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(15):1750-1759
Objective To design and construct chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T cells targeting Trop2,establish an in vitro cell exhaustion model through continuous antigen stimulation,and investigate their anti-tumor activity and exhaustion characteristics.Methods The second-generation CAR plasmid was constructed based on the single-chain variable fragment(scFv)sequence of Sacituzumab Govitecan targeting Trop2.The viral vector titer was determined by retroviral vector packaging and gradient dilution.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)from healthy donors were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation,and CAR virus vectors were transduced into PBMCs activated with OKT-3/IL-2 to generate Trop2-targeted CAR T cells.CAR expression levels were assessed by flow cytometry using MYC tags.In vitro 3 tumor cell models were established,including human ovarian cancer cells(SKOV3),human breast cancer cells(MDA-MB-453),and human lung cancer cells(A549).The expression of the Trop2 antigen in these models was confirmed using flow cytometry.Additionally,luciferase assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic efficiency of Trop2-targeted therapy at various effector-to-target ratios.An in vitro CAR-T exhaustion model was developed,and the long-term killing ability of CAR-T cells was dynamically monitored using the Incucyte live-cell imaging system.The PD-1/TIM-3 phenotype of CAR-T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry,and cytokine secretion levels were quantified using the cytometric bead array(CBA).Transcriptomic sequencing and RT-qPCR were employed to validate the differentially expressed genes associated with exhaustion.Results The second-generation CAR T cells targeting Trop2 were successfully constructed.Compared to the P-T group,in vitro experiments demonstrated that these CAR T cells exhibited antigen-specific and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against tumor cells with high Trop2 expression,such as MDA-MB-453 and SKOV3.A CAR-T cell exhaustion model established through repeated tumor antigen stimulation in vitro revealed that,compared to the initial state,the exhausted Trop2 CAR-T cells exhibited significantly reduced tumor-killing capacity while P-T cells showed almost no killing effect,the expression of inhibitory receptors(PD-1 and TIM-3)was up-regulated on the surface of exhausted CAR-T cells,and the secretion of effector cytokines was diminished.Transcriptomic analysis identified multiple differentially expressed genes in the exhausted CAR-T cells.Pathways related to immune response and T cell receptor signaling were down-regulated,while apoptosis-related pathways were activated.RT-qPCR further confirmed abnormal expression of immunoregulatory genes,including IL3,IL5,and IL13(P<0.05).Conclusion During continuous in vitro tumor antigen stimulation,the second-generation CAR-T cells targeting the Trop2 antigen demonstrate declined anti-tumor activity,weakened effector function and up-regulated expression of exhaustion-related molecules.
3.Mechanisms of Neiyiting Decoction in Preventing Postoperative Recurrence of Endometriosis by Inhibiting Macrophage M1 Polarization Through the TREM1/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Lijuan LU ; Weiwei ZENG ; Jingwen WANG ; Lurong ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Xueliang SUN ; Wen XU ; Xiaohui FANG ; Yichao YAN ; Qinhua XIA
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(2):371-381
Objective The high post-surgery recurrence rate of endometriosis(EMs)has emerged as a challenge in the long-term manaagement of the condition.This study is aimed at investigating the mechanisms of Neiyiting(NYT)decoction in preventing postoperative recurrence of EMs.Methods An animal model of EMs postoperative recurrence and a model of endometrial stromal cells(hEM15A)cocultured with macrophages(RAW 264.7 cell line)were established for both in vivo and in vitro experiments.An autotransplantation method was used to establish a rat model of EMs.The rats were divided into 4 groups(6 rats per group)and received the corresponding treatments:a Model group receiving distilled water,a Gestrinone group receiving gestrinone at 0.325 mg/kg,a low-dose NYT(NYT-L)group receiving NYT decoction at 5.04 g/(kg-d),and a high-dose NYT(NYT-H)group receiving NYT decoction at 10.08 g/(kg-d).The treatment was administered for 3 weeks via intragastric gavage.In addition,6 SD rats were randomly selected for the control group(Control group),and were given distilled water for 3 weeks via intragastric gavage.The sizes and pathological changes of recurrent lesions in EMs rats were observed.Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were performed to assess the expression of M1 macrophage marker CD86 protein and mRNA in vivo.Additionally,immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to assess the expression of indicator proteins related to the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1(TREM1)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway and mRNA.The proliferation of hEM15A cells in the coculture experiment was observed.Flow cytometry was performed to determine the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages,and qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and interleukin 1β(IL-1β)mRNA.Western blot was performed to determine the expression of signaling pathway-related indicator proteins in vitro.ELISA was performed to determine the levels of inflammatory factors in vitro.Results Compared with the Model group,the volume of recurrent lesions in the NYT-H group was reduced(P<0.01).Findings from the macrophage M1 polarization assessment showed that the expression levels of CD86 protein and mRNA in the recurrent lesions of the Model group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).The expression levels of CD86 protein and mRNA in the recurrent lesions of the NYT-H group were lower than those of the Model group(P<0.01).In addition,the RAW 264.7 cell experiment further verified that NYT decoction could reduce the number of CD86-positive macrophages induced by plasmids overexpressing TREM1 and reduce the expression of IL-1β and iNOS mRNA(P<0.01).The results of the hEM15A cell proliferation assay showed that NYT decoction down-regulated KI-67 protein expression in hEM15A cells induced by macrophage M1 polarization(P<0.01).The results of TREM1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of TREM1,TLR4,and NF-κB in the recurrent lesions of the Model group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.01).Compared with those in the Model group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of TREM1,TLR4,and NF-κB in the recurrent lesions of the NYT-H group were lower(P<0.01).In addition,the coculture experiment of RAW264.7 and hEM15A cells further confirmed that NYT decoction reduced the expression of TREM1,TLR4,and P-P65 proteins(P<0.01).Conclusion NYT decoction can inhibit macrophage M1 polarization through the TREM1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway,improve the inflammation level,and inhibit the formation of ectopic endometrial lesions,thereby preventing postoperative recurrence of EMs.
4.Deep learning-based radiomics allows for a more accurate assessment of sarcopenia as a prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Zhikun LIU ; Yichao WU ; Abid Ali KHAN ; L U LUN ; Jianguo WANG ; Jun CHEN ; Ningyang JIA ; Shusen ZHENG ; Xiao XU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2024;25(1):83-90
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and is a major cause of cancer-related mortalities worldwide (Forner et al., 2018; He et al., 2023). Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by an accelerated loss of skeletal muscle (SM) mass that may be age-related or the result of malnutrition in cancer patients (Cruz-Jentoft and Sayer, 2019). Preoperative sarcopenia in HCC patients treated with hepatectomy or liver transplantation is an independent risk factor for poor survival (Voron et al., 2015; van Vugt et al., 2016). Previous studies have used various criteria to define sarcopenia, including muscle area and density. However, the lack of standardized diagnostic methods for sarcopenia limits their clinical use. In 2018, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) renewed a consensus on the definition of sarcopenia: low muscle strength, loss of muscle quantity, and poor physical performance (Cruz-Jentoft et al., 2019). Radiological imaging-based measurement of muscle quantity or mass is most commonly used to evaluate the degree of sarcopenia. The gold standard is to measure the SM and/or psoas muscle (PM) area using abdominal computed tomography (CT) at the third lumbar vertebra (L3), as it is linearly correlated to whole-body SM mass (van Vugt et al., 2016). According to a "North American Expert Opinion Statement on Sarcopenia," SM index (SMI) is the preferred measure of sarcopenia (Carey et al., 2019). The variability between morphometric muscle indexes revealed that they have different clinical relevance and are generally not applicable to broader populations (Esser et al., 2019).
Humans
;
Aged
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Sarcopenia/diagnostic imaging*
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnostic imaging*
;
Muscle, Skeletal/diagnostic imaging*
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Deep Learning
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Prognosis
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Radiomics
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Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging*
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Retrospective Studies
5.Radiomics combined with CT features for distinguishing mycoplasma and non-mycoplasma pneumonia in children
Chao WANG ; Peng XU ; Guoqiang HUANG ; Xiaohui QIU ; Yichao LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(3):155-159
Objective To observe the value of radiomics combined with CT features for distinguishing mycoplasma pneumonia(MP)and non-MP in children.Methods Data of 153 children with pneumonia were retrospectively analyzed.The children were divided into MP group(n=101)and non-MP group(n=52)according to mycoplasma RNA detection,and also were divided into training set(n=107,including 71 MP and 36 non-MP)and validation set(n=46,including 30 MP and 16 non-MP)at the ratio of 7∶3.CT findings were compared between groups.Six best CT features were selected in training set using F test algorithm,and a CT model was constructed using logistic regression(LR)method.The best radiomics features were extracted and screened in training set,and machine learning(ML)models were constructed using LR,support vector machine(SVM),random forest(RF),linear discriminant analysis(LDA)and stochastic gradient descent(SGD)classifiers,respectively.Based on the best CT features and radiomics features,CT-ML models were constructed using the above classifiers.Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn,and the areas under the curve(AUC)were calculated,the efficacy of each model for distinguishing MP and non-MP was evaluated.Results Lesions involved the upper,middle and lower lobe of right lung,thickened bronchial wall,tree bud sign and edge retract sign were the best CT features.AUC of CTLR was 0.710,of MLLR,MLSVM,MLRF,MLLDA and MLSGD in validation set was 0.715,0.663,0.623,0.706 and 0.494,respectively,and MLLR was the optimal radiomics model.AUC of CT-MLLR,CT-MLSVM,CT-MLRF,CT-MLLDA and CT-MLSGD in validation set was 0.813,0.823,0.649,0.796 and 0.665,respectively,and CT-MLSVM was the optimal CT-ML model.In training set,AUC of CT-MLSVM(0.840)was higher than that of CTLR and MLLR model(AUC=0.713,0.740,both P<0.05).In validation set,no significant difference of AUC was found among CTLR,MLLR and CT-MLSVM(AUC=0.710,0.715 and 0.823,all P>0.05).Conclusion Radiomics combined with CT features could effectively distinguish MP and non-MP in children.
6.Construction of Raji-Luc CD19 KO Lymphoma Cell Line Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
Jingjing LIU ; Xiuying LIU ; Yaru FENG ; Yichao FENG ; Mengyuan YU ; Jianxun WANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(1):10-15,99
Objective To construct Raji-Luc lymphoma cells with CD19 knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and preliminarily validate their immune escape ability.Methods PB-CRISPR-CD19 small guide RNA(sgRNA)plasmids was constructed,the optimal sgRNA sequence was screened,and Raji-Luc cells with pCAG-PBase,PB-CD19 sgRNA,and PB-CRISPR-Cas9 were co-transfected.Stable knockout monoclonal cell lines were screened by flow sorting and limit dilution method and the knockout effect was verified through gene sequence testing.The expression of luciferase on the surface of the cell line was detected by microplate reader,CD19 CAR-T and CD38 CAR-T previously constructed in the laboratory were used as effector cells,and the immune escape ability of Raji-Luc CD19 KO cell line was verified by universal luciferase chemiluminescence method.Results The transfection efficiency of Raji-Luc CD19 KO cells prepared by electro transfection was high,and the knockout efficiency of the two monoclonal cells was more than 99%.There was no significant difference in luciferase expression compared to the original Raji-Luc cells,and CD19 CAR-T cells could not be activated to the kill them.Conclusion Successfully constructed Raji-Luc CD19 KO lymphoma cell line.
7.Xuebijing enhances antitumor efficacy of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells
Jingjing Zhu ; Jing Zhang ; Ping Wang ; Xiuying Liu ; Jingjing Liu ; Yichao Feng ; Mary Yue Jiang ; Zhiqiao Feng ; Xiaoqing Yao ; Jianxun Wang
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(4):466-475
Objective:
To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell function and its therapeutic potential against CAR-T therapy-associated cytokine storms (CRS).
Methods:
Anti-CD19 CAR-T cells were established based on FMC63 antibodies. Different doses of XBJ (1 and 10 mg/mL) were added to the culture system. Untreated anti-CD19 CAR-T cells served as negative controls. After 48-h co-culture, the effects of XBJ on CAR-T cell function were assessed. Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester staining was used to assess the effect of XBJ on CAR-T cell proliferation. Flow cytometry, luciferase reporter gene assays, and real time cellular analysis were employed to evaluate the effects of XBJ on CAR-T cell cytotoxicity in vitro. RNA-sequencing was performed to analyze the effects of XBJ on CAR-T cell gene expression. Network pharmacology predicted potential XBJ therapeutic targets for CRS, which were verified in a THP-1 macrophage inflammation model.
Results:
XBJ enhanced both the proliferation and tumor killing capacities of CAR-T cells. Transcriptome analysis showed that XBJ treatment affects multiple genes and pathways in CAR-T cells, with differential gene enrichment in multiple cell proliferation and growth factor pathways. Potential targets for CRS control by XBJ were predicted using network pharmacology, and the inhibitory effect of XBJ on the expression of relevant genes was verified using a macrophage model.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that XBJ can enhance the killing effect of CAR-T cells on tumor cells and that the mechanism is related to the regulation of T cell proliferation and activation. Moreover, XBJ inhibited excessive inflammation associated with CAR-T therapy. However, the current findings remain to be further validated through in vivo experiments.
8.Comparative study of 18F-PSMA-1007, 18F-FDG PET/CT and mpMRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Yiyi JIANG ; Fucen LIU ; Boliang LI ; Yichao WANG ; Minshan JIN ; Jun ZHANG ; Hui DAI
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2024;44(3):147-152
Objective:To compare the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-1007 PET/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT and multi-parameter MRI (mpMRI) in prostate cancer (PCa). Methods:Retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 22 patients ((72.6±6.2) years) with pathologically confirmed PCa in the Affiliated Taizhou People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between April 2021 and September 2022. All patients underwent 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and mpMRI examination within 30 d, and the imaging parameters were collected, including PSMA-SUV max, FDG-SUV max, minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC min), mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC mean), PSMA-SUV max/ADC min, PSMA-SUV max/ADC mean, FDG-SUV max/ADC min, FDG-SUV max/ADC mean. Patients were divided into groups based on the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading (≤3 vs >3) and serum total prostate specific antigen (TPSA; ≤20 μg/L vs >20 μg/L), and differences of imaging parameters between groups were compared (Mann-Whitney U test or independent-sample t test). ROC curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic ability of each parameter for different levels of PCa. χ2 test and ROC curve analysis were used to compare the detection rate and diagnostic efficiency of three imaging methods for primary focus, lymph node metastasis, and bone metastasis in PCa. Results:Differences were found between ISUP≤3 ( n=6) and >3 ( n=16) groups in PSMA-SUV max/ADC min, PSMA-SUV max/ADC mean, PSMA-SUV max, and ADC min ( z values: from -2.65 to -2.36, t=3.60, P values: 0.002-0.018). But there was no significant difference found between TPSA≤20 μg/L ( n=5) and >20 μg/L ( n=17) groups in all indices ( z values: from -1.76 to -1.45, t values: -1.19 and 1.28, all P>0.05). The optimal cut-off value for PSMA-SUV max/ADC min in differentiating high-grade and low-grade PCa was determined to be 22.628×10 3. In the patient-based analysis, no statistical difference was found in the detection rate of PCa primary tumors among 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and mpMRI ( χ2=1.91, P=0.767). However, the detection rates of lymph node and bone metastasis among three imaging methods were significantly different (72.73%(16/22), 59.09%(13/22), 36.36%(8/22) and 81.82%(18/22), 63.64%(14/22), 45.45%(10/22); χ2 values: 6.03, 6.29; P values: 0.049, 0.043). 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT resulted in a 36.36%(8/22) increase in N stage and the 40.91%(9/22) increase in M stage compared to mpMRI. Conclusions:PSMA-SUV max/ADC min is a valuable parameter for differentiating high-grade and low-grade PCa. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT demonstrates superior detection rate of PCa lymph node and bone metastasis compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT and mpMRI, and exhibits higher diagnostic efficiency, so it can be recommended for NM staging in patients with PCa.
9.Feasibility study of multi-parameters prediction of vulnerability of coronary plaque based on perivascular adipose tissue
Yichao LIU ; Chao WANG ; Xiaohui QIU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(8):1267-1271
Objective To explore the relationship between the vulnerability of coronary plaques and parameters of perivascular adipose tissue(PVAT),and to assess the feasibility of predicting vulnerable plaques based on PVAT-related parameters.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 199 patients,who were clinically suspected of coronary heart disease and underwent coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)examination,with a total of 230 lesion vessels and 230 plaques were analyzed.The vulnerability of plaques and the degree of vascular stenosis were evaluated.The pericoronary fat attenuation index(FAI),pericoronal fat total volume of voxels(FV)and pericoronary non-fat attenuation index(non-FAI)were measured,and the volumetric perivascular characterization index(VPCI)was calculated.The relationship between plaque vulnerability and PVAT parameters was statistically analyzed,and vulnerable plaques were predicted based on PVAT parameters.Results Non-vulnerable plaques were more likely to cause mild and moderate stenosis than vulnerable plaques,vulnerable plaques were more likely to cause severe stenosis than non-vulnerable plaques(P<0.001,P=0.001).The FAI,non-FAI,and VPCI values of the vulnerable plaque group were higher than those of the non-vulnerable plaque group,while the FV value was lower than that of the non-vulnerable plaque group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).The FAI value of the vulnerable plaque group was higher than the non-FAI value,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.01),while there was no statistically significant difference between the FAI and non-FAI of the non-vulnerable plaque group(P>0.05).The diagnostic efficiency of FAI,non-FAI,VPCI,FV values and the combined application of the four parameters for predicting vulnerable plaques were 0.753,0.624,0.770,0.755 and 0.837,respectively.Conclusion The occurrence rate of severe vascular stenosis,FAI,non-FAI,and VPCI values of vulnerable plaques are higher than those of non-vulnerable plaques,while the FV value is lower than that of non-vulnerable plaques.PVAT-related parameters have predictive value for vulnerable plaques.
10.GLP-1 receptor agonists and myocardial metabolism in atrial fibrillation
Zhong JIANI ; Chen HANG ; Liu QIMING ; Zhou SHENGHUA ; Liu ZHENGUO ; Xiao YICHAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(5):653-665
Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common cardiac arrhythmia.Many medical conditions,including hypertension,diabetes,obesity,sleep apnea,and heart failure(HF),increase the risk for AF.Car-diomyocytes have unique metabolic characteristics to maintain adenosine triphosphate production.Significant changes occur in myocardial metabolism in AF.Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1 RAs)have been used to control blood glucose fluctuations and weight in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and obesity.GLP-1 RAs have also been shown to reduce oxidative stress,inflammation,autonomic nervous system modulation,and mitochondrial function.This article reviews the changes in metabolic characteristics in cardiomyocytes in AF.Although the clinical trial outcomes are unsatisfactory,the findings demonstrate that GLP-1 RAs can improve myocardial metabolism in the presence of various risk factors,lowering the incidence of AF.


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