1.The mechanism and clinical application value of interleukin-10 family in anti-hepatic fibrosis
Qi LUO ; Biyu ZENG ; Rong ZHANG ; Liangjiang HUANG ; Lei FU ; Chun YAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):748-754
The interleukin-10 (IL-10) family is expressed in various types of cells and has a wide range of biological functions, and it plays an important role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by abnormal repair of hepatic tissues after injury, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. The IL-10 family members include IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, IL-26, IL-28, IL-29, and IL-35, with similarities in structure and function, and changes in their expression levels are closely associated with the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Moderate upregulation of the expression of IL-10 family members can help maintain the quiescent state of hepatic stellate cells, promote the transformation of macrophages to anti-inflammatory phenotype, and regulate the activity of natural killer cells, thereby inhibiting inflammatory response, regulating cell apoptosis and autophagy, and finally reversing the progression of hepatic fibrosis. This article discusses the mechanism of action of IL-10 family members and their application in traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine therapies, in order to provide new thoughts for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
2.Huoluo Xiaolingdan Suppresses Triple-negative Breast Cancer in Mice by Regulating TCF1+ CD8+ Stem Cell-like T Cells Infiltration
Bo LUO ; Qu ZHANG ; Yujie SUN ; Lin LIU ; Lan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):108-115
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Huoluo Xiaolingdan on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in mice through its regulation of TCF1+CD8+ stem cell-like T cells infiltration. MethodsA mouse model of TNBC was established and the mice were randomly divided into the model group, low-dose (3.9 g·kg-1), medium-dose (7.8 g·kg-1) and high-dose (15.6 g·kg-1) Huoluo Xiaolingdan groups, and anti-PD-1 antibody treatment group. Each group was given a dose of 0.01 mL·g-1, while the model group and the anti-PD-1 treatment group were also given an equivalent volume of normal saline. The drug was administered for 21 days. In the anti-PD-1 antibody group, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μg of mouse anti-PD-1 antibody twice a week, for a total of five injections. The tumor volume, survival time and tumor mass were measured at different time points. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histological changes of the tumor. The expression of CD8+T cells and TCF1+CD8+ stem-like T cells in tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect the difference of immune cell subsets in tumors and the expression difference of TCF1+CD8+ stem cell-like T cells in tumors and peripheral blood. The expression level of PD-L1 in tumor tissues was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with model group, the tumor volume and mass of in low-, medium- and high-dose Huoluo Xiaolingdan groups and anti-PD-1 group were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The median survival time of mice in low-, medium- and high-dose Huoluo Xiaolingdan groups and anti-PD-1 group was as follows: 27.00 days (95%CI, 0.45-2.65), 31.00 days (95%CI, 0.32-1.89), 34.00 days (95%CI, 0.40-2.33), and 35.00 days (95%CI, 0.42-2.47). All of them were higher than that of the model group [24.50 days (95%CI, 0.37-10.5)]. Flow cytometry showed that compared with the model group, the proportion and number of infiltrating CD8+ T cells in tumor were increased in low-, medium- and high-dose Huoluo Xiaolingdan groups and anti-PD-1 group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the proportion of tumor regulatory T cells (Treg) and M2 macrophages decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the proportion of IFN-γ+CD8+ T and GrzB+CD8+ T cells in tumors in low-, medium- and high-dose Huoluo Xiaolingdan groups and anti-PD-1 group was increased (P<0.01), and the proportion of TCF1+CD8+ T cells in tumor and peripheral blood was also increased. Immunofluorescence staining further showed that the number of TCF1+CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues increased in low-, medium- and high-dose Huoluo Xiaolingdan groups. Western blot analysis showed no significant decrease in the PD-L1 protein expression in tumor tissues between the Huoluo Xiaolingdan groups and the model group. ConclusionHuoluo Xiaolingdan can inhibit TNBC in mice by increasing tumor infiltration of TCF1+CD8+ stem-like T cells, enhancing CD8+ T cell activity, and regulating immune cell subgroups such as M2 macrophages and Treg cells to enhance anti-tumor immunity. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Huoluo Xiaolingdan in breast cancer treatment and combination therapy.
3.Investigation on an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis at a boarding middle school in Guangdong Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):878-882
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) in a boarding middle school in Guangdong Province, in order to provide a scientific evidence for effective prevention and control of campus AHC outbreaks.
Methods:
From September 1st to 28th 2023, case identification was conducted among 559 students and 60 faculty members using standardized definition. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the three distrubution patterns of the outbreak. Questionnaires were designed, and a case-control study was adopted to analyze the possible risk factors of the disease transmission. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to control the difference of baseline data.
Results:
A total of 269 cases of AHC were identified, with an attack rate of 43.46%. The pathogen was confirmed as Coxsackie virus A24 variant (CA24v). Among these, 264 cases were students (attack rate of 47.23%) and 5 were staff (attack rate of 8.33%). A total of 153 pairs of PSM were successfully matched. After PSM matching, there were no statistically significant differences in gender, grade and class between the case group and the control group ( χ 2=0.12, 5.41, 11.24, P >0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that middle school students whose towels contacted with others ( OR =1.81), and direct contact with other AHC cases recently ( OR =4.89) were more likely to have AHC; while wearing glasses ( OR =0.43) and frequent use of hand sanitizer ( OR = 0.37 ) were less likely to have AHC ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
The outbreak of AHC is caused by CA24v, demonstrating rapid spread and extensive impact within the school setting.
4.Mechanism of action of immune molecules and related immune cells in liver failure
Qi LUO ; Biyu ZENG ; Rong ZHANG ; Guojuan MA ; Lei QING ; Liangjiang HUANG ; Lei FU ; Chun YAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1213-1219
Liver failure (LF) is a severe clinical syndrome characterized by severe impairment or decompensation of liver function. At present, the key role of immune molecules in the pathogenesis of LF has been well established. These molecules not only directly participate in the pathological process of LF, but also influence the course of LF by modulating the behavior of immune cells. In addition, immune molecules can be used as potential biomarkers for evaluating the prognosis of LF. This article summarizes the role of immune molecules in LF and explores the therapeutic strategies based on these immune molecules, in order to provide new directions for the diagnosis and treatment of LF.
5.Meta-analysis of association between cadmium exposure and cardiovascular disease
Huanhuan XIE ; Lan GUAN ; Ming ZENG ; Jianlan LUO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):840-845
Background Existing studies suggest that cadmium exposure is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the current epidemiological evidence is inconsistent. Objective To systematically evaluate the relationship between cadmium exposure and CVD through meta-analysis. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and SinoMed databases to collect observational studies on the relationship between cadmium exposure and CVD in human population published until July 30, 2024. On the basis of following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the retrieved literature was systematically screened, and the basic information of the included research was extracted, including basic participant information, research outcomes, and data results. This study used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and a cross-sectional study evaluation protocol (11 items) recommended by the Quality of Health Care and Research Institutions of the United States for literature quality evaluation. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of publication bias of the data were conducted using Stata16.0 software. Result A total of 15 studies (18 datasets) were included, and the quality of all the studies was graded as medium or above. Among them, there were
6.Efficacy and safety analysis of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Xindong LUO ; Yunjiu GOU ; Weiqiang ZENG ; Dacheng JIN ; Baiqiang CUI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):685-692
Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and EMbase databases were searched for clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ICIs as first-line treatment for NSCLC patients. The search period was from database inception to January 2023. Quality evaluation was conducted using the improved Jadad scale, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results Twelve RCTs were included, all of which were assessed as high-quality literature, involving a total of 7 121 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that, compared with chemotherapy, ICIs as first-line treatment for NSCLC patients significantly improved median overall survival (OS) [HR=0.72, 95%CI (0.64, 0.80), P<0.001] and median progression-free survival (PFS) [HR=0.65, 95%CI (0.53, 0.78), P<0.001], and improved objective response rate (ORR) [RR=1.52, 95%CI (1.28, 1.79), P<0.001]. Subgroup analysis showed that, compared with the ICIs monotherapy group, the ICIs combination therapy group significantly improved OS, PFS, and ORR in NSCLC patients. In terms of safety, the risk of any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and grade 3-5 TRAEs in the ICIs group was lower than that in the chemotherapy group. The incidence of TRAEs leading to treatment discontinuation was higher in the ICIs group than in the chemotherapy group. Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of any grade, grade 3-5, and TRAEs leading to treatment discontinuation was higher in the immune combination therapy group than in the immune monotherapy group. Conclusion ICIs as first-line treatment for NSCLC patients can significantly improve OS, PFS, and ORR compared with chemotherapy. Compared to immune monotherapy, immune combination therapy can significantly improve the efficacy in NSCLC patients, but patients have a higher risk of TRAEs.
7.Mechanism of Modified Erxian Decoction Regulating Perimenopausal Syndrome via SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH Signaling Pathway
Ruiyu HUANG ; Fang LEI ; Wuchaonan LIU ; Jingjing YANG ; Qianru ZENG ; Shengping LUO ; Yanling CHEN ; Mengge ZHANG ; Fanshun SHEN ; Yihui DENG ; Dingxiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):51-62
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by modified Erxian decoction in rats with perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) and to further analyze the expression of proteins related to the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kisspeptin)/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway in the arcuate nucleus region (ARC) of the hypothalamus, so as to reveal the potential target of action and molecular biological mechanism of modified Erxian decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. MethodsAn animal model was established via the incomplete castration method, with successful modeling confirmed by the exfoliated cervical cell smear method. The 48 rats were divided into six groups based on the randomization principle after successful modeling, including a sham operation group, a model group, an estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg∙kg-1∙d-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups (7.614, 3.807,1.903 5 g∙kg-1∙d-1), with 8 rats in each group. The estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium- and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups were continuously administered by gavage for 28 days, and the indicators were detected 24 hours after the last administration. Body weights and uterine indices were measured. The pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of SIRT1, Kisspeptin, kisspeptin receptor (GPR54), and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) in pituitary. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, rats in the model group had a significantly increased body weight (P0.01), reduced wet weight and index of uterus (P0.01), endometrial thinning or atrophy, glandular atrophy, and a decreasing number of glands. Additionally, serum levels of E2 and the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus significantly decreased (P0.01). Serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, the expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, and GnRH-R in pituitary significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium-dose modified Erxian decoction groups had significantly reduced body weight, serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, and expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and GnRH-R in pituitary (P0.05, P0.01) and significantly increased wet weight and index of uterus, serum level of E2, and expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus (P0.05, P0.01). In addition, they showed thickened endometrium, increased number of endometrial glands, and improved glandular atrophy. ConclusionModified Erxian decoction regulates the function of the HPG axis through multi-targets, and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, the inhibition of the over-activation of the Kisspeptin/GnRH signaling pathway, the regulation of the expression of GnRH-R in the pituitary, the restoration of secretion balance of gonadotropins, and the elevation of the estrogen level. This study provides an experimental basis for the interpretation of the scientific connotation of modified Erxian decoction in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome and a theoretical reference for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy based on the SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH pathway.
8.Artificial intelligence system for outcome evaluations of human in vitro fertilization-derived embryos
Ling SUN ; Jiahui LI ; Simiao ZENG ; Qiangxiang LUO ; Hanpei MIAO ; Yunhao LIANG ; Linling CHENG ; Zhuo SUN ; Hou Wa TAI ; Yibing HAN ; Yun YIN ; Keliang WU ; Kang ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(16):1939-1949
Background::In vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a transformative solution for infertility. However, achieving favorable live-birth outcomes remains challenging. Current clinical IVF practices in IVF involve the collection of heterogeneous embryo data through diverse methods, including static images and temporal videos. However, traditional embryo selection methods, primarily reliant on visual inspection of morphology, exhibit variability and are contingent on the experience of practitioners. Therefore, an automated system that can evaluate heterogeneous embryo data to predict the final outcomes of live births is highly desirable. Methods::We employed artificial intelligence (AI) for embryo morphological grading, blastocyst embryo selection, aneuploidy prediction, and final live-birth outcome prediction. We developed and validated the AI models using multitask learning for embryo morphological assessment, including pronucleus type on day 1 and the number of blastomeres, asymmetry, and fragmentation of blastomeres on day 3, using 19,201 embryo photographs from 8271 patients. A neural network was trained on embryo and clinical metadata to identify good-quality embryos for implantation on day 3 or day 5, and predict live-birth outcomes. Additionally, a 3D convolutional neural network was trained on 418 time-lapse videos of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)-based ploidy outcomes for the prediction of aneuploidy and consequent live-birth outcomes.Results::These two approaches enabled us to automatically assess the implantation potential. By combining embryo and maternal metrics in an ensemble AI model, we evaluated live-birth outcomes in a prospective cohort that achieved higher accuracy than experienced embryologists (46.1% vs. 30.7% on day 3, 55.0% vs. 40.7% on day 5). Our results demonstrate the potential for AI-based selection of embryos based on characteristics beyond the observational abilities of human clinicians (area under the curve: 0.769, 95% confidence interval: 0.709–0.820). These findings could potentially provide a noninvasive, high-throughput, and low-cost screening tool to facilitate embryo selection and achieve better outcomes. Conclusions::Our study underscores the AI model’s ability to provide interpretable evidence for clinicians in assisted reproduction, highlighting its potential as a noninvasive, efficient, and cost-effective tool for improved embryo selection and enhanced IVF outcomes. The convergence of cutting-edge technology and reproductive medicine has opened new avenues for addressing infertility challenges and optimizing IVF success rates.
9.Gastric cancer cell-derived exosome miR-382-5p induced by Helicobacter pylori inhibits macrophage autophagy and promotes M2 polarization by targeting PTEN
Wenjing LI ; Kaiyun GUO ; Junzi LUO ; Yunxing HE ; Jie DUAN ; Na WANG ; Kunning WANG ; Yixin ZENG ; Xinyi LUO ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(6):1153-1159
Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of the gastric cancer cells-derived exosome miR-382-5p in-duced by Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)on the autophagy and polarization of macrophages,providing new clues for further elucidating the carcinogenic mechanism of H.pylori.Methods:Ultracentrifugation and exosome extraction kit were used to extract the exosomes re-leased by the H.pylori stimulated group and the blank control group AGS cells cells,then transmission electron microscopy(TEM),nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA)and Western blot were employed to identify exosomes.qRT-PCR was used to detect the expres-sion of miR-382-5p in H.pylori induced AGS-derived exosomes.miR-382-5p mimic was transfected into THP-1 macrophages,then the expressions of autophagy markers(LC3Ⅱ,p62,and Beclin-1)were evaluated by Western blot,the number of autophagosomes was detected by immunofluorescence.The expression levels of PTEN protein,downstream proteins PI3K,AKT,mTOR and its phosphory-lated proteins p-PI3K,p-AKT,p-mTOR were detected by Western blot.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression levels of macrophage phenotypic molecules CD206 and HLA-DR.ELISA was used to detect the secretion of cytokines TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10 and Arginase1 in macrophage supernatants.Results:The extracted exosomes were consistent with exosome morphology and highly ex-pressed the surface marker proteins CD9,CD63 and TSG101.Compared with the blank control group,the expression level of exosom-al miR-382-5p in H.pylori-infected group was significantly increased.miR-382-5p mimic transfection resulted in decreased expression of LC3 Ⅱ and Beclin-1 in macrophages,increased expression of P62 and decreased number of autophagosomes.Moreover,the protein expression level of PTEN was significantly decreased in the miR-382-5p mimic transfection group,while the expression levels of p-PI3K,p-AKT and p-mTOR were significantly increased.miR-382-5p mimic transfection also resulted in increased expression of mac-rophage M2 type marker protein CD206 and decreased expression of M1 type marker protein HLA-DR,as well as increased expres-sions of IL-10 and Arginine1,whereas decreased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α.Pretreatment with the pathway inhibitor BEZ235 par-tially reverses the effects of miR-382-5p on macrophage autophagy and polarization.Conclusion:H.pylori-induced gastric cancer cells-derived exosomal miR-382-5p suppresses macrophage autophagy and induces M2 polarization through down-regulation of PTEN ex-pression and activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
10.Visualization analysis of the current status and trend of researches related to cerebral hemorrhage surgery based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer
Junhong ZENG ; Taotao SHEN ; Guofeng WU ; Jing OUYANG ; Jiaqin RAO ; Shasha LUO ; Yizhi ZHANG ; Cui XIONG ; Ying GU
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;21(7):455-466
Objective To summarize and explore the current state,hotspots,and trends in the field of surgical treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)over the past decade through a bibliometric and visualization analysis of relevant literature.Methods Relevant Chinese and English literature on the surgical treatment of ICH,published from January 1,2014 to April 1,2024,was retrieved and screened from CNKI and Web of Science databases.Visualization analysis was conducted using CiteSpace,VOSviewer,and other software to analyze the number of published papers,authors,countries,institutions,etc.Social network analysis diagrams of authors,keyword clustering network analysis diagrams,keyword burst strength,and keyword timeline maps were also utilized.Results(1)A total of 3 456 relevant papers were included,with 2 173 in Chinese and 1 283 in English.From 2014 to 2021,the annual number of Chinese publications on ICH surgery was higher than that of English publications,but the number of Chinese publications began to decline from 2016.The number of English publications showed an overall increasing trend.(2)A total of 6 367 authors were identified from the English literature,with notable collaboration networks led by researchers such as Mocco J,Hanley DF,Ziai WC,You C,and Tang ZP.The Chinese literature included 6 522authors,with prominent collaboration networks led by Wang LK,Cai Q,Ku HB,Zhang S,and Zhu SQ.(3)Analysis of the countries involved in the English literature showed that 31 countries participated in research on ICH surgery,with China leading in the number of publications(505),followed by the United States(330)and Germany(106).The top three countries in centrality were the United States(0.32),China(0.16),and Canada(0.11).The top three institutions in English literature publications were Johns Hopkins University(51 papers),Ohio State University(39 papers),and Harvard University(38 papers).In China,Sichuan University(32 papers),Huazhong University of Science and Technology(30 papers),and Capital Medical University(27 papers)had multiple English publications;Wuhan University People's Hospital(15 papers),Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University(13 papers),and Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University(13 papers)had multiple Chinese publications.There was close collaboration among research institutions in the English literature,whereas Chinese researchers often established research teams within their medical units with relatively less collaboration between teams.(4)Research on ICH surgery primarily focused on surgical methods,complications,and comprehensive perioperative treatment.Research hotspots included hypertensive ICH,minimally invasive surgical techniques,and perioperative management and treatment."neuroendoscopy"was the most recent emergent keyword in Chinese literature with high centrality and the strongest burst strength,while"randomized trial"had the highest burst strength in English literature.Research trends included the integration of artificial intelligence with minimally invasive techniques to optimize ICH surgery management and treatment strategies,analysis of risk factors,and evaluation of imaging value.Conclusions Over the past decade,the overall publication volume on the surgical treatment of ICH has been in a stable development phase,with research directions covering surgical techniques,diagnosis and treatment,evaluation,and management.Core research teams led by key authors were the main contributors to the publications.Future research hotspots and trends in ICH surgery may include the optimization of surgical techniques,complication management,large-scale multicenter clinical trials and integration of artificial intelligence with minimally invasive techniques.


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