1.Clinical efficacy of Huangkui capsules in the treatment of targeted drug-related proteinuria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Miao LI ; Jia YUAN ; Chu LIU ; Maopei CHEN ; Xin XU ; Ningling GE ; Yi CHEN ; Lan ZHANG ; Rongxin CHEN ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):88-94
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Huangkui capsules on targeted drug-related proteinuria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of HCC patients with targeted drug-related proteinuria from June 2023 to December 2024 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. According to the treatment plan, patients were divided into the conventional treatment group and the Huangkui combination treatment group (Huangkui capsules combined with conventional treatment), and the clinical efficacy between the two groups was compared. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify the main factors affecting treatment efficacy. Results The Huangkui combination treatment group (n=29) showed a significantly higher overall effective rate (79.3% vs 42.3%, P=0.005), and an earlier proteinuria improvement (median time: 3 months vs 6 months, P=0.008) than the conventional treatment group (n=26) . The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker (ARB) using (OR=0.190, 95%CI 0.045-0.808, P=0.025), targeted drug adjustment (OR=0.132, 95%CI 0.030-0.581, P=0.007), and Huangkui capsules using (OR=0.168, 95%CI 0.039-0.730, P=0.017) were protective factors for treatment efficacy of targeted drug-related proteinuria. Conclusions On the basis of conventional treatment, additive treatment with Huangkui capsules can alleviate targeted drug-related proteinuria faster and more effectively in HCC patients.
2.Umbrella decision-making model for diagnosis and treatment of elderly lung cancer patients: Construction and practice
Lunxu LIU ; Jian ZHOU ; Xiang DING ; Nan CHEN ; Jianxin XUE ; Xuelei MA ; Ye WANG ; Weiya WANG ; Liqing PENG ; Xin YOU ; Minggang SU ; Xu CHENG ; Jiao WANG ; Ning GE ; Deying KANG ; Yuchen HUANG ; Jinghan WANG ; Yu TONG ; Yaoxi ZHANG ; Jirong YUE ; Hu LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):833-839
With the accelerating trend of population aging, the number of elderly patients with lung cancer continues to rise, and the disease burden is becoming increasingly heavy. The clinical management of these patients faces severe challenges due to their decreased physiological reserve, complex comorbidities, and significant individual heterogeneity. Consequently, under traditional diagnosis and treatment models, doctors often struggle to identify the individualized risks of elderly patients in a timely and comprehensive manner, which can easily lead to decision biases such as undertreatment or overtreatment. In view of this, this study advocates for the establishment of an umbrella decision-making model specifically tailored for elderly lung cancer patients. Grounded in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) platform, this model deeply integrates oncological indicators with the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) system. By holistically considering multidimensional variables including tumor burden, organ function, frailty index, cognitive status, and social support, the model establishes an operational mechanism characterized by "single entry, precise stratification, and targeted selection". Accordingly, patients can be scientifically triaged into distinct intervention tiers, such as active surveillance, minimally invasive surgery, drug therapy, radiotherapy, and best supportive care, thereby achieving real-time alignment between treatment intensity and patient fitness. This article elaborates on the construction logic and key operational procedures of this novel decision-making framework, aiming to guide clinical practice beyond the limitations of a tumor-centric perspective toward a holistic, dynamic, whole-course management strategy. This transition seeks to ensure optimal quality of life and clinical net benefit for elderly patients alongside survival prolongation.
3.Effect of Shenkang Injection on Podocyte Apoptosis and GRP78/CHOP Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Yanmo CAI ; Sitong WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Ge JIN ; Kaidong ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Fengfeng ZHANG ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):81-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Shenkang injection in delaying diabetic kidney disease by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuating podocyte apoptosis through the Glucose regulated protein 78 ( GRP78 ) / transcription factor C / EBP homologous protein ( CHOP ) signaling pathway (GRP78/CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the animal experiment, 10 12-week-old db/m mice were selected as a normal group, and 30 12-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, a Shenkang injection group (15.6 mL·kg-1), and a dapagliflozin group (1.6 mg·kg-1). To observe the general condition of mice, fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin/urine creatinine (ACR), and 24 h urine protein quantification were detected in each group before drug administration. After 12 weeks of drug treatment, mice were tested for fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL), ACR, 24 h urine protein quantification, blood creatinine (SCr), and blood urea (UREA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathologic morphology in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of nephroprotective marker protein (Nephrin), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in renal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax, and Nephrin proteins, and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the expressions of Nephrin, GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, and Bax mRNAs in renal tissue. ResultsBefore drug administration, compared with those in the normal group, the body mass of db/db mice was significantly increased, and blood glucose, 24 h urine protein quantification, and ACR were significantly elevated in the Shenkang injection group and Dapagliflozin group (P<0.01). After 12 weeks of administration, compared with those in the model group, the general state of mice in the Shenkang injection group was significantly improved, and the body mass was decreased. The blood glucose was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and blood lipids TC, TG, and LDL were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The 24 h urine protein quantification and ACR were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and SCr and UREA were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the pathologic results of the Shenkang injection group showed that proliferation of mesangial cells, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviation of renal tubular vacuolization and podocyte damage were observed in renal tissue of mice. Electron microscopy showed that fusion of the pedicle protruding and thickening of the basement membrane were reduced. Immunohistochemistry results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.01) in renal tissue of the Shenkang injection group. Western blot results showed that the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 in the Shenkang injection group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax mRNAs were down regulated in the Shenkang injection group (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 mRNAs were up regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionShenkang injection inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress response and podocyte apoptosis by regulating the GRP78/CHOP signaling pathway, which in turn ensures the integrity of glomerular filtration barrier, reduces the occurrence of proteinuria, improves renal function, and thus delays the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
4.Effect of Shenkang Injection on Podocyte Apoptosis and GRP78/CHOP Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Yanmo CAI ; Sitong WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Ge JIN ; Kaidong ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Fengfeng ZHANG ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):81-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Shenkang injection in delaying diabetic kidney disease by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuating podocyte apoptosis through the Glucose regulated protein 78 ( GRP78 ) / transcription factor C / EBP homologous protein ( CHOP ) signaling pathway (GRP78/CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the animal experiment, 10 12-week-old db/m mice were selected as a normal group, and 30 12-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, a Shenkang injection group (15.6 mL·kg-1), and a dapagliflozin group (1.6 mg·kg-1). To observe the general condition of mice, fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin/urine creatinine (ACR), and 24 h urine protein quantification were detected in each group before drug administration. After 12 weeks of drug treatment, mice were tested for fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL), ACR, 24 h urine protein quantification, blood creatinine (SCr), and blood urea (UREA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathologic morphology in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of nephroprotective marker protein (Nephrin), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in renal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax, and Nephrin proteins, and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the expressions of Nephrin, GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, and Bax mRNAs in renal tissue. ResultsBefore drug administration, compared with those in the normal group, the body mass of db/db mice was significantly increased, and blood glucose, 24 h urine protein quantification, and ACR were significantly elevated in the Shenkang injection group and Dapagliflozin group (P<0.01). After 12 weeks of administration, compared with those in the model group, the general state of mice in the Shenkang injection group was significantly improved, and the body mass was decreased. The blood glucose was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and blood lipids TC, TG, and LDL were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The 24 h urine protein quantification and ACR were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and SCr and UREA were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the pathologic results of the Shenkang injection group showed that proliferation of mesangial cells, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviation of renal tubular vacuolization and podocyte damage were observed in renal tissue of mice. Electron microscopy showed that fusion of the pedicle protruding and thickening of the basement membrane were reduced. Immunohistochemistry results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.01) in renal tissue of the Shenkang injection group. Western blot results showed that the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 in the Shenkang injection group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax mRNAs were down regulated in the Shenkang injection group (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 mRNAs were up regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionShenkang injection inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress response and podocyte apoptosis by regulating the GRP78/CHOP signaling pathway, which in turn ensures the integrity of glomerular filtration barrier, reduces the occurrence of proteinuria, improves renal function, and thus delays the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
5.Yishen Huashi Granules Protect Kidneys of db/db Mice via p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Kaidong ZHOU ; Sitong WANG ; Ge JIN ; Yanmo CAI ; Xin ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):58-68
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Huashi granules in alleviating renal tubular epithelial cell injury and relieving diabetic kidney disease by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsThe db/db mice of 12 weeks old were randomly assigned into model , dapagliflozin (1.6 mg·kg-1), and Yishen Huashi granules (4.7 g·kg-1), and db/m mice were used as the control group. The general conditions of mice were observed, and fasting blood glucose and 24-h urinary protein and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured at weeks 0 and 12 of administration. After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea (UREA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Mallory staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CC chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) in the renal tissue of mice. The immunohistochemical assay was employed to examine the expression of p38, phospho-p38 (p-p38), MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice. Western blotting was employed to measure the protein levels of p-p38, p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice.HK-2 cells cultured in vitro were grouped as follows: negative control, high glucose(30 mmol·L-1), Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum, and SB203580. After 48 h of cell culture in each group, RNA were extracted and the levels of MCP-1, and CCR2 mRNA were determined by Real-time PCR,proteins were extracted and the levels of p38, p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 were determined by Western blot. ResultsThe in vivo experiments showed that before treatment, other groups had higher body weight, blood glucose level, 24 h urinary protein, and ACR than the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed improved general conditions, a decreasing trend in body weight, lowered levels of blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, and ACR (P<0.01), reduced SCr and UREA (P<0.01), and declined levels of TC, TG, and LDL (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed alleviated damage and interstitial fibrosis in the renal tissue as well as reductions in glomerular foot process fusion and basement membrane thickening. Moreover, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01), reduced positive expression of p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. The cell experiment showed that compared with the high glucose group, the Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum group showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01) and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2(P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionYishen Huashi granules can regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, reduce 24 h urinary protein and ACR, improve the renal function, alleviate the renal tubule injury caused by high glucose, and protect renal tubule epithelial cells in db/db mice by reducing MCP-1/CCR2 activation via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
6.Changes in renal function in chronic hepatitis B patients treated initially with entecavir versus tenofovir alafenamide fumarate and related influencing factors
Shipeng MA ; Yanqing YU ; Xiaoping WU ; Liang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Yuliang ZHANG ; Xin WAN ; Shanfei GE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):44-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of entecavir (ETV) versus tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) on renal function in previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 167 previously untreated CHB patients who received ETV or TAF treatment for at least 48 weeks at the outpatient service of Department of Infectious Diseases in The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from September 2019 to November 2023, and according to the antiviral drug used, they were divided into ETV group with 117 patients and TAF group with 50 patients. In order to balance baseline clinical data, propensity score matching (PSM) was used for matching and analysis at a ratio of 2∶1, and the two groups were compared in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the incidence rate of abnormal renal function at week 48. According to eGFR at week 48, the patients were divided into normal renal function group and abnormal renal function group. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for abnormal renal function, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the performance of each indicator in predicting abnormal renal function. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the cumulative incidence rate of abnormal renal function, and the log-rank test was used for comparison. The analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to compare the dynamic changes of eGFR during antiviral therapy in CHB patients. ResultsAfter PSM matching, there were 100 patients in the ETV group and 50 patients in the TAF group. There were no significant differences in baseline clinical data between the ETV group and the TAF group (all P>0.05), with an eGFR level of 112.29±9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the ETV group and 114.72±12.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the TAF group. There was a reduction in eGFR from baseline to week 48 in both groups, and compared with the TAF group at week 48, the ETV group had a significantly lower eGFR (106.42±14.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 112.25±13.44 mL/min/1.73 m2, t=-2.422, P=0.017) and a significantly higher incidence rate of abnormal renal function (17.00% vs 4.00%, χ2=5.092, P=0.024). After the patients were divided into normal renal function group with 131 patients and abnormal renal function group with 19 patients, the univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in age (Z=-2.039, P=0.041), treatment drug (ETV/TAF) (χ2=5.092, P=0.024), and baseline eGFR level (t=4.023, P<0.001), and the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline eGFR (odds ratio [OR]=0.896, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.841 — 0.955, P<0.001) and treatment drug (OR=5.589, 95%CI: 1.136 — 27.492, P=0.034) were independent influencing factors for abnormal renal function. Baseline eGFR had an area under the ROC curve of 0.781 in predicting abnormal renal function in CHB patients, with a cut-off value of 105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2, a sensitivity of 73.68%, and a specificity of 82.44%. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the patients with baseline eGFR≤105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 had a significantly higher cumulative incidence rate of abnormal renal function than those with baseline eGFR>105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 (χ2=22.330, P<0.001), and the ETV group had a significantly higher cumulative incidence rate of abnormal renal function than the TAF group (χ2=4.961, P=0.026). With the initiation of antiviral therapy, both the ETV group and the TAF group had a significant reduction in eGFR (F=5.259, P<0.001), but the ETV group only had a significant lower level of eGFR than the TAF group at week 48 (t=-2.422, P=0.017); both the baseline eGFR≤105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 group and the baseline eGFR>105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 group had a significant reduction in eGFR (F=5.712, P<0.001), and there was a significant difference in eGFR between the two groups at baseline and weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48 (t=-13.927, -9.780, -8.835, -9.489, and -8.953, all P<0.001). ConclusionFor CHB patients initially treated with ETV or TAF, ETV antiviral therapy has a higher risk of renal injury than TAF therapy at week 48.
7.Dynamic changes in genetic mutations in myelodysplastic neoplasms with progressive disease and leukemic transformation
Xin YAN ; Haiyang CHEN ; Lian WANG ; Yulu TIAN ; Yan GU ; Na LIU ; Zheng GE
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(3):252-260
Objective:To investigate the key genetic mutations during the progressive disease (PD) /leukemic transformation (LT) course in MDS by analyzing the dynamic changes of genetic mutations in patients with myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) with or without PD/LT.Methods:This study enrolled 84 patients with sequential MDS from May 2019 to August 2023 at ZhongDa Hospital Southeast University and used the next generation sequencing to detect gene mutations. The dynamic changes of genetic mutations in patients with MDS with or without PD/LT were retrospectively analyzed.Results:①This study analyzed data from 84 patients diagnosed with MDS with a median age of 63 (range: 31-95) years and consisting of 51 males and 33 females. Participants were distributed to the PD cohort ( n=20), LT cohort ( n=13), and non-PD/LT cohort ( n=51). Patients from the PD/LT cohorts demonstrated a higher proportion of bone marrow blasts than the non-PD/LT cohort at the first sequencing (1.6% vs. 0.4%, P=0.013). ②The most frequently mutated genes that were detected at first sequencing were ASXL1 ( n=21, 25.0%), TP53 ( n=17, 20.2%), TET2 ( n=12, 14.3%), DNMT3A ( n=11, 13.1%), and U2AF1 ( n=11, 13.1%). Further, patients from the PD/LT cohorts exhibited a higher median number of mutated genes than the non-PD/LT cohort (2 vs.1, P=0.014) at first sequencing. TET2 (27.3% vs. 5.9%, P=0.010), SETBP1 (15.2% vs.2.0%, P=0.033), and RUNX1 (18.2% vs. 2.0%, P=0.013) mutations were enriched in the PD/LT cohorts than in the non-PD/LT cohort. ③The most frequently detected acquired mutations (Ⅰ mutations) and clonally expanded mutations (Ⅱ mutations) were TP53 ( n=9, 10.7%), TET2 ( n=7, 8.3%), ASXL1 ( n=7, 8.3%), and RAS pathway ( n=7, 8.3%). Furthermore, patients from the PD/LT cohorts showed a higher median number of Ⅰ/Ⅱ genes than the non-PD/LT cohort (2 vs. 0, P<0.001), and Ⅰ/Ⅱ RAS pathway (21.2% vs. 0, P=0.001), TP53 (27.3% vs. 0, P<0.001), and TET2 (18.2% vs. 2.0%, P=0.013) mutations were enriched in PD/LT cohorts than in the non-PD/LT cohorts. ④Most of the TP53 mutations (9/12, 75.0%) in PD/LT cohorts were Ⅰ/Ⅱ mutations, whereas all of the TP53 mutations in non-PD/LT cohort were clone-decrease mutations (Ⅲ mutations) (5/8, 62.5%) or clone-stable mutations (Ⅳ mutations) (3/8, 37.5%). Most of the RAS pathway mutations (7/8,87.5%) in the PD/LT cohorts were Ⅰ/Ⅱ mutations, whereas only one patient in the non-PD/LT cohort demonstrated RAS pathway mutations, which belonged to Ⅳ mutations. Conclusion:Patients from the PD/LT cohorts demonstrated a higher proportion of bone marrow blasts and a higher median number of mutations than the non-PD/LT cohort at first sequencing; TET2, SETBP1, and RUNX1 mutations were enriched in the PD/LT cohorts than in the non-PD/LT cohort at first sequencing. Patients from the PD/LT cohorts exhibited a higher number of Ⅰ/Ⅱ mutations than the non-PD/LT cohort. Further, Ⅰ/Ⅱ TP53, RAS pathway, and TET2 mutations were enriched in the PD/LT cohorts, and Ⅰ/Ⅱ TP53 and RAS pathway mutations may contribute to the PD/LT.
8.Glucocorticoid Discontinuation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis under Background of Chinese Medicine: Challenges and Potentials Coexist.
Chuan-Hui YAO ; Chi ZHANG ; Meng-Ge SONG ; Cong-Min XIA ; Tian CHANG ; Xie-Li MA ; Wei-Xiang LIU ; Zi-Xia LIU ; Jia-Meng LIU ; Xiao-Po TANG ; Ying LIU ; Jian LIU ; Jiang-Yun PENG ; Dong-Yi HE ; Qing-Chun HUANG ; Ming-Li GAO ; Jian-Ping YU ; Wei LIU ; Jian-Yong ZHANG ; Yue-Lan ZHU ; Xiu-Juan HOU ; Hai-Dong WANG ; Yong-Fei FANG ; Yue WANG ; Yin SU ; Xin-Ping TIAN ; Ai-Ping LYU ; Xun GONG ; Quan JIANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):581-589
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM).
METHODS:
This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS:
Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult
;
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
;
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Retrospective Studies
9.Pediatric salivary pleomorphic adenoma: report of 30 cases.
Yanzhen LI ; Xin NI ; Xuexi ZHANG ; Qiaoyin LIU ; Nian SUN ; Zhiyong LIU ; Xiaodan LI ; Jialu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Shengcai WANG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(9):881-885
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment experience of salivary pleomorphic adenoma in children. Methods:Thirty patients with salivary pleomorphic adenomas treated in Beijing Childrens Hospital from January 2008 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, including 11 boys and 19 girls, with the age ranging from 0.3 to 14.4 years(median age 10.4 years). Initial presentation, medical history, imaging workups, surgical approaches, complications, rates of recurrence were evaluated. Results:Major salivary gland lesions were most common(n=24, 80%); 53.3%(16 of 30) arising in the submandibular glands and 26.7%(8 of 30) in the parotid. Minor salivary gland lesions(n=6, 20%) were removed from the palate, tongue, face, trachea, nasopharynx, and upper mediastinumand. Preoperative imaging was reviewed in all patients and consisted of 26 ultrasound exams, 2 computerized tomography(CT) exams, and 15 magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) exams. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 12 patients. Surgical excision was performed in all patients. Postoperative complications included transient facial paresis(n=3), Pneumonia and pleural effusion(n=1). Average length of follow-up was 36.7 months; confirmed recurrence occurred in one patients. Conclusion:The symptoms of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma in children are different according to the location of the tumor. The treatment is complete surgical resection, and a small amount of normal tissue around the tumor should be removed to reduce recurrence.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Child
;
Adenoma, Pleomorphic/diagnosis*
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Infant
;
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
10.Optimized lipid nanoparticles enable effective CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in dendritic cells for enhanced immunotherapy.
Kuirong MAO ; Huizhu TAN ; Xiuxiu CONG ; Ji LIU ; Yanbao XIN ; Jialiang WANG ; Meng GUAN ; Jiaxuan LI ; Ge ZHU ; Xiandi MENG ; Guojiao LIN ; Haorui WANG ; Jing HAN ; Ming WANG ; Yong-Guang YANG ; Tianmeng SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):642-656
Immunotherapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach to treat immune-related diseases. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating immune responses, making them an attractive target for immunotherapeutic interventions. Modulation of gene expression in DCs using genome editing techniques, such as the CRISPR-Cas system, is important for regulating DC functions. However, the precise delivery of CRISPR-based therapies to DCs has posed a significant challenge. While lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been extensively studied for gene editing in tumor cells, their potential application in DCs has remained relatively unexplored. This study investigates the important role of cholesterol in regulating the efficiency of BAMEA-O16B lipid-assisted nanoparticles (BLANs) as carriers of CRISPR/Cas9 for gene editing in DCs. Remarkably, BLANs with low cholesterol density exhibit exceptional mRNA uptake, improved endosomal escape, and efficient single-guide RNA release capabilities. Administration of BLANmCas9/gPD-L1 results in substantial PD-L1 gene knockout in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), accompanied by heightened cDC1 activation, T cell stimulation, and significant suppression of tumor growth. The study underscores the pivotal role of cholesterol density within LNPs, revealing potent influence on gene editing efficacy within DCs. This strategy holds immense promise for the field of cancer immunotherapy, offering a novel avenue for treating immune-related diseases.

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