1.Post‑transplant cyclophosphamide plus anti‑thymocyte globulin decreased serum IL‑6 levels when compared with post‑transplant cyclophosphamide alone after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Jeong Suk KOH ; Myung‑Won LEE ; Thi Thuy Duong PHAM ; Bu Yeon HEO ; Suyoung CHOI ; Sang‑Woo LEE ; Wonhyoung SEO ; Sora KANG ; Seul Bi LEE ; Chul Hee KIM ; Hyewon RYU ; Hyuk Soo EUN ; Hyo‑Jin LEE ; Hwan‑Jung YUN ; Deog‑Yeon JO ; Ik‑Chan SONG
Blood Research 2025;60():5-
Background:
Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) are common pro‑ phylactic strategies for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Interleukin (IL)-6 is a surrogate marker for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute GVHD.Method The clinical outcomes and complications of haplo-HSCT with PTCy plus ATG versus PTCy monotherapy were compared according to serum IL-6 levels at Chungnam National University Hospital (Daejeon, South Korea) from Jan‑ uary 2019 to February 2023.
Results:
Forty patients who underwent haplo-HSCT were analyzed. A significant difference in IL-6 levels was observed between the PTCy plus ATG and PTCy alone groups (7.47 ± 10.55 vs. 117.65 ± 127.67; p = 0.003). More patients in the PTCy plus ATG group had a CRS grade of 0 than in the PTCy alone group (p < 0.001). Serum IL-6 levels were associated with grades II–IV acute GVHD (r = 0.547, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence (CI) of grades II–IV acute GVHD was significantly higher in the PTCy alone group (67.9% vs. 4.8%; p < 0.001). No significant difference in the CI for chronic GVHD was detected between the PTCy plus ATG and PTCy alone groups (72.1% vs. 82.0%; p = 0.730). The CI of 1-year non-relapse mortality was significantly higher in the PTCy alone group than in the PTCy plus ATG group (42.2% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.022). The 1-year overall survival (OS) was significantly better in the PTCy plus ATG group (75.9% vs. 35.3%; p = 0.011). The 1-year GVHD-free, relapse-free survival rate was 29.4% in the PTCy alone group and 54.0% in the PTCy plus ATG group (p = 0.038).
Conclusion
Serum IL-6 levels were higher in the PTCy alone group than in the PTCy plus ATG group. The addition of ATG before stem cell infusion affected IL-6 levels and reduced the incidences of CRS and grade II–IV acute GVHD in haplo-HSCT patients. This study suggests that PTCy plus ATG as GVHD prophylaxis in haplo-HSCT is beneficial in terms of clinical outcomes and complications of HSCT.
2.Post‑transplant cyclophosphamide plus anti‑thymocyte globulin decreased serum IL‑6 levels when compared with post‑transplant cyclophosphamide alone after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Jeong Suk KOH ; Myung‑Won LEE ; Thi Thuy Duong PHAM ; Bu Yeon HEO ; Suyoung CHOI ; Sang‑Woo LEE ; Wonhyoung SEO ; Sora KANG ; Seul Bi LEE ; Chul Hee KIM ; Hyewon RYU ; Hyuk Soo EUN ; Hyo‑Jin LEE ; Hwan‑Jung YUN ; Deog‑Yeon JO ; Ik‑Chan SONG
Blood Research 2025;60():5-
Background:
Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) are common pro‑ phylactic strategies for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Interleukin (IL)-6 is a surrogate marker for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute GVHD.Method The clinical outcomes and complications of haplo-HSCT with PTCy plus ATG versus PTCy monotherapy were compared according to serum IL-6 levels at Chungnam National University Hospital (Daejeon, South Korea) from Jan‑ uary 2019 to February 2023.
Results:
Forty patients who underwent haplo-HSCT were analyzed. A significant difference in IL-6 levels was observed between the PTCy plus ATG and PTCy alone groups (7.47 ± 10.55 vs. 117.65 ± 127.67; p = 0.003). More patients in the PTCy plus ATG group had a CRS grade of 0 than in the PTCy alone group (p < 0.001). Serum IL-6 levels were associated with grades II–IV acute GVHD (r = 0.547, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence (CI) of grades II–IV acute GVHD was significantly higher in the PTCy alone group (67.9% vs. 4.8%; p < 0.001). No significant difference in the CI for chronic GVHD was detected between the PTCy plus ATG and PTCy alone groups (72.1% vs. 82.0%; p = 0.730). The CI of 1-year non-relapse mortality was significantly higher in the PTCy alone group than in the PTCy plus ATG group (42.2% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.022). The 1-year overall survival (OS) was significantly better in the PTCy plus ATG group (75.9% vs. 35.3%; p = 0.011). The 1-year GVHD-free, relapse-free survival rate was 29.4% in the PTCy alone group and 54.0% in the PTCy plus ATG group (p = 0.038).
Conclusion
Serum IL-6 levels were higher in the PTCy alone group than in the PTCy plus ATG group. The addition of ATG before stem cell infusion affected IL-6 levels and reduced the incidences of CRS and grade II–IV acute GVHD in haplo-HSCT patients. This study suggests that PTCy plus ATG as GVHD prophylaxis in haplo-HSCT is beneficial in terms of clinical outcomes and complications of HSCT.
3.Post‑transplant cyclophosphamide plus anti‑thymocyte globulin decreased serum IL‑6 levels when compared with post‑transplant cyclophosphamide alone after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Jeong Suk KOH ; Myung‑Won LEE ; Thi Thuy Duong PHAM ; Bu Yeon HEO ; Suyoung CHOI ; Sang‑Woo LEE ; Wonhyoung SEO ; Sora KANG ; Seul Bi LEE ; Chul Hee KIM ; Hyewon RYU ; Hyuk Soo EUN ; Hyo‑Jin LEE ; Hwan‑Jung YUN ; Deog‑Yeon JO ; Ik‑Chan SONG
Blood Research 2025;60():5-
Background:
Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) are common pro‑ phylactic strategies for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Interleukin (IL)-6 is a surrogate marker for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute GVHD.Method The clinical outcomes and complications of haplo-HSCT with PTCy plus ATG versus PTCy monotherapy were compared according to serum IL-6 levels at Chungnam National University Hospital (Daejeon, South Korea) from Jan‑ uary 2019 to February 2023.
Results:
Forty patients who underwent haplo-HSCT were analyzed. A significant difference in IL-6 levels was observed between the PTCy plus ATG and PTCy alone groups (7.47 ± 10.55 vs. 117.65 ± 127.67; p = 0.003). More patients in the PTCy plus ATG group had a CRS grade of 0 than in the PTCy alone group (p < 0.001). Serum IL-6 levels were associated with grades II–IV acute GVHD (r = 0.547, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence (CI) of grades II–IV acute GVHD was significantly higher in the PTCy alone group (67.9% vs. 4.8%; p < 0.001). No significant difference in the CI for chronic GVHD was detected between the PTCy plus ATG and PTCy alone groups (72.1% vs. 82.0%; p = 0.730). The CI of 1-year non-relapse mortality was significantly higher in the PTCy alone group than in the PTCy plus ATG group (42.2% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.022). The 1-year overall survival (OS) was significantly better in the PTCy plus ATG group (75.9% vs. 35.3%; p = 0.011). The 1-year GVHD-free, relapse-free survival rate was 29.4% in the PTCy alone group and 54.0% in the PTCy plus ATG group (p = 0.038).
Conclusion
Serum IL-6 levels were higher in the PTCy alone group than in the PTCy plus ATG group. The addition of ATG before stem cell infusion affected IL-6 levels and reduced the incidences of CRS and grade II–IV acute GVHD in haplo-HSCT patients. This study suggests that PTCy plus ATG as GVHD prophylaxis in haplo-HSCT is beneficial in terms of clinical outcomes and complications of HSCT.
4.Immune checkpoint inhibitor related tuberculosis:a case report and literature analysis
Wen-Ting JIN ; Jia-Yi NI ; Bi-Jie HU ; Jue PAN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(2):272-276
With the increasing application of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICI)in anti-tumor therapy,ICI related infections are often neglected.Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)is also a common pathogen.We reported a case of ICI related pulmonary tuberculosis from Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University.Meanwhile,18 cases of ICI related tuberculosis infection were collected through literature search,and the characteristics of ICI related tuberculosis were analyzed to improve the understanding in clinic practice.All the cases were confirmed TB including 15 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis(1 case with complication of intestinal tuberculosis)and 4 cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis(1 case of disseminated tuberculosis,bone tuberculosis,tuberculous pericarditis and tuberculous pleurisy,respectively).The chest CT characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis mainly included centrilobular nodules,ground glass nodules,empty lesions,patchy shadows,consolidation and large infiltration.Eighteen cases started anti-tuberculosis treatment,while 4 cases continued ICI treatment.Three cases suspended ICI(2 cases had remission after reuse)and 11 cases stopped ICI,and 1 case was not mentioned.ICI related tuberculosis may be a direct complication of tumor immunotherapy.It is necessary to screen tuberculosis infection and exclude active tuberculosis before immunotherapy.If there are suspected symptoms such as fever,cough and sputum during ICI treatment,active tuberculosis should be taken into account.
5.Virulence determinants and genetic diversity of foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from Wenzhou
Ai-Rong XIE ; Yi LI ; Hui-Huang LOU ; Zhong-Bi XIE ; Le-Yi ZHANG ; Yu-Qin HU ; Yue-Jin WU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(1):40-45
The aim of this study was to investigate the virulence determinants and genetic diversity of foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica from Wenzhou.A total of 71 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica were isolated from food and foodborne diarrhea ca-ses in Wenzhou,and their biotypes,serotypes,and drug resistance were analyzed.On the basis of whole genome sequencing,we assessed virulence gene profiles,and performed multilocus sequence typing(MLST)and core gene multilocus sequence typ-ing(cgMLST).A total of 94.4%(67/71)of isolates belonged to biotype 1A,and the highest proportion had serotype lA/O∶5(29.6%,21/71).The sensitivity rates of the isolates to 14 antibiotics exceeded 95.8%.A total of 16 categories and 126 viru-lence genes were identified,with two strains carrying the pYV plasmid and chromosome-related virulence genes.ST3(31.6%,12/38)was the most widespread MLST type,and cgMLST analysis revealed no dense clusters of genotypes except for strains sharing the same ST.In conclusion,pathogenic strains were identified from foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica in Wenzhou and were found to exhibit high genetic polymorphism.Enhanced regulatory supervision is essential to prevent the outbreak of food-borne diseases caused by Yersinia enterocolitica.
6.Comparison of demographic and clinical characteristics of bipolar Ⅰ disorder and bipolar Ⅱ disorder
Li ZHOU ; Yiling XIE ; Tingting ZHANG ; Yueqin HUANG ; Liang ZHOU ; Yan LIU ; Bo LIU ; Jie ZHANG ; Yuandong GONG ; Zhongcai LI ; Bi LI ; Zhipeng LI ; Qingyuan ZENG ; Zonglin SHEN ; Wenming CHEN ; Zhaorui LIU ; Jin LU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(1):33-41
Objective:To compare demographic characteristics,clinical characteristics,therapeutic characteris-tics and physiological indicators of patients with bipolar Ⅰ disorder and bipolar Ⅱ disorder.Methods:A total of 381 patients with bipolar disorder(BD)diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 th Edi-tion(DSM-5)were selected,including 302 patients with BD-Ⅰ(79.27%),74 patients with BD-Ⅱ(19.42%)and 5 patients with other specific and related disorders(1.31%).Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected with self-designed clinical information questionnaire.Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate linear regres-sion analysis were used for analysis.Results:Compared with patients with BD-Ⅱ,patients with BD-Ⅰ had more risk to have psychotic features(OR=5.75,95%CI:2.82-11.76),longer disease duration,and more repeated transcra-nial magnetic therapy(OR=3.09,95%CI:1.02-9.35),higher uric acid,total cholesterol and high-density lipo-protein.BD-Ⅰ in Han nationality was more common(OR=11.50,95%CI:1.76-75.30),and had lower education level(OR=10.22,95%CI:1.16-89.77),and less family history of psychosis(OR=2.34,95%CI:1.01-5.42).Conclusion:There are significant differences between BD-Ⅰ and BD-Ⅱ in demographic and clinical charac-teristics,treatment status,and physiological indicators,which could provide clues for exploring the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder.
7.Mechanism of Cangxitongbi Capsules in Mediating Chondrocyte Pyroptosis in Knee Osteoarthritis via Regulating p38 MAPK/NLRP3/Caspase-1 Pathway
Zhimeng ZHANG ; Daotong YUAN ; Ximin JIN ; Rui GONG ; Zhenlong SONG ; Yongkui ZHANG ; Xiaole WANG ; Rongxiu BI ; Wenpeng XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):61-68
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Cangxi Tongbi capsules (CXTB) in regulating the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteine protease-1 (Caspase-1) signaling pathway to inhibit pyroptosis of cartilage cells in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, low, medium, and high dose CXTB groups, and a positive control group, with 10 rats per group. The modified Hulth method was employed to establish a rat model of KOA. According to their respective assignments, rats were administered CXTB (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 g·kg-1) and Celecoxib (24 mg·kg-1) by gavage. The sham operation and model groups were given an equivalent volume of physiological saline. Treatment was performed once daily for 28 days. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was used to assess bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Joint degeneration was evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, safranin-fast green (SO) staining, and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expression levels of p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), NLRP3, Caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) proteins. Real-time PCR was used to assess mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). After knee replacement surgery, cartilage tissue was analyzed using Western blot to assess the protein expression levels of p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD, and Real-time PCR was used to evaluate gene expression levels of p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD. ResultMicro-CT analysis revealed significant narrowing of the joint space and increased bone spur formation in KOA rats compared with the sham operation group, with a decrease in BV/TV ratio and an increase in Tb.Sp value (P<0.01). Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 were elevated (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cartilage were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were also enhanced (P<0.01). Significant differences in protein expression of p-p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were observed between normal and diseased cartilage tissues after knee replacement surgery (P<0.05), and the gene expression of p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were also significantly different (P<0.01). HE and SO staining showed roughened joint surfaces, reduced cartilage thickness, and disordered cellular arrangement in KOA rats. OARSI scores were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, treatment with low, medium, and high concentrations of CXTB resulted in increased BV/TV ratios and decreased Tb.Sp values in the knee joints of rats (P<0.01). HE and SO staining indicated a trend towards smoother joint surfaces and reduced OARSI scores (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were notably decreased (P<0.05), as were the mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01). Additionally, serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionCXTB intervention may alleviate knee joint degeneration in KOA rats and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis of cartilage cells, thereby protecting cartilage. The underlying mechanism may involve modulation of the p38 MAPK/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.
8.Full-field Anterior Chamber Angle Measurement Based on Optical Reflection Tomography
Bi-Wang LIU ; Jun-Ping ZHONG ; Hai-Na LIN ; Ya-Guang ZENG ; You-Ping YU ; Hong-Yi LI ; Ding-An HAN ; Jin-Ying CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(9):2240-2248
ObjectiveAngle-closure glaucoma (ACG) is one of the major eye-blinding diseases. To diagnose ACG, it is crucial to examine the anterior chamber angle. Current diagnostic tools include slit lamp gonioscopy, water gonioscopy, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Slit lamp and water gonioscopy allow convenient observation of the anterior chamber angle, but pose risks of invasive operation and eye infections. UBM can accurately measure the structure of the anterior chamber angle. However, it is complex to operate and unsuitable for patients, who have undergone trauma or ocular surgery. Although AS-OCT provides detailed images, it is costly. The aim of this study is to explore a non-invasive, non-destructive optical reflection tomography (ORT) technique. This technique can achieve low-cost three-dimensional imaging and full-field anterior chamber angle measurement of the porcine eye. MethodsThe experiment involved assembling an optical reflection tomography system, which included a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera, a telecentric system, a stepper motor, and a white light source, achieving a spatial resolution of approximately 8.5 μm. The process required positioning the porcine eye at the center of the field of the imaging system and rotating it around its central axis using a stepper motor. Reflection projection images were captured at each angle with an exposure time of 1.0 ms and an interval of 2°. The collected reflection-projection data were processed using a filtered reflection tomography algorithm, generating a series of two-dimensional slice data. These slices essentially represented cross-sectional views of the three-dimensional structural image, and were reconstructed into a complete three-dimensional structural image. Based on the reconstructed three-dimensional structural image of the porcine eye, the anterior chamber angles at different positions were measured, and a distribution map of these angles was drawn. Simultaneously, the ORT measurements were compared with the standard results obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the accuracy of ORT measurements. ResultsIn this study, we successfully obtained the reflection projection data of a porcine eye using ORT technology, reconstructed its three-dimensional structural image, and measured the anterior chamber angle, generating the corresponding distribution map. To better distinguish the different structural parts of porcine eye, the three-dimensional structural image was marked with blue, green, and yellow dashed lines from the outer to the inner layers. The area between the blue and green dashed lines corresponded to the sclera. The area between the green and yellow dashed lines corresponded to the iris. The area inside the yellow dashed line corresponded to the pupil. The three-dimensional structural image clearly revealed the key anatomical features of the porcine eye. It was able to measure the anterior chamber angle at different positions. Additionally, the anterior chamber angle measurements of the porcine eye using ORT were compared with the measurements obtained using a TEL320C1 type OCT system, showing an average deviation of 0.51° and a mean square error
9.Correlation of CD200-CD200R axis and diseases and its research progress
Han XU ; Yu-xin BI ; Gui-xia LI ; Jian LI ; Liu-li WANG ; Rui-jia HAO ; Xue-min ZHENG ; Rui-jing HUANG ; Jin HAN ; Fei LI ; Gen-bei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):822-830
CD200 and its receptor CD200R constitute an endogenous inhibitory signal. The binding of CD200 and CD200R can regulate the immune response to pathogenic stimuli, which has received much attention in recent years. It has been found that CD200-CD200R is involved in the regulation of many kinds of pathological inflammation, including autoimmune diseases, cardiac cerebrovascular disease, infection and tumor. This paper reviews the protein structure, distribution, expression, biological function of CD200-CD200R and the correlation with diseases, and analyses the current status and development ideas of CD200-CD200R as drug targets. It aims to provide theoretical support for new drug research and development based on this target.
10.mRNA delivery and safety evaluation of arginine-rich amphipathic cationic lipopeptides in vivo and in vitro
Yi-chun WANG ; Yi-yao PU ; Qun-jie BI ; Xiang-rong SONG ; Rong-rong JIN ; Yu NIE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):1079-1086
mRNA gene therapy has attracted much attention due to its advantages such as scalability, modification, no need to enter the nucleus and no integration of host genes. In gene therapy, safe and effective delivery of mRNA into cells is critical for the success of gene therapy. In this study, we designed and synthesized an amphiphilic cationic lipopeptide gene vector (dendritic arginine & disulfide bond-containing cationic lipopeptide, RLS) enriched with branched arginine. We achieved a 1.5-fold higher mRNA transfection efficiency in zebrafish compared to the commercial reagent Lipofectamine 2000, and confirmed its good biosafety by

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