1.Therapeutic Study on The Inhibition of Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke by Induced Regulatory T Cells
Tian-Fang KANG ; Ai-Qing MA ; Li-Qi CHEN ; Han GONG ; Jia-Cheng OUYANG ; Fan PAN ; Hong PAN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):946-956
ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4+ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.
2.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
3.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
4.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
5.Antipyretic Effect and Mechanism of Qingwen Baiduling Prescription on Dry Yeast-induced Fever
Jing PAN ; Zheng CAO ; Biao JIA ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):73-81
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antipyretic effect of the Qingwen Baiduling prescription in a dry yeast-induced rat fever model and to investigate its antipyretic mechanism, providing a theoretical basis for its clinical application. MethodsSPF-grade male SD rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6 per group): control, model, aspirin (20 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Qingwen Baiduling prescription groups (14.40, 7.20, 3.60 g·kg-1). The fever model was established by subcutaneous injection of dry yeast suspension on the back. After model induction, body temperature was recorded every 1 hour. Drugs were administered at 6 hours after modeling, and body temperature was continuously recorded hourly for 12 hours. Record the body temperature of rats to observe the trend of changes in body temperature. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, as well as hypothalamic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hypothalamic tissue morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect hypothalamic expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), inhibitor κBα (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), IκB kinase α (IKKα), IKKβ, phosphorylated IKKα/β (p-IKKα/β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed a significant increase in body temperature 6 hours after modeling (P0.01), confirming successful fever induction. Serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and hypothalamic cAMP and PGE2 levels were significantly elevated (P0.01). Hypothalamic neurons exhibited irregular morphology and disordered distribution, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration and microglial aggregation. Expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the model group, 2-3 hours after administration, all Qingwen Baiduling prescription dose groups significantly reduced body temperature (P0.01). All dose groups significantly decreased serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and hypothalamic cAMP and PGE2 levels (P0.05, P0.01). Neuronal morphology was markedly improved in the high- and medium-dose groups, with narrowed intercellular spaces and reduced inflammatory infiltration. The prescription effectively inhibited hypothalamic expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, p-IKKα/β, and COX2 proteins (P0.05, P0.01). ConclusionQingwen Baiduling prescription effectively reduces body temperature in rats by mitigating the further effects of inflammatory cytokines on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center through the blood-brain barrier. Its antipyretic mechanism may be related to inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation.
6.Exploration on Optimizing "Five-sphere" Medical Humanistic Care Service in Medical and Nursing Institutions
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;35(5):578-582
The combination of medical care and nursing is an important measure of health care for the aged, and it is also an important part of aging work. Under the background of increasing aging, and under the background of changing from disease-centered and patient-centered medical model to health-centered "big medicine" model, medical humanities are particularly important for how to make the elderly spend their old age in peace and make the road of combining medical care with nursing care wider. Based on the practice of combination of medical care and nursing, under the guidance of the concept of great health, this paper discussed the establishment of a "Five-sphere" all-round humanistic care concept integrating medical care, nutrition care, sports care, mental care and other convalescent health care factors, and provided a series of comprehensive multi-angle humanistic care service measures from physiology to psychology for elderly patients with chronic diseases, which has achieved good results.
7.Mechanism of ginkgo flavonoid aglycone against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Ying CAI ; Li QIAN ; Kailiang WANG ; Qin LI ; Chunhua LIU ; Jia SUN ; Jie PAN ; Yongjun LI ; Yuan LU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(6):659-664
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism of the effect of ginkgo flavone aglycone (GA) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. METHODS The male ICR mice were randomized into control group (CON group), model group (DOX group) and GA+DOX group (GDOX group), with 12 mice in each group. The DOX group was injected with DOX solution at a dose of 3 mg/kg via tail vein every other day, and the GDOX group was given GA suspension intragastrically at a dose of 100 mg/kg every day+DOX solution at a dose of 3 mg/kg via tail vein every other day, for 15 consecutive days. After the end of administration, the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), creatine kinase(CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK- MB) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in mice were detected in each group. Based on the metabolomics method, UHPLC-Q- Exactive Orbitrap HRMS method was used; based on principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares- discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), the differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were screened using the criteria of variable importance in the projection≥1, fold change of peak area>1 and P<0.05; biological analysis was conducted based on databases such as HMDB and PubChem. RESULTS Compared with CON group, serum levels of AST, CK, CK-MB and LDH were increased significantly in DOX group (P<0.05); compared with DOX group, the serum levels of the above indicators (except for CK-MB) were decreased significantly in GDOX group (P<0.05). PCA and OPLS-DA showed that myocardial tissue samples of CON group, DOX group and GDOX group were isolated completely. After database matching, 37 common DEMs were identified, among which 17 DEMs were significantly up-regulated in the DOX group and significantly down- regulated in the GDOX group, and 8 DEMs were significantly down-regulated in the DOX group and significantly up-regulated in the GDOX group; pathway enrichment involved the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; the key metabolites in the above pathways included docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine (16∶0/18∶3) and taurine. CONCLUSIONS GA may regulate the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid metabolism and other metabolic pathways by acting on the core metabolites such as docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, thus alleviating the cardiotoxic effects of DOX.
8.In vitro study of immunocompatibility of humanized genetically modified pig erythrocytes with human serum
Leijia CHEN ; Mengyi CUI ; Xiangyu SONG ; Kai WANG ; Zhibo JIA ; Liupu YANG ; Yanghui DONG ; Haochen ZUO ; Jiaxiang DU ; Dengke PAN ; Wenjing XU ; Hongbo REN ; Yaqun ZHAO ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(3):415-421
Objective To investigate the differences and the immunocompatibility of wild-type (WT), four-gene modified (TKO/hCD55) and six-gene modified (TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM) pig erythrocytes with human serum. Methods The blood samples were collected from 20 volunteers with different blood groups. WT, TKO/hCD55, TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM pig erythrocytes, ABO-compatible (ABO-C) and ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) human erythrocytes were exposed to human serum of different blood groups, respectively. The blood agglutination and antigen-antibody binding levels (IgG, IgM) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity were detected. The immunocompatibility of two types of genetically modified pig erythrocytes with human serum was evaluated. Results No significant blood agglutination was observed in the ABO-C group. The blood agglutination levels in the WT and ABO-I groups were higher than those in the TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups (all P<0.001). The level of erythrocyte lysis in the WT group was higher than those in the ABO-C, TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups. The level of erythrocyte lysis in the ABO-I group was higher than those in the TKO/hCD55 and TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM groups (both P<0.01). The pig erythrocyte binding level with IgM and IgG in the TKO/hCD55 group was lower than those in the WT and ABO-I groups. The pig erythrocyte binding level with IgG and IgM in the TKO/hCD55/hCD46/hTBM group was lower than that in the WT group and pig erythrocyte binding level with IgG was lower than that in the ABO-I group (all P<0.05). Conclusions The immunocompatibility of genetically modified pig erythrocytes is better than that of wild-type pigs and close to that of ABO-C pigs. Humanized pig erythrocytes may be considered as a blood source when blood sources are extremely scarce.
9.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.
10.Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric otomycosis
Desheng JIA ; Xin WANG ; Hongguang PAN
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2024;39(1):39-43
The incidence of pediatric otomycosis is gradually increasing, with a widespread prevalence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris.However, its early diagnosis remains challenging, leading to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of pediatric otomycosis based on relevant domestic and international studies.This article reviewed the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenic microorganisms, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric otomycosis, aiming to enhance the understanding of pediatric otomycosis among healthcare professionals.

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