Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour, especially in Asia. Its prognosis is poor, and there are limited methods for predicting patient survival. This study was carried out to analyse the prognostic value of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), especially regulatory T cells (Tregs), in HCC patients. TILs were analysed in 57 randomly selected HCC patients. The prognostic effects of groups with high and low numbers were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier and Cox model analyses. Although higher densities of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) as well as CD56⁺ NK cells and CD68⁺ macrophages were observed in peritumoural tissue, increased numbers of forkhead/winged helix transcription factor P3⁺ (FOXP3⁺) Tregs were found in intratumoural tissue. Additionally, regarding ICOS⁺ FOXP3⁺ Tregs, an increased prevalence in carcinoma was not only associated with the absolute number but also with the percentage of FOXP3⁺ cells. Higher Treg levels in tumour tissues indicated a worse prognosis, and the FOXP3⁺ Tregs/CD4⁺ T cells ratio was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Therefore, FOXP3⁺ Tregs, especially ICOS⁺ FOXP3⁺ Tregs, contribute to the immunosuppressive HCC microenvironment. High tumour-infiltrating Tregs are thought to be an unfavourable prognostic indicator of HCC.

The regulation of immune cells by Lactobacilli: a potential therapeutic target for anti-atherosclerosis therapy The regulation of immune cells by Lactobacilli: a potential therapeutic target for anti-atherosclerosis therapy

Introduction: Silibinin is mixture of flavonolignans extracted from milk thistle and often has been used in the treatment of acute and chronic liver disorders caused by toxins, drug, alcohol and hepatitis and gall bladder disorders for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Areas covered: However, increasing evidence suggest that silibinin is not solely limited in the treatment of these diseases. Further research suggests that silymarin may function diversely and may serve as a novel therapy for cancer therapy, such as lung cancer, prostatic cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating cancer cells growth, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and many other mechanism. Expert commentary: In this review, in order to provide potential new treatment for these cancer, we summarize the recent anti-cancer findings of silibinin in these cancer and clarify the mechanisms of this effect.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease, significantly impairs patients’ quality of life and is characterized by a compromised intestinal barrier, pathogenic bacterial colonization, and chronic inflammation. The gut microbiota has emerged as a therapeutic target for IBD owing to its role in modulating immune responses, metabolic pathways, and barrier function. In this study, the therapeutic potential of honeysuckle‐derived nanovesicles (HNVs) in a dextran sodium sulfate‐induced murine model of UC is investigated. Oral administration of HNVs alleviates colitis symptoms, reduces colonic inflammation and histopathological damage, restores Treg/Th17 balance, and repairs intestinal barrier integrity. These effects are associated with favorable alterations in the gut microbiota, including an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in pathogenic species, along with elevated levels of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for maintaining mucosal immunity and barrier function. Moreover, metabolomic analysis reveals that HNVs promoted bile acid (BA) absorption and regulated BA metabolism, contributing to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the protective effects of HNVs through modulation of SCFA levels and BA metabolism, supporting their potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of IBD.

Transforming growth factor β: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target of ventricular remodeling