1.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
2.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
3.Comparison of the clinical efficacy of super pulse thulium laser enucleation of the prostate with "open tunnel" and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Jidong XU ; Ning JIANG ; Jian LI ; Zhikang CAI ; Jianwei LYU ; Chuanyi HU ; Jingcun ZHENG ; Zhonglin CAI ; Huiying CHEN ; Yan GU ; Yuning WANG ; Jiasheng YAN ; Zhong WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):34-38
[Objective] To compare the clinical efficacy of super pulse thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (SPThuLEP) with "open tunnel" and transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in order to provide reference for the treatment options of BPH. [Methods] The clinical data of 112 BPH patients treated in our hospital during Jan.2023 and Jul.2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 65 treated with SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" and 57 with HoLEP.The operation time, postoperative hemoglobin decrease, postoperative bladder irrigation, catheter indwelling time, hospitalization time and complications were compared between the two groups.The changes of maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), postvoid residual (PVR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were compared between the two groups before operation and one month after operation. [Results] All operations were successful without conversion to open or transurethral plasmakinetic resection.The postoperative decrease of hemoglobin in SPThuLEP group was lower than that in HoLEP group [(13.12±6.72) g/L vs. (21.02±6.51) g/L], with statistical difference (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation time [(63.35±15.73) min vs.(61.02±17.55) min], postoperative bladder irrigation time [(1.07±0.45) d vs. (1.06±0.36) d], catheter indwelling time [(2.98±0.56) d vs. (3.01±0.63) d] and hospitalization time [(3.63±0.61) d vs.(3.79±0.76) d] between the two groups (P>0.05). No blood transfusion, secondary bleeding or unplanned hospitalization occurred, and there were no serious complications such as transurethral electroresection syndrome (TURS), urethral stricture and urinary incontinence.One month after operation, the Qmax, IPSS, QoL, PVR and PSA of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). [Conclusion] SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" has comparable efficacy as HoLEP in the treatment of BPH.With advantages of small amount of bleeding and high safety, this minimally invasive technique can be widely popularized in clinical practice.
4.Mechanism of Icariin in Regulating TGF-β1/Smad Pathway to Induce Autophagy in Human Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Yaqi ZHANG ; Yankun JIANG ; Guoyuan SUN ; Bo LI ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Weiguo WANG ; Qidong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):123-130
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of icariin (ICA) on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and the effect on autophagy in BMECs. MethodsBMECs were isolated and cultured, and the cell types were identified by immunofluorescence. Cells were divided into the control group, model group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone), ICA group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA), and TGF-β inhibitor group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA +1×10-5 mol·L-1 LY2157299). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure and autophagosome number of BMECs. Autophagy double-standard adenovirus was used to monitor the confocal autophagy flow generation of each cell. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the gene and protein expression of autophagy in the TGF-β1/ Smad pathway. ResultsAfter cell separation culture, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) and von willebrand factor (vWF) immunofluorescence identified BMECs. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cell membrane was damaged, and the nucleus was pyknotic and broken in the model group. Compared with the model group, the ICA group had complete cell membranes, clear structures, with autophagy-lysosome sparsely distributed. The confocal photo showed that BMECs had autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes, and the autophagy expression of the ICA group was similar to that of the blank group. Compared with the blank group, in the model group and the LY2157299 group, autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes were barely seen in the autophagy flow. Compared with the blank group, the mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy effector protein 1 (Beclin1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of ubiquitin-binding protein (p62) were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad homolog 2 (Smad2), and Smad homolog 3 (Smad3) decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the mRNA and protein expression of Beclin1 and LC3B in BMECs of the ICA group increased (P<0.01), and those of p62 significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Beclin1, LC3B, and p62 in the inhibitor group were not statistically significant. The expression of key genes and proteins of the TGF-β1 pathway in the inhibitor group was not statistically significant. ConclusionICA can promote glucocorticoid-induced autophagy expression of BMECs, and its mechanism may be related to activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
5.Effect of Icariin on Steroid-induced Ferroptosis in Rat Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Jiancheng TANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Ruichen JIANG ; Zhengrong YUE ; Ming LI ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Zetao YIN ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):131-140
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on steroid-induced ferroptosis in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). MethodsRat BMECs were selected and treated with 500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone for 1.5 h to establish a ferroptosis model of BMECs. The experimental cells were divided into a blank group, hormone group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone), ICA group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone + 34 mg·L-1 ICA), and ferroptosis agonist group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone + 34 mg·L-1 ICA + 2.7 mg·L-1 erastin). Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The levels of ferrous ion, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by related kit species. The ferroptosis-related proteins, such as glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), ferritin light chain (FTL), and transferrin receptor protein1 (sTfR) were detected by Western blot, as well as autophagy-related proteins including microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), Beclin1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Caspase-3. Results500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone intervention for 1.5 h could effectively induce ferroptosis in BMECs, and ferroptosis levels could reach a peak as the intervention continued. In terms of cellular antioxidant capacity, compared with those in the blank group, the cell vitality, GSH in the hormone group decreased significantly, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the hormone group, the cell viability, GSH were significantly increased, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions were decreased in the ICA group (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the cell vitality, GSH in the ferroptosis agonist group decreased significantly, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions increased significantly (P<0.01). In terms of the relationship between ferroptosis and autophagy, compared with the blank group, the hormone group had significantly increased expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, Beclin1, and FTL and significantly decreased expression levels of GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with the hormone group, The ICA group had significantly decreased expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, and FTL and significantly increased expression levels of Beclin 1 and GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, and FTL increased in the rapamycin group, and those of Beclin 1 and GPX4 decreased (P<0.01). In terms of cell ferroptosis and apoptosis,compared with the blank group, the hormone group had significantly increased expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 and significantly decreased expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the hormone group, the ICA group had significantly decreased expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 and significantly increased expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 in the ferroptosis agonist group were increased, and the expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 were decreased (P<0.01). In terms of cell function,compared with that in the blank group, the ability of cell migration and tube formation was significantly decreased in the hormone group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the hormone group, the cell migration and tube formation ability in the ICA group were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionFerroptosis is involved in steroid-induced damage in BMECs. ICA can inhibit steroid-induced ferroptosis in BMECs, and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of ferroptosis by regulating autophagy.
6.Optimization of drug management model for investigator-initiated trial with benchmarking analysis
Yufei XI ; Tianxiao WANG ; Xue ZHANG ; Yingzhuo DING ; Li YAN ; Feng JIANG ; Xiangui HE ; Jiannan HUANG ; Qin LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):280-284
OBJECTIVE To optimize the management model of drugs used in investigator-initiated trial (IIT). METHODS With benchmarking analysis, based on the practical work experience of a tertiary specialized hospital in the field of IIT drug management in Shanghai, a thorough review was conducted, involving relevant laws, regulations, and academic literature to establish benchmark criteria and the evaluation standards. Starting from the initiation of IIT projects, a detailed comparative analysis of key processes was carried out, such as the receipt, storage, distribution, use and recycling of drugs for trial. The deficiencies in the current management of IIT drugs were reviewed in detail and a series of optimization suggestions were put forward. RESULTS It was found that the authorized records of drug management were missing, the training before project implementation was insufficient, and the records of receipt and acceptance of IIT drugs were incomplete. In light of these existing problems, improvement measures were put forward, including strengthening the training of drug administrators and stipulating that only drug administrators with pharmacist qualifications be eligible to inspect and accept drugs, etc. The related systems were improved, and 17 key points of quality control for the management of IIT drugs were developed. CONCLUSIONS A preliminary IIT drug management system for medical institutions has been established, which helps to improve the institutional X2023076) framework of medical institutions in this field.
7.Influencing factors for autism spectrum disorder in Chinese children: a meta analysis
CHEN Xi ; YANG Hongsheng ; LI Wei ; ZHAI Rui ; JIANG Yanlin ; WANG Junhong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):181-188
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the influencing factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Chinese children, so as to provide the evidence for risk prediction and intervention of ASD.
Methods:
The publications pertaining to the influencing factors for ASD in Chinese children were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Embase database from inception to August 2024. A meta-analysis was performed using R package version 4.4.1. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the "leave-one-out" evaluation procedure. Publication bias was assessed using Egger regression test.
Results:
A total of 38 high-quality articles out of 9 015 articles were finally included, covering 149 607 individuals, with 5 974 cases of ASD. The meta-analysis showed that demographic factors including family history of related diseases (OR=14.958), maternal age of ≥35 years (OR=2.287) and parental history of hazardous occupations (OR=3.511); pregnancy-related factors including history of abortion (OR=5.832), no folate supplementation before and during pregnancy (OR=4.566), tobacco exposure before and during pregnancy (OR=2.596), history of other adverse exposures before and during pregnancy (OR=3.533), history of infectious diseases during pregnancy (OR=3.753), history of non-infectious diseases during pregnancy (OR=2.563), psychological problems during pregnancy (OR=3.864), history of medication during pregnancy (OR=6.651), adverse environmental exposures during pregnancy (OR=3.754), severe pregnancy reactions (OR=5.082), abnormal perinatal period (OR=2.987), cesarean delivery (OR=1.659), other perinatal adverse factors (OR=3.856), history of neonatal asphyxia (OR=2.792) and neonatal jaundice (OR=3.687); parenting factors including non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR=2.510), early/excessive screen exposure (OR=3.589) and feeding problems (OR=3.113); and individual factors including being male (OR=3.333) and history of convulsions/epilepsy (OR=7.035) were influencing factors for ASD in Chinese children.
Conclusions
The prevalence of ASD in Chinese children is primarily associated with 23 influencing factors, including family history of related diseases, history of abortion, no folate supplementation before and during pregnancy, medication during pregnancy, early/excessive screen exposure and history of convulsions/epilepsy.
8.Treating diabetic kidney disease based on "using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory
Weimin JIANG ; Yaoxian WANG ; Shuwu WEI ; Jiale ZHANG ; Chenhui XIA ; Jie YANG ; Liqiao SUN ; Xinrong LI ; Weiwei SUN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):1-7
The Huangdi Neijing proposes the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory to guide clinical prescription and formulation of herbal remedies based on the physiological characteristics and functions of the five zang viscera, along with the properties and flavors of medicinal herbs. This study explored diabetic kidney disease pathogenesis and treatment based on the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory. Kidney dryness is a key pathological factor in diabetic kidney disease, and the disharmony of kidney dryness is an essential aspect of its pathogenesis. Strengthening is the primary therapeutic principle, and kidney dryness is a persistent factor throughout the occurrence and progression of diabetic kidney disease. In the early stage, the pathogenesis involves heat-consuming qi and injuring yin, leading to kidney dryness. In the middle stage, the pathogenesis manifests as qi deficiency and blood stasis in the collaterals, resulting in turbidity owing to kidney dryness. In the late stage, the pathogenesis involves yin and yang deficiency, with kidney dryness and disharmony. This study proposes the staging-based treatment based on the " need for firmness" characteristic of the kidney. The aim is to provide new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine by rationally using pungent, bitter, and salty medicinal herbs to nourish and moisturize the kidney. This approach seeks to promote precise syndrome differentiation and personalized treatment for different stages of diabetic kidney disease, thereby enhancing clinical efficacy.
9.Analysis of Major Syndromes and Their Typical Related Symptoms and Signs in 135 Patients with Metabolic Syndrome:A Clinical Study Based on Syndrome Element Differentiation and Latent Class Analysis
Tong WANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Lifen MI ; Shanyi SHEN ; Shujie XIA ; Candong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):376-381
ObjectiveTo explore the typical syndromes and their characteristic of symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). MethodsTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic information was collected from 135 MS patients. Syndrome element differentiation and latent class analysis (LCA) were applied to identify the major TCM syndromes in MS patients. Symptoms were analyzed based on the differentiated syndromes, and a binary logistic regression model was constructed to determine symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value. ResultsA total of 135 MS patients were included, involving 163 symptoms and signs with a total frequency of 1749; twenty-three syndrome elements were extracted, 367 times frequency in total, among which 8 syndrome elements occurred ≥10 times with 323 frequencies (88.01% of the total). These included location-related elements such as kidney (48 times), spleen (14 times), and stomach (14 times), and nature-related elements such as phlegm (71 times), yin deficiency (64 times), dampness (57 times), heat (42 times), and qi deficiency (13 times). Based on LCA, the 135 patients were categorized into two groups distinguished by the syndrome elements of dampness and phlegm, forming the "phlegm-dampness syndrome" as the major syndrome type. Nine high-frequency symptoms and signs associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome were identified,i.e. obesity (39 times), greasy coating (38 times), slippery pulse (33 times), white coating (31 times), preference for fatty and heavy foods (30 times), excessive urination (30 times), fatigue and lack of strength (29 times), wiry pulse (25 times), and dark red tongue (25 times). A binary logistic regression model was constructed combining these nine symptoms and signs with the LCA classification results, ultimately identifying obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating as independent factors associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients (P<0.05). ConclusionThe major TCM syndrome in MS patients is phlegm-dampness syndrome, and obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating are the typical symptoms and signs for diagnosing phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients.
10.Ethical issues and reflections on clinical research of radiopharmaceuticals
Yonglan HU ; Li WANG ; Feng JIANG ; Jiyin ZHOU ; Zhengjun CHEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Zengrui ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):254-260
Radiopharmaceuticals play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, malignant tumors, central nervous system diseases, and other diseases. Under the urgent need for clinical diagnosis and treatment as well as medical development, the clinical research of radiopharmaceuticals has become a hotspot in international research. By analyzing the current situation of clinical research on radiopharmaceuticals in Europe, America, and China, the ethical issues of clinical research on radiopharmaceuticals were elaborated from four aspects, including lack of relevant laws and regulations, a higher risk of radiopharmaceuticals, dilemmas in ethical review, and insufficient radiation protection. Response principles and measures were proposed from four aspects, including improving regulations and policies, enhancing radiological protection for all parties involved in the research, strengthening ethical review, and reinforcing the training of relevant personnel, to enhance the quality and level of clinical research on radiopharmaceuticals.


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