1.Potential Mechanism of Zuojinwan in Improving Liver Fibrosis Based on Hepatic Tissue Metabolomics
Yiting JIANG ; Kexin LIU ; Yixi QIAN ; Rui ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Hongyan WU ; Li CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):54-61
ObjectiveThis study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of Zuojinwan in improving liver fibrosis through hepatic tissue metabolomics analysis. MethodsTwenty-four mice were randomly allocated into normal group, model group , positive drug group (silymarin, 100 mg·kg-1), and Zuojinwan group (Zuojinwan solution, 2.5 g·kg-1), with per group six mice. Liver fibrosis model was induced via intraperitoneal injection of olive oil solution with 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (0.5 μL·g-1, three times weekly for 8 weeks) in all groups except the normal group. During the final 4 weeks, the silymarin group received silymarin (100 mg·kg-1) by gavage thrice weekly, while the Zuojinwan group was administered Zuojinwan solution (2.5 g·kg-1) under the same regimen. After the last administration, the levels of liver fibrosis indicators and liver injury markers in serum were detected. The pathological morphological changes of the liver tissues were observed. The levels of liver fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ(ColⅠ) were detected. Metabolomics was analyzed on mice's liver tissues. The mice's serum was collected for metabolomics analysis. ResultsCompared with the model group, Zuojinwan significantly improved indicators related to liver fibrosis and liver injury. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly elevated levels of fibrosis markers such as laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen typeⅢ (PC-Ⅲ), and type Ⅳ Collagen (Ⅳ-C), while liver injury indicators such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total bilirubin (TBIL), exhibited a marked upward trend (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the silymarin group showed a significant decrease in the aforementioned indicators (P<0.05). Notably, compared with the model group, the Zuojinwan group exhibited a significant reduction in all these indicators (P<0.05), with efficacy comparable to that of the silymarin group. Zuojinwan reduced mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA and ColⅠ in the liver tissue. Metabolomics results revealed that compared with the model group, Zuojiinwan significantly reduced levels of glucose metabolism-related metabolites such as D-fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), sodium beta-D-fructose 6-phosphate (F6P), dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), fumaric acid, and D-glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) (P<0.05). Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect glucose metabolism indicators and further validate the regulatory effect of Zuojinwan on glucose metabolism. ConclusionThese results suggest that Zuojinwan may improve liver fibrosis by regulating the dysregulated levels of glucose metabolism during the progression of liver fibrosis.
2.Scaffold-free three-dimensional human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome repairs mouse skin injury
Wenjing MA ; Jinyu ZHANG ; Mingxia JIANG ; Bingshui XIU ; Rui BAI ; Yuhan LIU ; Xuyi CHEN ; Zengqiang YUAN ; Zhiqiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):68-77
BACKGROUND:The mesenchymal stem cell secretome contains bioactive substances,cytokines,and growth factors.Three-dimensional cell culture can regulate the secretion of these components,potentially enhancing the ability to promote injury repair.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the repair effect of three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome on skin injuries in mice.METHODS:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in conventional two-dimensional culture dishes and 96-well U-bottom cell culture plates,from which their secretory components were subsequently collected.The expression of skin damage repair related secretory factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was analyzed using RT-qPCR.The protein expression level of skin damage repair related factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome to repair vascular injuries was evaluated using an immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration model.A mouse skin injury model was established,and the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was injected subcutaneously.Repair effects on skin injury were assessed through wound healing rates and histopathological analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After three days of cultivation,human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells cultured in two dimensions exhibited a fibroblast-like,swirling growth pattern,whereas three-dimensional culture led to the formation of uniform microspheres.(2)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional culture significantly increased the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β and basic fibroblast growth factor in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(3)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly enhanced the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin-10,and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome.(4)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly promoted the migration of immortalized human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(5)Compared with the untreated control group and the two-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome,the three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome can significantly accelerate the skin wound healing rate and wound skin structure remodeling in mice.These results indicate that three-dimensional culture can enhance the expression of paracrine factors of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,and their secretome can significantly promote the repair of mouse skin damage.
3.Scaffold-free three-dimensional human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome repairs mouse skin injury
Wenjing MA ; Jinyu ZHANG ; Mingxia JIANG ; Bingshui XIU ; Rui BAI ; Yuhan LIU ; Xuyi CHEN ; Zengqiang YUAN ; Zhiqiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):68-77
BACKGROUND:The mesenchymal stem cell secretome contains bioactive substances,cytokines,and growth factors.Three-dimensional cell culture can regulate the secretion of these components,potentially enhancing the ability to promote injury repair.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the repair effect of three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome on skin injuries in mice.METHODS:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in conventional two-dimensional culture dishes and 96-well U-bottom cell culture plates,from which their secretory components were subsequently collected.The expression of skin damage repair related secretory factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was analyzed using RT-qPCR.The protein expression level of skin damage repair related factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome to repair vascular injuries was evaluated using an immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration model.A mouse skin injury model was established,and the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was injected subcutaneously.Repair effects on skin injury were assessed through wound healing rates and histopathological analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After three days of cultivation,human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells cultured in two dimensions exhibited a fibroblast-like,swirling growth pattern,whereas three-dimensional culture led to the formation of uniform microspheres.(2)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional culture significantly increased the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β and basic fibroblast growth factor in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(3)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly enhanced the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin-10,and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome.(4)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly promoted the migration of immortalized human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(5)Compared with the untreated control group and the two-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome,the three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome can significantly accelerate the skin wound healing rate and wound skin structure remodeling in mice.These results indicate that three-dimensional culture can enhance the expression of paracrine factors of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,and their secretome can significantly promote the repair of mouse skin damage.
4.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
5.Annual review of clinical research on lung transplantation worldwide in 2025
Linxi LIU ; Jingchen XU ; Rui YANG ; Xinchen JIANG ; Ting DENG ; Ling ZHOU ; Kaiyue YANG ; Xiaohan JIN ; Zhiqiang DENG ; Xiangyun ZHENG ; Dong TIAN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):574-581
Lung transplantation is currently the only effective treatment for end-stage lung disease. However, the field of lung transplantation still faces numerous challenges, including donor shortage, primary graft dysfunction, rejection, infection and others. In 2025, scholars worldwide have made remarkable progress in clinical research on lung transplantation. This article systematically reviews the cutting-edge developments in clinical research on lung transplantation in 2025, focusing on the application of novel evaluation tools in donor lung screening, optimization of lung perfusion techniques, exploration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, as well as mechanistic research and intervention strategies for primary graft dysfunction, acute kidney injury and chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Meanwhile, hot topics such as the management of special populations, prevention and control of postoperative infections, and improvement of quality of life are summarized. This review aims to conclude the important annual research findings and provide references for the clinical practice and research development of lung transplantation in China.
6.Dosimetric and execution efficiency comparison of flattening filter-free VMAT plans for post-mastectomy radiotherapy in breast cancer based on halcyon and VitalBeam
Lulu LI ; Chengjun SHAO ; Zhongkai JIANG ; Daohong WANG ; Juan YAN ; Rui XU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):362-369
Objective To compare the dosimetric differences, plan complexity, verification pass rate, and execution efficiency of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans designed for post-mastectomy radiotherapy of breast cancer using Halcyon 2.0 and VitalBeam accelerators in flattening filter-free mode. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on imaging data from 87 female breast cancer patients aged 29 to 75 (49.9 ± 9.9) years who underwent modified radical mastectomy followed by radiotherapy. VMAT plans were designed using both VitalBeam and Halcyon accelerators in flattening filter-free mode. The dosimetric parameters, plan complexity, verification pass rate, and execution efficiency were compared between the plans designed for both accelerators, with a significance level of P<0.05. Results In terms of target volume parameters, Halcyon 2.0 plans demonstrated superior homogeneity index and conformity index. For organs at risk, the Halcyon 2.0 plans showed lower doses for the lungs (D20% and Dmean) and heart (Dmean) compared to the VitalBeam plans (all P<0.05). Regarding plan complexity, Halcyon 2.0 plans exhibited better median average aperture area variation (0.35 ± 0.02), smaller aperture score, and larger median plan aperture area than VitalBeam plans (all P<0.05). However, VitalBeam plans had a superior median modulation complexity score (0.28 ± 0.01) compared to Halcyon 2.0 plans (P<0.05). Patient plans were assessed using the ArcCHECK phantom, revealing higher pass rates and significantly shorter execution time for Halcyon plans compared to VitalBeam plans (P<0.05). Conclusion Both Halcyon 2.0 and VitalBeam accelerators can provide high-quality VMAT plans for postoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer, with excellent verification pass rates ensuring treatment accuracy and efficacy. However, Halcyon 2.0 offers lower plan complexity, simplifies the treatment planning process, and reduces execution time, thereby achieving higher treatment efficiency and demonstrating greater advantages in clinical applications.
7.BAI Yanping's Experience in Treating Rosacea Based on the Therapeutic Principle of Resolving Stagnant Heat in Cutaneous Collaterals
Rui CAI ; Xiangnan ZHOU ; Wenbo JIANG ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Nuo LI ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1604-1607
This paper summarizes professor BAI Yanping's clinical experience in treating rosacea. It is believed that stagnant heat in cutaneous collaterals serves as the core pathogenesis of rosacea, and the interbinding of static blood and heat as well as blockage of cutaneous collaterals constitute the key pathological links. The core therapeutic principles consist of nourishing blood, activating blood circulation to resolve stasis, clearing heat, relieving stagnation and unblocking collaterals. In clinic, Wenqing Decoction (温清饮) is adopted as the basic formula, with flexible modifications according to distinct clinical syndromes and stages of rosacea. Based on clinical syndromes, for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, the treatment should focus on activating blood to unblock collaterals, clearing heat and cooling blood; for papulopustular rosacea, the treatment should focus on clearing heat and resolving toxins, and resolving stasis and dissipating masses; for hypertrophic phymatous rosacea, the treatment should simultaneously softening hard masses, dissipating stagnation, nourishing blood and moisturizing the skin; for ocular rosacea, the treatment should prioritize clearing liver heat to improve eyesight, unblocking orifices and eliminating heat. Based on the stages, in acute phase, heat-clearing, detoxifying and blood-cooling therapies are emphasized; for protracted chronic phase, concurrent regulation of static blood and heat plus blood-nourishing and collateral-unblocking methods are applied; the consolidation stage targets invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi to strengthen vital resistance and eliminate pathogenic factors. Meanwhile, precise compatibility of aromatic medicinals, blood-level medicinals and channel-guiding medicinals is highly valued. The therapy should balance systemic regulation and local lesion care, and combine internal and external treatment, which may provides clinical references for TCM intervention of rosacea.
8.BAI Yanping's Experience in Treating Rosacea Based on the Therapeutic Principle of Resolving Stagnant Heat in Cutaneous Collaterals
Rui CAI ; Xiangnan ZHOU ; Wenbo JIANG ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Nuo LI ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1604-1607
This paper summarizes professor BAI Yanping's clinical experience in treating rosacea. It is believed that stagnant heat in cutaneous collaterals serves as the core pathogenesis of rosacea, and the interbinding of static blood and heat as well as blockage of cutaneous collaterals constitute the key pathological links. The core therapeutic principles consist of nourishing blood, activating blood circulation to resolve stasis, clearing heat, relieving stagnation and unblocking collaterals. In clinic, Wenqing Decoction (温清饮) is adopted as the basic formula, with flexible modifications according to distinct clinical syndromes and stages of rosacea. Based on clinical syndromes, for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, the treatment should focus on activating blood to unblock collaterals, clearing heat and cooling blood; for papulopustular rosacea, the treatment should focus on clearing heat and resolving toxins, and resolving stasis and dissipating masses; for hypertrophic phymatous rosacea, the treatment should simultaneously softening hard masses, dissipating stagnation, nourishing blood and moisturizing the skin; for ocular rosacea, the treatment should prioritize clearing liver heat to improve eyesight, unblocking orifices and eliminating heat. Based on the stages, in acute phase, heat-clearing, detoxifying and blood-cooling therapies are emphasized; for protracted chronic phase, concurrent regulation of static blood and heat plus blood-nourishing and collateral-unblocking methods are applied; the consolidation stage targets invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi to strengthen vital resistance and eliminate pathogenic factors. Meanwhile, precise compatibility of aromatic medicinals, blood-level medicinals and channel-guiding medicinals is highly valued. The therapy should balance systemic regulation and local lesion care, and combine internal and external treatment, which may provides clinical references for TCM intervention of rosacea.
9.Clinicopathological Characteristics of Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Colorectal Polyps and Risk Factors of Adenomatous Polyps
Rui CHENG ; Rui GONG ; Wei JIANG ; Shutian ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):19-24
Objective To determine the risk factors related to the occurrence of colorectal adenomatous polyps and provide a basis for early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. Methods A total of 1 527 cases of colorectal polyps detected by colonoscopy were selected as the research subjects. Data on sociodemographic information, lifestyle and dietary habits, clinical history, laboratory tests, and endoscopic characteristics were collected. The patients were divided into adenoma and non-adenoma groups based on the pathological type. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the influence of the above factors on the occurrence of colorectal adenoma. Results Old age (OR: 1.024, 95%CI: 1.001-1.048, P=0.044), high body mass index (OR: 1.046, 95%CI: 1.008-1.087, P=0.020), and a history of smoking (OR: 1.493, 95%CI: 1.035-2.158, P=0.032) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of colorectal adenoma. Patients with better cognitive function had a lower risk of developing colorectal adenoma than those with poorer cognitive function (OR: 0.929, 95%CI: 0.871-0.984, P=0.017). Polyps located in the rectum (OR: 0.396, 95%CI: 0.229-0.677, P=0.001) and those of flat type (OR: 0.531, 95%CI: 0.342-0.810, P=0.004) or laterally spreading type (OR: 0.306, 95%CI:
10.Research progress of natural bioactive products in resisting loss of skin collagen
Chu-juan HU ; Lu-lu WANG ; Jian-dong JIANG ; Rui LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):269-279
As the biggest tissue of human body, skin is the first barrier of resisting external aggression. Collagen is one of important parts of the skin, which could not only affect the aesthetics of skin, but also influence the health and normal function of skin. It is the great significance to find ways that could inhibit the loss of collagen. The mechanisms of the collagen degradation in skin are complex and multifaceted. Natural bioactive products have unique advantages in treating the loss of collagen, which have multi-targets and mechanisms. In this review, the mechanisms of skin collagen degradation are discussed, and the research progress of natural bioactive products in resisting skin aging through promoting collagen synthesis are reviewed, in order to provide references for futural research.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail