1.Mechanism of the interaction between immunosuppressive therapy and intestinal microflora after liver transplantation
Yan WANG ; Yufeng LIU ; Haiyang ZHANG ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Jun XU ; Zhiyong LAI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):980-986
The application of immunosuppressants has significantly reduced the incidence rate of rejection reaction after liver transplantation, but the clinical efficacy of immunosuppressants is greatly affected by individual differences between patients. This article systematically reviews the recent research advances in the interaction between immunosuppressants and gut microbiota, with a focus on the regulatory role and mechanism of intestinal microflora communities on the efficacy of immunosuppressants. Studies have shown that intestinal microbiome is one of the key factors influencing the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for in-depth research in this field and provide new insights for developing individualized immunosuppressive treatment regimens based on the regulation of intestinal microflora.
2.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Complicated by ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Shaoying WANG ; Linyi PENG ; Ke ZHENG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Dachun ZHAO ; Xia ZHANG ; Lin ZHAO ; Wenhui WANG ; Weiqing WANG ; Zhenzhen ZHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):43-51
A 51-year-old male presented with nasal obstruction, followed by progressive hearing loss and blurred vision. Imaging identified space-occupying lesions in the paranasal sinuses, orbits, and paraspinal regions, while laboratory tests confirmed positive anti-proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(PR3- ANCA) immunoglobulin G (IgG)and markedly elevated serum IgG4. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and radiotherapy, the patient exhibited steroid dependency with relentless disease progression. Following multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) coexisting with ANCA- associated vasculitis (AAV) was favored, though IgG4-related disease remained a critical differential. Ultimately, profound immunosuppression precipitated a severe herpesvirus infection, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This case underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexity of concurrent IMT and AAV, highlights the therapeutic dilemma of balancing primary disease control against fatal opportunistic infections, and emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases.
3.Construction and analysis of a sepsis model of rat after liver transplantation
Zhiwei XU ; Shubin ZHANG ; Qian LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Yiming HUANG ; Pusen WANG ; Lin ZHONG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):432-443
Objective To establish a stable and reliable sepsis model of rat after liver transplantation (LT) for clinical translational research and analyze its characteristics. Methods The "two-sleeve method" was used to establish the in situ LT model of SD rats, and the sepsis model was constructed through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) at 3 d after the operation. SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group (Sham group), LT group, and LT + CLP group, with 6 rats in each group. The changes in body weight, rectal temperature and survival rate were compared, and the sepsis score was used for evaluation. The levels of blood biochemical indicators [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea (Urea), creatinine (Cr), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] in each group were detected, and the pathological changes and cell apoptosis in different organs were observed. Results Compared with the Sham group, the body weight of the LT group and LT + CLP group decreased (all P<0.05). The rectal temperature of the LT + CLP group showed a continuous downward trend after the operation, the sepsis score increased sharply after the operation, and the survival rate dropped to 16.7%, and the differences between the Sham group, LT group and LT + CLP group were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of ALT, AST, Urea, Cr, CK, LDH, and serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in the LT + CLP group were higher than those in the Sham group and LT group rats within 72 hours after the operation(all P<0.05). The pathological examination of the LT + CLP group showed severe tissue structure destruction, necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in multiple organs, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining showed an increased level of cell apoptosis in multiple organs. Conclusions Using liver transplantation combined with CLP, a stable animal model of liver transplantation infection is successfully established, which exhibits a high mortality rate, significant multi-organ damage and intense inflammatory response, providing an ideal animal model for transplantation infection research.
4.Study on the effect and mechanism of processed Oxytropis falcata in improving renal fibrosis in rats
Qing ZHANG ; Xinhuan MA ; Mingjing YANG ; Zhiwei XU ; Wenjing WANG ; Hui SONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1167-1172
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and mechanism of processed Oxytropis falcata on renal fibrosis (RF) in rats. METHODS RF model was induced by adenine. After modeling, the rats were divided into the model group, positive control group (colchicine, 0.45 mg/kg), and processed O. falcata low-, medium- and high-dose groups (0.5, 1, 2 g/kg), respectively. Additionally, a blank group without modeling was set up, with 8 rats in each group. The positive control group and the various dosage groups of processed O. falcata were given the corresponding medicinal solutions intragastrically, while the blank group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline intragastrically, once daily for 28 consecutive days. The appearance and histopathological morphology of the rats’ kidneys were observed. Serum levels of renal function indexes [bl ood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) ] and inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) ] in rats were detected. Protein expressions of fibronectin (FN), α -smooth muscle actin ( α -SMA) and collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ) in renal tissue of rats were determined. mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ), Smad3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in renal tissues were measured. Protein expression of TGF-β 1 and phosphorylation levels of Smad3 and ERK1/2 in renal tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the rats in the model group exhibited enlarged kidneys with pale color, rough and uneven surface. There was a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells and vacuolated cells in the renal tubules, along with marked proliferation of collagen fibers. Serum levels of BUN, Cr, IL-6 and TNF-α, protein expressions of α -SMA, Col-Ⅰ and FN in renal tissues, mRNA expressions of TGF-β 1 , Smad3, ERK1 and ERK2 and protein expression of TGF-β 1 as well as phosphorylation levels of Smad3 and ERK1/2 in renal tissues were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, renal pathological changes of rats were alleviated in processed O. falcata groups, with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of collagen fibers. The levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were all significantly reversed ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Processed O. falcata can improve renal function in RF rats, alleviate inflammatory responses, and reduce abnormal collagen fiber deposition. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the activity of the TGF-β 1 /Smad signaling pathway.
5.Insomnia and quality of life as chain mediators between negative life events and depression severity in adolescents with depressive disorders
Xu ZHANG ; Lewei LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Feng GENG ; Daming MO ; Changhao CHEN ; Zhiwei LIU ; Xiangwang WEN ; Xiangfen LUO ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):163-168
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in adolescent patients with depressive disorder, as well as the chain mediating role of insomnia symptoms and quality of life. Methods374 outpatient patients and hospitalized patients with adolescent depressive disorders were enrolled. The Adolescent Life Event Scale (ASLEC), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Center for Epidemiology Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to evaluate the negative life event situation, insomnia symptoms, quality of life level and depression severity of the subjects, respectively. In addition, the PROCESS 4.0 macroprogram was used to analyze the chain mediating effect of insomnia symptoms and quality of life between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorder. ResultsThe results of correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between negative life events and insomnia symptoms, quality of life, and depression severity (all P<0.05). In addition, the results of chain mediation showed that negative life events had a significant direct effect on depression severity, with an effect size of 0.12 (P<0.001). Insomnia symptoms and quality of life played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorders, with indirect effect sizes of 0.062 (95%CI: 0.040-0.087) and 0.091 (95%CI: 0.059-0.123), respectively. It could also play a chain mediation role, and the effect size was 0.039 (95%CI: 0.024-0.057). ConclusionNegative life events experienced by patients with adolescent depressive disorder not only directly affect the severity of depressive symptoms, but may also indirectly exacerbate depression through insomnia symptoms and quality of life.
6.Transient Gastric Pressure Elevation Synergizing With Impaired Esophagogastric Junction Barrier Function Plays a Pivotal Role in the Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Xin HUANG ; Yuzhu CHEN ; Xiaolin JI ; Lingling ZHU ; Tianzhuang LI ; Zhiwei XIA ; Zhijie XU ; Ying GE ; Kun WANG ; Liping DUAN
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(1):71-85
Background/Aims:
The pathophysiology of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD), which differs from proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (DGERD), remains incompletely elucidated. This study aims to compare esophageal motility patterns, transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients (TPG), and reflux profiles between RGERD and DGERD patients, and to delineate dynamic pressure gradient-esophagogastric junction (EGJ) interactions in these patients.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, 274 patients who underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry, along with an assessment of proton pump inhibitor responsiveness, were classified as RGERD (32.5%), DGERD (54.4%), or non-GERD (13.1%). Clinical characteristics, TPG, esophageal motility, and reflux metrics were compared between RGERD and DGERD patients. Subgroup analysis excluding hiatal hernia (HH) was conducted to investigate the pathophysiology of RGERD.
Results:
The RGERD group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of chest pain compared to the DGERD group. Regarding reflux profiles, RGERD patients without HH (RGERDHH- group) experienced increased weakly acidic reflux (P < 0.001) and prolonged bolus exposure (P = 0.006) compared to their counterparts (DGERDHH- group). Mechanistically, the RGERDHH- group showed reduced lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P = 0.010) and EGJ contractile integral (P = 0.005). Notably, following a wet-swallow, the RGERDHH- group experienced the significant elevation in gastric pressure and TPG. Correlation analyses revealed weakly acidic reflux and bolus exposure were positively correlated with gastric pressure variation, and inversely correlated with lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure.
Conclusions
Transient gastric pressure elevation and compromised EGJ barrier function drive weakly acidic reflux and esophageal bolus exposure. This pressure gradient-barrier mismatch underpins the refractoriness of RGERD.
7.Genomic analysis and multidrug resistance of monophasic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates from Henan
Lingling WU ; Haoyu QI ; Yanfen LI ; Yongli LI ; Jin XU ; Xingguang LIAO ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Zhiwei HAN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(11):1452-1460
Objective:To analyze the multidrug resistance and genomic characteristics of Monophasic variant of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (monophasic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium) isolates from clinical patients and food sources in Henan province. Method:A total of 91 monophasic S.Typhimurium strains isolated from clinical and food sources in Henan from 2021 to 2023 were analyzed for antimicrobial sensitivity and underwent whole genome sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing(MLST), multidrug resistance genes and plasmid types were identified using the sequencing data. Phylogenetic tree based on core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites was constructed to analyze the genetic evolutionary relationship by comparing with international popular strains in public databases. The Chi-square test was used to compare drug resistance rates. Results:No significant difference was observed in the drug resistance rates between the clinical strains and food strains in Henan [82.19%(60/73) and 11/18, χ2=2.614, P=0.106]. The overall multidrug resistance (MDR) rate was 78.02%(71/91). Most strains were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline chloramphenicol, β-lactam and sulfonamides. Resistance genes carried by the isolates varied, as well as the drug-resistant phenotypes. MLST showed that 91 strains of S.Typhimurium belonged to ST34 and carried aminoglycoside acetyltransferase gene aac(6′)-Iaa and mobile genetic elements such as plasmids IncQ1 and IncHI2/IncHI2A. The results of cgMLST typing phylogenetic trees showed that food and clinical isolates from the same region in Henan were identified as the same cgST type and clustered in the same branch, which indicated the risk for cross-infection between animal and human. The phylogenetic tree of monophasic S.Typhimurium constructed based on SNP sites showed that the majority of monophasic S.Typhimurium strains in Henan were close to the strains from other provinces in China, other strains were close to the strains from Europe and Southeast Asia, suggesting the possibility of cross regional transmission of the strains. Pork was identified as the main food source. Conclusion:The prevalent ST type of monophasic S.Typhimurium isolated from Henan was ST34, which carried multiple antibiotic resistance genes and widespread drug resistance phenotypes. Most of the monophasic S.Typhimurium isolates in Henan showed a specific phylogenetic lineage with the foreign epidemic strains, indicating the possibility of dissemination of strains between humans and food.
8.Simulation of Potential Suitable Habitats for the Tibetan Medicine"Zhi Da Sa Zeng"and Analysis on Influencing Factors
Zhiwei XU ; Xudong GUO ; Xiaohui MA ; Shouning JIA ; Jianwu SHEN ; Ling JIN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):7-13
Objective To investigate the spatial distribution patterns and environmental determinants of Lagotis brachystachya Maxim.,a keystone species in Tibetan medicine("Zhi Da Sa Zeng"),under contemporary climatic conditions in China;To provide references for the sustainable utilization of its resources and the ecological protection of alpine grassland areas.Methods Based on the maximum entropy model,the selected species distribution data and environmental factors were added to MaxEnt 4.3.1 software for modeling.The geographical detector was applied to quantify the factors influencing the spatial differentiation of the suitable areas,employing both factor detection and interaction detection functionalities.Additionally,an overlay analysis with land cover types was conducted to quantify the distribution characteristics of grassland within the potential suitable areas for Lagotis brachystachya Maxim..Results Under the current climatic conditions,dominant environmental drivers included elevation,monthly average temperature difference between day and night,average precipitation in June,wind speed in September,solar radiation in August,average precipitation in May,average precipitation in October,among which elevation demonstrated the strongest explanatory power(q=0.37)in habitat suitability analysis.The model prediction results showed that the potential suitable area for Lagotis brachystachya Maxim.was 5.31×105 km2.Considering the type of surface coverage,the main suitable habitat for Lagotis brachystachya Maxim.was grassland,with an area of 4.34×105 km2.The high suitable grassland of areas were mainly distributed in Qinghai Province(Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture),Sichuan Province(Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,Aba Qiang Autonomous Prefecture),Xizang Autonomous Region(Naqu City,Shigatse City,Changdu City),and Gansu Province(Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture).Conclusion This study can provide references for the protection of wild resources and the selection of domestication and cultivation areas for Lagotis brachystachya Maxim..
9.The impact of body constitutional metabolic phenotype on the outcomes of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage patients one year after onset.
Yue ZHANG ; Zhiwei XU ; Yuxin LI ; Dapeng DAI ; Aimin LI
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(3):175-181
Objective:To explore the impact of body constitutional metabolic phenotype on the outcomes of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) patients one year after onset.Methods:This study retrospectively studied the clinical data of 467 HICH patients admitted to the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang City from May 2021 to May 2023. Based on telephone follow-up after one year, the patients were categorized into two groups: a good outcome group (287 cases) and a poor outcome group (180 cases). According to the patients' body mass index (BMI) and metabolic status, the population was divided into six phenotypes: metabolically healthy with normal weight (MH-NW), metabolically healthy with overweight (MH-OW), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MU-NW), metabolically unhealthy with overweight (MU-OW), and metabolically unhealthy with obesity (MUO). The baseline data of the two groups were compared between two groups. The influencing factors of adverse outcomes in patients with HICH one year after onset were analyzed. Quantitative data that conforms to normal distribution were represented by xˉ±s, and independent sample t-test was used for comparison between two groups; The measurement data of skewed distribution was represented by M ( Q1, Q3), and Mann Whitney U test was used for comparison between the two groups; Count data was presented as an example (%), and comparison between groups was conducted using the χ2 test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of poor prognosis in HICH patients one year after onset. Results:BMI, high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) levels and baseline Glasgow coma score(GCS) score in the poor outcome group were lower than those in the good outcome group [23.8 (22.4, 26.1) kg/m 2 vs. 25.0 (22.5, 27.4) kg/m 2, Z=-2.31, P=0.021; 1.1 (1.0,1.4) mmol/L vs. 1.3 (1.0,1.6) mmol/L, Z=-4.18, P<0.001; 14 (13,15) score vs. 10 (7,13) score, Z=-10.20, P<0.001]. The incidence of hemorrhage into the ventricle, cerebral hernia, pulmonary infection and hydrocephalus [43.3%(78/180) vs. 23.7% (68/287). 5.6%(10/180) vs. 0.7% (2/287), 48.9%(88/180) vs. 6.6% (19/287), 5.0%(9/180) vs. 1.4% (4/287), χ2=19.86, P<0.001, χ2=10.43, P<0.001, χ2=111.90, P<0.001, χ2=5.32, P=0.021], proportion of surgical removal of hematoma [41.1%(74/180) vs. 19.5% (56/287), χ2=25.69, P<0.001], systolic blood pressure [158 (141,173) mmHg vs. 152 (138,169) mmHg, Z=-2.18, P=0.029] and fasting blood glucose [6.9 (5.7,8.2) mmol/L vs. 6.3 (5.4,7.8) mmol/L, Z=-2.08, P=0.038] were higher than those in good outcome group. The metabolic phenotypes in the poor conversion group were as follows: 41 cases (22.8%) of MH-NW, 23 cases (12.8%) of MH-OW, 9 cases (5.0%) of MHO, 54 cases (30.0%) of MU-NW, 33 cases (18.3%) of MU-OW, and 20 cases (11.1%) of MUO. Conversely, the metabolic phenotypes in the good conversion group were as follows: 67 cases (23.3%) of MH-NW, 77 cases (26.8%) of MH-OW, 31 cases (10.8%) of MHO, 40 cases (13.9%) of MU-NW, 46 cases (16.0%) of MU-OW, and 26 cases (9.1%) of MUO. Regarding metabolic types, the poor conversion group comprised 73 healthy cases (40.6%) and 107 unhealthy cases (59.4%), whereas the good conversion group had 177 healthy cases (61.7%) and 110 unhealthy cases (38.3%). In terms of body mass, the poor conversion group included 94 cases (52.2%) of normal weight, 57 cases (31.7%) of overweight, and 29 cases (16.1%) of obesity. Conversely, the good conversion group had 108 cases (37.6%) of normal weight, 122 cases (42.5%) of overweight, and 57 cases (19.9%) of obesity.There were statistically significant differences in the composition ratios of physical metabolic phenotype, metabolic type, and xBMI type between the two groups of patients ( χ2=29.56, P<0.001, χ2=19.83, P<0.001, χ2=9.68, P=0.008). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for other risk factors related to the prognosis of HICH, HDL-C ( OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.12-0.75, P=0.010), admission GCS score ( OR=0.71, 95% CI:0.64-0.79, P<0.001), MH-OW ( OR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.82, P=0.013) and MHO ( OR=0.30, 95% CI:0.09-0.99, P=0.048) were all protective factors for adverse outcomes in patients with HICH 1 year after the onset of the disease, and hemorrhage into the ventricle ( OR=2.46, 95% CI:1.41-4.32, P=0.002) and pulmonary infection ( OR=9.13, 95% CI: 4.78- 17.44, P<0.001) were risk factors for adverse outcomes. Conclusions:MH-OW and MHO are beneficial to the prognosis of HICH patients 1 year after the onset of HICH. The secondary prevention of HICH patients should pay attention to the BMI level and comprehensive metabolic status of the patients.
10.A case of ovairan steroid cell tumor-not otherwise specified
Zhiwei LI ; Hui HAN ; Xinjia HE ; Linqing YANG ; Jing XU
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(3):219-221
Ovairan steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified is a rare type of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor, accounting for<0.1% of all ovarian tumors. This article analyzes the diagnosis and treatment process, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, immunohistochemistry, treatment, and prognosis of a case of ovarian SCT-NOS.

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