1.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
2.Evaluation of transdermal absorption of self-assembled nanoparticles of Huangqin decoction loaded with terbinafine
Chengying SHEN ; Yican HE ; Xiao CHENG ; Chaoying DU ; Hongyan MIN ; Baode SHEN ; Lingfei TONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):180-185
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Huangqin decoction (HQD)-based self-assembled nanoparticles (SAN) co-loaded with terbinafine (TBF) (TBF-HQD-SAN NPs) on the transdermal absorption of TBF. METHODS High-speed centrifugation combined with dialysis was used to separate HQD-SAN, and TBF-HQD-SAN NPs were obtained by loading TBF using the ultrasound magnetic stirring method; the particle size distribution, Zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) of the nanoparticle were characterized, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) of TBF were determined; using in vitro and in vivo transdermal experiments, the differences in transdermal performance between TBF-HQD-SAN NPs and TBF raw materials, as well as TBF and HQD-SAN physical mixture (TBF-HQD-SAN PM), were compared and analyzed. RESULTS TBF- HQD-SAN NPs were spherical with a particle size of (177.60±2.57) nm, a PDI of 0.197 4±0.007 9, and a Zeta potential of (-14.63±0.85) mV. The EE and DL of TBF were (99.49±0.71)% and (3.22±0.10)% , respectively. In vitro transdermal experiments, compared with TBF raw materials, the steady-state permeation rate (Jss) and skin retention of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs increased by 3.34 times and 27.56 times, respectively (P<0.05); compared with TBF-HQD-SAN PM, its Jss and skinretention were increased by 2.04 times and 7.44 times, respectively (P<0.05). In vivo transdermal experiments 69号) showed that, the area under the drug-time curve and the maximum concentration of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs increased by 2.13 times and 2.06 times respectively compared to TBF raw materials, and increased by 1.59 times and 1.65 times respectively compared to TBF-HQD-SAN PM (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS TBF-HQD-SAN NPs can significantly enhance the in vitro and in vivo transdermal absorption efficiency and skin retention of TBF.
3.Impact factors and reference range upper limit of thyroid volume in children aged 8-10 years old in Huangpu District, Shanghai
Weihua CHEN ; Chengdi SHAN ; Lili SONG ; Lifang MA ; Yun CAO ; Youshun QIAN ; Aina HE ; Jun XIAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):205-210
Background As one of the key populations in the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders, it is important to continuously monitor the iodine nutritional level of school-age children. The current reference interval for thyroid volume in China is based on age only, without taking into account differences in individual developmental levels, and the distribution of thyroid volume may vary regionally due to economic, demographic, and environmental factors. The current reference cut-off points for thyroid volume proposed by the World Health Organization are not based on the Chinese population. Objective To understand the iodine nutritional status and distribution of thyroid volume (Tvol) among children aged 8-10 years in Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, to identify impact factors of Tvol, and to propose a reference range upper limit for local thyroid health surveillance, so as to provide a basis for goiter control and prevention. Methods Six hundred children aged 8-10 years in Huangpu District were recruited in 2017, 2020, and 2023, and body height, weight, thyroid volume, urinary iodine, and iodine content of household edible salt were determined. A multilevel model was constructed using population density and area as regional variables, and age, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI) as potential impact factors for at the individual level, to assess their effects on thyroid volume. Quantile regression of thyroid volume was performed, and the 98th percentile (P98) of thyroid volume was predicted based on age and BSA. Results The iodized salt coverage in the households of surveyed children in 2017, 2020, and 2023 was 72.0%, 57.0%, and 48.0%, respectively, and the iodized salt coverage decreased by year (χ2=24.31, P<0.001). The urinary iodine level of children in 2017 was higher than that in 2020 and 2023 (χ2=18.77, P<0.001). The Tvol medians of children in 2017, 2020, and 2023 were 2.29, 2.49, and 2.97 mL, respectively, and the Tvol increased by year (χ2=60.04, P<0.001). The proportion of goiter was higher in children in 2023 than in 2017 and 2020 (χ2=6.57, P<0.05). Sex differences were not statistically significant for urinary iodine levels, thyroid volume, and goiter. The median Tvol was 2.26, 2.58, and 2.76 mL in children of 8, 9, and 10 years old respectively, and the Tvol increased with age (χ2=49.02, P <0.001). Tvol was positively correlated with age, BSA, and BMI with correlation coefficients of
4.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
5.Exploring the safety and the countermeasures of rational use of Psoraleae Fructus based on the evolution of efficacy/toxicity records in ancient and modern literature
Ying-jie XU ; Xiao-yan ZHAN ; Zhao-fang BAI ; Xiao-he XIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):314-322
Psoraleae Fructus is derived from the dried fruit of the
6.Study on the improvement effects of Compound qinbai granules on ulcerative colitis in rats and its mechanism
Shouyan HE ; Wenpeng LUO ; Liao PAN ; Jinyin XIAO ; Zhenquan WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):686-691
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of Compound qinbai granules on ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats and its mechanism based on short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and their targets G protein-coupled receptor (GPR). METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (12 rats) and model group (30 rats); the model group was given 5% dextran sulfate sodium solution to induce the UC model. Model rats were divided into the model group, positive control group [Mesalazine enteric-coated tablets 270 mg/(kg·d)] and Compound qinbai granules group [2.52 g/(kg·d)], with 9 rats in each group. Rats in each group were orally administered with normal saline or corresponding medication twice a day, for three consecutive weeks. During intragastric administration, the general conditions of rats in each group were observed, and the disease activity index (DAI) scores were assessed after the last administration. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor-β1, interleukin-10) were measured. Pathological changes in their colonic tissues were observed and scored. Additionally, the content of SCFA (acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid) in their feces as well as the protein and mRNA expressions of GPR41, GPR43 and GPR109A in colonic tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, rats in the model group exhibited lethargy and obvious blood in their feces; the colonic tissue structure was severely damaged, with pathological changes such as notable glandular loss, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration visible; the serum levels of pro- inflammatory cytokines, DAI score and colonic pathology score were significantly increased, while the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, SCFA content, and protein and mRNA expressions of GPR41, GPR43 and GPR109A were significantly decreased or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general condition and pathological changes of colonic tissue in each administration group showed improvement, with significant reversal observed in the aforementioned quantitative indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Compound qinbai granules can alleviate intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage in UC rats. These effects may be related to its ability to restore intestinal SCFA levels and the expression of their target GPR.
7.Effect of Zuoguiwan on Development of Skin Barrier in Neonatal Rat Model of Congenital Kidney Deficiency Based on Intercellular Connections
He YU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min ZHAO ; Yinjuan LYU ; Jian GONG ; Jigang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):11-18
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Zuoguiwan on the development of skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency and unveil the underlying mechanism. MethodsSixty rats were paired in a female-to-male ratio of 2∶1, and the pregnant rats were assigned into control, congenital kidney deficiency, and low- and high-dose (2 and 8 g·kg-1, respectively) Zuoguiwan groups. The pregnant rats in other groups except the control group were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress for the modeling of congenital kidney deficiency. The rats in the control group and congenital kidney deficiency group were administrated with normal saline by gavage, and those in Zuoguiwan groups with Zuoguiwan suspension by gavage from day 1 of pregnancy. The serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the neonatal rats on the day of birth was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The full-thickness skin of neonatal rats on the day of birth was removed from the same position on the back and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for observation of histopathological changes, measurement of skin thickness, and counting of hair follicles. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling was used to detect the apoptosis of skin tissue cells. The expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the expression of occludin, connexin 43 (Cx43), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the neonatal rats in the congenital kidney deficiency group showed a rise in the serum IL-6 level (P<0.01), decreases in stratum corneum thickness, skin thickness, and number of hair follicles (P<0.01), increases in the expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.01) and the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.01), and decreases in the expression of occludin, Cx43, ZO-1 (P<0.05). Compared with the congenital kidney deficiency group, the low- and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed declines in serum IL-6 level (P<0.05). The low-dose group showed increased number of hair follicles (P<0.05), and the high-dose group presented thickened stratum corneum (P<0.01), increased number of hair follicles (P<0.01), and down-regulated expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both Zuoguiwan groups showcased decreased number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the high-dose group showed up-regulated expression of occludin, Cx43, and ZO-1 in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can reduce the levels of IL-6 in the serum and IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue and improve the expression of intercellular junction proteins, thereby ameliorating the abnormal development of the skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency.
8.Effect of Zuoguiwan on Development of Skin Barrier in Neonatal Rat Model of Congenital Kidney Deficiency Based on Intercellular Connections
He YU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min ZHAO ; Yinjuan LYU ; Jian GONG ; Jigang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):11-18
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Zuoguiwan on the development of skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency and unveil the underlying mechanism. MethodsSixty rats were paired in a female-to-male ratio of 2∶1, and the pregnant rats were assigned into control, congenital kidney deficiency, and low- and high-dose (2 and 8 g·kg-1, respectively) Zuoguiwan groups. The pregnant rats in other groups except the control group were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress for the modeling of congenital kidney deficiency. The rats in the control group and congenital kidney deficiency group were administrated with normal saline by gavage, and those in Zuoguiwan groups with Zuoguiwan suspension by gavage from day 1 of pregnancy. The serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the neonatal rats on the day of birth was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The full-thickness skin of neonatal rats on the day of birth was removed from the same position on the back and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for observation of histopathological changes, measurement of skin thickness, and counting of hair follicles. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling was used to detect the apoptosis of skin tissue cells. The expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the expression of occludin, connexin 43 (Cx43), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the neonatal rats in the congenital kidney deficiency group showed a rise in the serum IL-6 level (P<0.01), decreases in stratum corneum thickness, skin thickness, and number of hair follicles (P<0.01), increases in the expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.01) and the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.01), and decreases in the expression of occludin, Cx43, ZO-1 (P<0.05). Compared with the congenital kidney deficiency group, the low- and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed declines in serum IL-6 level (P<0.05). The low-dose group showed increased number of hair follicles (P<0.05), and the high-dose group presented thickened stratum corneum (P<0.01), increased number of hair follicles (P<0.01), and down-regulated expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both Zuoguiwan groups showcased decreased number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the high-dose group showed up-regulated expression of occludin, Cx43, and ZO-1 in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can reduce the levels of IL-6 in the serum and IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue and improve the expression of intercellular junction proteins, thereby ameliorating the abnormal development of the skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency.
9.Isorhamnetin Alleviates Inflammation-Induced Crosstalk between Kynurenine Pathway and Gut Microbiota in Depressed Mice
Mengjie XU ; Wei HE ; Ke YAN ; Xinru GAO ; Jun LI ; Dongyue XU ; Jiao XIAO ; Tingxu YAN
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):297-310
Depression is a widespread psychiatric disorder with complex pathogenesis and unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. As a native flavonoid, Isorhamnetin (ISO) has been deemed to exert neuroprotective effects by antioxidation and regulation of immunity. However, no reports of anti-depressed effect of ISO have yet been found. The present study was conducted to clarify the mechanism basis of anti-depressed effect of ISO utilizing behavioral, biochemical, molecular approaches in vitro and in vivo and bio-informatics analysis. The effects of ISO on depressed mice was investigated through the SPT and FST, and the lesions were examined by H&E staining. Besides, the inflammatory factor and indicator in kynurenine pathway were assessed through detection kits, and the microbiota were checked by 16sRNA. Molecular docking study was performed to investigate the target of ISO. Additionally, Western blot was used to test the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The results indicated that ISO could enhance the sugar water preference of mice in SPT and reduce immobility time in FST. Further more, ISO suppressed peripheral and central inflammation, regulated the changes in kynurenine pathway and gut microbiota, inhibited activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, and presented good binding patterns with target proteins on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ISO alleviated depression-like behaviour by normalizing inflammation-induced dysregulation of the crosstalk between KP and gut microbiota disorder through regulated PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway.
10.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

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