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.Construction and Application of A Digital System for "Disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment Differentiation" Paradigm
Tiantian FAN ; Ying LYU ; Ru NIU ; Xiaojie KANG ; Fenglan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):217-225
In the context of the digital-intelligent era of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the lack of clinical thinking is a pressing issue that limits the overall effectiveness of TCM and talent cultivation. The "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" thinking model, originally developed by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (Shang Han Za Bing Lun), has served as a guideline and paradigm followed by generations of medical practitioners. This study aims to construct a digitalized "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" thinking system, develop a digital assessment system, and implement it for practical application. The goal is to recommend a digitalized assessment model for TCM and provide a reference for the integrated innovation of talent cultivation in medicine, education, and research. First, based on the complex diagnostic and treatment framework of the Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases (Shang Han Lun), the research team previously established a "process" + "result" thinking model that included four processes and ten steps. This study integrates knowledge unit theory and digital technology to create a digital system for "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" with a dual-control model of "process control" and "result control". The system consists of 46 items across three categories: knowledge body (W=20%), knowledge element (W=30%), and knowledge element associations (W=50%). Second, a mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The Delphi method was used to establish hierarchical levels and screen items, while the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assign weights. Expert surveys were conducted to reach a consensus and further validate the rationale and necessity of the system. Finally, based on the system architecture and integrating key computer technologies, a digital assessment system for "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" was developed. The Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases (Shang Han Lun) was used as a case study to validate the system's feasibility. Statistical results showed that the difficulty level of the assessment question bank was moderate (DL ranging from 0.65 to 0.89), with good discrimination (D>0.4), and reasonable reliability and validity (Cronbach's α=0.84, KMO=0.72, Bartlett's test P<0.01). The system can perform process-oriented evaluations of candidates' thinking in "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" and effectively achieve the goal of clinical thinking assessment through a combination of "process control" and "result control". The examination system offers three major advantages. It standardizes, objectifies, and streamlines the assessment of thought processes, facilitates the organic transformation of TCM education from outcome-based education to thinking-based education, and from exam-oriented education to competency-oriented education, and promotes the practical transformation of TCM assessments from qualitative to quantitative evaluation, as well as from theory to practice. In summary, this system not only represents a technological upgrade to traditional examinations but also empowers the cultivation and assessment of clinical talent in the digital-intelligent era, demonstrating broad application prospects.
3.A review on animal models of inherited thrombocytopenia
Xiaojie WANG ; Zhongjun LI ; Li CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):128-135
Inherited thrombocytopenia is a group of heterogeneous inherited diseases mainly characterized by platelet count defects. It is a monogenic disease caused by mutations in various genes. Animal models are crucial for studying the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of inherited thrombocytopenia. Previous reviews on animal models of inherited thrombocytopenia have mostly focused on a single species, such as mice or zebrafish. This article systematically summarizes the construction, phenotypes, and characteristics of multiple animal models (mice, zebrafish, and primate animal) of inherited thrombocytopenia-causing genes, thereby providing a systematic reference for a comprehensive understanding of the research progress of its animal models.
4.Rapid health technology assessment of lecanemab in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease
Pian SHA ; Xiaojie WANG ; Tao WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):504-509
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of lecanemab in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, Embase, and the official websites of leading health technology assessment (HTA) agencies was conducted for randomized controlled trials, pharmacoeconomic studies, meta-analyses/systematic reviews, and HTA reports on lecanemab published up to October 2025. After screening against predefined eligibility criteria, methodological quality was appraised with validated tools, relevant data were extracted, and the findings were synthesized qualitatively. RESULTS A total of 6 studies were included, consisting of 3 randomized controlled trials and 3 pharmacoeconomic evaluations. In terms of efficacy, lecanemab significantly slowed cognitive decline by 27% compared to placebo, reduced the decline in daily activity ability by 37%, and markedly reduced intracerebral amyloid levels. Regarding safety, the incidence of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) was higher in the lecanemab group than in the control group, with the incidence of edema/effusion of 12.6% (vs. 1.7% in the placebo group), and the incidence of hemorrhage/hemosiderin deposition of 17.3% (vs. 9.0% in the placebo group). Economically, the estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of lecanemab compared with standard treatment exceeded commonly used willingness-to-pay thresholds in the United States (USD 50 000-150 000 per QALY). CONCLUSIONS Lecanemab confers significant cognitive protection in early-stage AD; however, it is associated with a relatively high risk of ARIA and economic burden.
5.Mechanism and Combination Therapy of Berberine in Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty liver Disease:A Review
Xiaojie WANG ; Heng ZHANG ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):269-281
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Because of its complex pathogenesis, high clinical prevalence and large population, it poses a great threat and challenge to public health in the world. Therefore, active intervention measures are needed. Currently, western medicine is effective in reducing weight, reducing liver fat content, improving glucose-lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. However, for patients with NAFLD-related fibrosis and cirrhosis, there is still a lack of sufficient histological evidence to support its benefits, and randomized controlled trials are still needed to clarify. Lifestyle intervention is an important cornerstone for the treatment of NAFLD, but there are many problems such as poor implementation and low compliance of patients, and the clinical efficacy is not ideal. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has the significant advantages of multiple pathways and multiple targets. Berberine, the active ingredient of TCM, can interfere with the production of NAFLD from multiple pathways, including increasing energy consumption, weight loss, improving glucose-lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, regulating intestinal flora, restoring bile acid homeostasis, anti-fibrosis and so on, which can play a positive role in the treatment of NAFLD. At the same time, it was found that the combination of BBR with Chinese and western medicines had significant advantages in promoting drug absorption, improving oral bioavailability, increasing the highest biological distribution in the liver, enhancing the overall therapeutic effect of NAFLD, and reducing adverse drug reactions, which could provide reference for clinical medication.
6.Research Progress on Qingwen Baidu Decoction and Its Active Ingredients in Prevention of Lung Injury
Xiaojie LIN ; Xianan WEN ; Qiaolin ZENG ; Li WANG ; Yuanru ZHENG ; Jie ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):315-322
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common and highly lethal clinical syndrome characterized by acute progressive respiratory failure. Currently, the treatment of ALI primarily involves respiratory support therapy and symptomatic pharmacotherapy, yet there is still a lack of specific and effective pharmacological treatments. Qingwen Baidu decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has the effects of clearing heat, removing toxin, cooling blood, and purging fire. Its pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, antiviral, sedative, and so on. The flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and other components contained in this formula have strong pharmacological activity, which can regulate the inflammatory response caused and oxidative stress in ALI and maintain the integrity of alveolar-capillary barrier (ACB) by anti-apoptosis, anti-pathogen infection, and anti-pulmonary fibrosis, thereby improving the pathological changes of lung tissue. Among them, flavonoids have been reported more, and their mechanism of action is complex and diverse. For example, quercetin, luteolin, and baicalin act on multiple important targets, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), etc. and participate in the regulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathways, thereby intervening in pathological events such as inflammation, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and fibrosis. This paper aims to review the research progress on Qingwen Baidu decoction and its active ingredients in the prevention and treatment of lung injury in the expectation of providing reference for its subsequent pharmacological mechanism research and theoretical support for its clinical application and drug development in the treatment of ALI.
7.Feiyanning Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating EMT via TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway
Xiaojie FU ; Jia YANG ; Kaile LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhongqi WANG ; Haibin DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):110-120
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the anti-cancer compound formula Feiyanning in inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsCell proliferation and activity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay to evaluate the effect of Feiyanning on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to examine Feiyanning's impact on the metastasis of A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on EMT and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway proteins in A549 and H1299 cells were detected by Western blot. Exogenous TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on TGF-β1-induced NSCLC cell metastasis, EMT, and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway proteins were assessed by wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot. In vivo, an A549 lung metastasis model was established via tail vein injection in nude mice. A total of 28 SPF male nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: Model (NC) group, Feiyanning low-dose (FYN1) group, Feiyanning high-dose (FYN2) group, and the positive control group (TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542 group). The corresponding interventions were performed. After 40 days, the mice were euthanized, and lung metastases were analyzed. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter Feiyanning intervention, compared to the blank group, Feiyanning inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). The metastasis ability of Feiyanning-treated cells was significantly decreased compared to the blank group (P<0.01). The expression of EMT marker proteins N-cadherin and zinc finger transcription factors (Zeb1, Snail, Slug) was significantly reduced in the Feiyanning groups compared to the blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ, key proteins in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, was also significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the TGF-β1-induced EMT model, compared to the TGF-β1 group, the cell metastasis ability in the Feiyanning groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the expression levels of N-cadherin, Zeb1, Snail, and Slug were significantly lower (P<0.01). The expression levels of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ were also significantly reduced (P<0.01). In vivo results showed that compared to the model group, the number of lung metastases in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the range of cell infiltration was narrowed. Immunohistochemical results showed that compared to the model group, the expression of E-cadherin in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was increased (P<0.01), the expression of N-cadherin decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, key proteins of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionFeiyanning inhibits the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells and EMT. The mechanism is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
8.Feiyanning Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating EMT via TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway
Xiaojie FU ; Jia YANG ; Kaile LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhongqi WANG ; Haibin DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):110-120
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the anti-cancer compound formula Feiyanning in inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsCell proliferation and activity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay to evaluate the effect of Feiyanning on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to examine Feiyanning's impact on the metastasis of A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on EMT and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway proteins in A549 and H1299 cells were detected by Western blot. Exogenous TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of Feiyanning on TGF-β1-induced NSCLC cell metastasis, EMT, and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway proteins were assessed by wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot. In vivo, an A549 lung metastasis model was established via tail vein injection in nude mice. A total of 28 SPF male nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: Model (NC) group, Feiyanning low-dose (FYN1) group, Feiyanning high-dose (FYN2) group, and the positive control group (TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542 group). The corresponding interventions were performed. After 40 days, the mice were euthanized, and lung metastases were analyzed. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter Feiyanning intervention, compared to the blank group, Feiyanning inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). The metastasis ability of Feiyanning-treated cells was significantly decreased compared to the blank group (P<0.01). The expression of EMT marker proteins N-cadherin and zinc finger transcription factors (Zeb1, Snail, Slug) was significantly reduced in the Feiyanning groups compared to the blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ, key proteins in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, was also significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the TGF-β1-induced EMT model, compared to the TGF-β1 group, the cell metastasis ability in the Feiyanning groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the expression levels of N-cadherin, Zeb1, Snail, and Slug were significantly lower (P<0.01). The expression levels of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, TβRI, and TβRⅡ were also significantly reduced (P<0.01). In vivo results showed that compared to the model group, the number of lung metastases in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was reduced (P<0.01), and the range of cell infiltration was narrowed. Immunohistochemical results showed that compared to the model group, the expression of E-cadherin in the FYN1, FYN2, and SB431542 groups was increased (P<0.01), the expression of N-cadherin decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, key proteins of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionFeiyanning inhibits the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells and EMT. The mechanism is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
9.Change Law in Material Basis of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma During Nine-time Repeating Steaming and Sun-drying Processing Based on Characteristic Chromatogram and Chemometrics
Xuan AO ; Taotao LIU ; Miao YU ; Lan WANG ; Xiaojie YIN ; Jingyu ZUO ; Li LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):191-198
ObjectiveTo characterize the changes in the overall chemical profile and key index components during nine-time repeating steaming and sun-drying processing of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and to reveal the change law of its material basis. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to analyze the changes in the overall chemical profile of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma decoction pieces, and the contents of 15 main active components such as chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside, chrysophanol and gallic acid in the process of nine-time repeating steaming and sun-drying were determined. Combined with chemometrics, the contents and quantity ratio relationships of the glycosides, aglycones and tannins during the processing of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were analyzed, and the partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and cluster analysis of the main components in different steaming times were conducted, the statistically significant differential markers were selected with the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. ResultsIn the nine-time repeating steaming and sun-drying process of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, there were certain regularity in the number and peak area of characteristic peaks and the steaming and sun-drying times, the anthraquinone glycosides and aglycones could be roughly divided into three stages, including rapid change stage, fluctuation change stage and stable stage, and the total amount of tannins showed a decreasing trend. However, the ratios between the three components mentioned above tended to stabilize after five rounds of steaming and sun-drying. The results of PLS-DA and cluster heatmap showed that the content of each component in Rhei Radix et Rhizoma fluctuated greatly during the 1-4 steaming and sun-drying processes, while the content of each component was relatively close during the 5-9 steaming and sun-drying processes. After screening, it was found that chrysophanol, emodin, chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside, rhein, physcion and emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside could be used as the index components for distinguishing the processed products of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma with different steaming and sun-drying times. ConclusionThe changes in the properties and efficacy of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma caused by the processing of nine-time repeating steaming and sun-drying are due to the changes in the composition and ratio of various glycosides and complex tannins in this herb, which is also the key to the formation of its characteristic of "purgation with supplement". This study can provide a basis for the research on the processing mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and the establishment of processing specifications.
10.Study on relationships of MS4A1 gene polymorphism with blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Feng SHI ; Tao LIU ; He HUANG ; Caifu FANG ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Zhang ZHANG ; Zhao WANG ; Xiaojie FANG ; Zhuojia CHEN ; Shu LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1641-1647
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of CD20 coding gene (MS4A1) polymorphism on the blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted on 160 newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients who received the R-CHOP regimen at the Sun Yat Sen University Cancer Center from January 2016 to December 2020, with a minimum follow-up period of approximately 5 years. The blood concentration of rituximab was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MS4A1 tagSNPs were selected by Haploview4.2 software, including rs1051461, rs17155034, rs4939364, and rs10501385. The genotype of MS4A1 was detected by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Univariate linear regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between various factors(demographic, clinical, and genotypic variables) in patients and the steady-state trough concentration of rituximab during the first course of treatment, followed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Using MS4A1 genotype and tumor stage as independent variables, Cox regression model was employed to evaluate the factors influencing patient prognosis. RESULTS The blood concentration of rituximab in MS4A1 rs10501385 CC carriers was 15.20 μg/mL,which was significantly lower than 21.95 μg/mL in AA+AC carriers (P<0.05). The multivariate linear regression model incorporating tumor stage and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism explained 7.3% of the interindividual variability in rituximab concentrations. Compared with MS4A1 rs1051461 CC carriers, CT+TT carriers had significantly prolonged PFS and OS (P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the MS4A1 rs1051461 CC genotype (HR=4.406, 95%CI:1.743-11.137, P<0.05) and tumor Ⅲ&Ⅳ (HR=3.233, 95%CI: 1.413-7.399, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for PFS. CONCLUSIONS The tumor staging and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism are key influencing factors for blood concentration of rituximab, and MS4A1 rs1051461 polymorphism significantly affects PFS in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.

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