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.Short-Term Efficacy and Long-Term Recurrence Rate of Traditional Chinese Medicine Versus Western Surgical Treatment for Mixed Hemorrhoids:A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Real-World Data
Kang DING ; Zhimin FAN ; Xiaojie ZHOU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Yuanyuan GE ; Huiting ZHU ; Yuxin ZHU ; Xia YANG ; Jun DU ; Shicai HUANG ; Yang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):747-754
ObjectiveTo observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) surgical operations in treating mixed hemorrhoids. MethodsA multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting clinical data from 17,831 mixed hemorrhoid surgery patients in 8 top-tier TCM hospitals in Jiangsu Province. Standardized and structured datasets were obtained through artificial intelligence models. Patients who underwent western surgical treatment were categorized into the western surgery group (11,646 cases), and those receiving TCM surgical operations were categorized into the TCM surgery group (6185 cases). Propensity score matching (1∶1 matching) was used to balance baseline data between groups. The primary outcome was the one-year recurrence rate, and secondary outcomes included the main symptoms (rectal bleeding, degree of prolapse) and secondary symptoms (anal distension, anal edema, wound secretion and exudation, anal stenosis, residual skin tags, perianal itching, and anal pain) measured on days 7, 28, and 60 after discharge. ResultsAfter matching, 2194 patients were included in each group. Symptom scores showed that at 28 days after discharge, the TCM surgical group had superior improvement in rectal bleeding [OR=5.786, 95%CI (3.092,10.827)], degree of prolapse [OR=4.510, 95%CI (1.649,12.333)], and anal edema [OR=3.188, 95%CI (1.295,7.845)] compared to the western surgical group. At 60 days post-discharge, the TCM group still showed advantages in improving rectal bleeding [OR=5.237, 95%CI (1.077,25.464)] and anal pain [OR=11.697, 95%CI (1.186,115.336)] (P<0.05). Long-term follow-up showed that the one-year recurrence rate in the TCM surgery group was 1.1% (8/726), while that in the western surgery group was 2.3% (10/444), with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionBased on real-world data, TCM surgical treatment for mixed hemorrhoids shows significant short-term symptom improvement, particularly in terms of hemostasis, reducing swelling, and alleviating prolapse of anal masses.
3.Mechanisms of Macrophage Glycolysis in Regulating Acute Lung Injury and TCM Intervention Strategies Based on Theory of "Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence"
Qian XU ; Maofu ZHANG ; Xiali LIANG ; Guoxiong HAO ; Jingwei LI ; Xiaojie JIN ; Yongqi LIU ; Xiangxia LUO ; Zhiming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):218-226
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical respiratory emergency caused by various non-cardiogenic factors, including severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections, lung contusion, and sepsis. Its pathological features are centered on alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction, uncontrolled inflammatory responses, and impaired alveolar fluid clearance, manifesting as refractory hypoxemia and respiratory distress, with a poor clinical prognosis. Modern studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and glucose metabolic reprogramming in macrophages, characterized by hyperactivated glycolysis, drive pro-inflammatory polarization and represent a key mechanism leading to excessive inflammatory responses and disease progression in ALI. Therefore, targeting macrophage glycolysis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI. The Plain Questions: Special Discussion on Channels and Vessels in Huangdi's Internal Classic states that "The spleen disseminates essence upward to the lungs". When the spleen fails in transport and transformation, the distribution of refined nutrients becomes disordered, resulting in the endogenous generation of turbid pathogens that obstruct the pulmonary collaterals, causing failure of lung dispersion and descent and leading to dyspneic reversal. This forms the dynamic pathological pattern of ''deficiency in the root with excess in the manifestation'', thereby proposing the core pathogenesis of ALI as ''spleen deficiency with transport dysfunction and turbid pathogens obstructing the lungs''. This process is intrinsically associated with the inflammatory cascade triggered by disordered macrophage glucose metabolism. Taking the theory of ''spleen failing to disperse essence'' as the entry point, the present study systematically elucidates the progressive pathological mechanism of "energy metabolism disorder-cytokine storm'' in ALI from the perspectives of the ''spleen deficiency-turbid obstruction'' pathogenesis and macrophage glycolysis-pro-inflammatory polarization. In addition, we summarize Chinese medicine compound formulas and monomeric components that ''restore spleen transport and eliminate turbid pathogens'', and explore their potential mechanisms in the treatment of ALI by regulating macrophage metabolic phenotypes to improve the state of ''spleen failing to disperse essence''. This provides a molecular basis for elucidating the ''spleen-lung'' energy metabolism dialogue, deepens understanding of the multi-target regulatory mechanisms of herbal prescriptions, and promotes the deep integration of classical theory with modern medicine.
4.Mechanism of action of mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex in treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Xinyu ZHANG ; Lijuan DAN ; Xiaojie YOU ; Jie MU ; Hongfei SONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1952-1959
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver condition closely associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism, with the central pathological event of mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex is a key molecular apparatus regulating mitochondrial calcium (mtCa2+) homeostasis, and mtCa2+ overload due to its dysfunction plays a critical role in the progression of MAFLD. This article systematically elaborates on the pathogenesis of MAFLD, with a particular focus on how the central signaling axis of “MCU complex dysfunction-mtCa2+ overload” drives the disease progression of MAFLD by disrupting energy metabolism, activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, triggering the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, and inducing cell death. It also points out that traditional Chinese medicine can exert an interventional effect on multiple downstream pathways through various targets and has shown unique advantages and a significant potential in alleviating MAFLD by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and targeting the MCU complex, and therefore, it is expected to provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.
5.Chinese expert consensus on the application of jejunal interposition for esophageal reconstruction in complex esophageal cancer surgery (2026 edition)
Wenshu CHEN ; Lilan ZHAO ; Zhaoxian LIN ; Debin OU ; Zhigang LI ; Chengchu ZHU ; Longqi CHEN ; Shuoyan LIU ; Xiangnan LI ; Chao CHENG ; Ni ZHANG ; Songping XIE ; Xufeng GUO ; Xu LI ; Xinyu MEI ; Xuefeng LENG ; Jianqun MA ; Zhijun HUANG ; Guojun GENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hongyan WANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijie WANG ; Jiangbo LIN ; Jinbiao XIE ; Jun GUAN ; Rongqi HE ; Xing LIN ; Xiuhua TU ; Yong LI ; Lijie TAN ; Xiaojie PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1527-1543
Objective Jejunal interposition is an important option for restoring gastrointestinal continuity in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable for reconstruction due to previous gastrectomy, tumor involvement, failed gastric conduit, or other constraints. Although the jejunum offers a caliber similar to the esophagus, a rich blood supply, and preserved peristaltic function, anatomical variations in mesenteric length and vascular arcades render long-segment and high-level reconstruction susceptible to excessive tension, mesenteric torsion, venous congestion, and inadequate distal perfusion. This consensus aims to provide standardized recommendations for the application of jejunal interposition in this specific patient population. Methods This consensus was developed in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and Chinese national guideline development standards, with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ), Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT), and Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) checklists. The project was registered on the international practice guidelines registry platform (PREPARE-2026CN1384). The working group systematically searched Chinese and English evidence addressing 12 clinical questions. Evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2009 system, with structured appraisal of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Recommendations were formulated through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a face-to-face consensus meeting, with an agreement threshold of ≥75%. Results The consensus generated 12 recommendations covering indications, selection between jejunum and colon, preoperative assessment, surgical approach and reconstruction route, pedicled jejunal interposition (PJI), supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJ), indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment, perioperative nutrition, management of anastomotic leakage, long-term follow-up, and special treatment scenarios. Given that the available direct evidence is predominantly derived from single-center retrospective cohorts and case series, recommendations extrapolated from general esophagectomy or other gastrointestinal surgical evidence are deliberately phrased with caution. Conclusion Jejunal interposition is a safe and effective approach for digestive tract reconstruction in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable. This consensus emphasizes that clinical decision-making should be individualized based on the patient's prior treatment history, reconstruction height, vascular anatomy, technical availability, and institutional experience in the Chinese context.
6.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.
7.Main problems and countermeasures in implementing community-home hospice care services in Ningbo city
Jing ZHANG ; Xiaojie REN ; Liyun WANG ; Jialei CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(4):481-485
Hospice care services provide physical, emotional and sometimes spiritual care for a terminally ill patient, and community-home hospice care is one of the main service modes. The study analyzed the community-home hospice care services conducted by Minglou and Zhonghe Community Health Service Centers of Yinzhou District in Ningbo city using SWOT analysis method, presenting theadvantages and disadvantages, the opportunities and challenges of the services, and also put forward the countermeasures and suggestions for further improvement. The study may provide reference for the implementation and promotion of home hospice service in China.
8.Survey on intellectual property knowledge and awareness among healthcare workers in community health centers of Minhang District, Shanghai
Yixin ZHANG ; Longnan PAN ; Lihua QIAO ; Xiaojie HAN
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(9):1099-1105
Objective:To investigate the current status of intellectual property (IP) knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers among healthcare workers in community health centers.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2022. A self-designed questionnaire assessing IP knowledge, awareness, difficulties in patent applications, and willingness to participate in IP-related activities was administered to 366 healthcare workers across all 13 community health centers in Shanghai Minhang District.Results:Among the 366 respondents, 42.6% (156/366) self-reported awareness of basic IP concepts, while 23.8% (87/366) self-reported awareness of the patent application process. Only 4.1% (15/366) had patent application experience. Significant differences in self-reported awareness of basic IP concepts were found across educational levels and years of work experience ( P<0.05). Similarly, significant differences in awareness of the patent application process were observed across educational levels, years of work experience, age groups, and patent application experience ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher educational attainment was positively associated with awareness of both basic IP concepts and the patent application process. Longer work experience was negatively associated with awareness of basic IP concepts. Having patent application experience was positively associated with awareness of the patent application process. A majority (86.6%, 317/366) expressed strong willingness to engage in IP-related activities. However, 82.8% (303/366) perceived patent applications as challenging, with the primary reported obstacle being unfamiliarity with the application procedures (85.8%, 314/366). Conclusion:A gap exists between self-evaluation and actual knowledge of IP among community health workers in Shanghai Minhang District. Nonetheless, their willingness to participate in IP activities is high, with the primary obstacle identified as a lack of understanding of the patent application process.
9.Comparison of magnetic resonance images of the temporomandibular joint using different coils
Xiaojie ZHANG ; Tingting WU ; Ye ZHANG ; Ruiqiang GUO ; Zhi YIN ; Yue ZHAO ; Jian WANG ; Tingjun LI ; Hongmei LIU ; Xicheng GUO ; Xinhua ZHANG ; Wei HOU ; Tingting LIU ; Xuefang MA ; Xinhua LIU
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(7):713-722
Objective:To explore and compare the clinical application value of 8-channel head phased-array coil, an 8-channel temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-specific surface coil, and a single-channel surface coil in TMJ MRI examinations.Methods:A total of 600 temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients (1 200 joints) who underwent TMJ MRI examination in the First People′s Hospital of Jinzhong from June 2020 to January 2025 were retrospectively screened. Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 120 TMD patients (240 joints) with closed-mouth oblique sagittal proton density weighted imaging (OSag PDWI), coronal T2 fat-suppression weighted imaging (OCor fs T2WI) and open-mouth oblique sagittal proton density weighted imaging (OSag PDWI) were included. Patients were divided into groups A, B, and C, with 40 cases in each group. Group A (31female, 9male, median age 24 years old), underwent 8-channel head phased-array coil imaging. Group B (29 female, 11male, median age 23.5 years old) underwent TMJ imaging with an 8-channel surface coil. Group C (29 female, 11male, median age 22.5 years old) underwent single-channel surface coil imaging. There were no significant differences in age, gender, type or disease types among groups ( P>0.05). Six healthy volunteers without TMD (4 female, 2 male, range 19 to 45 years old) underwent imaging with all three coils as self-control. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and image quality were compared for five regions of interest (ROI) in both patients and volunteers. Results:Under the same sequence and the same parameters, SNR and CNR in group B were higher than those in group A, and SNR and CNR in group C were also higher than those in group A, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). However, there were significant differences in SNR and CNR between group B and group C in the closed and open positions of ROI1, the open positions of ROI3 and the open positions of ROI5 ( P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in other positions ( P>0.05). Group B had the best image quality, followed by group C and group A had the worst image quality. There were significant differences in the visualization of OSag PDWI in the closed mouth position, OCor T2WI in the coronal position, and OSag PDWI in the open mouth position, such as condyle, anterior attachment, joint disc, double lamina area, joint cavity and lateral pterygoid muscle ( P<0.05). There were significant differences between group B and group C in showing the joint cavity in the closed mouth position and showing the structure of the bilaminar area in the open mouth position ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other regions of interest ( P>0.05). The subjective scores of condyle, anterior attachment, articular disc, bilaminar area, articular cavity, lateral pterygos muscle and other structures were medium to high in group A, high in group B, and high or high in group C by two radiologists independently. In the five rois, the 8-channel TMJ surface coil showed more details, especially in the articular disc, condyle and lateral pterygoid muscle regions, and had more advantages in both volunteers and patients. Conclusions:The 8-channel TMJ-specific surface coil provides significantly clearer visualization of critical anatomical details within the ROIs, demonstrating the highest clinical application value and is recommended as the preferred choice.
10.Regulation of skin pigmentation by miR-25-5p via targeting RAB11B: a mechanistic study
Wenzhu WANG ; Hedan YANG ; Yunyao LIU ; Xiaojie SUN ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Xiuzhen LI ; Siqi TAN ; Haoxiang XU ; Yin YANG ; Tong LIN
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(9):816-824
Objective:To investigate the role of microRNA-25-5p (miR-25-5p) in melanogenesis, and to explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods:Target genes of miR-25-5p were predicted using the TargetScan database. The interaction between miR-25-5p and the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the RAB11B gene (a member of RAS oncogene family) was validated through a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) models were established in female C57BL/6J mice (6 - 8 weeks old) and female brown guinea pigs (4 - 6 weeks old) through daily broadband ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on the dorsal skin of the mouse ear or shaved dorsal skin of guinea pigs, while untreated mice and untreated dorsal skin areas of guinea pigs served as control groups. During modeling, these experimental animals received intradermal injections of a miR-25-5p agomir or a miR control agomir. Changes in skin pigmentation were observed, and skin tissue samples were harvested for further analysis after modeling. Melanin content in skin tissues was evaluated using Masson-Fontana staining. Expression of RAB11B and tyrosinase (TYR) in skin tissues was determined using immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Primary human melanocytes were isolated from discarded normal foreskin tissues of healthy males after circumcision. Both primary human melanocytes and human MNT1 melanoma cells were transfected with miR-25-5p mimics or miR control mimics. Relative expression levels of miR-25-5p and RAB11B mRNA were quantified by qPCR using the 2 -ΔΔCt calculation method. In MNT1 cells, miR-25-5p and RAB11B were co-overexpressed to assess their effect on the mRNA expression of RAB11B and TYR. Statistical analysis was conducted using t test or one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Results:The bioinformatic prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed a binding site for miR-25-5p in the 3′ UTR of the RAB11B gene. In both animal models, the treatment with the miR-25-5p agomir significantly reduced local skin pigmentation compared to the control groups; Masson-Fontana staining showed a marked decrease in the density of melanin granules in the epidermis and dermis in the miR-25-5p agomir groups compared with the miR control agomir groups (mice: 0.050 ± 0.005 vs. 0.087 ± 0.008; guinea pigs: 0.067 ± 0.015 vs. 0.110 ± 0.013; both P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed significantly lower expression of RAB11B in mouse skin tissues in the miR-25-5p agomir group than in those in the miR control agomir group (both P < 0.05). qPCR revealed significantly lower mRNA expression of RAB11B and TYR in skin tissues of guinea pigs in the miR-25-5p agomir group than in those in the miR control agomir group (both P < 0.05). Similarly, RAB11B mRNA expression significantly decreased in the miR-25-5p mimics group compared with the miR control mimics group in primary human melanocytes and MNT1 cells (both P < 0.05). In human MNT1 melanoma cells, miR-25-5p overexpression could suppress TYR mRNA expression, whereas co-overexpression of miR-25-5p and RAB11B could reverse this suppression. Conclusion:Overexpression of miR-25-5p could alleviate UVB-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and inhibit melanogenesis, likely by targeted suppression of RAB11B expression.

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