1.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating ATF3 to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Xingyu* WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Ruiyan WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Lu GUO ; Zhihua YANG ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):275-286
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods hucMSC-Exos were isolated and characterized. A mouse renal IRI model was established and the animals were divided into Sham, IRI, IRI+hucMSC-Exo, IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Sham+JY-2 groups. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate renal histopathology. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay was performed to determine serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteineyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 p20 and Gasdermin D(GSDMD). Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in HK-2 cells and divided into Control, H/R, H/R+hucMSC-Exo, H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Control+JY-2 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 mRNA. Results HucMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and identified. Compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited elevated Scr and BUN, higher tubular injury scores, increased protein expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD, and raised mRNA expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group showed decreased Scr and BUN, lower tubular injury scores, up-regulated ATF3 protein and mRNA, down-regulated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD protein, and declined TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA. Compared with the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group exhibited increased Scr and BUN levels, elevated renal tubular injury scores, decreased ATF3 protein expression levels, elevated protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD, decreased ATF3 mRNA expression levels, and elevated mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB. (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, the expression levels of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased in the H/R group, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased. Compared with the H/R group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was increased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were decreased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were decreased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group. Compared with the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was decreased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions HucMSC-Exos alleviate renal IRI by up-regulating ATF3, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibiting pyroptosis.
2.The causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure risk and the mediating role of serum metabolites: A Mendelian randomization study
Yun ZHU ; Jiaming WEI ; Ruifang LIN ; Yongjun LIU ; Yue LIU ; Guohua ZHANG ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):115-121
Objective To explore the causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure (HF), and the mediating role of serum metabolites, in order to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, analyzing the direct and indirect effects of 731 types of immune cells and 1 400 metabolites on HF. We selected valid instrumental variables and conducted statistical analyses using R software. The primary analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by MR-Egger analysis and weighted median method. The stability of the results was assessed through tests such as Cochran’s Q test. Results Our research found a negative causal relationship between PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ and HF. Sensitivity analysis supported this result. The reverse MR analysis did not find an effect of HF on PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+, indicating that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might play a unidirectional role in reducing the risk of HF. Further mediation MR analysis showed that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might influence the risk of HF onset by regulating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), with a mediation effect ratio of 6.7%. Conclusion PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ may reduce the risk of HF by elevating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), which provides a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of HF.
3.Epidemiological characteristics, outcome analysis, and management strategies for DAT-positive blood donors
Shiyu YIN ; Zhihua XU ; Xueqin GENG ; Zhuan LIU ; Hongliang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):360-366
Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, outcome patterns, and management strategies for blood donors with a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on donation data from 808 386 donors from 2013 to 2023, focusing on those whose blood was discarded due to DAT positivity. Follow-up was performed on 125 DAT-positive donors, and 98 blood samples were collected. The samples were re-tested for DAT, DAT typing (IgG/C3d), and unexpected antibody screening using both the tube method and the microcolumn gel method. Results: Epidemiological characteristics: Retrospective data revealed 147 DAT-positive blood donors, yielding a positivity rate of 1/5 500. The DAT positivity rate using the tube method was 0.118‰ (49/416 893), lower than that of the microcolumn gel method at 0.25‰ (98/391 493). Among DAT-positive individuals, 44.2% (65/147) exhibited agglutination intensity<2+. Outcome analysis: The proportion of donors with positive DAT test results that converted to negative was 54.1% (53/98), with a conversion interval ranging from 8 to 117 months (mean 49.9 months). All donors in the negative conversion group had a previous DAT intensity<2+, whereas 95.6% (43/45) of the non-negative conversion group had intensity ≥2+ (P<0.001). Unexpected antibodies (anti-E, anti-M, etc.) were detected in 18 cases. Methodological differences: Review of results revealed 35 cases positive by both the DAT tube assay and microcolumn gel method. An additional 10 cases were positive by only one method: 5 were positive only by the tube assay, and 5 were positive only by the microcolumn gel method. Clinical validation: Among 14 DAT-positive donors who became negative and donated blood again, the clinical infusion efficacy of red blood cell products could be assessed in 10 cases, with 9 cases demonstrating effective infusion. Conclusion: Some DAT-positive blood donors may naturally convert to negative status, with the intensity of previous test results potentially serving as a key predictive factor for conversion. It is recommended to employ a combined approach of tube-based and microcolumn gel-based methods for retesting, concurrently screening for irregular antibodies. A tentative tiered management strategy is proposed: individuals with DAT intensity <2+ should be deferred for 12 months before retesting, while those with ≥2+ intensity should be permanently deferred.
4.Construction of Syndrome Diagnosis Scale for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis with Turbid Toxin and Stomach Accumulation Based on Delphi Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process
Zhihua LIU ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Yuman WANG ; Runze LI ; Hua LI ; Runxue SUN ; Shaopo WANG ; Jianming JIANG ; Yanru DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):235-243
ObjectiveTo construct a scale for the diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbid toxin accumulating in the stomach. MethodsFirst, a research group was established to construct the scale framework. Relevant literature of CAG with syndrome of turbid toxin accumulating in the stomach was searched in CNKI, Wanfang Database (WF), and VIP Database (CQVIP) from April 1, 2003 to April 1, 2023, and items were preliminarily selected after standardization of terms. Through clinical investigation, the discrete trend method, correlation coefficient method, Cronbach's coefficient method, and factor analysis method were used to screen symptom items, and the frequency method was used to screen signs, tongue coating, and pulse conditions. Three rounds of Delphi expert consultation were conducted to determine the items of the scale. The weight of each item was obtained by the analytic hierarchy process. ResultsA total of 49 articles were included, and 45 items were obtained after primary screening, including 28 symptoms, 2 signs, 10 tongue coatings, and 5 pulse conditions. After clinical investigation, 15 symptoms were retained, and 8 signs and pulse conditions of tongue coating were retained. The positive coefficients of experts in three rounds of Delphi expert consultation were 100%, 96.67%, and 100%, respectively. The expert authority coefficients were 0.86, 0.87, and 0.87, respectively, and the coordination coefficients were 0.18, 0.25, and 0.30. After core group discussion, Delphi method investigation, and AHP weight assignment, the diagnostic scale items of CAG with turbid toxin accumulating in stomach syndrome were finally established, namely, dark red or purplish tongue proper with yellow greasy (or dry) coating (30 points), epigastric stuffiness and fullness or pain (15 points), sticky and unsmooth defecation (10 points), taste disturbance (sticky mouth, fetid breath, bitter taste, 7 points), heartburn or acid regurgitation (6 points), dizziness and clouding (5 points), general heaviness and fatigue (5 points), slippery, string‑slippery, or slippery‑rapid pulse (5 points), dysuria (or yellow or deep yellow urine, 4 points), poor appetite (4 points), dull complexion (3 points), sticky, greasy, and fetid secretions (3 points), and poor sleep (3 points). ConclusionBased on the establishment, screening, confirmation, and weighting of an item pool, combined with subjective and objective approaches as well as qualitative and quantitative methods, a diagnostic scale for CAG with the syndrome of turbid toxin accumulating in the stomach was successfully constructed.
5.Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy for Wilson disease
Yumei GU ; Yeqing HUANG ; Bei ZHANG ; Aiqun LIU ; Zhongxing PENG ; Mingfan HONG ; Zhihua ZHOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):529-534
Wilson disease (WD) is one of the few treatable neurogenetic disorders. Currently, Western medicine remains the main treatment method for WD, while since the 1990s, multiple studies conducted by Professor Yang Renmin and his team have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also has a favorable therapeutic effect. Based on the principle of low-copper diet for WD, this article systematically elaborates on the advantages, limitations, and key considerations of current Western medicine therapies (pharmacotherapy, liver transplantation, and splenectomy) and reviews the research findings of TCM in China, especially the wide application of Gandou Decoction in clinical practice. Studies have shown that Gandou Decoction can effectively improve neurological symptoms, protect hepatic and renal function, and avoid the adverse drug reactions associated with metal chelating agents, and therefore, it can be used an effective long-term adjuvant therapy for WD. It should be noted that symptoms and signs should be considered in integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy for WD, and high-copper TCM drugs should be avoided to prevent deterioration.
6.Pathogenesis Evolution and Treatment Strategies of Inflammation-Cancer Transformation in Helicobacter Pylori-Associated Gastritis:Based on the Theory "Latent Wind in Stomach Collaterals"
Chuanyang LIU ; Lin CHENG ; Xinqiao CHU ; Shuxuan CHEN ; Zhihua TIAN ; Shaoli WANG ; Zhen LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1383-1389
It is considered that "latent wind in stomach collaterals" is the core pathogenesis underlying the inflammation-caner transformation of helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis (HpAG). The concept of "latent wind in stomach collaterals" integrates stomach wind theory, latent pathogen theory, and collateral disease theory, referring to wind pathogen deeply hidden in the stomach collaterals, characterized by both external and internal wind pathogen as well as latent pathogen that remain concealed and may be triggered under certain conditions. Accordingly, the Correa cascade is reclassified into four stages including the prodromal stage, progressive stage, transitional stage and carcinogenic stage. In the prodromal stage, the fundamental pathogenesis is described as "wind toxin invading externally with collateral deficiency and stirring of wind". In the progressive stage, wind is accompanied by qi constraint, fire pathogen, and dryness pathogen, manifesting as "wind pathogen complicated by constraint" "wind-fire agitation" and "wind-dryness interaction". In the transitional stage, "wind transforming into phlegm-drool and stomach collaterals being obstructed by stasis" is identified as a critical window for disease reversal. In the carcinogenesis stage, "wind-qi hyperactivity leading to pathological transformation, and collateral damage resulting in abdominal masses" drives tumor progression and metastasis. This paper proposes the treatment principle of "wind-dispelling throughout the entire process and stage-based treatment", according to the pathological evolution of "collateral deficiency-collateral stagnation-collateral accumulation". In the prodromal stage, it is suggested to dispel wind and resolve toxin, fortify spleen and tonify collaterals; in the progressive and transitional stage, the method of dispelling wind pathogen, clearing phlegm and eliminating stasis should be used; in the carcinogenesis stage, it is suggested to expel wind and remove pathogens from collaterals, disperse concretions and eliminate tumors.
7.Research progress on the impact of conversational artificial intelligence on proactive health behaviors in adolescents
LIU Yaowu,YIN Zhihua,ZHOU Qingyuan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):898-903
Abstract
Conversational artificial intelligence (CAI), as an emerging digital tool, holds distinct potential for enhancing adolescents health literacy and fostering proactive health behaviors. In light of the increasing need for upstream prevention and early intervention in adolescent physical and mental health, the review systematically synthesizes current evidence on the role of CAI in shaping proactive health behaviors. It dissects the underlying mechanisms of CAI through a triple logic framework: technological context driven, psychological motivation activation, and behavior generation and maintenance.It also maps the evolving applications of CAI in areas such as psychological support and lifestyle interventions. Finally, it outlines future prospects, emphasizing the strengthening of agency awareness cultivation and human-computer collaborative interventions, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for leveraging CAI to power adolescents in developing proactive health behaviors.
8.Effect and underlying mechanism of L-carnitine improving myocardial systolic dysfunction in sepsis mice
Zhihua WANG ; Yuanqun ZHOU ; Xinming XIANG ; Qianwei ZHANG ; Xingnan OUYANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Tao LI ; Linqiang TIAN ; Liangming LIU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(21):2630-2640
Objective To explore the protective effect of L-carnitine on myocardial systolic dysfunction in sepsis and its underlying mechanism.Methods A mouse sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).Ten-week-old male SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice(body weight 20~30 g)were randomly divided into 5 groups via random number table:Sham group,Sepsis group,L-carnitine group,L-carnitine+Etomoxir(Eto)group,and Eto group.Echocardiography assessed cardiac function,ELISA measured serum creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB)levels,and 72-hour survival rates were recorded to evaluate L-carnitine's effects on cardiac function.Cardiomyocytes were isolated,and a cell microtensiometer was used to detect cardiomyocyte contractile function and calcium transients.Myocardial tissues were collected from each group,and ELISA was used to determine the contents of triglyceride(TG),free fatty acid(FFA),and adenosine triphosphate(ATP).An in vitro sepsis model was constructed by stimulating HL-1 cardiomyocytes with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)for 12 hours,which was divided into 5 groups:control(CTRL)group,LPS group,L-carnitine group,L-carnitine+Eto group,and Eto group.ELISA was used to detect the contents of TG,FFA,and ATP as well as the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A)in cardiomyocytes.A cellular energy metabolism analysis system was employed to measure fatty acid oxidation capacity,and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of CPT1A in cardiomyocytes.BODIPY-FL-C16(green fluorescently labeled palmitic acid)was utilized to detect the distribution of fatty acids in the cytoplasm and mitochondria via immunofluorescence technology,thereby observing the ability of cells to transport fatty acids into mitochondria.Results Compared with the Sham group,cardiac function was significantly impaired in the Sepsis group,as evidenced by decreased ejection fraction and mean arterial pressure(P<0.05),along with elevated levels of the cardiac injury marker CK-MB(P<0.05).Treatment with L-carnitine significantly improved myocardial function,restored blood pressure in septic mice,and increased their survival rate from 12.50%to 81.25%(P<0.05).Compared with the Sham group,the contractile function and calcium transients of acutely isolated single cardiomyocytes were significantly reduced in the Sepsis group(P<0.05),while L-carnitine treatment remarkably restored the contractile function and calcium release capacity of septic cardiomyocytes(P<0.05).Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that TG and FFA levels were significantly increased(P<0.05),and ATP levels was significantly decreased(P<0.05)in the Sepsis and LPS groups—effects significantly reversed by L-carnitine treatment.Compared with the CTRL group,the basal oxidation rate and maximum oxidation capacity of fatty acids in cardiomyocytes of the LPS group were significantly reduced(P<0.05),and L-carnitine treatment notably improved these indicators.Compared with the CTRL group,the expression and activity of CPT1A in cardiomyocytes of the LPS group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while L-carnitine treatment significantly increased the expression and activity of CPT1A(P<0.05).In LPS group cardiomyocytes,green fluorescently labeled palmitic acid primarily formed numerous granular/clumpy aggregates in the cytoplasm with minimal mitochondrial colocalization.In the L-carnitine group,the green fluorescent granules in the cytoplasm of cardiomyocytes were smaller,and colocalization with mitochondria was increased.However,the L-carnitine+Eto group exhibited similar phenomena to the LPS group.In addition,both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment with the CPT1A inhibitor Eto reversed the effect of L-carnitine.Compared with the L-carnitine group,the ATP content in the L-carnitine+Eto group was significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the FFA content was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion L-carnitine facilitates fatty acid entry into mitochondria for β-oxidation via a CPT1A-dependent mechanism,thereby ameliorating fatty acid oxidation dysfunction in septic cardiomyocytes and improving myocardial contractile function.
9.Diagnostic value of serum CCL3 and Semaphorin 3A in patients with T2DM complicated by osteoporosis
Xiaoliang CUI ; Zhihua DUN ; Chen ZHANG ; Tao LIU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(14):1730-1735
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of serum C-C motif chemokine ligand 3(CCL3)and Semaphorin 3A in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated by osteoporosis(OP).Methods A total of 125 patients with T2DM complicated by OP who visited the hospital from August 2022 to August 2023 were selected as the OP group,and another 125 patients with T2DM without OP who visited the hospital during the same period were selected as the T2DM group.The OP group was divided into Group A(T value>-1.0,but slightly lower than the normal value),Group B(T value between-2.5 and-1.0),and Group C(T value<-2.5)based on the measurement results of bone mineral density(BMD).The lev-els of serum CCL3 and Semaphorin 3A in each group were compared.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlations between serum CCL3,Semaphorin 3A and BMD in patients with T2DM complicated by OP.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of T2DM compli-cated by OP.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of se-rum CCL3 and Semaphorin 3A for T2DM complicated by OP.Results Compared with the T2DM group,the serum CCL3 level in the OP group increased,and the Semaphorin 3A level decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with group A,the serum CCL3 levels in group B and group C increased,while the Semaphorin 3A level decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with group B,the serum CCL3 level in group C increased and the Semaphorin 3A level de-creased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the T2DM group,the femo-ral neck bone BMD,lumbar spine BMD and total hip BMD in the OP group were significantly decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The serum CCL3 level in patients with T2DM accompa-nied by OP was negatively correlated with femoral neck bone BMD,lumbar spine BMD and total hip BMD(P<0.05),and the serum Semaphorin 3A level was positively correlated with femoral neck bone BMD,lum-bar spine BMD and total hip BMD(P<0.05).The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CCL3 was an independent risk factor for T2DM with OP(P<0.05),and Semaphorin 3A was an inde-pendent protective factor for T2DM with OP(P<0.05).The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of serum CCL3,Semaphorin 3A and their combination diagnosis of T2DM accom-panied by OP were 0.810,0.802 and 0.869,respectively.The AUC of the combined diagnosis of T2DM ac-companied by OP was superior to their individual diagnoses(Zcombination-CCL3=2.235,Zcombination-Semaphorin 3A=2.021,P=0.025,0.043).Conclusion The serum CCL3 level is increased in patients with T2DM accompanied by OP,and the Semaphorin 3A level is decreased.The combination of the two has certain diagnostic value for T2DM accompanied by OP.
10.Research progress of biological functions of miR-101-3p in cardiovascular diseases
Zhihua PANG ; Limei LIU ; Zhuhua YAO
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(11):1223-1227
miR-101-3p is an evolutionarily conserved non-coding RNA that has shown aberrant expression and regulatory functios in various cardiovascular diseases(CVDs)in recent years.It participates in key pathological processes including post-infarction myocardial remodeling,myocardial fibrosis in heart failure and the development of atherosclerosis by modulating pathways such as apoptosis,autophagy and metabolism.In addition,it exhibits immunoregulatory potential in myocardium injury related to systemic diseases.This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding the role of miR-101-3p in CVDs,focusing on its expression dynamics and regulatory mechanisms in different disease models.It further elaborates on the biological effects of miR-101-3p in cardiovascular pathology and explores its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.miR-101-3p is expected to provide novel insights for early detection and targeted intervention of cardiovascular diseases.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail