1.Molecular Crosstalk Mechanisms of Shoutai Wan and Juyuan Jian on Maternal-fetal Interface Subcellular Clusters in CBA/J×DBA/2 Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Model
Jingxin GAO ; Qiuping CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Pengfei ZENG ; Rui ZHOU ; Yancai TANG ; Qian ZENG ; Wenli GUO ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Weijun DING ; Linwen DENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):70-87
ObjectiveTo systematically compare the differential regulation of the maternal-fetal interface cell lineages and communication networks in the CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) by the two classic therapeutic methods-tonifying the kidney to stabilize the fetus and invigorating the spleen to stabilize the fetus (Shoutai Wan, Juyuan Jian)-of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the single-cell resolution and clarify their modern scientific connotations. MethodsFemale non-pregnant CBA/J mice were caged with male BALB/c (blank group) and DBA/2 (modeling group) mice separately. Pregnant mice in the modeling group were randomly grouped as follows: high/low-dose Shoutai Wan, high/low-dose Juyuan Jian, model (RPL), and positive control (dydrogesterone), with 10 mice in each group. Starting from the day after the detection of the vaginal plug, mice were administrated with drugs or an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 10 consecutive days. After the intervention, the following indicators were measured. ① Macroscopic evaluation: general conditions, uterine wet weight, embryo loss rate, four coagulation parameters [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and thrombin time (TT)], and peripheral blood estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) levels. The decidua with embryos was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 homolog (LC3)Ⅰ/Ⅱ was quantified by Western blot. ② Mechanism analysis at the single-cell level: The decidua with embryos from the blank, model, high-dose Shoutai Wan, and high-dose Juyuan Jian groups (6 mice per group, with 3 single-cell samples per group, totaling 24 mice) were analyzed by the BD Rhapsody™ platform, and the whole-cell atlas was drawn by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction clustering combined with the single-cell mouse cell atlas (scMCA). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell interaction networks were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and CellChat, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) map of subtype cells was constructed. The CytoTRACE pseudo-temporal analysis was performed to explore the developmental trajectories of core immune cells (natural killer cells, NK cells) from maternal and fetal sources. Results① Pathological and Western blot results indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed an increase in the embryo loss rate (P<0.01), down-regulated expression of Bcl-2, LIF, MMP-2, and Vegf in the decidua with embryos (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of CXCL-12, AngⅡ, and IL-6 (P<0.05), blocked angiogenesis, apoptosis-inflammation imbalance, and coagulation dysfunction. Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the abortion rate and restored the angiogenesis-inflammation balance, and Shoutai pill showed superior performance in restoring the E2 level to the Pg level (P<0.05). ② Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed differences in multiple key cell populations such as decidual cells, trophoblast cells, endothelial cells, erythroblasts, NK cells, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface. Immunity and angiogenesis were the key links in RPL. Compared with the RPL group, high-dose Shoutai Wan reversed the changes of NK cells in the embryonic layer (upregulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 29 genes) and macrophages (upregulating the mRNA levels of 117 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 53 genes) through the regulation of gene expression. High-dose Shoutai pill regulated the immune cells to affect unfolded proteins, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, thereby promoting decidualization and angiogenesis and modulating embryo-membrane development. High-dose Juyuan Jian regulated the key subgroups of NK cells (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 9 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes) and macrophages (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 110 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 81 genes), which affected decidual inflammation and apoptosis and intervened in glycolysis. ③ The pseudo-temporal analysis and communication network indicated that the communication frequency of the RPL group decreased. High-dose Shoutai Wan restored maternal-fetal tolerance through pathways such as NKG2D, CDH5, GDF, and FASLG. High-dose Juyuan Jian enhanced the IL-6/LIFR/JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and desmosome/SEMA6/tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) signaling to improve endometrial receptivity. The RPL group showed an increased proportion of toxic dNK7, a decreased proportion of reparative dNK4, and blocked embryo fNK1. High-dose Shoutai Wan down-regulated dNK7 and up-regulated dNK4. High-dose Juyuan Jian inhibited the terminal differentiation of dNK7 and up-regulated LILRB1, thus restoring the balance of cytotoxicity and repair. ConclusionBoth the kidney-tonifying and spleen-invigorating methods are effective in treating RPL. NK and macrophages are the key immune cells in the interaction between the embryo and the membrane. The kidney-tonifying method (Shoutai Wan) has an advantage in regulating the phenotypes of unfolded protein, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, and shows expression characteristics closer to the physiological state in the regulation of NKG2D and CDH5 signals. The spleen-invigorating method (Juyuan Jian) has an advantage in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and glycolysis and shows higher communication intensity in the IL-6 and LIFR pathways.
2.Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers and Compounds on Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: A Review
Xiaonan YAN ; Jigao LI ; Ruixiang YANG ; Ruilin LIU ; Quan ZHOU ; Zhen LI ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):289-298
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic systemic autoimmune disease with synovitis as the main manifestation, which often causes joint swelling and pain or even deformity. It is considered to be an incurable lifelong disease. Although the current Western medicine treatment can alleviate the progression of the disease, it has the clinical limitations of liver injury, cardiovascular complications, and other adverse reactions, along with easy recurrence. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and has the advantages of individualized treatment and fewer adverse reactions. It can effectively relieve the symptoms of joint swelling and pain in RA patients and slow down the progression of bone destruction, which has attracted wide concern in the medical community. Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is an important intracellular pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune regulation, and other biological behaviors, and plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of RA. In recent years, many studies have confirmed that TCM monomers and compounds can inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis by regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), regulate immune response, and thus exert an effect in the treatment of RA. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic induction and overview. Therefore, by searching the relevant literature in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed databases from 2009 to 2024, this study described the mechanism of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of RA and summarized the research progress of TCM monomers and compounds in regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in RA intervention. The study aims to provide new ideas and strategies for the clinical treatment of RA with TCM and the research and development of new drugs.
3.Effect of miR-1246 on high glucose-induced retinal microvascular endothelial cells by regulating METTL3-mediated m6A modification
Milu ZHOU ; Lin CHEN ; Zuofang ZHAO ; Daqing WANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):7-15
AIM:To explore the effect of miR-1246 on high glucose-induced retinal microvascular endothelial cells(RMECs)injury by regulating methyltransferase like 3(METTL3)mediated sirtuin 1(SIRT1)N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification.METHODS:Dual luciferase assay was used to detect miR-1246 regulation of METTL3 expression; RMECs cells were divided into control group, high glucose(HG)group, high glucose+knocking down control(HG+anti-miR-NC)group, high glucose+knocking down miR-1246 expression(HG+anti-miR-1246)group, high glucose+overexpression control(HG+NC)group, high glucose+overexpression METTL3(HG+METTL3)group, high glucose+overexpression miR-1246+control(HG+miR-1246+NC)group, and high glucose+overexpression miR-1246+METTL3(HG+miR-1246+METTL3)group. After induction of high glucose for 48 h, CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival; Annexin V-FITC/PI method was used to detect cell apoptosis; Transwell experiment was used to detect cell migration and invasion; ELISA method was used to detect cell oxidative stress and inflammation levels; Colorimetric method was used to detect m6A methylation level in total RNA; MeRIP-qPCR method was used to detect SIRT1 m6A methylation level; Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect miR-1246, METTL3, SIRT1 mRNA expression in cells; Western blot was used to detect METTL3, SIRT1 and endothelial mesenchymal transition(EndMT)markers protein expression in cells.RESULTS: The MiR-1246 regulated METTL3 expression. Compared with the control group, cell survival rate was decreased in the HG group, apoptosis rate was increased, and the number of migrating and invading cells were increased, lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin(IL)-6 levels in cell culture supernatant were increased, IL-10 level was decreased, malondialdehyde(MDA)level was increased, superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity was decreased, miR-1246 expression was increased, total RNA m6A level and SIRT1 m6A level were decreased, METTL3, SIRT1, cluster of differentiation 31(CD31)and vascular endothelial cadherin(VE-cadherin)expression were decreased, while Vimentin and Snail1 expression were increased(all P<0.05); compared with the HG+anti-miR-NC group, cell survival rate was increased in the HG+anti-miR-1246 group, apoptosis rate was decreased, and the number of migrating and invading cells were decreased, LDH activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in cell culture supernatant were decreased, IL-10 level was increased, MDA level was decreased, SOD activity was increased, miR-1246 expression was decreased, total RNA m6A level and SIRT1 m6A level were increased, METTL3, SIRT1, CD31 and VE-cadherin expression were increased, while Vimentin and Snail1 expression were decreased(all P<0.05); compared with the HG+NC group, cell survival rate was increased in the HG+METTL3 group, apoptosis rate was decreased, and the number of migrating and invading cells were decreased, LDH activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in cell culture supernatant were decreased, IL-10 level was increased, MDA level was decreased, SOD activity was increased, miR-1246 expression was decreased, total RNA m6A level and SIRT1 m6A level were increased, METTL3, SIRT1, CD31 and VE-cadherin expression were increased, while Vimentin and Snail1 expression were decreased(all P<0.05); compared with the HG+miR-1246+NC group, cell survival rate was increased in the HG+miR-1246+METTL3 group, apoptosis rate was decreased, and the number of migrating and invading cells were decreased, LDH activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in cell culture supernatant were decreased, IL-10 level was increased, MDA level was decreased, SOD activity was increased, miR-1246 expression was decreased, total RNA m6A level and SIRT1 m6A level were increased, METTL3, SIRT1, CD31 and VE-cadherin expression were increased, while Vimentin and Snail1 expression were decreased(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The miR-1246 promotes high glucose-induced apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and EndMT process in RMECs cells by regulating METTL3 mediated SIRT1 m6A modification.
4.Role of trypsin in postoperative recovery after Nd:YAG laser dacryocystoplasty
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):163-167
AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trypsin irrigation in the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction after Nd:YAG laser dacryoplasty.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study included 160 patients(160 eyes)with lacrimal duct obstruction who underwent Nd:YAG laser dacryocystoplasty at our institution. Based on the postoperative irrigation protocol, patients were allocated into two groups: the experimental group, which received lacrimal irrigation with a 25% trypsin solution once weekly for 4 wk postoperatively, and the control group, which received irrigation with normal saline on the same schedule. Patient data was obtained by reviewing electronic medical records, including baseline characteristics, surgical records, postoperative irrigation protocols, and follow-up outcomes at 1, 2, 4, and 6 mo post-surgery.RESULTS:The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. At 1 mo postoperatively, the success rate in the experimental group was 90.0%, significantly higher than 71.3% in the control group(P<0.05). Preoperatively, the tear meniscus height in obstructed eyes was higher than in healthy eyes in all patients(all P<0.01). At 1 mo postoperatively, the tear meniscus height in obstructed eyes decreased significantly compared to preoperative levels(all P<0.01), and was lower in the experimental group than in the control group(P<0.01). The recurrence rates of obstruction at 2, 4, and 6 mo were 1.4%, 6.9%, and 5.6% in the experimental group, compared to 5.3%, 17.5%, and 12.3% in the control group, respectively. The total recurrence rate was significantly lower in the experimental group(13.9%)than in the control group(35.1%; P<0.05). No severe complications occurred in either group. Patient satisfaction with the treatment outcome was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Lacrimal irrigation with trypsin following Nd:YAG laser dacryocystoplasty demonstrates superior efficacy and a lower recurrence rate in the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction. Trypsin shows promising application prospects for improving surgical success rate and reducing recurrence rate after laser treatment for lacrimal duct obstruction.
5.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
6.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
7.Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Comorbid Tic Disorder in Children from the Perspective of Ministerial Fire Scorching Yin and Internal Stirring of Deficient Wind
Hongsheng YANG ; Junhong WANG ; Meifang LI ; Wei LI ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Rui ZHAI ; Yuan LI ; Kangning ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):79-82
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often accompanied by tic disorder. The core pathogenesis is considered to be ministerial fire scorching yin and internal stirring of deficient wind, which leads to disharmony between the body and spirit, resulting in clinical manifestations. The treatment principles emphasize nourishing yin fluids, calming ministerial fire, and extinguishing endogenous wind (内风). The method of nourishing yin fluids is applied throughout the entire treatment process, commonly using ingredients such as Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen). These are combined with approaches to harmonize the zang-fu organs, primarily including extinguishing liver wind, clearing heart fire, nourishing kidney water, and strengthening spleen earth, thereby stabilizing ministerial fire and extinguishing endogenous wind. Additionally, emotional regulation and smoothing emotional constraint are essential to improve clinical symptoms in children with ADHD comorbid with tic disorder.
8.Research progress on the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation
Kankan SHUI ; Haoran ZHOU ; Ye XU ; Qiulin LUO ; Tengfang LI ; Hedong ZHANG ; Longkai PENG ; Helong DAI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):9-15
Organ transplantation is an effective alternative treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. However, the shortage of donor organs has limited the widespread application of clinical transplantation. In recent years, breakthroughs in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology have overcome the barrier of hyperacute rejection in xenotransplantation, offering a potential solution to the organ shortage crisis. Rejection remains a critical factor affecting graft survival. Antigen-presenting cells play a vital role in the initiation and progression of rejection and immune regulation in xenotransplantation. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation is of great significance. This article summarizes the roles and therapeutic strategies of professional antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells in xenotransplantation, aiming to provide insights for future research on immune regulation mechanisms in this field.
9.Evaluation of long-term efficacy of plasma exchange and double-filtration plasmapheresis preprocessing in high-titer ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation
Lifei LIANG ; Guisheng QI ; Rong ZHOU ; Ruirui SANG ; Cheng YANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):68-76
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of plasma exchange (PE) and double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) pretreatment regimens for high-titer ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KT). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 cases of ABOi-KT with a follow-up period ≥1 year admitted to Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from April 2016 to August 2025. The efficacy differences between the PE combined with rituximab (RTX) + oral triple immunosuppressive regimen and the DFPP combined with RTX + oral triple immunosuppressive regimen were compared and analyzed. The titers of blood group antibodies and serum creatinine levels before and after the operation were monitored. The survival curves and cumulative risk occurrence curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. The survival rates of recipients and transplanted kidneys and the occurrence of complications were analyzed. Results Both the PE regimen and the DFPP regimen may effectively reduce the preoperative blood group antibody titer of the recipients to ≤1∶16. The one-year survival rate of the recipients and the transplanted kidneys both reached 100% after the operation. The postoperative serum creatinine levels of recipients who received the DFPP regimen were lower and more stable. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two regimens during the same follow-up period. Conclusions Both the PE and DFPP regimens are effective pretreatment regimens for ABOi-KT. The DFPP regimen has more advantages in reducing treatment operations, lowering drug dosage and maintaining the stability of postoperative renal function. For recipients with a high initial antibody titer (≥ 1∶32), individualized determination of the number and frequency of plasma processing for pretreatment may achieve ideal therapeutic effects.
10.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail