1.Discussion on processing time for Polygonatum kingianum based on analysis of correlation between sugar components and color changes
GUO Hong ; YAO Rui ; LI Zhe ; FAN Jing ; WANG Ying ; GUO Xiaohan ; CHEN Jia ; DUAN Baozhong ; YANG Jianbo ; JING Wenguang ; CHENG Xianlong ; WEI Feng
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0083-0091
Objective: To investigate the correlation between color parameters (L*, a*, b*, Eab*) and the contents of reducing sugars, total polysaccharides, total oligosaccharides, as well as four saccharides (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and kestose) during the nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying processing of Polygonatum kingianum, and to preliminarily explore the optimal processing duration.
Methods: The color changes were objectively evaluated using a colorimeter. The anthrone-sulfuric acid method was employed to determine total polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. The 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) colorimetric method was used to measure total reducing sugar content. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with charged aerosol detection (HPLC-CAD) was applied for quantitative analysis of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and kestose. Multivariate statistical analysis was conducted to assess samples from different processing stages.
Results: Significant variations in color and component contents were observed across processing stages. The herbal pieces progressively darkened with increased processing cycles: brightness (L*) and total color difference (Eab*) initially decreased then stabilized, while a* (red-green) and b* (yellow-blue) values first increased then declined. Total polysaccharides and oligosaccharides showed overall decreasing trends, whereas reducing sugars initially increased before stabilizing. Fructose and glucose levels rose continuously, while sucrose and kestose decreased progressively, becoming undetectable after five cycles.
Conclusion: The chromatic alteration and saccharide composition of P. kingianum showed significant correlation with processing duration. Both total color difference (Eab*) and reducing sugar content stabilized after four processing cycles (12 hours), suggesting that four cycles of steaming and sun-drying may represent the optimal processing duration.
2.Analytical research on processing techniques of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata based on chemical composition and color changes correlation
YAO Rui ; GUO Hong ; LI Zhe ; GUO Xiaohan ; ZHANG Xiaoshu ; DUAN Baozhong ; YANG Jianbo ; CHEN Jia ; JING Wenguang ; CHENG Xianlong ; WEI Feng
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0100-0108
Objective: To investigate the correlation between the color parameters (L*, a*, b*, Eab* values) of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata powder prepared by different processing techniques and the contents of 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, emodin, physcion, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside.
Methods: The L*, a*, b* and Eab* values of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata powder prepared by different processing techniques were determined by spectrophotometer, and the contents of the five components were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Secondly, SPSS 26.0 software and Simca 14.1 software were used to analyze the correlation.
Results: Through the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), it was found that the steamed samples and black bean steamed samples could be obviously divided into two categories: raw products and processed products. The processed products could be further divided into 2-8 h and 12-48 h. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the content of stilbene glycoside was significantly positively correlated with L*, a* and b* values (P<0.01). The a* value was significantly positively correlated with the content of emodin and physcion (P<0.01). Emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside was positively correlated with L* value and b* value, while physcion-8-O-β-D-glucoside was negatively correlated with a* value. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS) showed that 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (VIP=1.69) and emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (VIP=1.06) were the key variables affecting chromaticity characteristics (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The three processes of steaming, black bean steaming and black bean stewing are consistent in composition transformation and chromaticity variation, and stilbene glycoside can be used as a specific index component to characterize the processed color. Chromatic parameters can effectively reflect the processing progression and serve as quality monitoring indicators during production.
3.Exploring Mechanism of Yijing Decoction in Treating Decreased Ovarian Reserve Based on Oxidative Stress Mediated by Chronic Iron Overload
Jing YU ; Chengcheng LIANG ; Heng HU ; Zhe LI ; Haijing CHU ; Jijun CHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):77-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yijing decoction to inhibit oxidative stress induced by chronic iron overload and improve ovarian reserve hypofunction in mice. MethodsSeventy-two female C57BL/6J mice with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into six groups (n=12 per group):blank group,model group,Yijing decoction(YJD) low-dose group,medium-dose group,high-dose group,and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) group. Mice in the blank group received intraperitoneal injections of normal saline,while those in all other groups were administered iron dextran (Sigma-Aldrich) at a dose of 0.5 g·kg-1 once weekly for 8 weeks to establish a chronic iron overload model. Following the final injection,interventions were initiated and continued for 4 weeks. The low,medium,and high dose groups of YJD received oral gavage of Yijing decoction aqueous solution at doses of 18.165, 36.33,and 72.66 g·kg-1·d-1,respectively. The DHEA group received DHEA aqueous solution at 10.812 5 mg·kg-1·d-1. The blank and model groups received an equivalent volume of distilled water by gavage once daily. Body weight was recorded weekly,and food intake was monitored throughout the treatment period. Vaginal smears were collected daily and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) to assess estrous cycle regularity. At the end of the experiment,mice were euthanized,and bilateral ovaries and uteri were rapidly excised and weighed to calculate ovarian and uterine indices (mg·g-1). Ovarian tissues were fixed,embedded,and sectioned for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to evaluate histopathological changes. Iron deposition in ovarian tissue was visualized using Prussian blue staining. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH),estradiol (E2),and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in ovarian homogenates were determined using commercial biochemical assay kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ovarian tissue were assessed by ROS fluorescence staining on frozen sections. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in ovarian tissue was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Total RNA was extracted from ovarian tissue for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) to quantify mRNA expression of ferritin heavy chain 1 (Fth1),ferritin light chain (Ftl),transferrin (Tf),transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1),catalase (Cat),and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). Protein expression levels of Fth1,Ftl,Tf,Tfr1,and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group,mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced body weight and severe estrous cycle disruption (P<0.01),a markedly increased uterine index (P<0.01),and a significantly decreased ovarian index (P<0.01). The number of antral follicles was significantly reduced,while atretic follicles were markedly increased,accompanied by pronounced iron deposition in the ovarian stroma. Serum levels of AMH and E2,as well as ovarian SOD activity,protein and mRNA expression of Tf and Tfr1,and mRNA levels of GPX1 and Cat were all significantly downregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Conversely,serum FSH and LH levels,MDA content,protein and mRNA expression of Fth1 and Ftl,and ROS fluorescence intensity were significantly elevated (P<0.05,P<0.01),along with a marked decrease in GPX4 protein expression (P<0.01). TEM revealed an increased number of damaged mitochondria in ovarian tissue,characterized by loss or disappearance of mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group,treatment with low,medium,and high doses of YJD and DHEA significantly improved body weight and ameliorated estrous cycle irregularities (P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased the uterine index (P<0.05),and increased the ovarian index (P<0.05,P<0.01). These groups also showed increased numbers of antral follicles,reduced atretic follicles,and significantly diminished iron deposition in the ovarian stroma. Serum AMH and E2 levels,ovarian SOD activity,protein and mRNA expression of Tf and Tfr1,and mRNA levels of GPX1 and Cat were all significantly upregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). In contrast,serum FSH and LH levels,MDA content,protein and mRNA expression of Fth1 and Ftl,and ROS fluorescence intensity were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01),while GPX4 protein expression was markedly increased (P<0.01). Moreover,mitochondrial damage was alleviated,and mitochondrial ultrastructure was notably restored in ovarian tissue. ConclusionYijing decoction ameliorates ovarian reserve function in mice with chronic iron overload by upregulating the expression of Tf,Tfr1,and GPX4,downregulating the expression of Ft,Fth1,and Ftl,thereby alleviating systemic iron metabolism disorders,reducing oxidative stress in ovarian tissue,and restoring mitochondrial morphology and structure.
4.Pathological Characteristics of Vascular Microenvironment Injury and Nanotargeted Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathways in Ischemic Stroke
Yun-Zhe CI ; Li-Jing NIU ; Ying-Ying HAN ; Yan-Zhong CHANG ; Si-Yu TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2629-2646
Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all stroke cases worldwide and remains a leading cause of long‑term neurological disability and mortality. Intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy constitute the mainstay of acute reperfusion therapies, yet their clinical utility is severely constrained by narrow therapeutic time windows. Even when large‑vessel recanalization is successfully achieved, a considerable proportion of patients still suffer poor functional outcomes due to futile reperfusion and ischemia‑reperfusion injury. Historically, preclinical studies have largely focused on direct neuronal protection against calcium overload, oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Unfortunately, most promising neuroprotective agents that exhibited robust benefits in rodent models have failed to demonstrate satisfactory efficacy in phase‑Ⅱ and phase‑Ⅲ clinical trials. One critical contributor to such translational failure is the disregard for the pathological disturbance within the cerebral vascular microenvironment. Instead of merely regarding neuronal death as an autonomous cellular event, accumulating evidence indicates that sequential biochemical disruption of perivascular microenvironment acts as an initiating amplifier that propagates damage toward brain parenchyma after ischemic insult. The cerebral vascular microenvironment centers on brain microvessels and comprises endothelial cells, endothelial glycocalyx, basement membrane, pericytes, astrocytic end‑feet, perivascular microglia, as well as interstitial ions, inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species and extracellular matrix components. Distinct from the concept of neurovascular unit which emphasizes functional coupling between neurons, glia and vessels, the vascular microenvironment highlights dynamic biochemical homeostasis in perivascular interstitial space. Following cerebral ischemia, injured brain tissue can be spatially divided into the irreversibly damaged infarct core, metabolically‑stressed ischemic penumbra and mildly‑affected peripheral regions. These three zones lack rigid anatomical boundaries and evolve dynamically depending on reperfusion timing, presenting divergent features in blood perfusion, blood‑brain barrier integrity, cellular viability and immune‑inflammatory profiles. Four interrelated pathological cascades jointly disrupt microenvironmental homeostasis: calcium‑overload‑triggered cytotoxic cascades; blood‑brain barrier breakdown resulting from glycocalyx shedding, tight‑junction dissociation and matrix metalloproteinase‑driven basement‑membrane degradation; inflammatory‑immune dysregulation dominated by microglial phenotypic reprogramming; and mutual crosstalk between coagulation disturbance and neuroinflammation that exacerbates secondary brain injury. Multiple molecular layers orchestrate these pathological alterations. Excessive activation of HIF‑1α, NF‑κB and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways promotes barrier leakage, pro‑inflammatory factor secretion and extracellular‑matrix remodeling. Epigenetic modulation mediated by non‑coding RNAs including miRNAs and lncRNAs reshapes vascular microenvironment via three major patterns: modulating endothelial‑pericyte barrier integrity, switching microglia‑astrocyte inflammatory phenotypes, and driving metabolic reprogramming among multiple cell populations within microdomains. In addition, metabolic shift toward glycolysis among endothelial cells, microglia, astrocytes and compromised neurons establishes self‑amplifying vicious cycles of energy depletion and oxidative stress in perivascular niches. Targeted theranostic approaches oriented toward vascular microenvironment bring new opportunities for precision medicine of ischemic stroke. Magnetic nanoprobes and near‑infrared fluorescent probes respond to elevated reactive oxygen species, pH shift and inflammatory signals, enabling in situ visualization of pathological signatures of microenvironment and risk evaluation of hemorrhagic transformation. Function‑tailored nanodelivery systems exert multi‑modal protective effects: reactive oxygen species‑responsive polymeric micelles deliver calcium chelators to block calcium‑overload‑initiated injury cascades; nanozymes scavenge reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and revert microglial pro‑inflammatory polarization; biomimetic membrane‑coated nanoparticles accumulate at micro‑thrombosis sites to break thrombo‑inflammatory loops and mitigate no‑reflow phenomenon; ferroptosis‑inhibitor‑loaded nanocarriers eliminate excessive labile iron within perivascular toxic microdomains. During subacute and recovery phases, spatiotemporally controlled release of angiogenic factors by nanocarriers facilitates maturation of newly‑formed microvessels rather than blind vascular sprouting, which helps reconstruct intact blood‑brain barrier and restore microenvironmental homeostasis. Nevertheless, substantial translational bottlenecks still impede clinical transformation of these nanomedicines, including potential biosafety risks caused by in vivo material accumulation, protein‑corona‑induced impairment of targeting capacity, intrinsic blood brain barrier transport obstacles, lack of unified quality‑control criteria for large‑scale manufacture, reliance on high‑end clinical imaging instruments, and prominent interspecies discrepancies between experimental animals and human patients. On the basis of summarizing spatiotemporal pathological characteristics, multi‑level regulatory mechanisms and cutting‑edge microenvironment‑oriented diagnostic and interventional strategies, the present review advocates a conceptual shift from isolated neuronal protection to comprehensive reconstruction of perivascular vascular microenvironment homeostasis. Such perspective provides theoretical foundations for expanding therapeutic time windows and inspires future development of novel therapeutic modalities for ischemic stroke.
5.Yijingtang Reduces Ovarian Inflammatory Responses in Rat Model of Diminished Ovarian Reserve via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Heng HU ; Jijun CHU ; Zhe LI ; Haijing CHU ; Jing YU ; Chengcheng LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):20-30
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yijingtang (YJT) in treating diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in rats by regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly allocated into blank, model, low- and high-dose (12.579 and 25.158 g·kg-1, respectively) YJT, and dehydroepiandrosterone (7.487 5 mg·kg-1) groups, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in other groups except the blank group were administrated with the tripterygium glycosides tablet suspension (5 mg·kg-1) by gavage for 14 days for the modeling of DOR. The rats in the drug treatment groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage from day 15 for 30 consecutive days, and those in the blank and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water. The vaginal exfoliated cell smears were observed to assess the changes in the estrous cycle. The wet weight of bilateral ovaries was weighed for calculation of the ovarian index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ovaries and the proportions of follicles at various levels were calculated. The serum levels of sex hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)] and inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)] were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB profilin α (IκBα), NF-κB and inflammatory factors in the ovarian tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of factors related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed disturbed estrous cycles, increased inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue, decreases in ovarian index and proportion of presinusoidal follicles, and an increase in the proportion of atretic follicles (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the model group showed elevated serum levels of FSH, LH, TNF-α, and IL-1β, up-regulated mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, IκBα, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β and protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), lowered serum levels of AMH, E2, and IL-10, down-regulated mRNA level of IL-10 (P<0.01), and massive nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. Compared with the model group, dehydroepiandrosterone and low and high doses of YJT restored the disturbed estrous cycle, reduced inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue, increased the ovarian index (P<0.01), and changed the follicular composition ratio (P<0.01). Furthermore, the drugs lowered the serum levels of FSH, LH, TNF-α, and IL-1β, down-regulated the mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, IκBα, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β and the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01), raised the serum levels of AMH, E2, and IL-10, up-regulated the mRNA level of IL-10 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. ConclusionYJT may inhibit the release and expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to attenuate the inflammatory responses in the ovarian tissue, thereby improving the ovarian function in DOR rats.
6.Yijingtang Reduces Ovarian Inflammatory Responses in Rat Model of Diminished Ovarian Reserve via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Heng HU ; Jijun CHU ; Zhe LI ; Haijing CHU ; Jing YU ; Chengcheng LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):20-30
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yijingtang (YJT) in treating diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in rats by regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly allocated into blank, model, low- and high-dose (12.579 and 25.158 g·kg-1, respectively) YJT, and dehydroepiandrosterone (7.487 5 mg·kg-1) groups, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in other groups except the blank group were administrated with the tripterygium glycosides tablet suspension (5 mg·kg-1) by gavage for 14 days for the modeling of DOR. The rats in the drug treatment groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage from day 15 for 30 consecutive days, and those in the blank and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water. The vaginal exfoliated cell smears were observed to assess the changes in the estrous cycle. The wet weight of bilateral ovaries was weighed for calculation of the ovarian index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ovaries and the proportions of follicles at various levels were calculated. The serum levels of sex hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)] and inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)] were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB profilin α (IκBα), NF-κB and inflammatory factors in the ovarian tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of factors related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed disturbed estrous cycles, increased inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue, decreases in ovarian index and proportion of presinusoidal follicles, and an increase in the proportion of atretic follicles (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the model group showed elevated serum levels of FSH, LH, TNF-α, and IL-1β, up-regulated mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, IκBα, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β and protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), lowered serum levels of AMH, E2, and IL-10, down-regulated mRNA level of IL-10 (P<0.01), and massive nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. Compared with the model group, dehydroepiandrosterone and low and high doses of YJT restored the disturbed estrous cycle, reduced inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue, increased the ovarian index (P<0.01), and changed the follicular composition ratio (P<0.01). Furthermore, the drugs lowered the serum levels of FSH, LH, TNF-α, and IL-1β, down-regulated the mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, IκBα, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β and the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01), raised the serum levels of AMH, E2, and IL-10, up-regulated the mRNA level of IL-10 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. ConclusionYJT may inhibit the release and expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to attenuate the inflammatory responses in the ovarian tissue, thereby improving the ovarian function in DOR rats.
7.Expert consensus on clinical protocol for treating herpes zoster with fire needling.
Xiaodong WU ; Bin LI ; Baoyan LIU ; Lin HE ; Zhishun LIU ; Shixi HUANG ; Keyi HUI ; Hongxia LIU ; Yuxia CAO ; Shuxin WANG ; Zhe XU ; Cang ZHANG ; Jingsheng ZHAO ; Yali LIU ; Nanqi ZHAO ; Nan DING ; Jing HU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(12):1825-1832
The expert consensus on the clinical treatment of herpes zoster with fire needling was developed, and the commonly used fire needling treatment scheme verified by clinical research was selected to form a standardized diagnosis and treatment scheme for acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), so as to answer the core problems in clinical application. The consensus focuses on patients with herpes zoster, and forms recommendations for 9 key clinical issues, covering simple fire needling and TCM comprehensive therapy based on fire needling, including fire needling combined with cupping, fire needling combined with Chinese herb, fire needling combined with cupping and Chinese herb, fire needling combined with filiform needling, fire needling combined with moxibustion, and provides specific recommendations and operational guidelines for various therapies.
Humans
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Herpes Zoster/therapy*
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Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation*
;
Consensus
;
Clinical Protocols
8.Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin prolonged the survival of a porcine kidney xenograft in a sensitized, brain-dead human recipient.
Shuaijun MA ; Ruochen QI ; Shichao HAN ; Zhengxuan LI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Guohui WANG ; Kepu LIU ; Tong XU ; Yang ZHANG ; Donghui HAN ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Di WEI ; Xiaozheng FAN ; Dengke PAN ; Yanyan JIA ; Jing LI ; Zhe WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Zhaoxu YANG ; Kaishan TAO ; Xiaojian YANG ; Kefeng DOU ; Weijun QIN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(18):2293-2307
BACKGROUND:
The primary limitation to kidney transplantation is organ shortage. Recent progress in gene editing and immunosuppressive regimens has made xenotransplantation with porcine organs a possibility. However, evidence in pig-to-human xenotransplantation remains scarce, and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major obstacle to clinical applications of xenotransplantation.
METHODS:
We conducted a kidney xenotransplantation in a brain-dead human recipient using a porcine kidney with five gene edits (5GE) on March 25, 2024 at Xijing Hospital, China. Clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were employed, and the observation period lasted 22 days. We collected and analyzed the xenograft function, ultrasound findings, sequential protocol biopsies, and immune surveillance of the recipient during the observation.
RESULTS:
The combination of 5GE in the porcine kidney and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens prevented hyperacute rejection. The xenograft kidney underwent delayed graft function in the first week, but urine output increased later and the single xenograft kidney maintained electrolyte and pH homeostasis from postoperative day (POD) 12 to 19. We observed AMR at 24 h post-transplantation, due to the presence of pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies and cytotoxicity before transplantation; this AMR persisted throughout the observation period. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment mitigated the AMR. We observed activation of latent porcine cytomegalovirus toward the end of the study, which might have contributed to coagulation disorder in the recipient.
CONCLUSIONS
5GE and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were sufficient to prevent hyperacute rejection during pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation. Pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies predisposed the xenograft to AMR. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin were safe and effective in the treatment of AMR after kidney xenotransplantation.
Transplantation, Heterologous/methods*
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Kidney Transplantation/methods*
;
Heterografts/pathology*
;
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage*
;
Graft Survival/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
Sus scrofa
;
Graft Rejection/prevention & control*
;
Kidney/pathology*
;
Gene Editing
;
Species Specificity
;
Immunosuppression Therapy/methods*
;
Plasma Exchange
;
Brain Death
;
Biopsy
;
Male
;
Aged
9.Potential utility of albumin-bilirubin and body mass index-based logistic model to predict survival outcome in non-small cell lung cancer with liver metastasis treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Lianxi SONG ; Qinqin XU ; Ting ZHONG ; Wenhuan GUO ; Shaoding LIN ; Wenjuan JIANG ; Zhan WANG ; Li DENG ; Zhe HUANG ; Haoyue QIN ; Huan YAN ; Xing ZHANG ; Fan TONG ; Ruiguang ZHANG ; Zhaoyi LIU ; Lin ZHANG ; Xiaorong DONG ; Ting LI ; Chao FANG ; Xue CHEN ; Jun DENG ; Jing WANG ; Nong YANG ; Liang ZENG ; Yongchang ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):478-480
10.Multi-organ inflammatory phenotypes and transcriptomic characterization in an inflammation-driven mouse model of preeclampsia induced by LPS.
Ning WANG ; Jing-Qiu FENG ; Ying XIE ; Meng-Can SUN ; Qi WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Lu GAO
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):775-791
Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe gestational disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, with a subset of cases exhibiting an immune-driven phenotype marked by placental overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines and chronic inflammatory damage, profoundly impacting fetal development. To elucidate the pathophysiology of this PE subtype, we established an inflammation-driven PE mouse model via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection, systematically evaluating histopathological changes in maternal heart, liver, lung, kidney, and placenta, and integrating transcriptomic profiling to uncover molecular mechanisms. LPS administration robustly induced maternal hypertension and proteinuria, hallmarks of PE, without significantly altering organ or fetal weights. Histological analyses revealed pronounced inflammatory damage in the maternal lung, kidney, and placenta, with the lung exhibiting the most severe pathology, characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar wall thickening, and interstitial edema-challenging the conventional focus on placental and renal primacy in PE. Placental labyrinth and junctional zones displayed extensive structural disruption and necrosis, indicating functional impairment. Transcriptomic analysis identified 27 inflammation-related genes consistently upregulated across tissues, with protein-protein interaction networks pinpointing Il1β, Il6, Ccl5, Ccl2, Cxcl10, Tlr2, and Icam1 as hub genes. Quantitative PCR validation confirmed Tlr2 as a central regulator, evidenced by significant upregulation of Tlr2 in lung, kidney, and placenta of LPS-induced PE mice, while Cxcl10 exhibited placenta-specific upregulation, suggesting a synergistic inflammatory axis in placental pathology. These findings highlight the lung as a critical, yet underappreciated, target in inflammation-driven PE, reframe the multi-organ inflammatory landscape of the disease, and nominate Tlr2 and Cxcl10 as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering new avenues for precision intervention in PE.
Animals
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Female
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Pregnancy
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Mice
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Pre-Eclampsia/genetics*
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Inflammation
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Lipopolysaccharides/adverse effects*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Transcriptome
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Placenta/pathology*
;
Phenotype

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