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.A review on animal models of inherited thrombocytopenia
Xiaojie WANG ; Zhongjun LI ; Li CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):128-135
Inherited thrombocytopenia is a group of heterogeneous inherited diseases mainly characterized by platelet count defects. It is a monogenic disease caused by mutations in various genes. Animal models are crucial for studying the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of inherited thrombocytopenia. Previous reviews on animal models of inherited thrombocytopenia have mostly focused on a single species, such as mice or zebrafish. This article systematically summarizes the construction, phenotypes, and characteristics of multiple animal models (mice, zebrafish, and primate animal) of inherited thrombocytopenia-causing genes, thereby providing a systematic reference for a comprehensive understanding of the research progress of its animal models.
3.Evaluation of Taraxacum mongolicum Germplasm Resources Based on Characteristic Profiles and Chemical Markers
Lantian SHI ; Xiaojie LIU ; Xiaolin LI ; Yutong HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):267-275
ObjectiveBased on the established characteristic profiles, quantitative analysis of multiple components, and chemometric analysis of Taraxacum mongolicum, the quality of different T. mongolicum germplasms was evaluated at the chemical level, thereby providing a reference for the screening of high-quality germplasms and the rational utilization of wild resources. MethodsAn ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was employed to establish characteristic profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were then adopted to screen and comprehensively rank marker compounds. ResultsThe UPLC fingerprint of T. mongolicum germplasm identified 13 chromatographic peaks corresponding to gallic acid, coumaric acid, neochlorogenic acid, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, cichoric acid, luteoloside, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid C. Combined with chemometric analysis such as PCA and PLS-DA, eight core markers (cichoric acid, luteoloside, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, and isochlorogenic acid A) were screened for distinguishing wild and cultivated germplasms. Additionally, eight core markers (cichoric acid, caffeic acid, luteoloside, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, and neochlorogenic acid) were selected for the evaluation and screening of different T. mongolicum germplasms. ConclusionThis study establishes a UPLC analysis method capable of simultaneously determining 13 characteristic components in T. mongolicum, such as cichoric acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as their precursor compound contents in the biosynthetic pathway. Based on the above methods, three T. mongolicum germplasms (PGY-004, PGY-009, and PGY-010) with promising medicinal potential are selected for subsequent research on variety breeding. The present study provides a reference for quality control of Taraxacum mongolicum, germplasm screening, and the rational development and utilization of wild resources.
4.Protective effect of the active component DMDD from Averrhoa carambola root on myocardial injury in diabetic mice and its correlation with the NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8 axis
Yongxin CHEN ; Yuxuan LI ; Kailei GU ; Jiajun YOU ; Xiaohan SUN ; Jing MA ; Yanping ZHOU ; Xiaojie WEI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1141-1147
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of 2-dodecyl-6-methoxy-2,5-diene-1,4-cyclohexanedione (DMDD), an active component from Averrhoa carambola root, on myocardial injury in diabetic mice based on the nuclear receptor coactivator 4/ferritin heavy chain 1/autophagy-related protein 8 (NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8) axis. METHODS The successfully modeled diabetic mice were randomly divided into model group and DMDD low-, medium-, and high-dose (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg) groups, while an additional non-modeled control group was established, with 6 mice in each group. Each group received the corresponding drug solution or an equal volume of normal saline intragastically once daily for 21 consecutive days. After the administration, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) were measured. Myocardial pathological changes, degree of fibrosis, and myocardial cell ultrastructure were observed. Myocardial cell death index and NCOA4 protein positive index were detected. The protein expression levels of NCOA4, FTH1, ATG8, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cardiac tissue were measured. RESULTS Compared with model group, each DMDD group showed significant alleviation of cardiac pathological injury and varying degrees of improvement in the myocardial cell ultrastructure. The FBG and serum LDH and CK-MB levels, the myocardial cell death index and NCOA4 protein positive index,the protein expression levels of NCOA4, FTH1, and ATG8 in cardiac tissue were significantly decreased ( P <0.001), while the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 were significantly increased ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS DMDD can reduce blood glucose levels, alleviate myocardial histopathological injury, and inhibit cell death in diabetic mice. The mechanism is associated with inhibiting excessive activation of the NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8 axis and reducing ferritinophagy.
5.Guizhi Fulingwan Alleviate Hepatic Fibrosis by Modulating mtDNA/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Yu TANG ; Xuli YANG ; Qiang YANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Yongxiang GAO ; Xueping LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) against hepatic fibrosis, focusing on elucidating the regulatory effect of GFW on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n=7): control, model, low/medium/high-dose (0.14, 0.28, 0.56 g·kg-1·d-1) GFW (GFW-L, GFW-M, GFW-H), and Dahuang Zhechong pills (DZW, 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. General conditions of the rats were observed. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Liver histopathology and collagen deposition were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe structural alterations and damage of cellular ultrastructures including mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 in the liver tissue were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein levels of key molecules in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight (P<0.01), an increase in liver index (P<0.01), elevations in serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.01), and typical fibrotic features such as disorganized hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in the liver tissue. TEM revealed significant karyotheca degeneration, mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum expansion, and organelle efflux in the model group. In addition, the model group showed decreased ΔΨm (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 (P<0.01) and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01) in the liver tissue, and increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the body weight increased in GFW-L, GFW-M, and DZW groups (P<0.05) and markedly increased in the GFW-H group (P<0.01). The liver index decreased in the GFW groups and DZW group (P<0.01). The serum ALT level declined in the GFW-L group (P<0.05), and the serum ALT and AST levels decreased in the GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Histopathological damage and fibrosis were alleviated to varying degrees, and TEM revealed mitigated ultrastructural injuries including mitophagy, mitochondrial swelling, and endoplasmic reticulum expansion in the drug intervention groups. The ΔΨm increased in GFW groups without statistical significance. The mRNA level of mtDNA in the liver tissue was down-regulated in the GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. The mRNA level of NLRP3 was down-regulated in GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly down-regulated protein level of NLRP3 in all the GFW groups and the DZW group (P<0.01). The protein level of GSDMD-N was down-regulated in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). The protein level of cleaved Caspase-1 was down-regulated in GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. In addition, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 declined in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). ConclusionGFW can suppress pyroptosis to ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through mitigating mitochondrial damage, inhibiting inflammasome assembly and activation, and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates AMPK Signaling Pathway to Prevent and Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Lijuan DAN ; Shuanglan CHEN ; Tianyuan WANG ; Xiaojie YOU ; Xiuyan LI ; Hongfei SONG ; Dong WANG ; Jie MU ; Qiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):133-143
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation, regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting autophagy. Accordingly, AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with low toxicity, high accessibility, and multi-component, multi-target synergistic effects, has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment, particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM, and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets, exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years, elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, basic research, and drug development.
7.Effects of mNGF combined with rehabilitation training on the expression of BDNF and Caspase-3 in brain tissue of neonatal rats with spastic cerebral palsy
Qinghong LI ; Xiaojie LI ; Dantong YANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;40(12):1782-1789
Objective:To analyze the effect of mouse nerve growth factor(mNGF)combined with rehabilitation training on the expression of BDNF and Caspase-3 in brain tissue of newborn rats with spastic cerebral palsy(SCP).Method:A total of 150 clean-grade SD rats aged 7days were randomly divided into the control group(group NS,n=40)and the model group(group T,n=110)using a random number table.Group T received directional injection of absolute ethanol(1μl/g)into the left intracranial pyramidal tract at the age of 7 days,while the NS group received an equal volume of saline.24 hours after injection(at 8 days old),the spastic cerebral palsy rat model was determined by modified Li Xiaojie et al.'s criteria combined with Longa scoring method.Ninety successfully modeled SD rats in group T were randomly divided into group A1,A2 and A3,with 30 each.The intervention began on the 1st day of the experiment(8 days old).Group A1 was given intramuscu-lar injection of mNGF(30ng/g),group A2 was given intramuscular injection of an equal dose of mNGF plus rehabilitation training,and group A3 was given intramuscular injection of an equal volume of saline(2.27ml/kg).The group NS was given intramuscular injection of the equal volume of normal saline.Intervention lasted until 21 days of age.At 8,14 and 21 days of age,HE staining was used to observe the dynamic changes in the morphology of cells in the internal capsule area of brain,TUNEL staining to observe the dynamic changes in the apoptosis rate of cells in the internal capsule area of brain,and Western Blot to monitor dy-namic changes in the expression of BDNF and Caspase-3 proteins in the hippocampus.Result:Model preparation showed that a total of 97 spastic cerebral palsy litters were identified in group T at 8 days old,while no rats with cerebral palsy in groupNS.TUNELstaining revealed that the apoptosis rates of the rats in group A1,A2 and A3 were significantly higher than in group NS at each age(P<0.01),and were significantly higher in group A3 than in group A1 and A2 at 14 and 21 days of age(P<0.01),with group A1 significantly higher than group A2(P<0.01).Western Blot showed that the relative expression of BDNF and Caspase-3 protein in group A1,A2 and A3 at 14 days old were higher than that in group NS(P<0.05).The rel-ative expression of BDNF protein in group A1 and A2 was higher than that in group A3(P<0.05),with group A2 was higher than that in group A1(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between group A2 and A1 at 21 days old(P>0.05).The relative expression of Caspase-3 protein in group A1 and A3 was higher than that in group A2(P<0.05).and group A3 was significantly higher than that in A1 group(P<0.05).Conclusion:It is speculated that both mNGF and combined rehabilitation training can inhibit neuronal apoptosis by promoting BDNF protein expression and reducing the activity of Caspase-3.The effect of mNGF combined with rehabilitation training is better than that of mNGF alone.
8.Performance of fluorescence PCR in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and rifampicin resistance
Binbin LIU ; Xiaojie WAN ; Xinyun TAN ; Jue WANG ; Jingwei GUO ; Wenbin LI ; Biao ZHONG ; Yunhong TAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(10):1034-1039
The diagnostic value of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)complex and rifampicin resistance test kits(fluorescence PCR method)in detecting for MTB complex and rifampicin resistancein sputum samples was evaluated.A total of 271 patients with suspected tuberculosis were prospectively and consecutively enrolled at Hunan Chest Hospital between April 1,2024,and November 30,2024.Of these,229 patients were confirmed to have tuberculosis,whereas 42 patients were not-tuberculosis samples were col-lected from all patients and subjected to fluorescence PCR,Xpert MTB/RIF(abbreviated as Xpert),and MGIT 960 culture and drug sensitivity testing.Clinical diagnosis and MTB culture results served as reference standards for TB diagnosis,whereas phenotypic drug susceptibility testing and Xpert served as reference standards to for assessment of rifampicin resistance.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of the fluorescence PCR method were analyzed.Kappa tests were performed to analyze the concordance between detection techniques.With clinical diagnosis as the gold standard,the sensitivity and specificity of the fluorescence PCR method for the diagnosis of TB were 65.1%(149/229)and 97.6%(41/42),and the consistency test for the fluo-rescence PCR and Xpert methods showed high consistency(Kappa value=0.993).With the MGIT 960 liquid culture as the reference standard,the positive detection rate of the fluorescence PCR method for the detection of patients with positive cultures was 91.9%(102/111,95%CI:85.2%-96.2%),and the positive detection rate for 147 patients with sputum culture-negative TB was 27.9%(41/147,95%CI:21.3%-35.6%).With the phenotypic drug sensitivity test as the gold standard,the sensitivity and specificity of the fluo-rescence PCR method for the detection of rifampicin resistance were 100.0%(31/31)and 96.6%(28/29)respectively,and the consis-tency between tests was high(Kappa value=0.967).With Xpert as the gold standard,the sensitivity and specificity of fluorescence PCR for the detection of rifampicin resistance were 95.8%(46/48)and 99.0%(99/100),respectively,and the consistency between tests was high(Kappa value=0.953).Finally,samples with rifampicin resistance detected with the fluorescence PCR method had a clear rpoB gene mutation type according to one-generation sequencing.In conclusion,the fluorescence PCR method showed high sen-sitivity in detecting MTB complex groups and rifampicin resistance,and had high concordance with Xpert.Therefore,this technique can serve a rapid test for TB diagnosis to increase the rate of positive TB pathology and detection of rifampicin resistance.This method is particularly suitable for use in lower-income countries and economically disadvantaged grassroots communities.
9.Talaromyces marneffei infection after organ transplantation:challenges and countermeasures
Shanda LI ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Haoran SHI ; Xiaojie MA ; Tao LI ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):805-811
Talaromyces marneffei is a rare opportunistic pathogen.Talaromyces marneffei infection is characterized by insidious onset,atypical clinical manifestations,low early diagnosis rate,and high misdiagnosis and fatality,and has received widespread attention in recent years.Organ transplant recipients become a high-risk group for Talaromyces marneffei infection due to postoperative immunosuppressive therapy.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing,targeted antifungal therapy,and immunosuppression regimen adjustment are key to improving the prognosis of Talaromyces marneffei infection patients.This article reviews the epidemiology,pathogenesis,diagnosis and treatment of Talaromyces marneffei infection in organ transplant recipients,explores current challenges and future research directions,and aims to inform the diagnosis and treatment of Talaromyces marneffeiinfection.
10.Nutritional Support Analysis of A Cancer Patient with Postoperative Septic Shock Combined Acute Kidney Injury and Undertaking Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Jiewei SUN ; Xiao LI ; Xiaojie CHEN ; Rui SHI
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(8):1336-1341
Objective To explore the role of clinical pharmacists in pharmaceutical care of patients with severe infection receiving nutritional support therapy during continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT),and to provide information for clinical rational use of drugs.Methods Clinical pharmacists participated in the treatment of a patient with severe postoperative septic shock and undertaking CRRT,we analyzed the pathophysiological characteristics of the patient at each stage,and cooperated with clinicians to formulate individualized nutritional support regimen.The patient was closely monitored during the whole treatment and the nutritional support prescription was adjusted accordingly.Results Clinical pharmacists participated in formulating,adjusting of the nutrition treatment regimen and monitoring of its implementation.The patients gradually recovered after comprehensive treatment and monitoring.Conclusion Clinical pharmacists can provide individualized nutritional support regimen and effective monitoring given patient's nutritional needs changes during the different disease stages,which guaranteed the rational medicines usage in clinical practice.

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