1.Mechanism of action of gut microbiota in chronic pancreatitis fibrosis and related treatment strategies
Yunjun YAN ; Liang SHENG ; Qi WANG ; Shun PENG ; Jia LI ; Lei ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):484-489
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a common disease in clinical practice characterized by progressive inflammatory fibrosis of the pancreas. Gut microbiota, known as the “second genome” of humans, bidirectionally modulates the progression of fibrosis in CP via the gut-pancreas axis. This article systematically elaborates on the characteristics of gut microbiota during the progression of CP and its molecular mechanism in mediating pancreatic fibrosis through bacterial translocation, metabolites, immune regulatory networks, and microbe-pancreatic stellate cell interactions, with a focus on the pivotal role of short-chain fatty acids and inflammatory cytokine networks in pancreatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition. In addition, this article explores the potential value of gut microbiota-targeted interventions in the prevention and treatment of CP fibrosis, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, and discusses the translational potential of using multi-omics technologies to identify diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for CP, in order to provide new ideas for the precise diagnosis and treatment of CP.
2.Rectal Administration of Leek and Konjac-derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation
Ya-Ru ZHANG ; Yu-Jia WU ; Cheng-Bang LIANG ; Xin-He YU ; Yan MU ; Yan TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1224-1239
ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.
3.Rectal Administration of Leek and Konjac-derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation
Ya-Ru ZHANG ; Yu-Jia WU ; Cheng-Bang LIANG ; Xin-He YU ; Yan MU ; Yan TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1224-1239
ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.
4.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
5.Protective effect of short-chain fatty acids against liver fibrosis and analogical application of its mechanism to pancreatic fibrosis
Yunjun YAN ; Liang SHENG ; Qi WANG ; Shun PENG ; Jia LI ; Lei ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1160-1165
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the main metabolic products generated by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota. Studies have shown that SCFA not only play a role in energy metabolism, but also act as important signaling molecules, exhibiting a significant potential in alleviating liver and pancreatic fibrosis. The core mechanism of SCFA mainly involves the regulation of various key signaling pathways by activating G protein-coupled receptors and inhibiting the activity of histone deacetylase, thereby suppressing the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) and pancreatic stellate cell (PSC), which is a key link in fibrosis formation. In addition, SCFA can effectively alleviate tissue inflammation response, improve intestinal barrier function, and regulate gut microbiota balance, thus indirectly preventing the process of fibrosis mediated by the “gut-liver/pancreas axis”. Compared with the research on SCFA in liver fibrosis, studies on their role in pancreatic fibrosis are limited. Given that HSC and PSC are highly homologous, the transcription factors and proteins that have been confirmed in liver fibrosis-related studies are also similarly expressed in PSC, suggesting that they may also influence the activation of PSC. This article systematically summarizes the recent advances in the research on SCFA in alleviating liver and pancreatic fibrosis, in order to provide new perspectives for exploring the mechanism of pancreatic fibrosis and developing related interventional strategies.
6.Intravesical instillation of urokinase plus heparin sodium for bladder clot irrigation:preliminary experience with 3 cases
Qi'ao JING ; Shengtong YE ; Jiaying SONG ; Tongjingzhi LIN ; Qi ZHANG ; Zicheng LI ; Yang SU ; Zhihui ZOU ; Chaozhao LIANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(1):57-59
Objective To evaluate the feasibility of intravesical instillation of urokinase and heparin sodium in the treatment of bladder clot irrigation.Methods This report discusses the diagnosis and treatment of three patients with bladder blood clot tamponade confirmed by abdominal and pelvic computed tomography(CT)scans enrolled from our hospital during Jun. to Sep. 2024, and discuss the relevant literature.Results A solution containing urokinase(20 000 IU)and heparin sodium(125 000 U)was instilled through a three-way catheter and retained for 30 minutes before drainage. Complete clot dissolution was achieved in all cases, with immediate relief of hypogastric distension and pain. Post-procedural CT showed restored bladder lumen patency. Hemoglobin levels decreased by 2-5 g/L without complications.Conclusion This preliminary trial demonstrated that intravesical instillation of urokinase-heparin provides a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative for bladder clot in irrigation cases.
7.Effect of rehabilitation robot training on abdominal muscle thickness and balance ability in children with hemiplegia
Yanhua LIANG ; Tong ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Tiantian ZHOU ; Yanqing ZHANG ; Qing YUE ; Sijia LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(8):927-937
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of rehabilitation robot training on abdominal muscles thickness and balance ability in children with hemiplegia. MethodsFrom October, 2024 to December, 2025, 58 children with hemiplegia were admitted to Beijing Bo'ai Hospital and randomly divided into control group (n = 29) and experimental group (n = 29). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation treatment, and the experimental group received rehabilitation robot training in addition, for four weeks. The thickness of bilateral external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, the time of Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), the center of pressure (COP) ellipse area, and self-selected walking speed (SWS) and maximum walking speed (MWS) of 10-meter walk test were compared before and after training. ResultsThree cases dropped out in each group. After training, the thickness of the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominis on the hemiplegic side increased significantly in the experimental group (|t| > 7.280, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.43~2.01), and was better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.895, P < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.80~1.60); the BBS score increased in both groups (|t| > 6.667, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.30~4.06), and was better in the experimental group than in the control group (t = -2.721, P < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.75). The time of TUGT decreased in both groups (t > 5.790, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.14~2.68), and was better in the experimental group than in the control group (t = 2.290, P < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.63). The SWS and MWS increased in both groups (|Z| > 2.910, P < 0.01, r = 0.40~0.68), and were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|Z| > 2.912, P < 0.05, r = 0.40~0.45), and the differences remained significant after correction. ConclusionRehabilitation robot training can improve the thickness of external oblique, the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles on the hemiplegic side in children with hemiplegia, and improve their balance and walking functions.
8.Comparative of the effects of in situ repair and full-thickness repair on partial tears of the supraspinatus tendon bursa in rotator cuff tears
Liang ZHANG ; Haomiao YU ; Ruiqi CAO ; Qian CHENG ; Zhengrong QI
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(11):742-746
Objective:To compare the efficacy of in situ repair and conversion to full-thickness repair in patients with partial tears of the supraspinatus tendon bursa side in rotator cuff tears. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 81 patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery due to Ellman grade III partial tears on the rotator cuff bursa side in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2021 to December 2022, according to the different intraoperative supraspinatus tendon repair methods, the patients were divided into the in situ repair group ( n=44) and the partial-to-full-thickness repair group ( n=37). Patients in the in situ repair group were treated with in situ repair for supraspinatus tendon repair, while those in the partial-to-full-thickness repair group were treated with partial-to-full-thickness repair for supraspinatus tendon repair. The general information, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder joint score and Constant score of the patients were compared and analyzed; the operation time, number of anchors used, and rotator cuff re-tear rate 1 year after surgery were compared and analyzed. The measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and comparisons between groups were performed using the independent samples t-test. The count data were expressed as the number of cases and percentages, and comparisons between groups were performed using the Chi-square test. Results:All 81 patients completed the follow-up. One year after surgery, the pain VAS scores of the in situ repair group and the partial-to-full-thickness repair group were 1.48±1.07 and 1.38±0.83, respectively, with no significant statistical difference ( P=0.647). The UCLA shoulder joint score and Constant score in the in situ repair group were 30.09±1.46 and 83.05±10.94, respectively, and those in the partial-to-full-thickness repair group were 30.46±1.04 and 84.95±9.20, respectively, there were no significant statistical difference ( P=0.203, 0.405). There was no significant statistical difference in the operation time between the in situ repair group and the partial-to-full-thickness repair group ( P=0.276), but the partial-to-full-thickness repair group was about 11.5 min slower on average. The number of anchors used in the in situ repair group (1.86±0.88) was significantly less than that in the partial-to-full-thickness repair group (2.51±0.65), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). There was no significant statistical difference in the re-tear rate between the two groups 1 year after surgery ( P=0.625). Conclusions:For patients with partial tears of the supraspinatus tendon bursa side in rotator cuff tears, both in situ repair and partial-to-full-thickness repair can achieve good clinical results, but conversion to full-thickness repair requires longer operation time and more anchors. The choice of specific surgical method needs to be determined based on the patient′s condition and the doctor′s technical proficiency.
9.Applied value of physical motor function assessment system in the risk assessment of recruit training injury
Wei WEI ; Wei-Xu ZHANG ; Lv-Gang ZHU ; Liang TANG ; Huan-Le LI ; Zhi-Chao XUE ; Liang ZHANG ; Hao-Feng WANG ; Qi CHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(5):531-535
Objective To assess the effectiveness of the evaluation of military physical function(EMPF)system in predicting the occurrence of military training injuries among new recruits to provide scientific guidance and methodological choice for military training.Methods A total of 527 new recruits from 5 grassroots units from July 2016 to February 2018 were selected for the study.The recruits underwent EMPF testing,and their military training injuries were monitored over a 2-year follow-up period.Those who sustained injuries during training were divided into injury group(n=163),while the remaining recruits were placed in healthy group(n=364).The predictive ability of the total EMPF score for training injuries was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),and the correlation between the total EMPF score,individual test scores,and military training injuries were analyzed using binary logistic regression.Results The total EMPF score of new recruits in injury group(19.52±1.97)was significantly lower than that of healthy group(24.31±1.54)(P<0.001),which also demonstrated a high diagnostic value in predicting the risk of military training injuries,with an area under the curve(AUC)of ROC of 0.971(P<0.001).A cut-off value of 22 scores was found to have the highest accuracy in predicting future training injuries,with an odds ratio(OR)of 25.63,sensitivity of 0.939,specificity of 0.879,positive likelihood ratio of 7.76,and a post-test probability of 0.67.Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that 6 EMPF tests,including holding the ball over and leaning back,bending forward and touching the ground with the ball,lunge squat and twist,swallow balance with holding the ball afterward,vertical jump,and respiratory pattern assessment,were negatively associated with the risk of military training injuries(P<0.0001).Conclusion The EMPF system can effectively predict the risk of military training injuries,with military personnel whose total EMPF score is less than 22 being at higher risk of sustaining such injuries.
10.Comparative analysis of the efficacy of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication for esophageal hiatal hernia
Sheng-Chang LIANG ; Jin-Lian WANG ; Yi-Bin GUO ; Qi ZHANG ; Yu-Peng ZHANG ; Ting-Bao CAO ; Kun-Peng QU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(9):1122-1128
Objective To investigate the postoperative efficacy of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair(LHHR)combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication for the treatment of esophageal hiatal hernia(HH).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the case data of HH patients who underwent LHHR combined with Toupet(Toupet group,n=53)and Dor(Dor group,n=53)fundoplication between December 2018 and December 2022 in Department of General Surgery of Gansu Provincial Hospital.Intraoperative and postoperative recovery outcomes of both groups were observed.We analyzed and compared the incidence of dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire(GERD-Q)scores at preoperative and postoperative intervals of 1 month,6 months,and 1 year.The incidence of postoperative complications and the 1-year recurrence rate were compared between the two groups.Additionally,factors influencing postoperative dysphagia within the first month were examined.Results The differences between the two groups in operation time,intraoperative bleeding,postoperative ventilation time,postoperative extubation time and hospitalization time were not statistically significant(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of immediate postoperative dysphagia in two groups(P>0.05).Furthermore,the differences between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative complications,such as bloating,abdominal pain and diarrhea,were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The incidence of dysphagia in Toupet group was higher than that in Dor group at 1 month postoperatively,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.017);but the difference in the incidence of dysphagia between the two groups at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively was not statistically significant(P=0.767,1.000).The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that both surgical procedure(OR=2.613,95%CI 1.141-5.983,P=0.023)and esophageal contractile reserve function(OR=2.921,95%CI 1.203-7.095,P=0.018)were independent risk factors for the incidence of dysphagia in patients with HH at 1 month after surgery.Compared with the preoperative period,the GERD-Q symptom scores were lower in both groups at 1 month,6 months,and 1 year postoperatively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the same time point(Fintergroup=0.334,P=0.565).The difference between the two groups in 1-year postoperative recurrence rates was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusions LHHR combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication are both safe and effective surgical procedures for the treatment of HH,with excellent reflux control,fewer complications and lower recurrence rates,but Toupet fundoplication is more likely to have postoperative short-term dysphagia than Dor fundoplication.

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