1.Research highlights on kidney transplantation in 2025 from China
Jiexuan CHEN ; Zihuan LUO ; Qiquan SUN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):555-562
Kidney transplantation is the first-line treatment for end-stage renal disease. However, the shortage of donor organs, graft injury and rejection remain major bottlenecks restricting its long-term efficacy. In 2025, breakthrough advances have been achieved in both basic and clinical research in the field of kidney transplantation. In terms of expanding donor sources, multi-gene-modified porcine xenotransplantation have achieved long-term survival in non-human primate models, and the construction of "universal type O donor kidneys" via enzymatic conversion has broken through the barrier of ABO-incompatible transplantation. Regarding the mechanisms and protection of graft injury, studies have deeply elucidated the molecular mechanism by which lactylation of nucleophosmin 1 drives ferroptosis and metabolic reprogramming during ischemia-reperfusion injury, and precise intervention strategies based on nanocarriers and mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have been developed. In the diagnosis and treatment of rejection, single-cell RNA sequencing has finely mapped the immune response landscape including Isg15+ macrophages, and functional MRI as well as molecular imaging targeting fibroblast activation protein have significantly improved the efficacy of non-invasive monitoring of rejection. In addition, individualized immunosuppressive regimens based on pharmacogenomics and comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies for various complications have further optimized the whole-life-cycle management of transplant recipients. This article systematically reviews and summarizes the research progress made by Chinese teams in renal transplantation in 2025, aiming to provide references for clinical practice and future research directions.
2.Endothelial dysfunction in solid organ transplantation
Yongxian ZHENG ; Yannan ZHANG ; Qiquan SUN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):666-672
Organ transplantation is a crucial approach for saving patients with end-stage organ failure. However, transplant organs are frequently subjected to various pathological insults, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury and rejection during the processes of procurement, preservation and revascularization, which severely compromise graft survival and function. Endothelial dysfunction represents a core determinant of graft function and transplant outcomes. Factors including ischemia-reperfusion injury, rejection, immunosuppressive drug use and cytomegalovirus infection drive endothelial dysregulation through diverse acute or chronic mechanisms. In the acute phase, endothelial injury contributes to delayed graft function and acute rejection, while in the chronic phase, it manifests as graft vasculopathy, ultimately leading to graft failure. This review summarizes the key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying endothelial injury in organ transplantation, its clinical consequences and preventive and therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide insights for improving endothelial function and transplant outcomes.
3.Progress in the treatment of central venous lesion in hemodialysis patients
Changli SUN ; Qiquan LAI ; Yu ZHOU ; Bo CHEN ; Ziming WAN
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(8):636-641
Central venous lesion represents one of the common complications affecting vascular access in hemodialysis patients, potentially compromising hemodialysis efficacy. The management of symptomatic central venous lesion remains a critical challenge in clinical practice. Current primary treatment strategies include percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal stenting. Advances in techniques such as sharp recanalization and the mother-child platform approach, along with the development of high-pressure balloons, paclitaxel- coated balloons, and covered stents, have significantly improved procedural success rates. However, unresolved issues persist, including standardized treatment protocols, technical considerations for lesion traversal, and optimal stent selection criteria. This article comprehensively reviews the treatment principles, lesion passage techniques, treatment techniques, and recent advancements of central venous lesion.
4.Professor Liu Qiquan's Clinical Experience in Treating Acne Based on the Theory of"Internal Retention and Stagnation of Heat Pathogen"
Mengqian SUN ; Nailin ZHANG ; Mengfan REN ; Ruohan WANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Hua CAO ; Qiquan LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(12):170-174
This article summarized Professor Liu Qiquan's clinical experience in the treatment of acne from the perspective of"internal retention and stagnation of heat pathogen".Professor Liu believes that the core pathogenesis of acne lies in the internal retention and stagnation of heat pathogen,which manifests as external skin inflammation,with the primary focus being on the heat pathogen.With the pathogen inside the body,the progress of disease and syndrome is related to"toxin,depression,blood stasis and deficiency".At the same time,the disease is also closely related to the dysfunction of the five-zang organs.Professor Liu points out that"to resist the outside,one must first settle the inside",and treats acne from the five internal organs.Based on the idea of"internal retention and stagnation of heat pathogen",according to the symptoms of the patients,the comprehensive use of methods to guide the treatment,such as penetrating turbidity,removing pathogenic factors and detoxifying heat,promoting qi and dispersing stagnant heat,cooling collaterals to control blood and breaking stasis heat,and restraining qi,softening yin and supporting deficiency heat,has been proved to have a good clinical effect.One medical case was attached as evidence.
5.Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers from the Perspective of "Heart"
Mengfan REN ; Nailin ZHANG ; Ruohan WANG ; Mengqian SUN ; Pingping CHEN ; Hua CAO ; Qiquan LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1174-1177
Based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory that "all pain, itching, and sores are related to the heart", this paper proposes treating recurrent aphthous ulcers from the perspective of the heart. It suggests that excessive heart fire and tissue erosion due to flaming fire in the heart meridian constitute the core pathogenesis of this condition. Hyperactive heart fire is identified as the key pathogenic factor, while heart yin deficiency, obstruction of the heart collaterals, and malnourishment of the heart spirit are considered significant contributing factors. Clinically, the treatment follows the principle of clearing heart fire as the main strategy, supplemented by nourishing yin, activating collaterals, and calming the spirit. The self-formulated Qingxin Yuchuang Formulation (清心愈疮方) serves as the base prescription, with flexible modifications incorporating the Yuyin Formulation (育阴方), Huoxue Formulation (活血方), and Yu'an Formulation (郁安方) to address specific syndromes involving heart yin deficiency, collateral blockage, and emotional disturbance.
6.Research highlights of kidney transplantation in 2024: voice from China
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):359-367
Kidney transplantation is a crucial treatment modality for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, it still faces numerous challenges, including a severe imbalance between supply and demand, ischemia-reperfusion injury, rejection, infection, and chronic allograft dysfunction. In the past year, with the development of genetic modification technologies, immune regulation strategies, new materials and technologies, in-depth research into pathogenic mechanisms, and breakthroughs in xenotransplantation, significant progress has been made in the field of kidney transplantation. This article reviews the main advances in kidney transplantation research by domestic research teams in 2024, with a focus on the application of new materials and technologies in kidney transplantation research, the mechanisms and treatment strategies for ischemia-reperfusion injury, rejection, infection management, and chronic graft dysfunction, as well as the development of xenotransplantation in China. It also provides a commentary based on the latest research literature, exploring future research directions and clinical application prospects.
7.Zanubrutinib inhibits macrophage infiltration to ameliorate renal fibrosis after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Qi LIU ; Yannan ZHANG ; Qiquan SUN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):545-555
Objective To explore the action mechanism of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor zanubrutinib on renal fibrosis after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI). Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, modeling group and modeling + zanubrutinib treatment group (zanubrutinib group), with 5 mice in each group. The groups underwent sham operation, RIRI modeling and RIRI modeling + zanubrutinib (5 mg/kg) treatment, respectively. Tissues were collected after 21 days. The morphological changes of the kidneys, histopathological changes, levels of M1 macrophages in the kidneys, inflammatory responses in the kidneys, and the expression of related inflammatory signaling pathways of macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) + interferon(IFN)-γ in vitro after lentivirus transfection were observed. Results Compared with the sham operation group, the kidneys of the modeling group mice shrank, the ratio of unilateral kidney weight to mouse body weight decreased, renal tubular interstitial fibrosis worsened, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen in the kidneys increased. The expression of F4/80 and CD86 in the kidneys increased, the lumen of the renal proximal convoluted tubules was significantly dilated, cellular debris accumulated in the lumen and inflammatory cell infiltration occurred, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of CD86, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-1β in the kidneys increased. Compared with the modeling group, the kidneys of the zanubrutinib group mice enlarged after RIRI, the ratio of unilateral kidney weight to mouse body weight increased, renal tubular interstitial fibrosis was alleviated, and the expression of α-SMA and type I collagen in the kidneys decreased. The expression of F4/80 and CD86 in the kidneys decreased, the number of CD45+ lymphocytes and CD11b+ F4/80+ macrophages in the kidneys decreased, the infiltration of CD11b+ F4/80+ and CD86+ macrophages in the damaged tissue decreased, the degree of renal inflammatory pathological changes was milder, and the mRNA levels of CD86, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and IL-1β in the kidneys decreased. In vitro experiments using LPS+IFN-γ to induce M1-type macrophages found that the phosphorylation levels of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB increased, while the phosphorylation levels decreased after BTK knockdown, indicating that BTK knockdown may inhibit the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB related inflammatory signaling pathways, thereby reducing the pro-inflammatory effects of LPS+IFN-γ induced M1-type macrophages. Conclusions Zanubrutinib may alleviate renal fibrosis after RIRI by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB related inflammatory signaling pathways, reducing the infiltration of M1 macrophages and the expression of related inflammatory factors, providing potential evidence for its clinical application.
8.Application of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients with organ donation after cardiac death in China
Wujun XUE ; Yaowen FU ; Tao LIN ; Jianli WANG ; Changxi WANG ; Qiquan SUN ; Yingzi MING ; Qifa YE
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):710-717
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immuneglobulin(rATG)induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients from donation after cardiac death in China.Methods This was a prospective,multicenter,single-arm and interventional study conducted in China(NCT03099122).Adult patients who underwent kidney transplantation from donation after cardiac death and received rATG induction therapy(cumulative dose of 5 mg/kg)were included.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with acute rejection(AR),delayed graft function(DGF),graft failure and patient death.The occurrence of adverse events was also analyzed.Results A total of 115 adult patients were enrolled in the study,of whom 107 were evaluable for efficacy.The incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection(BPAR)and acute rejection(AR)was 2.8%(95%confidence interval 0.6%-8.0%)and 4.7%(95%confidence interval 1.5%-10.6%),respectively.The incidence of delayed graft function(DGF)was 13.1%(95%confidence interval 7.3%-21.0%).Graft and patient survival rates were 97.2%(95%confidence interval 92.0%-99.4%)and 99.1%(95%confidence interval 94.9%-100%),respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that donor serum creatinine and recipient panel reactive antibodies were risk factors for DGF(both P<0.05).Common treatment-emergent adverse events(incidence>5%)included anemia(8.7%),infectious pneumonia(8.7%),and urinary tract infection(8.7%).Conclusions Standard-dose rATG induction therapy demonstrates low incidences of BPAR,AR,and DGF,and good safety in kidney transplant recipients from donation after cardiac death in China.
9.Application of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients with organ donation after cardiac death in China
Wujun XUE ; Yaowen FU ; Tao LIN ; Jianli WANG ; Changxi WANG ; Qiquan SUN ; Yingzi MING ; Qifa YE
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):710-717
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immuneglobulin(rATG)induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients from donation after cardiac death in China.Methods This was a prospective,multicenter,single-arm and interventional study conducted in China(NCT03099122).Adult patients who underwent kidney transplantation from donation after cardiac death and received rATG induction therapy(cumulative dose of 5 mg/kg)were included.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with acute rejection(AR),delayed graft function(DGF),graft failure and patient death.The occurrence of adverse events was also analyzed.Results A total of 115 adult patients were enrolled in the study,of whom 107 were evaluable for efficacy.The incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection(BPAR)and acute rejection(AR)was 2.8%(95%confidence interval 0.6%-8.0%)and 4.7%(95%confidence interval 1.5%-10.6%),respectively.The incidence of delayed graft function(DGF)was 13.1%(95%confidence interval 7.3%-21.0%).Graft and patient survival rates were 97.2%(95%confidence interval 92.0%-99.4%)and 99.1%(95%confidence interval 94.9%-100%),respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that donor serum creatinine and recipient panel reactive antibodies were risk factors for DGF(both P<0.05).Common treatment-emergent adverse events(incidence>5%)included anemia(8.7%),infectious pneumonia(8.7%),and urinary tract infection(8.7%).Conclusions Standard-dose rATG induction therapy demonstrates low incidences of BPAR,AR,and DGF,and good safety in kidney transplant recipients from donation after cardiac death in China.
10.Progress in the treatment of central venous lesion in hemodialysis patients
Changli SUN ; Qiquan LAI ; Yu ZHOU ; Bo CHEN ; Ziming WAN
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(8):636-641
Central venous lesion represents one of the common complications affecting vascular access in hemodialysis patients, potentially compromising hemodialysis efficacy. The management of symptomatic central venous lesion remains a critical challenge in clinical practice. Current primary treatment strategies include percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal stenting. Advances in techniques such as sharp recanalization and the mother-child platform approach, along with the development of high-pressure balloons, paclitaxel- coated balloons, and covered stents, have significantly improved procedural success rates. However, unresolved issues persist, including standardized treatment protocols, technical considerations for lesion traversal, and optimal stent selection criteria. This article comprehensively reviews the treatment principles, lesion passage techniques, treatment techniques, and recent advancements of central venous lesion.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail