1.Study on the safety and efficacy of micro-perfusion device for preserving isolated porcine limbs
Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Man YUAN ; Xiwei PENG ; Jia LÜ ; Sice WANG ; Zhibo JIA ; Xiangyu SONG ; Yixuan ZHU ; Chonghui LI ; Moling XIAO ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):422-431
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a self-developed micro-normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) system (micro-perfusion device) for preserving isolated porcine limbs. Methods Five healthy Landrace pigs were selected, and their left and right forelimbs were randomly divided into the NMP group and static cold storage (SCS) group. The NMP group was perfused with the self-developed micro-perfusion device and polymerized hemoglobin perfusate for 32 hours at normothermia, while the SCS group was preserved at 4 ℃. Hemodynamic parameters such as perfusion pressure and flow were monitored. The pH value, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), lactic acid (Lac), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the perfusate were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess the muscle tissue structure, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was employed to evaluate muscle cell apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry staining was applied to detect the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. A mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effects of time and treatment methods on tissue structure, cell apoptosis and inflammatory factors. Results The device could stably maintain a perfusion pressure of (69±15) mmHg and a flow rate of (117±42) mL/min. The pH value and electrolytes of the perfusate were generally stable, with PO2 maintained at a high level. Lac was maintained at 5.38(3.81, 6.45) mmol/L, while CK and LDH increased over time. After 32 hours of perfusion in the NMP group, both the myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate were better than those in the SCS group. Mixed-effects model analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate per unit time (both P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in TNF-α and IL-6 between the two groups, and mixed-effects model analysis showed no statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on TNF-α and IL-6 per unit time (both P > 0.05). Conclusions The micro-perfusion device used in this study may achieve 32-hour normothermic preservation in a porcine limb amputation model, maintain basic metabolism and ionic homeostasis, reduce muscle structural damage and cell apoptosis without inducing additional inflammatory responses. This technology is expected to significantly extend the time window for replantation of amputated limbs in disaster rescue and long-distance transportation, providing an important technical basis for clinical translation and subsequent replantation research.
2.Identification of novel pathogenic variants in genes related to pancreatic β cell function: A multi-center study in Chinese with young-onset diabetes.
Fan YU ; Yinfang TU ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Tianwei GU ; Haoyong YU ; Xiangyu MENG ; Si CHEN ; Fengjing LIU ; Ke HUANG ; Tianhao BA ; Siqian GONG ; Danfeng PENG ; Dandan YAN ; Xiangnan FANG ; Tongyu WANG ; Yang HUA ; Xianghui CHEN ; Hongli CHEN ; Jie XU ; Rong ZHANG ; Linong JI ; Yan BI ; Xueyao HAN ; Hong ZHANG ; Cheng HU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(9):1129-1131
3.Preliminary study on preparation of decellularized nerve grafts from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs and their immune rejection in xenotransplantation.
Yuli LIU ; Jinjuan ZHAO ; Xiangyu SONG ; Zhibo JIA ; Chaochao LI ; Tieyuan ZHANG ; Xiangling LI ; Shi YAN ; Ruichao HE ; Jiang PENG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(2):224-229
OBJECTIVE:
To prepare decellularized nerve grafts from alpha-1, 3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-edited pigs and explore their biocompatibility for xenotransplantation.
METHODS:
The sciatic nerves from wild-type pigs and GGTA1 gene-edited pigs were obtained and underwent decellularization. The alpha-galactosidase (α-gal) content in the sciatic nerves of GGTA1 gene-edited pigs was detected by using IB4 fluorescence staining and ELISA method to verify the knockout status of the GGTA1 gene, and using human sciatic nerve as a control. HE staining and scanning electron microscopy observation were used to observe the structure of the nerve samples. Immunofluorescence staining and DNA content determination were used to evaluate the degree of decellularization of the nerve samples. Fourteen nude mice were taken, and subcutaneous capsules were prepared on both sides of the spine. Decellularized nerve samples of wild-type pigs ( n=7) and GGTA1 gene-edited pigs ( n=7) were randomly implanted in the subcutaneous capsules. Blood was drawn at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after implantation to detect neutrophil counting.
RESULTS:
IB4 fluorescence staining and ELISA detection showed that GGTA1 gene was successfully knocked out in the nerves of GGTA1 gene-edited pigs. HE staining showed that the structure of the decellularized nerve from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs was well preserved; the nerve basement membrane tube structure was visible under scanning electron microscopy; no cell nuclei was observed, and the extracellular matrix components was retained in the nerve grafts by immunofluorescence staining; and the DNA content was significantly reduced when compared with the normal nerves ( P<0.05). In vivo experiments showed that the number of neutrophils in the two groups were similar at 1, 3, and 7 days after implantation, with no significant difference ( P>0.05); only at 5 days, the number of neutrophils was significantly lower in the GGTA1 gene-edited pigs than in the wild-type pigs ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The decellularized nerve grafts from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs have well-preserved nerve structure, complete decellularization, retain the natural nerve basement membrane tube structure and components, and low immune response after xenotransplantation through in vitro experiments.
Animals
;
Transplantation, Heterologous
;
Galactosyltransferases/genetics*
;
Sciatic Nerve/immunology*
;
Swine
;
Tissue Engineering/methods*
;
Humans
;
Graft Rejection/prevention & control*
;
Gene Editing
;
Mice
;
Mice, Nude
;
Heterografts/immunology*
;
Animals, Genetically Modified
;
Tissue Scaffolds
;
Decellularized Extracellular Matrix
4.Identification of a JAK-STAT-miR155HG positive feedback loop in regulating natural killer (NK) cells proliferation and effector functions.
Songyang LI ; Yongjie LIU ; Xiaofeng YIN ; Yao YANG ; Xinjia LIU ; Jiaxing QIU ; Qinglan YANG ; Yana LI ; Zhiguo TAN ; Hongyan PENG ; Peiwen XIONG ; Shuting WU ; Lanlan HUANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Sulai LIU ; Yuxing GONG ; Yuan GAO ; Lingling ZHANG ; Junping WANG ; Yafei DENG ; Zhaoyang ZHONG ; Youcai DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1922-1937
The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.
5.Analysis of the application effect, access safety and infection-related factors of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in series with continuous renal replacement therapy access in critically ill patients.
Xiangyu ZHU ; Yan SHI ; Peng XIE ; Jing FU ; Wenhan GE ; Haichen YANG
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(10):962-967
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the efficacy and access safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in series with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) access for critically ill patients using propensity score matching analysis, and to explore the potential influencing factors of infection.
METHODS:
A total of 200 critically ill patients who received both ECMO and CRRT treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Huai'an Second People's Hospital from December 2020 to December 2024 were retrospectively selected as the research subjects. They were divided into the independent operation group (72 cases) and the series system group (128 cases) according to the access connection mode of ECMO and CRRT. Propensity score matching analysis was used to perform 1 : 1 matching for patients of the two groups. The general data [age, gender, body mass index (BMI), clinical diagnosis, underlying disease, intubation method, intubation position, disease severity, ECMO support duration, catheter indwelling duration, oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) at 48 hours after ECMO initiation, serum creatinine (SCr), procalcitonin (PCT), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT)], treatment status [ECMO initiation duration, ECMO operation duration, ECMO flow, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), CRRT initiation duration, CRRT catheter indwelling duration, inflow and outflow volume of replacement fluid], clinical outcome indicators (28-day survival rate, length of ICU stay, renal function recovery, fluid balance compliance rate), and access safety indicators (incidence of ECMO access thrombosis, incidence of infection, and incidence of bleeding events) of all the patients were collected. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on the occurrence of infection, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the potential risk factors for infection in critically ill patients receiving both ECMO and CRRT treatment.
RESULTS:
Finally, a total of 120 patients were successfully matched, with 60 patients in both the independent operation group and the series system group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the general data between the two groups, indicating comparability. Compared with the independent operation group, the ECMO flow at 48 hours after ECMO initiation, SCr, and alanine transaminase (ALT) of the patients in the series system group were significantly decreased, while the LVEF at 48 hours after ECMO initiation was significantly increased, additionally, the CRRT initiation duration, CRRT catheter indwelling duration, and the length of ICU stay were significantly shortened, and the inflow and outflow volume of replacement fluid were significantly increased. The incidence of infection and bleeding events in the series system group was significantly lower than that in the independent operation group [infection incidence: 11.67% (7/60) vs. 36.67% (22/60), bleeding event incidence: 8.33% (5/60) vs. 48.33% (29/60), both P < 0.05]. No significant difference was found in the other general data, treatment status, clinical outcome indicators, or access safety indicators between the two groups. Among the 120 patients, 29 cases developed infection (accounting for 24.17%), and 91 cases had no infection (accounting for 75.83%). Compared with the non-infection group, the catheter indwelling duration was significantly prolonged and PCT was significantly increased in the infection group, while the PLT and the proportion of patients with ECMO and CRRT access connected via the series system were significantly decreased. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that catheter indwelling duration [odds ratio (OR) = 1.277, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.001-1.629, P = 0.049], PCT (OR = 1.529, 95%CI was 1.222-1.914, P < 0.001], PLT (OR = 0.953, 95%CI was 0.926-0.981, P = 0.001), and access connection mode (OR = 0.289, 95%CI was 0.090-0.930, P = 0.037) were potential risk factors for infection in critically ill patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The ECMO-in-series CRRT access can accelerate the initiation of CRRT, avoid local bleeding, stabilize patients' cardiac, hepatic and renal functions, reduce potential infection risks, and improve the prognosis of patients.
Humans
;
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/adverse effects*
;
Critical Illness/therapy*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
;
Male
;
Female
;
Intensive Care Units
;
Propensity Score
;
Middle Aged
;
Renal Replacement Therapy
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Risk Factors
6.Association of latent profiles of mobile phone dependence and self control with physical exercise among junior high school students
YAN Chuqi, ZHANG Tiancheng, ZHANG Fulan, WANG Aolun, PENG Jinyin, CHEN Ziyi, LUO Xiangyu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):391-395
Objective:
To explore the association of latent profiles of mobile phone dependence and self control with physical exercise among junior high school students, so as to provide references for the prevention of mobile phone dependence and the improvement of self control among junior high school students.
Methods:
From April to May 2024, a stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select a total of 2 311 students from grade 7 to grade 9 in three public junior high schools in Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify the latent profiles of mobile phone dependence and self control among junior high school students. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between mobile phone dependence and self control, and Chi square test was used to analyze the distribution differences of latent profiles of adolescents across different demographic characteristics. Multiple Logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the association between mobile phone dependence, self control, and physical exercise.
Results:
Four latent profiles of mobile phone dependence and self control were identified: low dependence-moderate self control group ( n =885, 38.3%), moderate dependence-low self control group ( n =910, 39.4%), high dependence-no self control group ( n =232, 10.0%), and no dependence-high self control group ( n =284, 12.3%). Significant differences were observed in the distribution of latent profiles across gender, grade and only child status ( χ 2=10.85, 35.72, 13.85, P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after controlling for demographic variables, compared with the low dependence-moderate self control group, physical exercise was negatively associated with the moderate dependence-low self control group ( OR =0.79) and the high dependence-no self control group ( OR =0.81), while positively associated with the no dependence-high self control group ( OR =1.58) ( P <0.01).
Conclusions
The influence of physical exercise on junior high school students different potential profile types of mobile phone dependence and self control is different. Schools and families should adopt targeted physical exercise interventions based on the characteristics of different profiles to promote the physical and mental health of junior high school students.
7.Protective effects of normothermic machine perfusion on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs of pigs
Zhibo JIA ; Yanghui DONG ; Xiangyu SONG ; Haochen ZUO ; Zhancheng YANG ; Heng CHEN ; Xiwei PENG ; Boyao YANG ; Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Mengyi CUI ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(1):97-105
Objective:To compare the protective effects of the static cold storage (SCS) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs of pigs.Methods:Four Landrace pigs were selected, from which eight limbs were amputated and divided into SCS group ( n=5) and NMP group ( n=3) according to the random number table method. After blood collection from the carotid artery, an amputated limb model was established by amputating the limbs at the scapulohumeral joints. The limbs in the SCS group were wrapped in sterile cloth and stored at 4 ℃ for 24 hours. In the NMP group, the limbs were mechanically perfused with a red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid at 37 ℃ for 24 hours, with 70% of the perfusion fluid replaced every 6 hours. Before the experiment, cross-matching tests with the saline medium were conducted between donor and recipient pigs to evaluate blood coagulation and blood safety in the NMP group. An allogeneic red blood cell perfusion fluid was prepared and the levels of pH, Na +, K +, Cl -, Ca 2+, glucose (Glu), hematocrit (Hct), lactic acid (Lac) and osmotic pressure of the perfusion fluid were measured. At 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion, the skin temperature and oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO 2) levels in the NMP group were monitored and the levels of pH, Glu, creatine kinase (Ck), K +, Ca 2+, and Na +levels of the perfusion fluid were analyzed to evaluate the metabolism of the skeletal muscle in the amputated limbs. The mean intercellular distance and apoptosis index of the myocytes were quantitatively analyzed and histopathological changes were observed by performing HE staining and TUNEL staining on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs in both groups at 0 and 24 hours after perfusion. After perfusion was ended, the weight gain rate and swelling degree of the amputated limbs were compared between the two groups and the overall state of the amputated limbs was evaluated. Results:The result of the cross-matching test between donor and recipient pig blood was negative. The parameters in the prepared red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid generally maintained within a normal range: pH 7.38±0.04, Na + concentration (138.30±4.48)mmol/L, K + concentration (3.50±0.26)mmol/L, Glu concentration (6.11±2.08)mmol/L, and osmotic pressure (305.67±3.79)mmol/L. However, slightly higher Cl - and Ca 2+ concentrations [(118.34±12.00)mmol/L and (2.00±0.15)mmol/L] and lower Hct and lactate concentrations [0.30±0.03 and (1.54±0.38)mmol/L] were detected when compared with the reference range. During the perfusion, the average skin temperature of the amputated limbs in the NMP group was (36.13±0.98)℃, with the skin temperatures at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion being significantly higher than that at 0 hour ( P<0.01), while no significant difference among the skin temperatures at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion was observed ( P>0.05). The SaO 2 levels in the skin of the amputated limbs in the NMP group averaged over 95%, which showed no significant difference at 0, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion ( P>0.05), while a significant elevation was observed at 6 hours compared with that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in pH, Glu, Na +, and Ca 2+ levels in the NMP group at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion ( P>0.05), while the Ck levels at 18 and 24 hours were both significantly higher than that at 6 hours after perfusion ( P<0.05), and the Ck levels at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours were all significantly higher than that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). The K + level progressively increased with the perfusion time, with significant elevations at 18 and 24 hours after perfusion compared with that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). HE staining revealed well-preserved muscle fiber continuity and regular arrangement in the NMP group and the SCS group at 0 hour, with an intercellular distance of (8.95±0.60)μm. At 24 hours, the NMP group exhibited slight skeletal muscle fiber rupture and swelling, with a slightly increased intercellular distance of (14.75±0.90)μm, significantly greater than that at 0 hour ( P<0.01). At 24 hours, the SCS group showed marked skeletal muscle fiber rupture and swelling, with a significantly increased intercellular distance of (23.51±1.49)μm, significantly larger than those at 0 hour in the same group and at 24 hours in the NMP group ( P<0.01). TUNEL immunofluorescence staining indicated a tiny amount of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle in both groups at 0 hour, with an apoptotic index of (4.26±1.62)%. There was a small number of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle in the NMP group at 24 hours, with an apoptotic index of (25.94±2.69)%, significantly larger than that in the same group at 0 hour ( P<0.01). The SCS group exhibited a large number of apoptotic cells at 24 hours, with an apoptotic index of (62.97±3.22)%, significantly larger than those at 0 hour in the same group and at 24 hours in the NMP group ( P<0.01). In comparison with the SCS group at 24 hours, the amputated limbs in the NMP group showed red color in the appearance, no symptoms of ischemic muscle contracture and good joint movement despite slight edema in the subcutaneous layer. At 24 hours, the weight gain rate of the amputated limbs was (15.82±0.89)% in the NMP group, significantly higher than (0.97±0.28)% in the SCS group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Compared with SCS, NMP with the red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid prepared with the allogeneic blood for the amputated limbs of pigs can alleviate the ischemic injury of the muscle fibers and inhibit the apoptosis of the muscle cells by sustaining stable energy and oxygen supply and balancing ion homeostasis and pH of the perfusion fluid.
8.Exploring the protective effects of subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion of genetically modified porcine erythrocyte perfusate on ischemic and hypoxic brain injury in cynomolgus monkeys
Shen LI ; Yanghui DONG ; Xiangyu SONG ; Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Yixuan ZHU ; Mengyi CUI ; Xiwei PENG ; Long CHENG ; Man YUAN ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG ; Yaqun ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):728-737
Objective To explore the protective effects of genetically modified porcine erythrocyte suspension as a subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusate on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in cynomolgus monkeys caused by traumatic hemorrhage.Methods Cynomolgus monkeys were randomly divided into positive and negative control groups(a total of 3 monkeys,with 3 left cerebral hemispheres as the positive control group and 3 right cerebral hemispheres as the negative control group)and the subnormothermic perfusion group(n=3).The positive control group was directly sampled 1 hour after circulatory arrest,while the negative control group was placed at subnormothermic conditions for 6 hours after circulatory arrest.The subnormothermic perfusion group underwent 6 hours of subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries of the cynomolgus monkey hypoxic-ischemic brain injury model using genetically modified porcine erythrocyte suspension 1 hour after circulatory arrest.Before perfusion,cross-matching experiments were conducted between the six genetically modified pig and the cynomolgus monkeys.After the start of perfusion,the levels of routine blood indicators in the perfusate were detected at 0,1,2,3,4,5 and 6 hours.Blood oxygen saturation was recorded,and the levels of Na+,K+,Ca2+,glucose and blood pH in the perfusate were measured,as well as the levels of IgG and IgM in the perfusate.After 6 hours of perfusion,the water content of the brain tissue was measured.Nissl staining was performed on the frontal cortex and hippocampal regions,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and neuronal nuclear antigen(NEUN).Results The cross-matching results between the six genetically modified pig and the cynomolgus monkeys were negative.The number of red blood cells in the perfusate decreased significantly at 3 hours of perfusion,and the hemoglobin level showed a downward trend at 1,3,5 and 6 hours.The number of white blood cells and platelets decreased at all time points.The blood oxygen saturation in the subnormothermic perfusion group remained stable at 95%-98%,and the levels of blood oxygen saturation,Na+,Ca2+,glucose and pH were stable,while the K+level first increased and then decreased.There was no significant difference in the levels of IgG and IgM before and after perfusion.The water content of brain tissue at the end of perfusion in the subnormothermic perfusion group was significantly higher than that in the positive control group(P<0.001).Nissl staining results showed that compared with the positive control group,the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex of the subnormothermic perfusion group maintained better morphological integrity,with no significant increase in enlarged and deformed cells.In the hippocampal CA1 region,there was a slight increase in enlarged and deformed cells,and a few cells with undamaged structures showed reduced cell size.In the hippocampal dentate gyrus,fewer granule neurons had compromised structural integrity,with increased cell edema.NEUN immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 region of the subnormothermic perfusion group had better morphological states,with clear axons.The granule cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were well preserved,but the nuclei were less well protected.GFAP immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the subnormothermic perfusion group had sparser protrusions that were more tightly associated with neurons.Iba1 immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the subnormothermic perfusion group had thicker and fewer protrusions.Conclusions Compared with the positive control group,subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion with genetically modified porcine erythrocyte perfusate increases brain tissue edema in cynomolgus monkeys,but better preserves the morphological integrity of neurons and glial cells.The protective effects may be related to the continuous oxygen and energy supply,maintenance of ion homeostasis and perfusate pH,reduced rejection,and low metabolic state of the whole brain.
9.Exploring the protective effects of subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion of genetically modified porcine erythrocyte perfusate on ischemic and hypoxic brain injury in cynomolgus monkeys
Shen LI ; Yanghui DONG ; Xiangyu SONG ; Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Yixuan ZHU ; Mengyi CUI ; Xiwei PENG ; Long CHENG ; Man YUAN ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG ; Yaqun ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):728-737
Objective To explore the protective effects of genetically modified porcine erythrocyte suspension as a subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusate on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in cynomolgus monkeys caused by traumatic hemorrhage.Methods Cynomolgus monkeys were randomly divided into positive and negative control groups(a total of 3 monkeys,with 3 left cerebral hemispheres as the positive control group and 3 right cerebral hemispheres as the negative control group)and the subnormothermic perfusion group(n=3).The positive control group was directly sampled 1 hour after circulatory arrest,while the negative control group was placed at subnormothermic conditions for 6 hours after circulatory arrest.The subnormothermic perfusion group underwent 6 hours of subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries of the cynomolgus monkey hypoxic-ischemic brain injury model using genetically modified porcine erythrocyte suspension 1 hour after circulatory arrest.Before perfusion,cross-matching experiments were conducted between the six genetically modified pig and the cynomolgus monkeys.After the start of perfusion,the levels of routine blood indicators in the perfusate were detected at 0,1,2,3,4,5 and 6 hours.Blood oxygen saturation was recorded,and the levels of Na+,K+,Ca2+,glucose and blood pH in the perfusate were measured,as well as the levels of IgG and IgM in the perfusate.After 6 hours of perfusion,the water content of the brain tissue was measured.Nissl staining was performed on the frontal cortex and hippocampal regions,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and neuronal nuclear antigen(NEUN).Results The cross-matching results between the six genetically modified pig and the cynomolgus monkeys were negative.The number of red blood cells in the perfusate decreased significantly at 3 hours of perfusion,and the hemoglobin level showed a downward trend at 1,3,5 and 6 hours.The number of white blood cells and platelets decreased at all time points.The blood oxygen saturation in the subnormothermic perfusion group remained stable at 95%-98%,and the levels of blood oxygen saturation,Na+,Ca2+,glucose and pH were stable,while the K+level first increased and then decreased.There was no significant difference in the levels of IgG and IgM before and after perfusion.The water content of brain tissue at the end of perfusion in the subnormothermic perfusion group was significantly higher than that in the positive control group(P<0.001).Nissl staining results showed that compared with the positive control group,the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex of the subnormothermic perfusion group maintained better morphological integrity,with no significant increase in enlarged and deformed cells.In the hippocampal CA1 region,there was a slight increase in enlarged and deformed cells,and a few cells with undamaged structures showed reduced cell size.In the hippocampal dentate gyrus,fewer granule neurons had compromised structural integrity,with increased cell edema.NEUN immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 region of the subnormothermic perfusion group had better morphological states,with clear axons.The granule cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were well preserved,but the nuclei were less well protected.GFAP immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the subnormothermic perfusion group had sparser protrusions that were more tightly associated with neurons.Iba1 immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the positive control group,the subnormothermic perfusion group had thicker and fewer protrusions.Conclusions Compared with the positive control group,subnormothermic normoxic mechanical perfusion with genetically modified porcine erythrocyte perfusate increases brain tissue edema in cynomolgus monkeys,but better preserves the morphological integrity of neurons and glial cells.The protective effects may be related to the continuous oxygen and energy supply,maintenance of ion homeostasis and perfusate pH,reduced rejection,and low metabolic state of the whole brain.
10.Protective effects of normothermic machine perfusion on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs of pigs
Zhibo JIA ; Yanghui DONG ; Xiangyu SONG ; Haochen ZUO ; Zhancheng YANG ; Heng CHEN ; Xiwei PENG ; Boyao YANG ; Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Mengyi CUI ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(1):97-105
Objective:To compare the protective effects of the static cold storage (SCS) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs of pigs.Methods:Four Landrace pigs were selected, from which eight limbs were amputated and divided into SCS group ( n=5) and NMP group ( n=3) according to the random number table method. After blood collection from the carotid artery, an amputated limb model was established by amputating the limbs at the scapulohumeral joints. The limbs in the SCS group were wrapped in sterile cloth and stored at 4 ℃ for 24 hours. In the NMP group, the limbs were mechanically perfused with a red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid at 37 ℃ for 24 hours, with 70% of the perfusion fluid replaced every 6 hours. Before the experiment, cross-matching tests with the saline medium were conducted between donor and recipient pigs to evaluate blood coagulation and blood safety in the NMP group. An allogeneic red blood cell perfusion fluid was prepared and the levels of pH, Na +, K +, Cl -, Ca 2+, glucose (Glu), hematocrit (Hct), lactic acid (Lac) and osmotic pressure of the perfusion fluid were measured. At 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion, the skin temperature and oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO 2) levels in the NMP group were monitored and the levels of pH, Glu, creatine kinase (Ck), K +, Ca 2+, and Na +levels of the perfusion fluid were analyzed to evaluate the metabolism of the skeletal muscle in the amputated limbs. The mean intercellular distance and apoptosis index of the myocytes were quantitatively analyzed and histopathological changes were observed by performing HE staining and TUNEL staining on the skeletal muscle of the amputated limbs in both groups at 0 and 24 hours after perfusion. After perfusion was ended, the weight gain rate and swelling degree of the amputated limbs were compared between the two groups and the overall state of the amputated limbs was evaluated. Results:The result of the cross-matching test between donor and recipient pig blood was negative. The parameters in the prepared red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid generally maintained within a normal range: pH 7.38±0.04, Na + concentration (138.30±4.48)mmol/L, K + concentration (3.50±0.26)mmol/L, Glu concentration (6.11±2.08)mmol/L, and osmotic pressure (305.67±3.79)mmol/L. However, slightly higher Cl - and Ca 2+ concentrations [(118.34±12.00)mmol/L and (2.00±0.15)mmol/L] and lower Hct and lactate concentrations [0.30±0.03 and (1.54±0.38)mmol/L] were detected when compared with the reference range. During the perfusion, the average skin temperature of the amputated limbs in the NMP group was (36.13±0.98)℃, with the skin temperatures at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion being significantly higher than that at 0 hour ( P<0.01), while no significant difference among the skin temperatures at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion was observed ( P>0.05). The SaO 2 levels in the skin of the amputated limbs in the NMP group averaged over 95%, which showed no significant difference at 0, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion ( P>0.05), while a significant elevation was observed at 6 hours compared with that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in pH, Glu, Na +, and Ca 2+ levels in the NMP group at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after perfusion ( P>0.05), while the Ck levels at 18 and 24 hours were both significantly higher than that at 6 hours after perfusion ( P<0.05), and the Ck levels at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours were all significantly higher than that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). The K + level progressively increased with the perfusion time, with significant elevations at 18 and 24 hours after perfusion compared with that at 0 hour ( P<0.05). HE staining revealed well-preserved muscle fiber continuity and regular arrangement in the NMP group and the SCS group at 0 hour, with an intercellular distance of (8.95±0.60)μm. At 24 hours, the NMP group exhibited slight skeletal muscle fiber rupture and swelling, with a slightly increased intercellular distance of (14.75±0.90)μm, significantly greater than that at 0 hour ( P<0.01). At 24 hours, the SCS group showed marked skeletal muscle fiber rupture and swelling, with a significantly increased intercellular distance of (23.51±1.49)μm, significantly larger than those at 0 hour in the same group and at 24 hours in the NMP group ( P<0.01). TUNEL immunofluorescence staining indicated a tiny amount of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle in both groups at 0 hour, with an apoptotic index of (4.26±1.62)%. There was a small number of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle in the NMP group at 24 hours, with an apoptotic index of (25.94±2.69)%, significantly larger than that in the same group at 0 hour ( P<0.01). The SCS group exhibited a large number of apoptotic cells at 24 hours, with an apoptotic index of (62.97±3.22)%, significantly larger than those at 0 hour in the same group and at 24 hours in the NMP group ( P<0.01). In comparison with the SCS group at 24 hours, the amputated limbs in the NMP group showed red color in the appearance, no symptoms of ischemic muscle contracture and good joint movement despite slight edema in the subcutaneous layer. At 24 hours, the weight gain rate of the amputated limbs was (15.82±0.89)% in the NMP group, significantly higher than (0.97±0.28)% in the SCS group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Compared with SCS, NMP with the red blood cell-containing perfusion fluid prepared with the allogeneic blood for the amputated limbs of pigs can alleviate the ischemic injury of the muscle fibers and inhibit the apoptosis of the muscle cells by sustaining stable energy and oxygen supply and balancing ion homeostasis and pH of the perfusion fluid.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail