1.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.
2.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.
3.Chinese expert consensus on the application of jejunal interposition for esophageal reconstruction in complex esophageal cancer surgery (2026 edition)
Wenshu CHEN ; Lilan ZHAO ; Zhaoxian LIN ; Debin OU ; Zhigang LI ; Chengchu ZHU ; Longqi CHEN ; Shuoyan LIU ; Xiangnan LI ; Chao CHENG ; Ni ZHANG ; Songping XIE ; Xufeng GUO ; Xu LI ; Xinyu MEI ; Xuefeng LENG ; Jianqun MA ; Zhijun HUANG ; Guojun GENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hongyan WANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijie WANG ; Jiangbo LIN ; Jinbiao XIE ; Jun GUAN ; Rongqi HE ; Xing LIN ; Xiuhua TU ; Yong LI ; Lijie TAN ; Xiaojie PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1527-1543
Objective Jejunal interposition is an important option for restoring gastrointestinal continuity in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable for reconstruction due to previous gastrectomy, tumor involvement, failed gastric conduit, or other constraints. Although the jejunum offers a caliber similar to the esophagus, a rich blood supply, and preserved peristaltic function, anatomical variations in mesenteric length and vascular arcades render long-segment and high-level reconstruction susceptible to excessive tension, mesenteric torsion, venous congestion, and inadequate distal perfusion. This consensus aims to provide standardized recommendations for the application of jejunal interposition in this specific patient population. Methods This consensus was developed in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and Chinese national guideline development standards, with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ), Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT), and Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) checklists. The project was registered on the international practice guidelines registry platform (PREPARE-2026CN1384). The working group systematically searched Chinese and English evidence addressing 12 clinical questions. Evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2009 system, with structured appraisal of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Recommendations were formulated through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a face-to-face consensus meeting, with an agreement threshold of ≥75%. Results The consensus generated 12 recommendations covering indications, selection between jejunum and colon, preoperative assessment, surgical approach and reconstruction route, pedicled jejunal interposition (PJI), supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJ), indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment, perioperative nutrition, management of anastomotic leakage, long-term follow-up, and special treatment scenarios. Given that the available direct evidence is predominantly derived from single-center retrospective cohorts and case series, recommendations extrapolated from general esophagectomy or other gastrointestinal surgical evidence are deliberately phrased with caution. Conclusion Jejunal interposition is a safe and effective approach for digestive tract reconstruction in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable. This consensus emphasizes that clinical decision-making should be individualized based on the patient's prior treatment history, reconstruction height, vascular anatomy, technical availability, and institutional experience in the Chinese context.
4.Application and challenges of digital health technologies in the management of organ transplant recipients
Xiaojie MA ; Rui CHEN ; Tianyu ZHI ; Yang GUO ; Dingqun BAI ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(6):1018-1024
Organ transplantation is an effective therapy for end-stage organ failure. Recipients require lifelong immunosuppressive therapy and regular monitoring, while conventional management models are limited by intermittence and passivity. Digital health technologies, including mobile health applications, wearable devices, telemedicine, artificial intelligence and big data analytics, can break the constraints of time and space, expand medical service coverage and realize real-time data collection and intelligent analysis, offering new prospects for full-cycle management of transplant recipients. This article systematically summarizes the development history of digital health technologies in the management of transplant recipients, and concludes the application evidence and existing challenges in medication adherence management, physiological indicator monitoring and remote follow-up among various transplant recipients, so as to provide references for establishing a more scientific and individualized digital management system for organ transplantation.
5.Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of acute rejection in xenogeneic kidney transplantation
Junxian WU ; Shanda LI ; Haoran SHI ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Kun WANG ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(6):1047-1054
Xenogeneic kidney transplantation is an important approach to alleviate the shortage of donor kidneys, but acute rejection remains the main obstacle in its clinical application. Xenogeneic acute rejection shows a clear temporal sequence: in the early stage, it is mainly mediated by antibodies and occurs through humoral rejection, with pre-existing antibodies targeting α-Gal and non-Gal antigens, activating complement and inducing thrombotic microangiopathy; in the later stage, it gradually transforms into a cellular rejection driven by infiltration of T cells and macrophages. In terms of diagnosis, donor-derived cell-free DNA can serve as an early non-invasive warning indicator, and histopathological biopsy remains the gold standard. In 2024, the Banff Working Group on Transplant Pathology of xenogeneic kidney transplantation released the first consensus on the pathological assessment of pig-human kidney/heart xenogeneic transplantation. However, this is currently only a reporting framework, and an independent grading system still awaits more clinical data. The treatment mainly focuses on multi-gene-modified donors combined with intensified immunosuppression, but it still faces challenges such as immature immunization regimens, the absence of monitoring systems and prominent infection risks. This article reviews the mechanisms, diagnostic monitoring, treatment strategies and clinical dilemmas of acute rejection, providing a reference for subsequent research.
6.Analysis of the levels and food source of cadmium exposure by dietary pathway among middle-aged and elderly populations in cadmium-contaminated areas of China
Xiaochen WANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiaojie DONG ; Ruiting HAO ; Xiu YE ; Wenli ZHANG ; Ying ZHU ; Ailing LIU ; Yuan WEI ; Bing WU ; Yufei LUO ; Changzi WU ; Yanning MA ; Zhengxiong YANG ; Yuebin LYU ; Gangqiang DING ; Dongqun XU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(5):597-603
Objective:To evaluate the levels and source of cadmium exposure by dietary pathway among middle-aged and elderly people ≥40 in cadmium-contaminated areas of China.Methods:A total of 7 193 people aged 40-89 years from four typical cadmium-contaminated areas in China were selected as the study subjects. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Total Diet Study (TDS) and a 3-day-24-hour dietary recall survey were conducted. Dietary cadmium intake and food sources through dietary pathways were assessed based on cadmium content in foods, consumption amounts and intake frequencies.Results:The mean age of the participants was 63.39±12.21 years, with 50.05% being males. The average monthly dietary cadmium intake was 7.39 μg/(kg·BW). Staple foods and vegetables were the primary sources of dietary cadmium intake, accounting for 57.51% and 32.48%, respectively. The monthly dietary cadmium intake in all surveyed regions did not exceed the Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI) recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).Conclusion:The monthly dietary cadmium intake among middle-aged and elderly people in cadmium-contaminated areas of China is relatively low, with the risk remaining at an acceptable level. Staple foods and vegetables are the most significant contributors to dietary cadmium intake.
7.Protective Effect of MicroRNA-200a&c on Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced Demylinating Optic Neuritis in Balb/c Mice
Zhixuan MA ; Zhen NIU ; Liang YANG ; Xiaojie WU ; Zhongdao WU ; Ying FENG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(4):619-627
[Objective]To investigate the protective effect of overexpressed miRNA-200a&c on Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced demyelinating optic neuritis in Balb/c mice.[Methods]SPF-grade Balb/c mice(2-3 weeks old)were divided into four groups:a normal group,and three A.cantonensis-infected groups at 7,14,and 21 days post-infection(dpi).Body weight,survival status,neurobehavioral scores,and visual function scores were recorded.Visual evoked potential(VEP)was used to detect visual damage,and transmission electron microscope(TEM)was applied to observe ocular structural changes.On day 7 post-infection,mice were stereotactically injected with exogenous miRNA-200a&c mimics into the lateral ventricle,and then divided into four groups:normal control,A.cantonensis-infected(AC-21 dpi),A.cantonensis-infected+negative control(AC+NC),and A.cantonensis-infected+overexpressed miRNA-200a&c(AC+miRNA-200a&c)mimics.VEP and TEM were repeated to assess visual damage and ocular structural changes.Immunofluorescence was performed to quantify retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)and oligodendrocytes(OLs)in the optic nerve.[Results]At 21 dpi,some mice exhibited complete eyelid closure(32.52±4.67)%or ocular atrophy(15.79±3.23)%,weight loss(P<0.05)and altered consciousness.Neurobehavioral scores significantly decreased(P<0.01),with a 68%decline in rotarod performance;some mice even displayed hemiplegia,slowed movement,ataxia,and directional deficits.Additionally,a subset of mice showed diminished sensory responses,unilateral vision loss(83%reduction in optokinetic threshold),and impaired visual function(P<0.05).VEP results revealed a mild prolongation of latency in infected mice at 21 dpi(P<0.05),predominantly affecting one eye.Following overexpression of miRNA-200a&c,compared with the 21 dpi group,VEP showed significantly shortened P1 latency(P<0.05);TEM showed alleviated cytoplasmic swelling of RGCs,and improved compactness and uniformity of myelin sheath(P<0.05);immunofluorescence showed increased numbers of RGCs and OLs with improved cell alignment(P<0.05).[Conclusions]A.cantonensis infection induces demyelinating optic neuritis in Balb/c mice.Overexpression of miRNA-200a&c alleviates the resulting damage and ameliorates ocular injury.
8.Clinical practice status of nutrition support care among specialized nurses in ICUs
Xinyi ZHOU ; Jianhua SUN ; Haibo DENG ; Lei WANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Yu WANG ; Ranxun AN ; Manna SHAO ; Ni YANG ; Yufen MA ; Yuan XU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(20):2514-2519
Objective To investigate the current nursing practice of nurses specializing in nutritional support in ICUs and analyze their influencing factors in order to improve the training program and promote the development of standardized and precise nursing practice.Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select nutritional support nurses in ICUs in 29 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities)from October 2023 to March 2025,and the self-developed questionnaire on nursing practice behaviors of nutritional support nurses in ICUs was used to conduct the survey.SPSS 21.0 software was used for descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.Results A total of 774 questionnaires were distributed,and 766 valid questionnaires were collected,with a recovery rate of 98.97%,and the score of the questionnaire on nursing practice behaviors of nurses specializing in nutritional support in ICU was(90.41±1 1.82).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender,presence of a nutritional support nursing team in the hospital,a standardized process of nutritional support nursing in the department,clear positional responsibilities of the nutritional support nursing team members,and inclusion of the nutritional support status of the patients in the quality management of the department were the factors influencing the nursing practice behavior scores of the nurses specializing in nutritional support in ICUs(P<0.05).Conclusion Nurses in the ICUs have a high level of nursing practice behavior,but there is a need for further standardization in parenteral nutrition infusion and monitoring of complications.ICU nursing managers should formulate improvement strategies to address the weaknesses of clinical practice,strengthen nutritional support training,and improve the quality management program,and further improve the practical ability of nurses specializing in nutritional support.
9.Quercetin inhibits ferroptosis to alleviate intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Xiaojie MA ; Yufang LENG ; Jialu MU ; Lingguo KONG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(12):1301-1311
Objective To investigate the role of quercetin(QUE)in ferroptosis during intestinal ischemia-reperfusion(IR)injury and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.Methods ① Potential target genes of QUE were predicted using the TCMSP,PharmMapper,and SwissTargetPredictive databases.Target genes associated with intestinal IR injury and ferroptosis were collected from GeneCards,PharmGKB,and OMIM databases.After overlapping genes were identified and analyzed,protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed using the STRING database and then visualized with Cytoscape 3.10.0.Molecular docking was performed to validate the binding conformations between QUE and key targets.② In vivo experiments were conducted to verify QUE's protective effects against intestinal IR injury.Thirty-six SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice(6~8 weeks old,body weight:22±2 g)were randomly divided into Sham,Sham+QUE,IR,IR+QUE,IR+QUE+erastin(IR+QUE+Era),and IR+QUE+kevetrin hydrochloride(IR+QUE+KH)groups,with 6 mice in each group.Mouse model of intestinal IR injury was induced by 45 min ischemia of the superior mesenteric artery followed by 60 min reperfusion.HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the intestinal tissues.ELISA was employed to the serum or intestinal contents of diamine oxidase(DAO),pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β),and ferroptosis markers[glutathione(GSH)and Fe2+].Western blotting was utilized to detect the protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4),and tumor protein 53(p53).Results ① Network pharmacology identified 460 QUE targets,1 552 intestinal IR injury targets,and 1 967 ferroptosis-related targets,and 92 overlapping genes were identified as potential therapeutic targets.Molecular docking revealed a strong binding affinity between QUE and p53(binding energy:-6.8 kcal/mol).② In vivo experiments demonstrated that the IR+QUE group exhibited reduced intestinal damage and lower Chiu's score(P<0.05),decreased serum DAO content but elevated intestinal DAO content(P<0.05),decreased levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β in the serum and intestinal tissues(P<0.05),reduced Fe2+accumulation,and increased GSH content(P<0.05),and up-regulated GPX4(P<0.05)and down-regulated ACSL4 and p53 expression(P<0.05)at protein level when compared with the IR group.While,the administration of ferroptosis agonist Era,or p53 agonist KH resulted in diminished therapeutic effects of QUE(P<0.05)when compared with the IR+QUE group.Conclusion QUE alleviates intestinal IR injury by inhibiting ferroptosis,which may be associated with its down-regulating p53 expression.
10.Remimazolam attenuates intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice by regulating ferroptosis through CX43
Lingguo KONG ; Yufang LENG ; Xiaojie MA ; Jialu MU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(15):1771-1781
Objective To investigate whether remimazolam attenuates intestinal ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury in mice by regulating ferroptosis through connexin-43(CX43).Methods Molecular docking was applied to predict the binding affinity of remimazolam to CX43.A total of 72 SPF-grade adult male C57BL/6J mice(6~8 weeks old,weighing 20~25 g)were subjected.Thirty of them were randomly divided into sham operation group(Sham group),I/R group 1,and I/R+10,20 and 40 mg/kg remimazolam groups(RM10,RM20 and RM40 groups),with 6 mice in each group.Another 30 mice were randomly assigned into 5 groups(n=6),I/R group 2,erastin group(E group),I/R+40 mg/kg remimazolam group 2(RM40 group 2),I/R+Fer-1 group(Fer-1 group),and erastin+40 mg/kg remimazolam group(ERM group).The left 12 mice were randomly and equally grouped into I/R+RM+oe-NC group(oe-NC group)and I/R+RM+oe-CX43 group(oe-CX43 group).The Fer-1 group was given an intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg Fer-1 in 1 h prior to reperfusion,the E group was given 10 mg/kg erastin intraperitoneally 1 d before modeling,and all the remimazolam groups,the oe-NC group and the oe-CX43 group were injected intravenously with corresponding doses of remimazolam 30 min pre-modeling,while the oe-NC and oe-CX43 groups were injected with empty vector virus and overexpression of CX43 vector virus,respectively,48 h before the administration of remimazolam.A mouse intestinal I/R injury model was constructed by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min and reperfusion for 30 min.The small intestine tissues were harvested and observed for pathological changes,and the intestinal mucosal damage was assessed with Chiu's score.The contents of Fe2+,total iron,malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were detected by colorimetric assay;the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)was determined by DHE probe;the expression of ferroptosis-related genes was determined by RT-qPCR;and the expression levels of CX43,GPX4,and SLC7A11 were detected by Western blotting.Results Molecular docking indicated that remimazolam had a binding energy of-6.699 kcal/mol with CX43 protein,suggesting good binding affinity between them.Compared with the Sham group,the I/R group 1 showed increases in Chiu's scores and CX43 expression(P<0.05),along with pathological damage to intestinal tissues,and elevated contents of Fe2+,total iron,ROS and MDA(P<0.05),and down-regulated GPX4 and SLC7A11(P<0.05).Compared with the I/R group 1,Chiu's score was reduced in the RM40 group,and CX43 was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05),contents of Fe2+,total iron,ROS,and MDA were decreased(P<0.05),and expression levels of GPX4 and SLC7A11 were enhanced(P<0.05),and severity of intestinal histological damage was attenuated in both the RM40 and Fer-1 groups.Compared with the E group,the ERM group had the decreases in CX43 expression level(P<0.05),Fe2+,total iron,ROS,and MDA contents(P<0.05),and increases in GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression levels(P<0.05),with the improvement in intestinal tissue.Compared with the oe-NC group,overexpression of CX43 resulted in the increased CX43 expression,elevated contents of Fe2+,total iron,ROS and MDA(P<0.05)and decreased expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11(P<0.05),leading to the exacerbated injury in intestinal tissue.Conclusion Remimazolam attenuates intestinal I/R injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through down-regulating CX43 expression.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail