1.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
2.Mechanism of Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula in Improving Unilateral Vestibular Labyrinth Destruction by Regulating Metabolism-neuroplasticity
Yu TIAN ; Hui LENG ; Rupeng QU ; Xianglong HAO ; Aiping WANG ; Lei SHI ; Zhongyuan QU ; Ye DONG ; Xiande MA ; Yangling HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):54-64
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism by which Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula improves metabolism-neuroplasticity and treats unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction by regulating the metabolic balance of glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Methods48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) adult rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, model group, Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula groups with low, medium, and high doses (9.20, 18.39, 36.78 g·kg-1), and betahistine group (1.62 mg·kg-1). A unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction (vestibular dysfunction) model was established by intratympanic injection of chloroform into the right ear, while the control group received intratympanic injection of normal saline. Drugs were administered once daily for seven consecutive days. During the period, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the behaviors of rats after unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the neuronal morphology in the medial vestibular nucleus. Golgi staining was employed to assess the number of dendritic spines of neurons in the medial vestibular nucleus. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was utilized to detect Glu/GABA. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expressions of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were applied to determine the expressions of glutamate-immunoreactive (Glu-IR), GABA, GFAP, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and GAP-43. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group presented with head deviation, balance disorder, increased tail suspension score, nuclear consolidation of medial vestibular nerve neurons, and decreased Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The number of dendritic spines in neurons and NeuN-positive cells decreased. The content of Glu decreased. The content of GABA increased (Glu/GABA decreased). The expression of GAP-43 was down-regulated, and GFAP was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Glu-IR, PSD-95, and GAP-43 proteins, as well as Glu-IR mRNA decreased, while the expressions of GABA and GFAP proteins and mRNA increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the head deviation, imbalanced behavior, and tail suspension scores in each treatment group decreased, with alleviated neuronal injury and recovered Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The number of dendritic spines of neurons increased, and the number of NeuN-positive cells rebounded. The content of Glu increased, and the content of GABA decreased (Glu/GABA increased). GFAP was down-regulated, and GAP-43 was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Glu-IR, PMD-95, and GAP-43 proteins, as well as Glu-IR mRNA increased, while the expressions of GABA and GFAP proteins and mRNA decreased. The effect was more significant in the high-dose group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula can alleviate vestibular dysfunction, and its mechanism may be associated with regulating the metabolic balance of Glu/GABA, mitigating neural damage, improving synaptic plasticity (promoting GAP-43 expression and inhibiting GFAP expression), and facilitating vestibular compensation.
3.Changes in renal function in chronic hepatitis B patients treated initially with entecavir versus tenofovir alafenamide fumarate and related influencing factors
Shipeng MA ; Yanqing YU ; Xiaoping WU ; Liang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Yuliang ZHANG ; Xin WAN ; Shanfei GE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):44-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of entecavir (ETV) versus tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) on renal function in previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 167 previously untreated CHB patients who received ETV or TAF treatment for at least 48 weeks at the outpatient service of Department of Infectious Diseases in The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from September 2019 to November 2023, and according to the antiviral drug used, they were divided into ETV group with 117 patients and TAF group with 50 patients. In order to balance baseline clinical data, propensity score matching (PSM) was used for matching and analysis at a ratio of 2∶1, and the two groups were compared in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the incidence rate of abnormal renal function at week 48. According to eGFR at week 48, the patients were divided into normal renal function group and abnormal renal function group. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for abnormal renal function, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the performance of each indicator in predicting abnormal renal function. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the cumulative incidence rate of abnormal renal function, and the log-rank test was used for comparison. The analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to compare the dynamic changes of eGFR during antiviral therapy in CHB patients. ResultsAfter PSM matching, there were 100 patients in the ETV group and 50 patients in the TAF group. There were no significant differences in baseline clinical data between the ETV group and the TAF group (all P>0.05), with an eGFR level of 112.29±9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the ETV group and 114.72±12.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the TAF group. There was a reduction in eGFR from baseline to week 48 in both groups, and compared with the TAF group at week 48, the ETV group had a significantly lower eGFR (106.42±14.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 112.25±13.44 mL/min/1.73 m2, t=-2.422, P=0.017) and a significantly higher incidence rate of abnormal renal function (17.00% vs 4.00%, χ2=5.092, P=0.024). After the patients were divided into normal renal function group with 131 patients and abnormal renal function group with 19 patients, the univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in age (Z=-2.039, P=0.041), treatment drug (ETV/TAF) (χ2=5.092, P=0.024), and baseline eGFR level (t=4.023, P<0.001), and the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline eGFR (odds ratio [OR]=0.896, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.841 — 0.955, P<0.001) and treatment drug (OR=5.589, 95%CI: 1.136 — 27.492, P=0.034) were independent influencing factors for abnormal renal function. Baseline eGFR had an area under the ROC curve of 0.781 in predicting abnormal renal function in CHB patients, with a cut-off value of 105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2, a sensitivity of 73.68%, and a specificity of 82.44%. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the patients with baseline eGFR≤105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 had a significantly higher cumulative incidence rate of abnormal renal function than those with baseline eGFR>105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 (χ2=22.330, P<0.001), and the ETV group had a significantly higher cumulative incidence rate of abnormal renal function than the TAF group (χ2=4.961, P=0.026). With the initiation of antiviral therapy, both the ETV group and the TAF group had a significant reduction in eGFR (F=5.259, P<0.001), but the ETV group only had a significant lower level of eGFR than the TAF group at week 48 (t=-2.422, P=0.017); both the baseline eGFR≤105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 group and the baseline eGFR>105.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 group had a significant reduction in eGFR (F=5.712, P<0.001), and there was a significant difference in eGFR between the two groups at baseline and weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48 (t=-13.927, -9.780, -8.835, -9.489, and -8.953, all P<0.001). ConclusionFor CHB patients initially treated with ETV or TAF, ETV antiviral therapy has a higher risk of renal injury than TAF therapy at week 48.
4.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
5.Effect of Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema in Preventing Depression Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Female Rats
Xinyu DENG ; Chunhua MA ; Zimeng WANG ; Man TANG ; Xinran LI ; Lurong YU ; Xianyuan HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):117-124
ObjectiveTo observe the prevention and control effect of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema on depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in female rats. MethodsForty rats were assigned into control, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose processed P. cyrtonema groups according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. The rat model of depression was established with the CUMS method. The body mass, open field test, forced swimming test, Morris water maze test, levels of neurotransmitters [dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-TH), and acetylcholine (ACh)], serum levels of sex hormones [gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2)] and inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10], and mRNA and protein levels of factors in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TRKB)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathway were employed to evaluate the effect of processed P. cyrtonema on the CUMS-induced depression in female rats. ResultsThe body mass, open field test results, and forced swimming test results showed that the rat model of depression was successfully established. The comparison of behaviors, neurotransmitters, sex hormones, inflammatory factors, and neural pathways among groups showed that processed P. cyrtonema had different effects of preventing the development of depression in female rats. SPSS 25 was used for statistical analysis of error and significance. T test was conducted between groups. Each treatment group showed significant therapeutic effect compared with the model group (P<0.05). Processed P. cyrtonema elevated the level of 5-TH (P<0.01) and lowered the levels of DA and ACh (P<0.01) in the brain tissue of female rats. In addition, it reduced the serum levels of GnRH, T, E2, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.05) and up-regulated the mRNA levels of BDNF and TRKB in the rat brain. ConclusionProcessed P. cyrtonema has a non-hyperactive preventive effect on CUMS-induced depression in rats, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of processed P. cyrtonema as a functional food product.
6.Effect of Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema in Preventing Depression Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Female Rats
Xinyu DENG ; Chunhua MA ; Zimeng WANG ; Man TANG ; Xinran LI ; Lurong YU ; Xianyuan HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):117-124
ObjectiveTo observe the prevention and control effect of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema on depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in female rats. MethodsForty rats were assigned into control, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose processed P. cyrtonema groups according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. The rat model of depression was established with the CUMS method. The body mass, open field test, forced swimming test, Morris water maze test, levels of neurotransmitters [dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-TH), and acetylcholine (ACh)], serum levels of sex hormones [gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2)] and inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10], and mRNA and protein levels of factors in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TRKB)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathway were employed to evaluate the effect of processed P. cyrtonema on the CUMS-induced depression in female rats. ResultsThe body mass, open field test results, and forced swimming test results showed that the rat model of depression was successfully established. The comparison of behaviors, neurotransmitters, sex hormones, inflammatory factors, and neural pathways among groups showed that processed P. cyrtonema had different effects of preventing the development of depression in female rats. SPSS 25 was used for statistical analysis of error and significance. T test was conducted between groups. Each treatment group showed significant therapeutic effect compared with the model group (P<0.05). Processed P. cyrtonema elevated the level of 5-TH (P<0.01) and lowered the levels of DA and ACh (P<0.01) in the brain tissue of female rats. In addition, it reduced the serum levels of GnRH, T, E2, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.05) and up-regulated the mRNA levels of BDNF and TRKB in the rat brain. ConclusionProcessed P. cyrtonema has a non-hyperactive preventive effect on CUMS-induced depression in rats, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of processed P. cyrtonema as a functional food product.
7.Bacterial contamination of platelets apheresis: a single-center retrospective analysis
Yuanyuan LUO ; Chunya MA ; Lihui FU ; Zeshan WANG ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):233-237
[Objective] To evaluate the risk of bacterial contamination of platelets apheresis and improve the clinical diagnosis rate of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections. [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 cases involving bacterial contamination detected in apheresis platelets during quality inspections at our center from 2021 to 2023, as well as cases of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection (TTBI) caused by platelet transfusion. The return of positive platelet bacteria test results and clinical transfusion adverse reactions were statistically analyzed. [Results] There were 9 donors with bacteria-contaminated platelets, of which 3 were reported as clinical transfusion reaction, 4 were detected by quality sampling, and 2 were identified by appearance detection before transfusion. The bacterial contamination rate of platelets was about 0.08% (9/10 762). The contaminated platelets were involved in 11 cases of TTBI, with an incidence of TTBI of approximately 0.05% (11/21 916). Only 3 cases of transfusion reactions were clinically reported, while the rest were case tracking with positive results of platelet bacterial test from quality sampling. The clinical return rate of TTBI was 27.27% (3/11), with an average reporting time of 8.12 hours after the occurrence of transfusion reactions. The majority of the contaminated platelets were detected at the end stage of storage, with 55.56% (5/9) of platelets collected on the 4th day after collection. Partial contaminated platelets were identified through quality sampling, with a positive rate of 2.78% (4/144). [Conclusion] The platelet bacterial contamination rate is high, but with low clinical return rate. It is recommended to conduct routine platelet bacterial monitoring and improve clinical diagnostic level.
8.Low-titer group O whole blood: challenges to blood stations
Hong LIN ; Xi YU ; Wenjia HU ; Ling MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):297-302
Whole blood transfusion for the resuscitation of trauma patients is not a new concept, with its history dating back to World War I. Due to the significant survival benefits of early intervention with whole blood, an increasing number of countries and regions are using whole blood for pre-hospital resuscitation of patients with traumatic haemorrhage. Whole blood containing low-titer anti-A and anti-B antibodies is known as low-titer group O whole blood. The safety of transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood has been proven in military and local trauma centers in some countries. The use of low-titer group O whole blood for pre-hospital trauma care in China will pose new challenges to blood stations that provide whole blood. This paper reviews the selection of group O donors, the setting of anti-A and anti-B titers threshold and their detection, as well as the collection, preparation and storage of whole blood.
9.The introduction on standards system of the pharmaceutical packaging materials in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
CHEN Lei ; YU Hui ; WANG Yan ; ZHANG Jun ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):067-076
The standard of Pharmaceutical packaging materials is an important part of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This article focuses on working background, general idea, working process, main framework, and its role and significance of the pharmaceutical packaging materials standards system in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, which can contribute to accurately understand and utilize the standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition.
10.Application of "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" in the subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for anterior mediastinal masses resection
Jinlan ZHAO ; Weiyang CHEN ; Chunmei HE ; Yu XIONG ; Lei WANG ; Jie LI ; Lin LIN ; Yushang YANG ; Lin MA ; Longqi CHEN ; Dong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):308-312
Objective To introduce an innovative technique, the "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" and its application in the subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for anterior mediastinal masses resection. Methods Patients who underwent single-port thoracoscopic assisted anterior mediastinal tumor resection through the xiphoid process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from May to June 2024 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 7 patients were included, with 3 males and 4 females, aged 28-72 years. The diameter of the tumor was 1.9-17.0 cm. The operation time was 62-308 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-100 mL, postoperative chest drainage tube retention time was 0-9 days, pain score on the 7th day after surgery was 0-2 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 3-12 days. All patients underwent successful and complete resection of the masses and thymus, with favorable postoperative recovery. Conclusion The "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" effectively expands the retrosternal space, providing surgeons with satisfactory surgical views and operating space. This technique significantly enhances the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgery for anterior mediastinal masses, reduces trauma and postoperative pain, and accelerates patient recovery, demonstrating important clinical significance and application value.

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