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.Drug comprehensive value assessment frameworks for medical insurance:overseas experiences and implications for China
Yijun LIU ; Dan LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Bin JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):413-419
OBJECTIVE To systematically compare mature experiences of comprehensive drug value assessment in typical countries/regions and to provide decision-making references for China to establish a scientific and standardized comprehensive drug value assessment system for medical-insured drugs. METHODS The literature analysis was used to systematically review drug value assessment frameworks in 11 representative countries/regions, namely the UK, Canada, Italy, Australia, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, the United States, as well as Taiwan (China) and Hong Kong (China). Comparisons were made across three dimensions: assessment entities, value dimension, and application of results. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS In most countries/regions, independent technical assessment institutions have been established as part of the drug value evaluation system, with the involvement of multiple stakeholders (e.g., the UK, Canada). The mainstream drug value assessment frameworks have generally transcended the traditional core dimensions of safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, exhibiting two major trends: the continuous expansion of assessment dimensions and stricter evidence requirements. Assessment outcomes are closely integrated with payment policies, ranging from providing technical advice for decision-making (e.g., Italy, France) to directly determining reimbursement eligibility (e.g., the UK, Germany). The following recommendations are proposed for China: first, establish an evaluation mechanism featuring multi-stakeholder participation and separation of evaluation from decision-making. Second, develop a comprehensive evaluation framework integrating clinical, economic, patient, and societal value, emphasizing quantitative indicator exploration and real-world evidence application. Third, promote direct linkage between value-based tiering outcomes and medical insurance reimbursement decisions or access negotiations to balance patient benefits, fund sustainability, and industrial innovation.
3.Mechanisms of Dihuang Yinzi in Treating Advanced Parkinson's Disease Based on Gut Microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation Axis
Renzhi MA ; Yasi LIN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Hongmei ZHU ; Jiayuan LI ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Wenxin FAN ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):11-21
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Dihuang Yinzi (DY) on motor dysfunction in rats with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate the mechanisms by which DY improves advanced PD symptoms through the "gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-inflammation-neuroprotection pathway". MethodsAn advanced PD rat model was induced by rotenone. Rats were divided into a normal group, model group, positive drug group (levodopa, 50 mg·kg-1), and DY low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.2, 10.4, 20.8 g·kg-1). After 7 days of administration, motor function was evaluated using the open-field, pole-climbing, and inclined plate tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the substantia nigra and colon, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Levodopa, homovanillic acid (HVA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the content of SCFAs in colonic contents. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased movement speed and distance in the open-field test, prolonged pole-climbing time, and reduced retention angle on the inclined plate (P<0.01), accompanied by increased α-Syn expression (P<0.01) and decreased TH expression (P<0.01) in the brain. Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups improved motor dysfunction in advanced PD rats to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated pathological damage in the brain and colon. High-dose DY significantly reduced α-Syn aggregation in the substantia nigra (P<0.01) and increased TH expression (P<0.01). ELISA and Western blot results showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum (P<0.01), increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum (P<0.01), and significantly reduced expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the colon (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups increased the levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose DY group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum were reduced (P<0.01), while the expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the intestine was increased. The 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that the relative abundances of Actinobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the model group, whereas the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, class Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansia muciniphila were decreased. These changes were effectively reversed after high-dose DY intervention. GC analysis showed that the content of SCFAs in the colonic contents of rats in the model group was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while after high-dose DY intervention, the levels of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDY may exert therapeutic effects in advanced PD by regulating the gut microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation pathway.
4.Secular trends in energy and macronutrient intake across different occupational groups in nine provinces of China, 1989–2018
Yu WU ; Jiguo ZHANG ; Liusen WANG ; Lixin HAO ; Chang QU ; Yumeng SONG ; Zhihong WANG ; Huijun WANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Hongru JIANG ; Gangqiang DING
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):145-152
Background With China's socio-economic development, the dietary structure of Chinese residents has gradually shifted from a traditional Eastern pattern characterized by high carbohydrate intake to a relatively high-fat Western dietary model, alongside a growing burden of chronic diseases. However, dietary changes may vary across different occupational groups. Objective To analyze the long-term trends in dietary energy and three major macronutrient intake among various occupational groups aged 18-59 years in nine provinces of China from 1989 to 2018, providing a scientific basis for developing occupation-specific dietary intervention strategies. Methods Based on 11 waves of data (1989–2018) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS),
5.Cardiometabolic risk factor trends across different occupational groups in nine provinces of China, 2009–2018
Yu WU ; Hongru JIANG ; Lixin HAO ; Liusen WANG ; Weiyi LI ; Shaoshunzi WANG ; Zijian WANG ; Zhihong WANG ; Huijun WANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Lili CHEN ; Gangqiang DING
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):153-159
Background With China's socioeconomic development, significant lifestyle changes have occurred among occupational groups, leading to alterations in cardiovascular metabolic risk factors. However, few studies have examined the secular trends of these risk factors in China's working population. Objective To analyze the trends in cardiovascular metabolic risk factors among the occupational population in nine provinces of China from 2009 to 2018, and to explore the associations between different occupational types and these risk factors, along with their clustering patterns, thereby providing evidence for targeted interventions. Methods This study utilized data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2009, 2015, and 2018. The dataset covered
6.Change trend of compound obesity among different occupational groups in nine provinces of China from 1993 to 2018
Lixin HAO ; Yu WU ; Liusen WANG ; Lili CHEN ; Boya ZHAO ; Zhongting LU ; Zhihong WANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Hongru JIANG ; Huijun WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):160-167
Background The global prevalence of obesity is on the rise and is closely associated with various chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. There is a relative lack of long-term dynamic studies on compound obesity among occupational populations. Objective To explore the changing trends of compound obesity among different occupational groups aged 18–59 years in nine provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China from 1993 to 2018, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted weight management strategies for occupational populations. Methods A total of
7.Association between changes in body mass index and hypertension among different occupational groups
Zhongting LU ; Lili CHEN ; Hongru JIANG ; Lixin HAO ; Liusen WANG ; Weiyi LI ; Yu WU ; Huijun WANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Jiguo ZHANG ; Zhihong WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):168-173
Background With rising obesity rates and earlier hypertension onset among occupational populations, there is an urgent need to elucidate the long-term cardiovascular impacts of dynamic body weight patterns. Current evidence lacks trajectory modeling studies examining occupation-specific prevention strategies. Objective To investigate the association between long-term body mass index (BMI) trajectories and incident hypertension risk in Chinese working adults, and to examine occupation-specific heterogeneity in this relationship. Methods A dynamic sub-cohort of 4 413 occupational participants was constructed from ten survey waves (1991–2018) of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Eligible individuals had valid key BMI records at three or more independent follow-ups before the outcome event; the individual baseline was set as the year of their first participation in the survey. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify BMI change patterns. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for hypertension incidence across trajectory groups, with stratified analysis by occupational categories. Results Among
8.Analyses of the epidemiological characteristics of multiple pathogens in people aged 14 years and above with acute respiratory infection in Huangpu District of Shanghai from 2015 to 2024
Yun ZHANG ; Yinzi CHEN ; Zhenzi ZUO ; Yu WANG ; Fujie SHEN ; Yuliang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Chenyan JIANG ; Yijun WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):116-121
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 8 major respiratory pathogens in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases with acute respiratory infections at fever clinics in Huangpu District, Shanghai from 2015 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in Huangpu District. Individuals meeting the case definition of ILI from 2015 to 2024 was registered. Their nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for pathogen detection. A total of 8 respiratory viruses were tested, including Influenza A virus (Flu A), Influenza B virus (Flu B), adenovirus (ADV), enterovirus/human rhinovirus (EV/HRV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), human coronavirus (HCoV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). ResultsFrom 2015 to 2019, a total of 344 ILI cases were tested, of which 192 out of 344 cases (55.81%) were tested positive for single respiratory pathogen. From 2023 to 2024, 1 557 ILI cases were tested, with 572 out of 1 557 cases (36.74%) being positive for single pathogen. From 2023 to 2024, the positive rate of single pathogen in ILI cases was significantly lower than that in 2015‒2019 (χ2=42.66, P<0.001). Specifically, the positive rate of Flu A (χ2=74.43, P<0.001) decreased, while that of HPIV (χ2=8.66, P=0.003) increased, both with statistically significant differences. According to the seasonal pattern, the epidemic intensity of Flu A decreased in summer, while that of HPIV increased in summer and autumn. Demographic results showed statistically significant differences in the positive rates of EV/HRV between genders (χ2=22.38, P<0.001), with males exhibiting a higher positive rate than females. No statistically significant differences were identified in the positive rates of single pathogen among different age groups (χ2=4.42, P=0.110). Nevertheless, statistically significant differences were noted when comparing the positive rates of EV/HRV, Flu A, Flu B and HPIV across different age groups (P<0.05). EV/HRV was more commonly detected in the 15‒<25 age group (10.93%), while Flu A and HPIV had the highest positive rates in the ≥60 age group (21.24% and 4.77%). Flu B had the highest positive rate in the 25‒<60 age group (11.26%). 52.63% of cases with co-infections occurred during winter, with the primary pathogens involved being EV/HRV (9 cases) and HCoV (6 cases). The most prevalent combination of co-infection was Flu A with EV/HRV. ConclusionThe prevalence of respiratory pathogens among ILI cases from 2023 to 2024 exhibited notable fluctuations compared to that from 2015 to 2019. Therefore, influenza surveillance should be strengthened, and attention should also be paid to the prevalence of respiratory pathogens such as HPIV. These findings have profound implications for future research, surveillance, vaccine planning, and public health policy making.
9.Mechanisms of Salvianolic Acid B in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating PAICS Expression
Bo XU ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Zhishen RUAN ; Yihan YU ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):23-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which salvianolic acid B (SalB) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by downregulating phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) expression. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) were used as models. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after treatment with SalB (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol·L-1 for 24 or 48 h to determine effective and safe intervention concentrations. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding ability between SalB and PAICS, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was performed to evaluate the effect of SalB on the thermal stability of the PAICS protein. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the effects of SalB on PAICS and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug). A functional rescue assay was conducted by PAICS overexpression via plasmid transfection. ResultsCompared with the control group, SalB inhibited A549 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effective concentrations (≤300 μmol·L-1) showed no significant cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. Within this concentration range, SalB significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that SalB significantly downregulated PAICS expression, and its functions were enriched in cell proliferation and EMT. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PAICS is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed that SalB has strong binding ability to PAICS (binding energy -9.1 kcal·mol-1. CETSA results showed that SalB significantly increased the thermal stability of the PAICS protein (P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, SalB dose-dependently downregulated PAICS expression, upregulated E-cadherin, and downregulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug (P<0.05). Functional rescue experiments showed that, compared with the empty vector group, PAICS overexpression significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the empty vector + SalB-H group, PAICS overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SalB on malignant phenotypes and EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug), and downregulated E-cadherin expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), indicating that PAICS is a key functional target mediating the antitumor effects of SalB. ConclusionSalB effectively inhibits EMT progression and cell cycle progression in A549 cells by downregulating PAICS expression, thereby exerting anti-NSCLC effects. This study not only reveals that PAICS is a key functional target through which SalB regulates EMT, but also provides experimental evidence supporting SalB as a potential candidate drug for inhibiting NSCLC metastasis.
10.Mechanisms of Curcumol in Inhibiting Proliferation and Migration in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Yu QI ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):34-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumol (Cur) on the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of Cur. In vitro, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the effects of Cur at concentrations of 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, 960 μmol·L-1 on the viability of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells, and to evaluate its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays were conducted to assess changes in cell migratory capacity following Cur treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to investigate the regulatory effect of Cur on the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in tumor tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in tumor tissues and cells. To further verify the role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the pharmacological effects of Cur, rescue experiments were performed using the pathway agonist colivelin. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that, compared with the model group, the tumor volumes of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice in both low- and high-dose Cur groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rates were significantly increased (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect in the high-dose group was comparable to that of the cisplatin group, and the body weight of mice in the Cur groups remained stable throughout the experiment. In vitro, compared with the control group, Cur at concentrations of 120 and 240 μmol·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with a significant inhibitory effect observed at 360 μmol·L-1 (P<0.01), while no significant effect on the viability of BEAS-2B cells was observed. Migration assays demonstrated that, compared with the control group, Cur treatment significantly reduced the migration rates of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with an inhibitory effect at 360 μmol·L-1 comparable to that of the cisplatin group. Mechanistic validation showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in tumor tissues and cells were significantly downregulated in the Cur groups (P<0.01), and the expression levels of downstream proteins PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA were also significantly decreased with increasing Cur concentration (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, colivelin pretreatment increased cell proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05) and upregulated the expression of related proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the Cur group, the colivelin+Cur group showed significantly increased proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05), along with significantly upregulated protein expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionCur can significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is closely associated with the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail