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.Construction of Saikosaponin D Multifunctional Liposomes and Evaluation of Its Anti-liver Cancer Efficacy and Targeting
Kun YU ; Guochun YANG ; Yaliang JIANG ; Yunting XIAO ; Congxian WANG ; Qionge SUN ; Ziyue LI ; Yikun SHANG ; Yu MAO ; Xin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):205-216
ObjectiveTo construct a multifunctional liposomal delivery system by replacing cholesterol(Chol) in conventional liposomes with saikosaponin D(SSD) and modifying with poloxamer 407(P407) for co-delivery of curcumin(Cur). The system was evaluated for in vivo tumor targeting and inhibitory effects on mouse subcutaneous solid tumors. MethodsSingle-factor and orthogonal tests combined with information entropy weighting were used to optimize the formulation process of the liposome with encapsulation efficiency and absolute Zeta potential as indexes, and validation studies and liposomal characterization were performed. A subcutaneous solid tumor model was established by injecting H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells subcutaneously into the dorsal surface of the right forelimb of mice. DiR-loaded traditional Chol liposomes(P407-DiR-Chol-LPs, PDCL) and novel SSD-based liposomes(P407-DiR-SSD-LPs, PDSL) were prepared by the optimized formulation process, and tail vein injection was performed to investigate the impact of SSD on liposome tumor targeting with small animal in vivo imaging. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups, including blank group, model group, free doxorubicin(DOX) group(2 mg·kg-1), free Cur group(8 mg·kg-1), free SSD group(10 mg·kg-1), P407-Cur-Chol-LPs(PCCL) group, P407-SSD-LPs(PSL) group, and P407-Cur-SSD-Lps(PCSL) group. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally every other day for seven doses. Antitumor efficacy and biocompatibility were evaluated by monitoring body weight change, organ indices, tumor volume and mass, relative tumor proliferation rate(T/C), and tumor growth inhibition rate(TGI). Histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, and tumor tissues was performed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), and creatinine(Crea)in mice were quantified by fully automated biochemical analyzer. ResultsOrthogonal test yielded optimal ratios of Cur, SSD, and P407 to soybean phosphatidylcholine(SPC) as 1∶25, 1∶20, and 1∶4. The optimized PCSL exhibited spherical morphology with a particle size of 179.15 nm, a Zeta potential of -47.25 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 96.40%. Its in vitro release profile conformed to first-order kinetics, demonstrating excellent storage stability and hemocompatibility. In vivo imaging revealed that the fluorescence signal in tumor tissues and the fluorescence intensity ratio between tumors and organs were significantly higher in the PDSL group than in the PDCL group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the treatment groups, PCSL group showed superior efficacy over free Cur group, free SSD group, PCCL group, and PSL group, with TGI>40% and T/C<60%, indicating pronounced anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology and serum biochemistry indicated minimal hepatorenal toxicity and improved hepatic and renal function in PCSL-treated mice. ConclusionReplacing Chol with SSD in preparing multifunctional drug delivery systems not only stabilizes liposomes but also yields superior anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy, achieving the effect of drug-excipient integration. Co-delivery of Cur via this system can be used for treating subcutaneous solid tumors in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing new insights and technical approaches for anti-hepatocellular carcinoma research and the meridian-guiding and messenger-directing theory in traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Effect of Wei's Huoxue Tongluo Formula(韦氏活血通络方)on Visual Function and Fundus Blood Flow in Treating Atrophic-Stage Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis
Yan WANG ; Linlin CAO ; Meiling HAO ; Xiaoding SHUI ; Simin SONG ; Kun DING ; Rilong ZHOU ; Yu LUO ; Yize HUANG ; Xiaoyu LIANG ; Liang LIAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1062-1070
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and possible mechanism of Wei's Huoxue Tongluo Formula (韦氏活血通络方,WHTF) in treating atrophic-stage non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with qi deficiency and blood stasis. MethodsA total of 82 atrophic-stage NAION patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 41 cases in each group. The treatment group was given oral administration of WHTF twice a day plus acupoint injection of distilled water 2 ml at Taiyang (EX-HN5) once daily, while the control group received injection of compound anisodine injection 2 ml at Taiyang (EX-HN5) once daily and oral administration of WHTF placebo twice a day. Both groups received treatment for a course of 14 days. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optic disc perfusion density (PD), flux index (FI), macular superficial PD, vascular density (VD), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were compared between groups before treatment and on day 7 and day 14 of treatment. Additionally, mean defect (MD) and mean sensitivity (MS) of visual fields were measured before treatment and on day 14, along with safety evaluation. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in BCVA, visual field MD and MS, and TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05 or P<0.01). On day 14 of treatment, the TCM syndrome score in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant improvement in optic disc PD and FI, and macular superficial PD and VD after treatment in either group (P>0.05) except that on day 7 the macular superficial foveal PD in the control group was significantly better than that in the treatment group (P<0.05). During the treatment period, no serious adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionWHTF can improve the visual function indicators including visual acuity and visual field, as well as TCM syndrome scores in atrophic-stage NAION patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis. It shows clinical safety, although it does not appear to have a significant effect on optic disc or macular blood flow.
4.Research advances in the impact of tacrolimus on glucose metabolism after kidney transplantation
Haoran SHI ; Shanda LI ; Kun WANG ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Zhuocheng LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Liang GAO ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):778-784
Kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease.However,post transplantation diabetes mellitus(PTDM)is a common complication after kidney transplantation,affecting 10%to 40%of recipients and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease,infections,sepsis and other conditions.The pathogenesis of PTDM is complex,including pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.Tacrolimus,a commonly used immunosuppressive drug,is an independent risk factor for PTDM.Its mechanisms include damaging pancreatic β-cells,mediating impaired mitochondrial autophagy,etc.In addition,tacrolimus also raises blood glucose levels through various pathways,such as affecting gut microbiota metabolism and activating bile acid signaling pathways.In recent years,some new anti-diabetic drugs have shown certain application prospects in kidney transplant recipients,but the evidence-based medical evidence for their combined use still needs further exploration.In the future,it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the multiple sites of action of tacrolimus to reduce the occurrence of PTDM and improve the prognosis of kidney transplant recipients.
5.Epimedokoreanin B induces pyroptosis in HepaRG cells through NLRP1/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway
Yu-tong DONG ; Hao-ran HU-YAN ; Li-zhen QIU ; Chao MA ; Shao-xia WANG ; Kun ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2053-2057
Aim To explore the role and mechanism of epimedokoreanin B(EKB)in HepaRG cell pyroptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress and NLRP1-me-diated pyroptosis pathway.Methods The effect of EKB on the viability of HepaRG cells at different con-centrations was determined by MTT assay,and the cell growth status was recorded by Incucyte.Four groups of HepaRG cells were set up.The control group was cul-tured with complete medium for 24 h;the drug admin-istration group was cultured with three concentration gradients of 6.25,12.5 and 25 μmol·L-1 of EKB for 24 h.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins and pyroptosis-related proteins in the cells of each group.Results HepaRG cells showed cytotoxicity at a concentration of 6.25 μmol·L-1 for 24 h,and the half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)was 12.41 μmol·L-1.Incucyte recordings of the cell growth status showed that the cells in the control group were in good growth status,and the vesicular pyropto-sis cells appeared in the different concentrations of EKB and the cells swelled and ruptured after 24 h.Western blot showed that the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins pERK,eIF-2α,ATF-4,GRP78,and CHOP significantly in-creased in HepaRG cells at 25 μmol·L-1 of EKB compared with the control group.The proteins of the classical pathway of cellular pyroptosis mediated by NLRP1,caspase-1,cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD,GS-DMD-N significantly increased in HepaRG cells.Con-clusion EKB administration induces HepaRG cell py-roptosis,and EKB activates HepaRG cells to undergo endoplasmic reticulum stress and activates the NLRP1/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway.
6.Difference in liver toxicity between normal rats and Yin deficiency rats treated with psoralen and preliminary exploration of its mechanism
Tian-xian PEI ; Fu-zhen LI ; Meng-ying CHEN ; Xue-tong WANG ; Li-zhen QIU ; Heng-yu XI ; Kun ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):843-850
Aim To study the difference in hepatotox-icity of psoralen on normal rats and Yin-deficiency rats from the perspective of lipid metabolism,so as to help explain the mechanism of psoralen cautiously used in patients with Yin deficiency recorded in ancient books.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into the nor-mal control group(carboxymethyl cellulose-Na,CMC-Na),normal administration group(CMC-Na+psor-alen),Yin-deficiency control group(CMC-Na+thy-roxine)and Yin-deficiency administration group(CMC-Na+thyroxine+psoralen).The model of Yin-deficiency was established by thyroxine(1 mg·kg-1)for ten days,and then psoralen(200 mg·kg-1)was given for three days.The serum indexes related to liver injury were detected by automatic biochemical analy-zer,the morphological changes of liver tissue were ob-served using HE and oil red O staining,and the relative transcription levels of lipid metabolism related enzymes and mRNA of transporter and endoplasmic reticulum stress related factors were detected using Real-time PCR.Results After intragastric administration of psoralen for three days,compared with the normal group,the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),total bile acid(TBA)and triglyeride(TG)in Yin deficiency group increased more significantly,while TC,ALB and TP de-creased more significantly,and liver HE and oil red O staining showed more obvious lipid degeneration.TG synthesis factors adrenocortical carcinoma(ACC),fatty acid synthase(FASN)and sterolregulatory element binding protein-1(SREBP-1)were down-regulated more significantly,TG transport factors mili-total pro-tein(MTP)and lipoprotein pipase(LPL)were down-regulated more evidently,fatty acid β-oxidation related factors carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A),carnitine/organic cation transporter 2(OCTN2)and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-alpha(PPARα)were down-regulated more apparently,TC transporter adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter G8(ABCG8)and bile acid receptor farne-soid X receptor(FXR)were down-regulated more ob-viously,and endoplasmic reticulum stress factor activa-ting transcription factor 4(ATF4)was up-regulated more significantly.Conclusions Psoralen can cause more severe hepatotoxicity in Yin deficiency rats than that in normal administration group,and its mechanism may be related to the disorder of hepatic lipid metabo-lism,aggravation of hepatic cholestasis and steatosis,and activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress re-sponse.
7.Effect of Guanxinning injection on myocardial infarction by regulating cardiac immunity through CCL21
Yu-xin BAI ; Ying-xue ZHANG ; Ting-ting SHI ; Si-nan ZHU ; Zhen-kun XU ; Hong WANG ; Lu CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):960-969
Aim To investigate the mechanism of Guanxinning injection regulating cardiac immune mi-croenvironment to improve myocardial infarction in mice.Methods In this study,MI model was estab-lished by permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery in mice.The mice were divided into five groups:sham operation group,model group,Guanxinning injection low dose group,Guanxinning in-jection high dose group and positive drug captopril group.Hearts were weighed,heart tissues were collect-ed,and Masson staining was used for pathological anal-ysis of heart tissues;immunofluorescence staining was used to detect apoptosis and CCL21 expression in the infarct border zone;flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of immune cells in myocardial ischemia tissues and lymph nodes;PCR was used to detect CCL21 expression in heart and in vitro human lymphat-ic endothelial cells(HLEC).Results Compared with the model group,the low and high dose groups of Guanxinning injection significantly improved cardiac hypertrophy.Apoptosis in the border zone of myocardi-al infarction was reduced in the low and high dose groups of Guanxinning injection and captopril group.Compared with the model group,the proportion of leu-kocytes in the infarct border zone was dreduced and the proportion of CD4+T cells,Treg cells,and CD8+T cells in the mediastinal lymph nodes and infarct border zone of the heart was regulated in the low and high dose groups of Guanxinning injection;CCL21 secretion by the heart and lymphatic vessels increased.Conclu-sions Guanxinning injection can significantly improve cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in MI mice,reduce ap-optosis in the infarct border zone,and play a role in an-ti-myocardial ischemia injury by promoting CCL21 ex-pression in lymphatic vessels to regulate the proportion of mediastinal lymph nodes and cardiac T cells after myocardial infarction.
8.Ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice
Li-na LIU ; Yu-fang SHEN ; Qin-qin WANG ; Lin-yu XIAO ; Jing-yu LIU ; Jun-ni MO ; Ren-yi-kun YUAN ; Hong-wei GAO ; Jian XIAO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3249-3256
AIM To investigate the ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture(CFM)on cyclophosphamide(CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice.METHODS Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the blank control group,the model group,the levamisole hydrochloride group(40 mg/kg)and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose CFM groups(3.75,7.5,10 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group,and given respective intervention orally once daily for 14 days.On the 5th to 7th day of administration,with the blank control group given normal saline intraperitoneally,the other groups underwent intraperitoneal CTX injections(80 mg/kg).24 hours after the last administration,organ indices of thymus and spleen were calculated;splenic histopathological alterations were assessed by HE staining;serum levels of IL-2,IL-6 and IgG were quantified using ELISA;splenic CD4+,CD8+T lymphocytes,alongside CD86+and CD206+macrophages populations were analyzed by flow cytometry;and splenic expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS In CTX-treated mice,CFM administration mitigated body weight loss;enhanced thymus weight and thymic index;ameliorated splenic immune cell populations,elevated serum levels of cytokines IL-2,IL-6 and IgG in serum;and upregulated splenic levels of CD45+CD3+T lymphocytes and F4/80+CD11b+macrophages,alongside increasing the expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 surface markers.CONCLUSION CFM alleviates CTX-induced immunosuppression state in mice by modulating immune cells,restoring immune function and enhancing anti-inflammatory and tissue repair capabilities.
9.Symptoms and quality of life benefits of successful percutaneous coronary intervention in left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients with diabetes
Bo-da ZHU ; Tian-tong YU ; Peng HAN ; Bo-hui ZHANG ; Xi ZHANG ; Ping YUAN ; Gang WANG ; Yi YANG ; Hui-li ZHU ; Pan-pan SUN ; Tong-tong LI ; Shuai ZHAO ; Cheng-xiang LI ; Kun LIAN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(2):93-100
Objective To investigate whether successful percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)could improve symptoms and quality of life(QOL)in left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients with diabetes.Methods Patients with left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease who underwent PCI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from April 2018 to May 2021 were consecutively enrolled and subdivided into 2 groups:diabetes and no diabetes.Detailed baseline characteristics,symptoms,including dyspnea and angina,assessed with the Rose dyspnea scale(RDS),Seattle angina questionnaire(SAQ),the European quality of life-5 dimensions(EQ-5D)and 12-item short-form health survey(SF-12)questionnaire respectively,procedural details,and 1 month and 1 year follow-up data were collected.Results Among 440 left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients,disease was present in 176(40.00%),who had more hypertension,peripheral artery disease,and LCX lesion(all P<0.05).The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and all-cause mortality were similar between the two groups(both P>0.05)at 1 month follow-up,while all-cause mortality in diabetes patients was significantly higher than those without diabetes at 1 year follow-up(P=0.013).Low left ventricular ejection fraction was an independent risk factor for MACE and all-cause mortality at 1 month and 1 year follow-up after successful revascularization(all P<0.05).Most importantly,symptoms,including dyspnea and angina,and QOL were markedly improved regardless of diabetes both at 1 month and 1 year follow-up(all P<0.05).Diabetes patients showed improved dyspnea and QOL at similar degree to the non-diabetes patients(all P>0.05)and a more significantly relieved angina(P=0.013).Additionally,the number of chronic total occlusion(CTO)per patient was identified as an independent risk factor of dyspnea(OR 0.723,95%CI 0.525~0.997,P=0.048)and angina relief(OR 0.686,95%CI 0.473~0.995,P=0.047),and the contrast volume(OR 0.995,95%CI 0.992~0.999,P=0.008)as an independent risk factor of QOL improvement in diabetic patients.Conclusions Successful PCI is beneficial for relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with diabetes who have left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease.
10.Application of Nomogram model based on two-dimensional shear wave elastography combined with biochemical indicators in the diagnosis of moderate and severe metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Kun WANG ; Junli WANG ; Yimin WU ; Yu ZHANG ; DaoJing XU
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(1):48-54
Objective:To investigate the clinical value of the Nomogram model based on two-dimensional shear wave elastography(2D-SWE)combined with biochemical indicators in the diagnosis of moderate and severe metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).Methods:A total of 170 patients with MAFLD diagnosed by ultrosound image in the health management center of the Second People's Hospital of Wuhu from Jan 2023 to Dec 2023 were divided into mild,moderate and severe groups according to two-dimensional ultrasound images,and 111 healthy volunteers were recruited as control group in the same period.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent risk factors for moderate and severe MAFLD and construct a predictive model.The diagnostic efficacy of the ROC model was plotted,and the Nomogram model was used to conduct internal verification.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that liver stiffness measurement(LSM),platelet count(PLT)and hepatic steatosis index(HSI)were the independent risk factors for the diagnosis of moderate and severe MAFLD.The area under the curve(AUC)of LSM,PLT and HSI was 0.940(95%CI:0.911-0.969),with a sensitivity was 87.5%and a specificity was 88.1%.The internal validation showed that the model had high accuracy and stability.Conclusion:The Nomogram model based on LSM combined with PLT and HSI can effectively diagnose moderate and severe MAFLD,providing a reliable evidence for early clinical intervention and adjustment of therapeutic measures.

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