1.Surgical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: challenges and innovations
Pei ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yunfei FANG ; Hui YANG ; Yifan WANG ; Yanqiong MA ; Yu MENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):512-518
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is a highly invasive zoonotic parasitic disease with poor prognosis. Surgical intervention serves as the pivotal approach to achieve radical cure and improve the prognosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients. In recent years, with the popularization of the concept of precision surgery and the development of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model, the surgical treatment strategies for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis have been continuously enriched, and the selection of surgical procedures has become increasingly diversified. Although key surgical techniques such as radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation have achieved remarkable progress in clinical application, many insurmountable challenges still remain. Therefore, by sorting out the latest evidence-based advances in the field of surgical treatment for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, this article focuses on discussing the application status and bottlenecks of radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
2.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
3.COLEC12high tumor-associated macrophages orchestrate lenvatinib resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via paracrine NRG1-HER2/HER3 signaling
Jianxing ZHANG ; Liang QIAO ; Zongfeng WU ; Dinglan ZUO ; Shanshan HUANG ; Shaoru LIU ; Zhenkun HUANG ; Yi ZENG ; Yu LI ; Yichuan YUAN ; Chenwei WANG ; Wei HE ; Jiliang QIU ; Yunfei YUAN ; Yi NIU ; Binkui LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):772-786
Background/Aims:
Lenvatinib resistance remains a critical barrier in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms and strategies for reversing resistance remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Integrated transcriptomics of lenvatinib-resistant patient tumors and an acquired-resistance murine model identified a novel macrophage subpopulation. Functional validation employed CRISPR-SAM screening, conditioned medium (CM) assays, subcutaneous/orthotopic xenografts, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Mechanistic studies included ChIP-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacologic targeting. Clinical relevance was assessed in a retrospective cohort.
Results:
Resistant HCC exhibited significant enrichment of a COLEC12high TAM subset , which correlated with poor survival and treatment response. These TAMs secreted neuregulin-1 (NRG1) , activating HER2/HER3-AKT signaling in tumor cells to drive cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance. Mechanistically, in TAMs COLEC12 sequestered STAT1 in the cytoplasm, preventing its phosphorylation, and thereby derepressing STAT3-mediated NRG1 transcription. Depletion of NRG1 reversed the stemness phenotypes and resensitized tumors to lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high NRG1 expression predicted an inferior lenvatinib response and shorter survival. Crucially, the bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody zenocutuzumab restored lenvatinib efficacy in PDOs, PDXs, and murine models.
Conclusions
Our work establishes the COLEC12high TAM/NRG1 axis as a master regulator of therapeutic resistance and identifies NRG1 as a predictive biomarker, providing a clinically actionable strategy to overcome lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Diabetic Nephropathy via Pathways Related to Pyroptosis: A Review
Jintao SHI ; Zhiyi ZHANG ; Yunfei WEI ; Jiarui HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):290-300
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease, shows increasing prevalence and mortality, seriously affecting the physical and mental health of patients. As a crucial link in the occurrence and development of DKD, pyroptosis can lead to kidney cell injury and inflammation through the abnormal activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NLRP3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/NLRP3, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/NLRP3 signaling pathways, which accelerate the progression of DKD. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite efficacy in the treatment of DKD via multiple targets and pathways. Studies have shown that various TCM active components, including glycosides, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids, as well as TCM compound prescriptions for clearing heat and detoxifying, tonifying deficiency and consolidating root, and eliminating stasis and descending turbidity, can target relevant signaling pathways to inhibit pyroptosis and intervene in the development of DKD, providing new possibilities for precision treatment of DKD. This article systematically reviews the relevant pathways of pyroptosis and summarizes the research achievements and mechanisms of TCM active components and compound prescriptions in the treatment of DKD via pyroptosis in recent years. This review aims to provide new directions and ideas for the treatment and research of DKD with TCM and promote the modernization and development of TCM.
5.Diversity of the Duffy blood group gene among ethnic Hui population in Henan Province.
Wenyan CUI ; Hecai YANG ; Cunquan KONG ; Yongkui KONG ; Yunfei YOU ; Yujing LIU ; Jinhua LIU ; Maocai CHEN ; Yulin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):274-281
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the diversity of Duffy blood group gene among ethnic Hui population from Henan Province using PacBio long-read sequencing technique.
METHODS:
Randomly select 30 individuals with three generations of Hui ancestry from Henan as the study subjects. Full-length sequences of the Duffy blood group gene were obtained through PacBio long-read sequencing. Distribution of the predicted phenotype and genotype frequency were determined, and the linkage between Duffy haplotypes and variation sites was analyzed. Genetic diversity, natural selection pressure, and population genetic characteristics were evaluated. This study was approved by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No. 2022223).
RESULTS:
The predicted Duffy blood group phenotype in the Henan Hui population was predominantly Fy(a+b-). Three novel SNPs in the FY*01 allele were identified, with a total frequency of 13.33%, among which FY*01.NEW1 (c.199C>T) was the most common. A total of 32 variant sites were identified, with 28 located in intronic regions, indicating that genetic diversity was primarily concentrated in introns. The Duffy blood group gene was under negative selection pressure (dN/dS < 1, Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D* and F* significantly deviated from 0), suggesting overall conservation. The allele frequencies of Duffy blood group in the Henan Hui population was similar to that of the Xinjiang Hui, Xinjiang Kazakh, Inner Mongolia Mongolian, and Yuncheng Han populations, but significantly different from those of most Han and other ethnic groups (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study revealed the characteristics of the Duffy blood group gene among the Henan Hui population and demonstrated the significant advantages of PacBio long-read sequencing technique in haplotype analysis, genetic diversity study, and novel mutation identification.
Female
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Humans
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Male
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Asian People/ethnology*
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China/ethnology*
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Duffy Blood-Group System/genetics*
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Ethnicity/genetics*
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Gene Frequency
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Genetic Variation
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Haplotypes
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
6.Filiform-needle acupuncture for poststroke urinary incontinence:a meta-analysis
Kai SUN ; Chunyu FU ; Xirui ZHAO ; Minrui FU ; Yunfei HAN ; Ping ZHANG ; Fuqing ZHANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(2):178-190
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of filiform-needle acupuncture(FA)in the treatment of poststroke urinary incontinence(PSUI).Methods:All published papers in PubMed,Excerpta Medica Database(EMBASE),Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Chongqing VIP Database(VIP),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang),and China Biology Medicine Disc(CBM)were retrieved by computer.The retrieval time was from each database's inception to December 9,2023.Meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed using the Revman V5.4 software,and GARDE evaluation was performed using GRADEpro GDT.Dichotomous variables were analyzed by the relative risk(RR),and weighted mean difference(WMD)was used for continuous variables.Each effect size was expressed as a 95%confidence interval(CI).Results:A total of 14 studies were included,comprising a total of 1 259 patients.The findings of the meta-analysis showed that the improvements of the maximum bladder capacity[WMD=64.63,95%CI(41.73,87.53),P<0.00001],72 h urination frequency[WMD=-5.27,95%CI(-6.40,-4.13),P<0.00001],and 72 h urinary incontinence frequency[WMD=-1.62,95%CI(-2.60,-0.64),P=0.001]in PSUI patients by FA were superior compared to conventional therapy.FA plus rehabilitation therapy(RT)was superior to RT alone in improving the maximum bladder capacity[WMD=35.17,95%CI(28.31,42.03),P<0.00001],the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire short form(ICI-Q-SF)score[WMD=-2.66,95%CI(-3.28,-2.05),P<0.00001],and incontinence quality of life questionnaire(I-QOL)score[WMD=8.07,95%CI(3.28,12.32),P=0.0002].The incidence of adverse reactions in FA was higher than that in RT[RR=21.62,95%CI(4.04,115.71),P=0.0003],but the severity was mild and did not affect the integrity of the treatment.Conclusion:FA has better safety,and its improving effect on bladder urinary storage function and urinary incontinence symptoms in patients with PSUI is clear.Combined with RT,it can better improve the quality of life in the patients.However,more high-quality studies are still needed for further updates and verification.
7.Effect of AUD of carbapenems on hospital-associated infections caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria
Yunfei XIA ; Xiaodi ZHOU ; Biyang JIAO ; Shuai LIU ; Zhiru ZHANG ; Yanju ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(22):3442-3446
OBJECTIVE To understand the current status of antimicrobial agent usage intensity(AUD)of antibiot-ics,carbapenems(CB)and isolation rates of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria(CRGNB)and explore the effect of CB on hospital-associated CRGNB infections.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on antimicrobial agent usage and clinical data of the patients who were hospitalized in Nantong University Affiliated Hospital from 2023 to 2024.The antimicrobial usage patterns,CB-AUD and isolation rates of CRGNB were sta-tistically analyzed.Additionally,the clinical data from 1933 confirmed hospital-acquired infection cases from 2023 to 2024 were retrospectively analyzed,and the patients were classified into two groups based on CRGNB resist-ance:the CRGNB-infected group with 376 cases and the non-CRGNB-infected group with 1557 cases.The risk factors for CRGNB infections were identified.RESULTS In the two years,the overall utilization rate of antimicro-bial drug and AUD fluctuated every six months(P<0.05).The overall define daily dose system(DDDs)and AUD of the three CBs(meropenem,imipenem/cilastatin and biapenem)increased every six months(P<0.05).The o-verall drug resistance rate of gram-negative bacilli to CB decreased every six months(P<0.05).The logistic re-gression analysis showed that the duration of use of CB and combined use of antibiotics were the risk factors for the CRGNB infections(with the OR values,1.445,2.479,1.958,respectively,all P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS The overall use of CB is on the rise.The use of CB,especially the duration of CB,increases the probability of CRGNB infection.Therefore,it is necessary for the hospital to strengthen the monitoring of CB-AUD and supervi-sion of CB.
8.Epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery in China, 2005-2024
Yunfei ZHANG ; Fengfeng LIU ; Yang SONG ; Tian QIN ; Dong JIN ; Zhaorui CHANG ; Biao KAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):942-950
Objective:The objective of this study was to understand the incidence, spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and trends of bacillary dysentery in China from 2005 to 2024 in order to identify the high-risk groups and reveal the potential risk factors and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing the allocation of preventive and control resources, formulating targeted intervention strategies and assessing the effectiveness of the measures.Methods:The nationally reported incidence data of bacillary dysentery was collected from 2005 to 2024 in the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Notifiable Diseases Reporting Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the population characteristics of bacillary dysentery cases. A Joinpoint regression model was constructed to examine long-term trends in reported incidence rates and spatial dynamic window scanning statistics were applied to detect spatial clusters of bacillary dysentery cases.Results:Between 2005 and 2024, 3 520 247 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported across China, with an average incidence rate of 12.88 per 100 000 people, after which the rate of decline decreased. The incidence rate showed a general downward trend, featuring a significant inflection point in 2016. It exhibited marked seasonality, peaking from May to October (summer-autumn), which weakened over time. From 2005 to 2024, the most likely clusters were in Beijing and Tianjin. Males, infants, the elderly, farmers, and children not in daycare showed many cases.Conclusions:The results revealed that the peak incidence of bacillary dysentery in China from 2005 to 2024 was featured in the summer-autumn months. High-incidence areas were mainly Beijing and Tianjin. The key groups, including males, infants, the elderly, farmers and children not in daycare, were identified. Enhancing surveillance, targeted health education, and preventive measures, especially in these key populations and in regions where the disease shows a high incidence should be strengthened.
9.Epidemic characteristics and trend analysis of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in China from 2015 to 2022
Yunfei ZHANG ; Yue SHI ; Jianfeng JIANG ; Xuedong ZHENG ; Baijun JIN ; Zhaorui CHANG ; Tian QIN ; Mengjie GENG ; Shiwen WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(3):270-277
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and trend of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) in China from 2015 to 2022, and to provide evidence for the adjustment of prevention and control strategies and measures for AHC.Methods:The case data of AHC reported by national notifiable disease information system from 2015 to 2022 were collected, and descriptive analysis method were used to analyze the population distribution characteristics, temporal epidemiological trends and spatial clusters of AHC in China.Results:From 2015 to 2022, the incidence of AHC in China ranged from 1.85/100 000 to 2.97/100 000, with a fluctuating downward trend. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was -4.91 (95% CI: -7.74 to -2.00, P<0.05), with an annual percent change (APC) of 2.73 (95% CI: -2.34 to 8.06, P=0.189) for 2015—2019 and an APC of -14.23 (95% CI: -21.78 to -5.94, P<0.05). The age-specific incidence rate was highest in children aged 0-4 years (fluctuating between 4.69 and 5.67/100 000 from 2015 to 2019; It decreased significantly during 2020—2022, fluctuating between 1.93 and 2.72 per 100 000).The proportion of cases in children at 0-4 years of age showed a fluctuating downward trend from 8.68% in 2015 to 3.76% in 2020, with an increase in 2021—2022 to 5.74%. After 2020, the proportion of the population aged 60 years and above has increased, reaching 33.59% in 2022. Cases were mainly farmers, with a fluctuating upward trend of around 50% per year, with the highest percentage of 60.96% in 2020. The peak seasonal incidence of AHC was obvious from May to September from 2015 to 2019, but it was not obvious in 2020—2022. The cases were mainly distributed in Guangxi, Hainan and other provinces in the southwestern part of China. The high incidence counties were concentrated in Leye County of Guangxi, Maojian District of Hubei, Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County of Guangxi, Funing County of Yunnan, and Pulan County of Tibet every year. Conclusions:The overall epidemic rate of AHC in China showed a fluctuating downward trend from 2015 to 2022, with a pronounced decline observed between 2020 and 2022, potentially linked to non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased attention needs to be given to farmers and people above 60 years of age to reduce the risk of morbidity. Moreover, prevention and control efforts should be strengthened in high-risk areas of southwestern China, and comprehensive measures should be implemented in counties with high incidence, including enhanced health education campaigns and improved allocation of sanitary facilities, to reduce the risk of AHC infection. This study is the first to highlight the potential impact of public health policies on AHC epidemiology, thereby offering a scientific foundation for population- and region-specific precision prevention strategies, particularly guiding the refinement of control measures in high-burden areas.
10.Effect of esketamine on caspase-11-mediated non-canonical pathway pyroptosis in sepsis-induced acute lung injury in rats
Yunfei BAO ; Zhihao FENG ; Yanyan NIU ; Qing HU ; Haijie LIU ; Hongbo ZHANG ; Jianling LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(3):364-368
Objective:To evaluate the effect of esketamine on caspase-11-mediated non-canonical pathway pyroptosis in sepsis-induced acute lung injury in rats.Methods:Eighteen SPF healthy Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-12 weeks, weighing 280-320 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group and CLP+ esketamine group (CLP+ ES group). Sepsis was induced by CLP in anesthetized animals. Esketamine 10 mg/kg was injected via the tail vein immediately after development of the model, and the equal volume of normal saline was injected via the tail vein in the other two groups. At 24 h after development of the model, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia, and the lung tissues and blood samples were taken. The wet to dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio) was calculated, and the pathological changes were observed and the lung injury was scored. The expression of caspase-11, gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) was detected by Western blot. The expression of caspase-11 and GSDMD-N mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The serum concentration of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:Compared with Sham group, the lung injury score and W/D ratio were significantly increased, the expression of caspase-11 and GSDMD-N protein and mRNA was up-regulated, the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT was down-regulated, and the concentration of IL-1β was increased in CLP group ( P<0.05). Compared with CLP group, the lung injury score and W/D ratio were significantly decreased, the expression of caspase-11 and GSDMD-N protein and mRNA was down-regulated, the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT was up-regulated, and the concentration of IL-1β was decreased in CLP+ ES group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which esketamine alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury may be related to the inhibition of caspase-11-mediated non-canonical pathway pyroptosis in rats.

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