1.Research progress on the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation
Kankan SHUI ; Haoran ZHOU ; Ye XU ; Qiulin LUO ; Tengfang LI ; Hedong ZHANG ; Longkai PENG ; Helong DAI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):9-15
Organ transplantation is an effective alternative treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. However, the shortage of donor organs has limited the widespread application of clinical transplantation. In recent years, breakthroughs in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology have overcome the barrier of hyperacute rejection in xenotransplantation, offering a potential solution to the organ shortage crisis. Rejection remains a critical factor affecting graft survival. Antigen-presenting cells play a vital role in the initiation and progression of rejection and immune regulation in xenotransplantation. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation is of great significance. This article summarizes the roles and therapeutic strategies of professional antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells in xenotransplantation, aiming to provide insights for future research on immune regulation mechanisms in this field.
2.Research progress on the relationship between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity
GAO Lei ; YE Zhen ; WANG Wei ; ZHAO Dong ; XU Peiwei ; ZHANG Ronghua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):48-54
Childhood obesity has become a global public health issue. Current research indicates that early life obesogen exposure has emerged as a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. While obesogens have been confirmed to influence the development and progression of childhood obesity through mechanisms such as endocrine disruption and epigenetic programming, controversies remain regarding the establishment of causal relationships, assessment of combined exposures, and validation of transgenerational effects in humans. In recent years, novel approaches including multi-omics technologies, exposome-based analysis, and multigenerational cohort studies have integrated dynamic biomarker monitoring with analyses of social-environmental interactions, offering new perspectives and methodologies for constructing a systematic "exposure-mechanism-outcome" research framework. This article reviews literature from PubMed and Web of Science up to August 2025 on the association between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity, summarizing evidence on the health effects of early life obesogen exposure, major exposure pathways and internal exposure assessment, interactions and amplifying effects of social and environmental factors, as well as the biological mechanisms underlying obesogen action. It further examines current research frontiers and challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for early prevention and precision intervention of childhood obesity.
3.Late identification and its influencing factors of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Linhai City from 2015 to 2024
XU Guangming ; ZHANG Zhen ; YE Xiaohong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):71-74
Objective:
To investigate the late identification and its influencing factors of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Linhai City, Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2024, so as to provide a basis for formulating targeted AIDS prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Data on newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Linhai City from 2015 to 2024, including demographic characteristics and detection modes, were collected through the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Control System of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The new identification rate and late identification proportion of HIV/AIDS cases were analyzed. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to assess trends in both the new identification rate and late identification proportion from 2015 to 2024. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for late identification among HIV/AIDS cases.
Results:
A total of 589 newly reported HIV/AIDS cases were documented in Linhai City from 2015 to 2024. The new identification rate declined from 5.08/105 in 2015 to 3.53/105 in 2024 (AAPC=-6.161%, P<0.05). Among them, 225 cases were late identified. After excluding 4 cases with inferred late identification, the late identification proportion increased from 24.53% in 2015 to 58.97% in 2024 (AAPC=7.595%, P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥25 years (25~<50 years, OR=3.569, 95%CI: 1.567-8.130; ≥50 years, OR=8.683, 95%CI: 3.440-21.917) and passive detection (OR=1.730, 95%CI: 1.022-2.928) were associated with a higher risk of late identification. In contrast, being married or having a spouse (OR=0.565, 95%CI: 0.332-0.960) was associated with a lower risk of late identification.
Conclusions
The new identification rate of HIV/AIDS cases in Linhai City from 2015 to 2024 showed a downward trend, while the proportion of late identification exhibited an upward trend. Age, marital status, and detection mode were identified as influencing factors for late identification among HIV/AIDS cases.
4.Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Widespread Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia
Xin TANG ; Qian-Qian MENG ; Ye GAO ; Chu-Ting YU ; Yan-Rong ZHANG ; Yan BIAN ; Jin-Fang XU ; Lei XIN ; Wei WANG ; Han LIN ; Luo-Wei WANG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(2):198-206
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival.
Results:
Ninety-two and 33 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD and ERFA, respectively. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates for ESD were 100.0%, 90.2%, and 76.1%, respectively. At 12 months, the complete response rate was comparable between the two groups (94.6% vs 90.9%, p=0.748). During a median follow-up of 66 months, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the ERFA group (p=0.004), while no significant differences in overall survival (p=0.845) and disease-specific survival (p=0.494) were observed.Preoperative diagnosis of intramucosal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.55; vs high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) was an independent predictor of recurrence. Significantly fewer patients in the ERFA group experienced stenosis compare to ESD group (15.2% vs 38.0%, p=0.016).
Conclusions
The risk of recurrence was higher for ERFA than ESD for ESCN but overall survival was not affected. The risk of esophageal stenosis was significantly lower for patients who underwent ERFA.
5.Impact of Donor Age on Liver Transplant Outcomes in Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Cohort Study
Jie ZHOU ; Danni YE ; Shenli REN ; Jiawei DING ; Tao ZHANG ; Siyao ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Fangshen XU ; Yu ZHANG ; Huilin ZHENG ; Zhenhua HU
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):398-409
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for the sickest patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, the influence of donor age on liver transplantation, especially in ACLF patients, is still unclear.
Methods:
In this study, we used the data of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We included patients with ACLF who received liver transplantation from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, and the total number was 13,857. We allocated the ACLF recipients by age intogroup I (donor age ≤17 years, n=647); group II (donor age 18–59 years, n=11,423); and group III (donor age ≥60 years, n=1,787). Overall survival (OS), graft survival, and mortality were com-pared among the three age groups and the four ACLF grades. Cox regression was also analyzed.
Results:
The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 89.6%, 85.5%, and 82.0% in group I; 89.4%, 83.4%, and 78.2% in group II; and 86.8%, 78.4%, and 71.4% in group III, respectively (p<0.001).When we analyzed the different effects of donor age on OS with different ACLF grades, in groupsII and III, we observed statistical differences. Finally, the cubic spline curve told us that the relative death rate changed linearly with increasing donor age.
Conclusions
Donor age is related to OS and graft survival of ACLF patients after transplanta-tion, and poorer results were associated with elderly donors. In addition, different donor ages have different effects on recipients with different ACLF grades.
6.Effect of Anmeidan on Cognitive Function and Metabolic Profiling in Insomnia Model Rats Based on Untargeted Metabolomics
Feizhou LI ; Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Lianyu LI ; Andong ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Linlin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):54-64
ObjectiveTo elucidate the potential mechanisms by which the classic prescription Anmeidan alleviates cognitive impairment in insomnia model rats through metabolic profiling. MethodsA total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups, and the Suvorexant group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the insomnia model was established in all other groups via intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine. The Suvorexant group was administered Suvorexant solution (30 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, while the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups received Anmeidan decoction (4.55, 9.09, 18.18 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The blank group received an equivalent volume of normal saline. The open field test was used to assess spatial exploration and anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in rats. Serum levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify differential metabolites in rat serum, and systematic biological methods were applied to analyze the potential targets and pathways of Anmeidan. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significant reductions in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.01), along with significant decreases in VIP, EGF, and BDNF levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). A total of 100 differential metabolites were identified between the model and blank groups. Compared to the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups showed significant increases in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.05,P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in VIP levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). Anmeidan significantly reversed abnormal changes in 67 metabolites compared to the model group. A combined analysis identified 134 potential targets of Anmeidan, with network topology analysis suggesting that Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), among others, may serve as key targets of Anmeidan. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed major enriched pathways, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Anmeidan can recalibrate abnormal metabolic profiles in insomnia model rats to mitigate cognitive impairment, with its mechanisms of action potentially involving the regulation of immune-inflammatory responses, energy metabolism, and apoptosis-related pathways.
7.Research progress on the improvement of myocardial fibrosis by traditional Chinese medicine through regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome
Rui ZHANG ; Jingshun YAN ; Fuyun JIA ; Kexin JIA ; Chenyang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Ye LI ; Qiang XU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):1008-1012
Myocardial fibrosis (MF), characterized by decreased cardiac function and myocardial compliance, is a pathological process and a progression factor in various cardiovascular diseases. The nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is closely related to the development of MF. Recent studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome to alleviate MF. Based on this, this article systematically summarizes the research progress on the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome to improve MF. It is found that active ingredients of TCM, such as alkaloids (lycorine,vincristine,bufalin), saponins (astragaloside Ⅳ, diosgenin,ginsenoside Rg3), terpenoids (celastrol,oridonin), and phenols (polydatin,curcumin,phloridzin) as well as TCM formulas (Zhachong shisanwei pills,Zhilong huoxue tongyu capsules, Luqi formula) can inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby suppressing the release of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β and IL-18, reducing inflammatory damage to myocardial tissue, alleviating excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix, and thus exerting the effect of improving MF.
8.Establishment of a nomogram prediction model for poor prognosis of acute pancreatitis based on inflammatory factors, lung ultrasound, and CT scores
Xia REN ; Ye YE ; Luojie LIU ; Xiaodan XU ; Yan ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):713-721
ObjectiveTo investigate the independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) by analyzing inflammatory factors, lung ultrasound (LUS) scores, and CT scores, to establish a nomogram prediction model, and to provide a basis for early clinical intervention. MethodsA total of 409 patients with AP who were admitted to Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from January 2021 to October 2023 were enrolled as subjects, and they were divided into modeling group with 288 patients and validation group with 121 patients using the simple random sampling method at a ratio of 7∶3. According to the prognosis, each group was further divided into poor prognosis group and good prognosis group. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured for both groups within 72 hours after admission, and LUS scores, modified CT severity index (MCTSI), and extrapancreatic inflammation on computed tomography (EPIC) scores were assessed within 48 — 72 hours after admission. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U rank sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A LASSO regression analysis was used to screen for the variables that were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to identify the independent risk factors for the poor prognosis of AP, and then a nomogram prediction model was established. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the calibration curve were used to assess the discriminatory ability and goodness of fit of the nomogram model, and a decision curve analysis was used to assess the clinical applicability of the model. ResultsAmong the 288 patients with AP in the modeling group, there were 33 (11.46%) in the poor prognosis group and 255 (88.54%) in the good prognosis group; among the 121 patients with AP in the validation group, there were 13 (10.74%) in the poor prognosis group and 108 (89.26%) in the good prognosis group. Compared with the good prognosis group, the poor prognosis group had significantly higher levels of CRP (Z=3.607, P<0.05), IL-6 (Z=4.189, P<0.05), and TNF-α (t=2.584, P<0.05), and significantly higher scores of LUS (t=8.075, P<0.05), MCTSI (t=5.929, P<0.05), and EPIC (t=8.626, P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CRP (odds ratio [OR]=3.592, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.272 — 10.138, P<0.05), IL-6 (OR=4.225, 95%CI: 1.468 — 12.156, P<0.05), TNF-α (OR=3.540, 95%CI: 1.205 — 10.401, P<0.05), LUS (OR=7.094, 95%CI: 2.398 — 20.986, P<0.05), MCTSI (OR=7.612, 95%CI: 2.832 — 20.462, P<0.05), and EPIC (OR=11.915, 95%CI: 4.007 — 35.432, P<0.05) were independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with AP. A nomogram prediction model was established based on the above 6 indicators, which had an area under the ROC curve of 0.924 (95%CI: 0.883 — 0.964), and the Youden index for the optimal cut-off value was 0.670, with a sensitivity of 0.909 and a specificity of 0.761. The calibration curve showed good consistency between the predicted and observed results in both the modeling group and the validation group. The decision curve analysis showed that the predictive model had certain clinical effectiveness. ConclusionThe nomogram model for predicting the risk of poor prognosis in AP patients based on CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, LUS score, MCTSI score, and EPIC score has relatively good predictive performance and can provide important strategic guidance for developing early intensified treatment regimens for AP patients in clinical practice.
9.Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Widespread Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia
Xin TANG ; Qian-Qian MENG ; Ye GAO ; Chu-Ting YU ; Yan-Rong ZHANG ; Yan BIAN ; Jin-Fang XU ; Lei XIN ; Wei WANG ; Han LIN ; Luo-Wei WANG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(2):198-206
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival.
Results:
Ninety-two and 33 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD and ERFA, respectively. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates for ESD were 100.0%, 90.2%, and 76.1%, respectively. At 12 months, the complete response rate was comparable between the two groups (94.6% vs 90.9%, p=0.748). During a median follow-up of 66 months, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the ERFA group (p=0.004), while no significant differences in overall survival (p=0.845) and disease-specific survival (p=0.494) were observed.Preoperative diagnosis of intramucosal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.55; vs high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) was an independent predictor of recurrence. Significantly fewer patients in the ERFA group experienced stenosis compare to ESD group (15.2% vs 38.0%, p=0.016).
Conclusions
The risk of recurrence was higher for ERFA than ESD for ESCN but overall survival was not affected. The risk of esophageal stenosis was significantly lower for patients who underwent ERFA.
10.Impact of Donor Age on Liver Transplant Outcomes in Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Cohort Study
Jie ZHOU ; Danni YE ; Shenli REN ; Jiawei DING ; Tao ZHANG ; Siyao ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Fangshen XU ; Yu ZHANG ; Huilin ZHENG ; Zhenhua HU
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):398-409
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for the sickest patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, the influence of donor age on liver transplantation, especially in ACLF patients, is still unclear.
Methods:
In this study, we used the data of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We included patients with ACLF who received liver transplantation from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, and the total number was 13,857. We allocated the ACLF recipients by age intogroup I (donor age ≤17 years, n=647); group II (donor age 18–59 years, n=11,423); and group III (donor age ≥60 years, n=1,787). Overall survival (OS), graft survival, and mortality were com-pared among the three age groups and the four ACLF grades. Cox regression was also analyzed.
Results:
The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 89.6%, 85.5%, and 82.0% in group I; 89.4%, 83.4%, and 78.2% in group II; and 86.8%, 78.4%, and 71.4% in group III, respectively (p<0.001).When we analyzed the different effects of donor age on OS with different ACLF grades, in groupsII and III, we observed statistical differences. Finally, the cubic spline curve told us that the relative death rate changed linearly with increasing donor age.
Conclusions
Donor age is related to OS and graft survival of ACLF patients after transplanta-tion, and poorer results were associated with elderly donors. In addition, different donor ages have different effects on recipients with different ACLF grades.


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