1.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
2.Advances in the application of digital technology in orthodontic monitoring
WANG Qi ; LUO Ting ; LU Wei ; ZHAO Tingting ; HE Hong ; HUA Fang
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(1):75-81
During orthodontic treatment, clinical monitoring of patients is a crucial factor in determining treatment success. It aids in timely problem detection and resolution, ensuring adherence to the intended treatment plan. In recent years, digital technology has increasingly permeated orthodontic clinical diagnosis and treatment, facilitating clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and follow-up monitoring. This review summarizes recent advancements in digital technology for monitoring orthodontic tooth movement, related complications, and appliance-wearing compliance. It aims to provide insights for researchers and clinicians to enhance the application of digital technology in orthodontics, improve treatment outcomes, and optimize patient experience. The digitization of diagnostic data and the visualization of dental models make chair-side follow-up monitoring more convenient, accurate, and efficient. At the same time, the emergence of remote monitoring technology allows orthodontists to promptly identify oral health issues in patients and take corresponding measures. Furthermore, the multimodal data fusion method offers valuable insights into the monitoring of the root-alveolar relationship. Artificial intelligence technology has made initial strides in automating the identification of orthodontic tooth movement, associated complications, and patient compliance evaluation. Sensors are effective tools for monitoring patient adherence and providing data-driven support for clinical decision-making. The application of digital technology in orthodontic monitoring holds great promise. However, challenges like technical bottlenecks, ethical considerations, and patient acceptance remain.
3.Research advances in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating immune cells
Lijuan LONG ; Zongyu WANG ; Yali ZHAO ; Chuanfu QIN ; Hua QIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):349-358
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a high mortality rate, an insidious onset, and complex pathological mechanisms. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-promoting immune cells protect tumor cells from immune attacks, while dysfunction of anti-tumor immune cells causes the inhibition of immune response, thereby leading to the continuous deterioration of cancer. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has shown good efficacy in the treatment of HCC, and it can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells by regulating immune cells. By analyzing related articles in China and globally, this article summarizes how immune cells affect the progression of HCC through the immunosuppressive pathway and how traditional Chinese medicine exerts an anti-HCC effect by regulating immune cells, in order to provide theoretical basis and reference for optimizing the treatment of HCC.
4.Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on the Core Pathogenesis Evolution of "Constraint,Heat,Deficiency,Stasis,and Toxin"
Zhichao RUAN ; Jiangteng LIU ; Hua ZHANG ; Weijun HUANG ; Qiang FU ; Shidong WANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):680-684
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a rich theoretical foundation and clinical experience for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome(CKM), demonstrating unique advantage. Building on previous work in managing diabetes, its complications, and chronic kidney disease, our team has proposed a five-phase evolution theory of "constraint, heat, deficiency, stasis, and toxin" as the core pathogenesis. These phases correspond to the pathological progression of constraint of phlegm-dampness, constraint transforming into heat, heat damaging qi and yin, stasis accumulated in the collateral vessels, and toxin induced by deficiency and stasis. In the prevention and treatment of CKM by TCM, it is emphasized to integrate the concept of "treating disease before it arises" with constitution theory, and incorporate the "2-5-8" prevention and treatment strategy, which combines prevention with treatment, tailors interventions to different phases, and employs comprehensive treatment modalities. Our goal is to leverage TCM's holistic advantages in preventing and treating CKM.
5.Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study on Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Shexiang Baoxinwan in Treating Stable Angina Pectoris Complicated with Anxiety and Depression in Coronary Artery Disease
Jie WANG ; Linzi LONG ; Zhiru ZHAO ; Feifei LIAO ; Jieming LU ; Tianjiao LIU ; Yuxuan PENG ; Hua QU ; Changgeng FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):159-169
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shexiang Baoxinwan in treating stable angina pectoris with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated with anxiety and depression and explore its underlying mechanisms. MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial design. Patients admitted to the hospital were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group, with 52 patients in each group. Patients in the observation and control groups received Shexiang Baoxinwan and placebo, respectively, both in combination with conventional Western medication. The dose was 45.0 mg, three times daily, for a total duration of eight weeks. The primary outcome was the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), inflammatory markers [interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CD40, etc.], monoamine neurotransmitters [e.g., dopamine (DA)], vascular endothelial function markers [e.g., endothelin-1(ET-1)], adipokines, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). Adverse reactions were also recorded. ResultsA total of 92 patients completed the study, with 44 in the observation group and 48 in the control group. Compared with baseline, both groups showed significant decreases in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and TCM syndrome scores following treatment (P<0.05), along with a significant increase in SAQ scores (P<0.05). In the observation group, DA levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while levels of IL-18, TNF-α, CD40, ET-1, and IMA were decreased (P<0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited significantly increased CD40 levels (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant improvements in the SAQ dimensions of physical limitation, angina stability, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception, as well as in TCM syndrome score, PHQ-9 score, IL-18, CD40, ET-1, and IMA (P<0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. ConclusionShexiang Baoxinwan can improve anxiety and depression, alleviate angina symptoms, and reduce TCM symptoms of Qi stagnation and blood stasis in CAD patients. The mechanism may involve anti-inflammation, improvement of vascular endothelial function, reduction of IMA, and increase of monoamine neurotransmitter levels.
6.Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study on Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Shexiang Baoxinwan in Treating Stable Angina Pectoris Complicated with Anxiety and Depression in Coronary Artery Disease
Jie WANG ; Linzi LONG ; Zhiru ZHAO ; Feifei LIAO ; Jieming LU ; Tianjiao LIU ; Yuxuan PENG ; Hua QU ; Changgeng FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):159-169
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shexiang Baoxinwan in treating stable angina pectoris with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated with anxiety and depression and explore its underlying mechanisms. MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial design. Patients admitted to the hospital were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group, with 52 patients in each group. Patients in the observation and control groups received Shexiang Baoxinwan and placebo, respectively, both in combination with conventional Western medication. The dose was 45.0 mg, three times daily, for a total duration of eight weeks. The primary outcome was the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), inflammatory markers [interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CD40, etc.], monoamine neurotransmitters [e.g., dopamine (DA)], vascular endothelial function markers [e.g., endothelin-1(ET-1)], adipokines, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). Adverse reactions were also recorded. ResultsA total of 92 patients completed the study, with 44 in the observation group and 48 in the control group. Compared with baseline, both groups showed significant decreases in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and TCM syndrome scores following treatment (P<0.05), along with a significant increase in SAQ scores (P<0.05). In the observation group, DA levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while levels of IL-18, TNF-α, CD40, ET-1, and IMA were decreased (P<0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited significantly increased CD40 levels (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant improvements in the SAQ dimensions of physical limitation, angina stability, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception, as well as in TCM syndrome score, PHQ-9 score, IL-18, CD40, ET-1, and IMA (P<0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. ConclusionShexiang Baoxinwan can improve anxiety and depression, alleviate angina symptoms, and reduce TCM symptoms of Qi stagnation and blood stasis in CAD patients. The mechanism may involve anti-inflammation, improvement of vascular endothelial function, reduction of IMA, and increase of monoamine neurotransmitter levels.
7.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
8.Transplacental digoxin treatment for fetal supraventricular arrhythmias: Insights from Chinese fetuses.
Chuan WANG ; Li ZHAO ; Shuran SHAO ; Haiyan YU ; Shu ZHOU ; Yifei LI ; Qi ZHU ; Xiaoliang LIU ; Hongyu DUAN ; Hanmin LIU ; Yimin HUA ; Kaiyu ZHOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1499-1501
9.Acupuncture regulates dynamic flux of Ca2+, Na+, and H2O2 in skeletal muscle injury induced by eccentric exercise in rats.
Xue-Lin ZHANG ; Qian ZHAO ; Ai-Shan LIU ; Ming-Liang DUAN ; Jing-Jing DING ; Hua WANG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(1):47-61
This study aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture on dynamic changes in Ca2+, Na+, and H2O2 flux following eccentric exercise-induced muscle injury. The total of 324 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (C), eccentric exercise group (E), eccentric exercise with acupuncture group (EA), EA with TRP channel blocker group (EAT), EA with NOX2 blocker group (EAN) and EA with placebo group (EAP). Gastrocnemius muscles were subject to lengthening contractions with percutaneous electrical stimulation, followed by immediate pretreatment with blocking agents. After 30 min, acupuncture needling was administered to the gastrocnemius muscle, and real-time dynamic changes of Ca2+, Na+ and H2O2 flux were measured with non-invasive micro-test technique during the needle retention period, immediately, 3 h, 6 h, and 24 h post-extraction respectively. Results showed that compared with the E group, acupuncture significantly increased net Ca2+ efflux (P < 0.05), extended the period of net Na+ influx, and significantly decreased net H2O2 efflux (P < 0.05). However, these effects were significantly attenuated in the EAT and EAN groups, where excessive net H2O2 efflux was observed (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that acupuncture regulates the dynamic changes of Ca2+, Na+ and H2O2 flux by activating the TRP channels and interacting with NOX2 activity following eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury.
Animals
;
Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism*
;
Rats, Wistar
;
Rats
;
Male
;
Calcium/metabolism*
;
Hydrogen Peroxide/metabolism*
;
Physical Conditioning, Animal
;
Sodium/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
NADPH Oxidase 2
10.Steroid sulfatase inhibitor DU-14 prevents amyloid β-protein-induced depressive-like behavior and theta rhythm suppression in rats.
Xing-Hua YUE ; Zhao-Jun WANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Hong-Yan CAI ; Jun ZHANG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):801-810
The hippocampus, a major component of the limbic system, is the most important region related to emotion regulation and memory processing. Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients may be attributed to hippocampal damage caused by amyloid β-protein (Aβ). Our previous studies have demonstrated that a steroid sulfatase inhibitor DU-14 can enhance hippocampal synaptic plasticity and spatial memory abilities in a chronic AD murine model by counteracting the toxic effects of Aβ. However, limited experimental evidence exists regarding the efficacy of steroid sulfatase inhibitor on depressive symptoms in AD animal models. In this study, we investigated the effects of DU-14 on depressive symptoms and theta-band neuronal oscillations in rats with intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 using various behavioral tests such as sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, forced swimming test, and in vivo hippocampal local field potential (LFP) recording. The results demonstrated that, in comparison to the control group: (1) rats in the Aβ group exhibited a decrease in sucrose preference, indicating a loss of interest in pleasurable activities; (2) rats in the Aβ group displayed aggravated depressive-like behavior characterized by prolonged immobility time during tail suspension and forced swimming tests; (3) Aβ disrupted the induction of theta rhythm via tail pinch stimulation, and resulted in a significant reduction in peak power of theta rhythm. In contrast to the Aβ group, pretreatment with DU-14 resulted in: (1) a significant improvement in Aβ-induced anhedonia, as evidenced by increased sucrose preference; (2) significant alleviation of Aβ-induced despair and depressive-like behaviors, reflected by reduced immobility time during tail suspension and forced swimming tests; (3) successful mitigation of Aβ-mediated inhibition on bilateral hippocampal theta rhythm. These findings indicate that steroid sulfatase inhibitor DU-14 can counteract neurotoxicity induced by Aβ, and prevent Aβ-induced depressive-like behavior and suppression of theta rhythm.
Animals
;
Amyloid beta-Peptides/toxicity*
;
Rats
;
Depression/physiopathology*
;
Theta Rhythm/drug effects*
;
Hippocampus/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Alzheimer Disease/physiopathology*
;
Steryl-Sulfatase/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Peptide Fragments
;
Behavior, Animal/drug effects*


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