1.Progress in the preoperative use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Wenfeng LI ; Jianhua LI ; Zhengxin WANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):329-337
Liver transplantation is the most effective radical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for patients with HCC complicated by cirrhosis. Since most patients are in an advanced stage of unresectable state when they are present, the preoperative downstaging treatment for liver transplantation in HCC is of great significance for increasing the opportunity for surgery, reducing the dropout rate from the liver transplant waiting list, and thereby lowering the postoperative recurrence rate. Currently, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combination immunotherapy and targeted therapy is the most effective treatment for preoperative downstaging in liver transplantation for HCC. However, the immunoenhancing effects of ICI may increase the risk of post-transplant rejection. Therefore, it is necessary to find a "critical point" that allows ICI to effectively inhibit tumor growth during preoperative downstaging treatment without causing severe rejection after transplantation. This article reviews the latest advances in preoperative ICI treatment protocols, efficacy assessment, indications, contraindications, drug discontinuation timing, and principles of prevention and treatment of rejection in liver transplantation for HCC.
2.Liver transplantation for inherited metabolic liver diseases
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(2):178-184
Inherited metabolic liver disease (IMLD) is a category of liver metabolic diseases caused by genetic disorders. The pathogenesis of IMLD is complex, which primarily comprises the accumulation of harmful metabolic substrates or products caused by specific enzyme defects and energy defects or abnormal deposition caused by abnormal metabolism of glucose, fat and other substances. In recent years, liver transplantation has played an increasingly critical role in the treatment of IMLD with the development of liver transplantation. At present, IMLD has become the second most important indication after biliary atresia in pediatric liver transplantation. Currently, IMLD patients receiving liver transplantation can be divided into two categories: the first category is IMLD complicated with liver disease; Category 2 patients have a normal liver structure but are deficient in related metabolic enzymes. It can not only replace the liver with abnormal structure and function, but also provide normal enzymes required for patients' metabolism, which may improve their quality of life and even save their lives. In this article, common feasible liver transplantation for IMLD, clinical prognosis and surgical procedures of liver transplantation for IMLD were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for liver transplantation for IMLD.
3.Preparation and immunizing dose analysis of inactivated hepatitis A vaccine using attenuated H2 strain
LI Hongsen ; PING Ling ; WANG Zhengxin ; JIANG Houfei ; HOU Dinglin ; ZHANG Yirong ; WANG Lingxi ; YANG Jingsi
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(5):407-411,415
Objective:
To prepare an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine using a attenuated strain of hepatitis A virus (HAV) H2 and to analyze its immunizing dose, so as to provide the reference for development and production of inactivated hepatitis A vaccines.
Methods:
Human embryonic lung diploid cells (KMB17) were infected with attenuated HAV H2 strain to proliferate the virus, then the cells containing viruses were harvested, extracted and purified. The obtained virus concentrate was prepared into vaccine bulk and test vaccines with 1 280 EU/mL antigen content. Vaccine testing was carried out according to the inactivated hepatitis A vaccine standards specified in the Part Ⅲ of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition). A total of 110 mice were randomly divided into 11 groups, including 5 dose groups (80, 160, 320, 640 and 1 280 EU/dose) of the test vaccine and the reference vaccine, as well as the adjuvant control group. Mice were immunized twice by intraperitoneal injection, their serum HAV antibodies were detected, and the geometric mean titer (GMT) and positive conversion rate of antibodies were analyzed to evaluate the immunising dose of the vaccine.
Results:
The antigen content and viral titer of the virus harvest solution were 5 120 EU/mL and 8.33 lgCCID50/mL, respectively. The removal rate of foreign protein reached 98.05% and the recovery rate of antigen was 66.25%. The test vaccine met the requirements of Part Ⅲ of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition). The GMTs of HAV antibodies in the test vaccine and the reference vaccine dose groups after the second immunization were more than twice higher than those after the first immunization. Regardless of primary immunization or secondary immunization, the GMTs (log2) of HAV antibodies in the test vaccine groups with doses of 160 EU/dose and above were higher than those in the 80 EU/dose group (all P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant differences between the dose groups of 160 EU/dose and above (all P>0.05). The antibody positive conversion rate of 160 EU/dose and above of the test vaccine was 100.00% after the secondary immunization.
Conclusions
The inactivated hepatitis A vaccine of attenuated H2 strain tested in this study demonstrates strong immunogenicity in mice, suggesting its potential as a candidate vaccine. The preliminary analysis indicates an immunizing dose of 320 EU/dose for children and 640 EU/dose for adults.
4.Perioperative transfusion strategies for patients with rare coagulation factor deficiency:a case report of coagulation factor antecedent deficiency with hemangioma of knee joint and literature review
Zhengxin SUO ; Li WANG ; Yingying NIU ; Chunyan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(10):1122-1125
Objective To discuss the perioperative blood transfusion strategy of patients with hereditary coagulation fac-tor deficiency through the perioperative blood coagulation management of a patient with coagulation factor Ⅺ deficiency and hemangioma of knee joint.Methods Coagulation factor activity test and gene test were used to confirm the patients with co-agulation factor Ⅺ antecedent deficiency.Perioperative bleeding risk assessment,thromboela-stogram(TEG)and coagula-tion factors detection were performed to detect the coagulation status of the patients.400 mL fresh frozen plasma was trans-fused before surgery and first day after surgery,200 mL daily for 3 days thereafter.Results The level of APTT was con-trolled from 97.1 s before operation to 36.9 s after operation.There was no obvious bleeding during operation,and the wound healed well after operation.Conclusion In the situation of lack of commercial coagulation factors,transfusion of blood products such as fresh frozen plasma can significantly improve the coagulation function and reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding in patients with hereditary coagulation factor deficiency during perioperative period.
5.Rapid progression of colitis caused by lenvatinib combined with tislelizumab for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment:a case study
Jinyuan MA ; Bei WANG ; Quangang ZHU ; Zhengxin WANG ; Yifeng TAO ; Xiaoyan QIU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(3):349-354
A 62-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma began to take tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI)lenvatinib orally.After taking the medicine for a week,the patient developed watery diarrhea 2 to 3 times a day.The patient received the first dose of tislelizumab.After 20 days,the patient's diarrhea worsened,nearly 40 times a day.Lenvatinib was discontinued and the second dose of tislelizumab was received,while the diarrhea was not significantly relieved.Treatments were given upon the symptoms and diarrhea was alleviated so that lenvatinib was restarted,diarrhea aggravated again and the drug was discontinued.Acute colitis complicated with colon erosion was diagnosed by colonoscopy which was presumed to be immure-associated colitis caused by programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1).The patient was admitted to hospital for liver transplantation.After the administration of immunosuppressive drugs against graft rejection,the diarrhea gradually cleared.Diarrhea caused by anti-PD-1 antibody is usually mild.In this case,mild diarrhea caused by TKI developed rapidly into severe colitis after the first dose of anti-PD-1 antibody.Mechanism of the increasing rate of adverse effect caused by the combined use of TKI and anti-PD-1 antibodies worth further discussion.
6.Diagnoses and treatments of posttransplant diabetes mellitus
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2023;44(1):17-22
Posttransplant diabetes mellitus(PTDM)is a prevalent metabolic disorder after solid organ transplantation. As a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and even death, PTDM shares the same characteristics with T2DM(obesity & insulin resistance, etc.). Immunosuppressants is also a predisposing factor for transplantation.Screening, prevention and management of PTDM should be performed pre-transplantation, peri-operation and during stable period post-transplantation. In recent years, several novel blood glucose monitoring techniques and anti-diabetic agents have been developed for a more precise treatment of PTDM. In the near future, a multi-disciplinary team should be formulated for optimizing the management of PTDM and improving the outcomes of solid organ transplantation recipients.
7.Prognostic outcomes of salvage liver transplantation under different transplantation criteria
Quanbao ZHANG ; Tuo CHEN ; Yifeng TAO ; Conghuan SHEN ; Zhenyu MA ; Jianhua LI ; Lu LU ; Jinhong CHEN ; Lunxiu QIN ; Zhengxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2022;43(2):74-81
Objective:To compare the prognoses of salvage liver transplantation fulfilling the Criteria of Milan, University of California San Francisco(UCSF)and Hangzhou.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 256 patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)undergoing donation after citizen death(DCD)liver transplantation(LT)from January 2015 to October 2019.They were divided into two groups of primary(PLT, n=175)and salvage(SLT, n=81). General profiles, tumor pathological characteristics and postoperative complications of two groups were compared by T-test, rank-sum or χ2 test.Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test were employed for comparing overall survival rate(OS)and recurrence-free survival rate(RFS)between two groups.In SLT group, 31 cases fulfilled Milan criteria, 45 cases UCSF criteria and 69 cases Hangzhou criteria.OS/RFS of three groups were compared.According to there was downstaging or bridging treatment pre-LT, SLT group was divided into downstaging group(n=32)and non-downstaging group(n=49). OS/RFS of two groups were compared.According to the Rescit1.1 criteria, downstaging group were divided into remission group(n=14)and non-remission group(n=18)and OS/RFS of two groups were compared. Results:The operative durations of PLT and SLT groups were(439.5±74.9)and(475.1±83.4)min respectively.There was significant inter-group difference( P<0.05); However, no significant inter-group difference existed in amount of intraoperative bleeding, blood transfusion, postoperative hospital stay or incidence of postoperative complications(all P>0.05). No significant difference existed in OS/RFS between PLT and SLT groups( P>0.05). No significant difference existed in OS at 1/3/5 years post-SLT among Milan, UCSF and Hangzhou criteria groups(all P>0.05); However, RFS in Milan criteria group at 1/3/5 years post-SLT were 93.5%, 81.7% and 81.7% respectively.They were significantly higher than 68.9%, 59.7% and 59.7% in UCSF criteria group and 78.3%, 58.8% and 55.5% in Hangzhou criteria group(all P<0.05). For patients on downstaging therapy, OS in the Remission group at 1, 3 and 5 years post-SLT were 100%, 73% and 73% respectively, which was significantly higher than 83.3%, 49.4% and 0 in non-Remission group( P=0.042). RFS in the Remission group at 1, 3 and 5 years post-SLT were 100%, 62.5% and 46.9% respectively, which was significantly higher than 52.9%, 0 and 0 in no-Remission group( P=0.001). Conclusions:The survival outcome of SLT recipients is similar to that of PLT recipients.The overall survival of SLT recipients shows no significant difference between Milan, UCSF and Hangzhou criteria.However, SLT recipients fulfilling Milan criteria have the longest recurrence-free time.The prognosis of patients with remission after preoperative descending treatment is superior to that of patients without remission.
8.Clinical study of pre-transplant immunotherapy effects on the prognosis of recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Hao XING ; Li LI ; Quanbao ZHANG ; Jianhua LI ; Conghuan SHEN ; Zhenyu MA ; Ruidong LI ; Yifeng TAO ; Zhengxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2022;43(5):260-266
Objective:To explore the effect of pre-transplant immunotherapy on the prognosis of transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:From June 2018 to September 2021, retrospective analysis was conducted for clinical data of 19 HCC-liver transplant recipients receiving pre-transplant immunotherapy in affiliated Huashan Hospital of Fudan University. Pre-transplant immunotherapy regimen, adverse reactions, post-transplant acute rejection, tumor recurrence and metastasis and other complications were recorded. According to the preoperative tumor imaging and the changes of alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor change during recipient waiting period was judged by the mRECIST standard. According to whether or not there was partial tumor remission, they were divided into two groups of non-remission( n=13)and remission( n=6). Postoperative conditions of two groups were compared. Kaplan-Meier method was used for calculating the survival rate of recipients after transplantation and survival curve and Log-rank test utilized for comparing the recurrence-free and overall survival rates of recipients at 1 and 2 years post-operation. Results:A total of 19 liver transplant recipients received immunotherapy plus targeted and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) before transplant. In non-remission group, tumor was stable( n=9)and progressive( n=4); 6 cases in remission group had tumor partial remission. Two recipients in non-remission group were pathologically confirmed by liver biopsy to have acute rejection(2/19, 10.5%)and both recovered after glucocorticoid + rATG and glucocorticoid therapy. In non-remission group, 2 patients died from septic shock post-operation. Among 3 patients of tumor recurrence and metastasis post-operation, 2 cases survived with tumor and 1 died after tumor recurrence and metastasis. In remission group( n=6), none had postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis. The recurrence-free survival rates of non-remission group recipients at 1 and 2 years post-operation were 76.9% and 76.9% and recurrence-free survival rates in remission group were 100% and 100% respectively and inter-group difference in RFS was not statistically significant( χ2=1.468, P=0.226). The overall survival rates of recipients in non-remission group at 1 and 2 years post-operation were 76.9% and 76.9% respectively. And recipients in remission group were 100% and 100% respectively and no statistically significant inter-group difference existed in OS( χ2=1.292, P=0.256). Conclusions:Without a significantly higher risk of acute rejection after transplant, immunotherapy may be an effective option for bridging treatment before liver transplantation for HCC. And it remains necessary to expand the sample size for verifications and supports.
9.Preliminary study on polymerized human cord hemoglobin increasing the chemosensitivity of subcutaneous xenografts of breast cancer in nude mice
Yiqiu GAO ; Kehui ZHU ; Yingcan XU ; Zhengxin SUO ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2022;35(5):475-479
【Objective】 To investigate the effect of polymerized human cord hemoglobin (PolyCHb) on the chemosensitivity of human breast cancer MCF-7 cell subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice and its mechanism. 【Methods】 The MCF-7 cells in exponential growth phase were collected and made into suspension cells at a density of 5×107 cells/mL.Subsequently, the cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the right limb of 18 BALB/c-nu nude mice with 0.2 mL cells per mouse to establish subcutaneous xenograft.When the tumor volume reached about 100 mm3, they were randomly divided into chemotherapy group: doxorubicin 5 mg·kg-1, once/week; chemotherapy + PolyCHb group: in addition to doxorubicin (chemotherapy group), PolyCHb 600 mg·kg-1, 3 times/week; the control group: normal saline 90 mg·kg-1, once/week; all were injected through tail vein continuously for 4 weeks.From the day of injection (d 0), the tumor volume of each group of nude mice was measured every 3 days, and the tumor growth curves were drawn accordingly.After 38 days, the tumor growth observation was completed.The tumor was removed and weighed to calculate the tumor inhibition rate.HE staining, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL method were used to observe the pathological changes of tumor tissue, detect the expression of HIF-1α, and detect tumor cell apoptosis respectively.The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of each group was determined by fluorescence staining. 【Results】 The tumor volume (mm3) of chemotherapy + PolyCHb group, chemotherapy group and the control group at day 38 were 196.35±103.45 vs 316.29±62.88 vs 519.42±177.33 (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rate (%) of chemotherapy + PolyCHb treatment group and chemotherapy group was 62.20 vs 39.11, respectively.HE staining and TUNEL detection showed that cell necrosis and apoptosis in the growth area of tumor tissue increased in chemotherapy + PolyCHb group.Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence staining showed that HIF-1α expression in chemotherapy + PolyCHb group decreased and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content increased. 【Conclusion】 PolyCHb increases the chemosensitivity of subcutaneous xenograft in nude mice with breast cancer, and its mechanism may be related to the increase of ROS in tumor tissue and the promotion of tumor cell apoptosis.
10.Preparation technology of platelet-rich-plasma lysate combined with hyaluronic acid microneedles and wound healing effect
Zhengxin SUO ; Ye CAO ; Shifan ZHENG ; Yiqiu GAO ; Yingcan XU ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Rui ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2022;35(5):508-514
【Objective】 To investigate the application prospect of platelet-rich plasma lysate (PL) microneedles in the treatment of wound healing by optimizing the preparation process and evaluating the activity of platelet growth factor. 【Methods】 Firstly, hyaluronic acid (HA) was used as needle matrix material, and the concentration of HA was preliminarily determined by investigating the fluidity of HA solution, shape of needle, pressure change performance and puncture performance.Combined with the results of HA dissolution in PL, mechanical properties of PL microneedles and skin puncture, the preparation process of platelet-rich plasma lysis microneedles (PLMN) was optimized to investigate the growth factor activity of PLMN and evaluate the effect of PLMN on wound healing in rats. 【Results】 When the concentration of HA was 30 mg/mL, the solution had good fluidity.The HA microneedles could pierce three layers of sealing film, with the puncture rate at 70%, and the solution had good mechanical properties.When HA was dissolved in PL at a concentration of 30 mg/mL at 4℃, the solution had no crystallization and was with good fluidity.The prepared PLMN showed good needle shape and no bending under HD microscope and scanning electron microscope.In vitro transdermal simulation results showed that PLMN could penetrate 4 layers of sealing membrane, and the puncture rate of the first three layers was more than 85%.In vivo lysis experiment showed that PLMNs could be completely dissolved within 10 min after being inserted into the body.Forty minutes later, the micropores left after the insertion of the microneedle were almost closed, without redness, swelling, erythema and other adverse reactions.In vitro and in vivo transdermal experiments showed that clear blue holes were visible after PLMNs penetrated the skin stain, indicating that the microneedles could pierce the skin barrier.Growth factor detection results showed that the content of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor (TGFβ1) in platelet lysate were (17.67±1.23) ng/mL and (105.95±2.16) ng/mL, respectively.After PLMNs were prepared and stored at room temperature for 1 week, the content of PDGF-BB(ng/mL) and TGFβ1(ng/mL) were 15.48±2.12 and 56.26±1.53, respectively.Compared with PL(vs 17.67±1.23 and 105.95±2.16), the content of PDGF-BB and TGFβ1 decreased, but still maintained the activity of growth factors.The results of wound healing experiment in rats showed that the wound healing rate (%) of PLMN group on the third day was significantly different from that of the control group(52.51±6.15 vs 33.31±3.60, P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The PLMN prepared in this experiment has good mechanical properties and can successfully pierce the skin cuticle.It can also maintain the activity of growth factors, and has a good effect on wound healing in rats, which provides a new idea for minimally invasive treatment in the field of tissue repair.


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