Objective To investigated the serum level of carcinoma antigen 125 (CA-125) and its clinical significance in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.Methods We reviewed medical records and laboratory tests of patients with BCS first diagnosed in our hospital between August 2011 and April 2013.235 patients were included as experiment group,while 120 healthy adult volunteers were randomly selected as control group.The serum level of CA-125 were detected by electrochemilumescence immunization assay in this single-center retrospective control study.Results The average serum level of CA-125 in experiment group is higher than that of control group [(147.9 ±246.6) kU/L vs (16.0 ±7.2) kU/L,P ＜0.001].In experiment group,the relative coefficient for serum CA-125 with ascites,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,albumin and Rotterdam BCS scores was 0.79,0.45,0.29,-0.393 and 0.71,respec tively,P ＜0.001.As of October 2013,we found that the 68 BCS patients with serum CA-125 level 5-fold higher than the upper limit of normal (＞ 175 kU/L) presented much lower survival rates and asymptomatic survival rates than the rest 167 BCS patients after intervention therapy:(95.6％ and 79.8％) vs (98.8％ and 92.0％),P ＜ 0.05.Conclusions The serum level of CA-125 in BCS patients have positive correlation with ascites volume,liver injury degree and Rotterdam BCS scores.Serum CA-125 evaluation appears to be a valuable examination option in BCS as CA-125 levels negatively correlate with worse prognosis,thus could be applied as an efficient tool for prognostication.

Objective:To discuss the effect of sarcopenia (Sa) on the prognosis of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with portal hypertension (PHT).Methods:Totally 131 PHT patients treated with TIPS were retrospectively collected from August 2013 to December 2017 in the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, and were divided into the Sa group [maximum transverse diameter of the psoas major muscle/height (TPMT/H) ≤16.8 mm/m, n=60] and the control group (TPMT/H>16.8 mm/m, n=71). The patients were followed up with a median time of 42 months. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy, recurrence rate of PHT-related complications and survival rate of PHT patients after TIPS, and the differences were compared by Log-rank test. Results:The incidences of hepatic encephalopathy within 6 months after TIPS and severe hepatic encephalopathy requiring hospitalization in the Sa group [36.7% (95%CI 24.5%-48.8%) and 15.0% (95%CI 6.0%-24.0%)] were higher than those of the control group [15.7% (95%CI 7.3%-24.1%) and 2.8% (95%CI 0-6.7%)], with statistically significant differences (χ2=7.843, 16.442, P=0.005, 0.001). The 5-year overall recurrence rate of PHT-related complications of the Sa group after TIPS [15.8% (95%CI 6.4%-25.2%)] was higher than that of the control group [5.7% (95%CI 0.2%-11.2%)], with a statistically significant difference (χ2=4.431, P =0.035. The 1, 3 and 5-year survival rates in the Sa group were 88.3% (95%CI 80.3%-96.3%), 86.7% (95%CI 78.1%-95.3%) and 77.8% (95%CI 65.1%-90.5%) respectively, which were all lower than those of the control group [97.2% (95%CI 93.3%-100%), 95.8% (95%CI 91.1%-100.0%) and 93.7% (95%CI 87.6%-99.87%) respectively], and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.055, P=0.025). Conclusion:Sa has a higher incidence in PHT patients, which can increase the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy and recurrence rate of PHT-related complications, and can decrease the survival rate in PHT patients after TIPS. Hence, the Sa is an indicator of the poor prognosis in PHT patients with TIPS.

Objective To study the clinical features and prognosis of patients with primary BuddChiari syndrome (BCS) caused by hepatic vein thrombosis.Method 16 patients with primary BCS caused by hepatic vein thrombosis treated in our hospital between June 2010 to December 2012 were used as the study group while 132 patients with primary BCS caused by other causes were used as the control group.A retrospective study was then employed to analyze the clinical data of the two groups of patients during hospitalization and on follow-up.The study was censored in June 2013.The median follow-up was 24 months (range,6 months to 36 months).The difference in quantitative data between the 2 groups were analyzed using the independent-samples t test and the Wilcoxon W rank sum test,and the difference in qualitative data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and the Fisher's exact test.The survival rates and recurrence rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Result The study group was significantly lower than the control group in age,duration of symptoms,albumin level,diameter of spleen and survival rate,but it was significantly higher in the proportion of patients with ascites,average hospitalization time,alanine transaminase,aspartate aminotransferase,total bilirubin,carbohydrate antigen-125 and recurrence rate after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.The differences were significant (P ＜ 0.05).The Rotterdam BCS prognosis grades of the study group were:9 patients grade Ⅱ and 7 patients grade Ⅲ.In the control group,there were 65 patients with grade Ⅰ,51 patients with grade Ⅱ,and 16 patients with grade Ⅲ.The prognosis grade of the study group was significantly higher than the control group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion When compared to the patients with BCS due to other causes,patients with BCS caused by hepatic vein thrombosis were more common in the young,most of them were diagnosed in the acute period,they had worse clinical outcomes and had more severe clinical symptoms and liver damage.

Objective To explore the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and apoptosis of the tumor cells in the different regions of rabbit liver VX2 tumor after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).Methods Forty-eight experimental rabbits were implanted with VX2 tumor.After successfully established the model,the rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n=6) and RFA group (n=42).In the RFA group,7 rabbits at each time point were killed at immediately,1 day,2 days,1 week,2 weeks,3 weeks after RFA,and the tumor specimens were retained and performed with HE staining,VEGF,Annexin V-FITC/PI labeling,flow cytometry analysis.The changes of VEGF and apoptosis of the cells in different periods and different zones after RFA were observed.Results After the operation,the difference of the VEGF value of the needle zone,coagulation necrotic zone and junction zone had statistically significant (all P＜0.05).The difference of the VEGF value in each zone between immediately and the other time points after operation by pairwise comparisons were significantly different (all P＜0.05).The VEGF value of the needle zone and coagulation necrotic zone reached the peak after operation immediately,which declined from 1 day to 3 weeks after operative.And VEGF of the junction zone increased from immediately to 1 week after operation,and declined 2 weeks after operation.There were significant differences in the apoptosis rate of the three zones after RFA compared with control group (all P＜0.05).The apoptosis rate in all zones were at the peak on the 1 day after operation,and then showed a downward trend.Conclusion The reduction of VEGF and apoptosis of tumor cells in the needle zone and coagulation necrotic zone are significant,but tumor remnant remains visible in the junction zone.In the third week after RFA,the proliferation of the remaining tumor cells can be recurrent to preoperative levels,which suggests that the further treatment should be performed at this period.

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and endotoxin (ET) in liver injury model of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) in rats. Methods The animal model of BCS was established by partially ligating the inferior vena cava of the posterior segment of liver in rats. The experimental animals were divided into three groups: control group (12 rats), model group (48 rats) and sham operation group (48 rats). The model group and sham operation group were divided into four subgroups (1, 3, 6, 12 weeks) of 12 rats each. After the success of modeling,being confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA), nine rats in each group were sacrificed at random respectively, where their serums and liver tissues was collected. The levels of MDA, SOD and ET in both liver homogenate and serum were examined respectively. ANOVA was used to compare the total difference between groups and within group of each measurement data. The LSD method was used to do multiple comparison within group and between groups. Pearson method was used to do correlation analysis of hypoxia markers. Results The levels of MDA, SOD and ET in liver homogenate and serum at different time points in model group were significantly different from those in control group and sham operation group (MDA: liver homogenate (F=52.906, 219.016), serum (F=21.573, 43.878); SOD: liver homogenate (F=22.927, 19.317), serum (F=10.841, 31.643);ET: liver homogenate (F=33.588, 105.515), serum (F=40.832, 46.323);P＜0.05). The total difference of the MDA level in serum at each time point after the operation was not statistically significant in model group(F=1.965,P=0.139), but that of liver homogenate in the model group was statistically significant (F=7.716, P=0.001). The SOD and ET levels in both liver homogenate and serum of model group were compared within groups at different time points after operation respectively, and the overall difference was statistically significant (SOD: F=17.053, 7.903; ET: F=19.870, 39.372; P＜0.05). The time-varying curves of MDA and ET in liver homogenate and serum in model group were similar, which both increased from 1 week after operation,peaked at 6th week and slightly decreased at 12th week. The increase levels of MDA and ET in liver homogenate were significantly higher than those in serum. There was a negative correlation between MDA and SOD in liver homogenate and serum (r=－0.814,－0.591;P=0.001, 0.001), a positive correlation between MDA and ET (r=0.761, 0.422; P=0.004, 0.001), and a negative correlation between SOD and ET (r=－0.726,－0.490;P=0.001, 0.001). Conclusions The levels of hypoxia related markers, such as MDA, SOD and ET in liver and serum of BCS animal model, change to varying degrees in the early stage, and will be aggravated as the disease continues to advance. In the later stage, with the establishment of collateral circulation, hypoxia will be slightly eased, but is still significantly higher than normal, which indicates that congestion and hypoxia run through the whole process of BCS, and could be the key and initiating factors.

Objective To assess the therapeutic effect and influencing factors of TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).Methods Data of 685 patients with HCC and PVTT were retrospectively analyzed.There were 475 patients treated with TACE (TACE group) and 210 patients treated with supportive treatment (supportive treatment group).The survival time of two groups were observed and compared.The multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the prognostic factors.Results The median survival time of all 685 patients was 6.3 months.The median survival time of patients in TACE group and supportive treatment group was 7.1 months and 5.2 months,respectively (P=0.002).The 6-,12-and 24-month survival rates were 57.30％,27.30％ and 12.10％ in TACE group,and 37.90％,12.20％ and 3.10％ in supportive treatment group,respectively.Univariate analysis showed that the Child-Pugh classification,the diameter of lesion,gamma-glutamyl transferase level and type of PVTT might be significant prognostic factors for overall survival.Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis showed the Child-Pugh classification and type of PVTT were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.Further analysis showed that the median survival time of patients with type Ⅰ or Ⅱ PVTT in TACE group was 7.8 months,and that in supportive treatment group was 5.5 months.There were statistical differences of 6-,12-and 24-month cumulative survival rate between the 2 groups (P =0.001).The median survival time of patients with type Ⅲ or Ⅳ PVTT in TACE group was 5.3 months,and that in supportive treatment group was 4.5 months.There was no statistical difference of the 6-,12-and 24-month cumulative survival rate between the 2 groups (P=0.662).Conclusion TACE is effective in the treatment of HCC with PVTT.The major influencing factors for survival time of patients with HCC and PVTT are Child-Pugh classification and type of PVTT.The effect of TACE for HCC patients with type Ⅲ or Ⅳ PVTT is unsatisfied.

Objective To explore the feasibility of interventional therapy in rat models of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS).Methods A total of 50 male clean SD rats were divided into model group and control group using random number table method,with 25 rats in each group.In the model group,BCS rat model was constructed by adopting partial ligation of the inferior vena cava (IVC),and the control group only had separation of surrounding tissues of IVC.Liver function was studied 12 weeks after postoperative raising,and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and interventional therapy were performed,coupled with liver histopathology staining.Results Twenty BCS rats survived till the 12th week of raising,with the survival rate reaching 80.0％,and 22 survived in the control group.Compared with the control group,ALT [(43.1±5.5) U/L vs.(62.6±4.6) U/L] and AST [(84.7±26.5) U/L vs.(161.7±25.8) U/L)] in serum of rats in the model group increased,the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05).HE staining showed that obvious hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in BCS rats,and liver fibrosis was spotted via Masson staining.DSA examination found IVC obstruction in the model group,among which 14 (70.0％,14/20) received interventional therapy after successful probing of IVC obstructed segment,and 7 had balloon dilatation with a diameter of 3.5 mm,with 6 (85.7％,6/7) successfully dilatatedand the other 1 (14.3％,1/7) failed;the remaining 7 had balloon dilatation with a diameter of 4.5 mm,with 2 (28.6％,2/7) successfully dilatated,and the other 5 (71.4％,5/7) died of IVC rupture.Conclusion The BCS rat models by partial ligation of IVC can well simulate the pathophysiological changes and angiopathy characteristics of IVC obstructive BCS patients,which provide a platform for the basic research of interventional therapy of BCS.

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat models with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) . Methods BCS model was established by partial ligation of inferior vena cava in the posterior segment of the liver. The experimental rats were divided into control group (n=20), model group (n=20) and sham group (n=20) . Liver tissues were collected for immunohistochemistry, HE and Masson staining, and the expression levels of iNOS, PDGF-B and LPS were determined. Results The LPS value in model group was higher than that in both control group and sham group (P=0.001) . The mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS and PDGF-B in model group were higher than those in both control group and sham group (P=0.001) . Statistically significant differences in mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS and PDGF-B existed between each other among the subgroups (P=0.001) . In model group iNOS was positively correlated with PDGF-B and LPS; liver fibrosis was positively correlated with LPS and negatively correlated with PDGFB. Conclusion The damage and repair of BCS is a complicated process. The iNOS, PDGF-B and LPS may play different roles in different stages of BCS. How to regulate their balance in liver fibrosis may be a direction that deserves further study.